Best Unrestricted Grants for Nonprofits

The 2027 Thomas R. Pickering Foreign Affairs Fellowship Program aims to enhance the skills of aspiring Foreign Service Officers by providing essential financial and administrative support throughout their academic journey. This program, managed by the U.S. Department of State, is designed to ensure timely graduation and successful entry into the Foreign Service. Key objectives include robust financial oversight, comprehensive onboarding support, and professional development opportunities, creating a pathway for future diplomatic leaders.

The Rosendin Foundation Emergency Grant provides financial support for unplanned expenses due to unforeseen circumstances such as natural disasters. Grants up to $5,000 are available for community-focused non-profit organizations in states where Rosendin and MPS operate. The foundation prioritizes emotional, occupational, and nutritional health initiatives, aiming to positively impact communities and empower individuals through financial support and volunteer efforts.

The U.S. Department of State is seeking a partner for the 2027 Charles B. Rangel Graduate Foreign Affairs Fellowship Program to manage the candidate selection process. This 3-to-6 month Cooperative Agreement will ensure a rigorous evaluation cycle for selecting top-tier Rangel Fellows dedicated to Foreign Service careers. Key tasks include application screening, virtual panel management, and data transfer to facilitate a transparent and efficient selection process.

The Brett Candela Lacrosse Scholarship, established by the family of Brett Candela, honors his passion for lacrosse and supports central Ohio players pursuing higher education. A standout athlete from Columbus, Brett was recognized for his leadership and competitiveness in lacrosse and basketball. This scholarship aims to invest in student-athletes who embody his values of dedication, teamwork, and perseverance, ensuring that the next generation of lacrosse players can achieve their educational goals while upholding Brett's legacy.

The CRCF: Mental Wellness in Cattaraugus County Fund aims to support programs that enhance mental wellness in Cattaraugus County. Grants are available to 501(c)(3) organizations and licensed mental health practitioners. The fund specifically excludes funding for operational costs, salaries, marketing, and other specified areas. Applications are accepted annually, with a deadline of September 1. This initiative reflects the mission of the former Mental Health Association in Cattaraugus County.

The DC Great Streets Retail Grant Program aims to enhance commercial corridors by supporting projects that promote sustainability, create jobs, and improve essential services. Designed for brick-and-mortar businesses and select non-profits, the program offers up to $85,000 in funding, including a $20,000 innovation top-up for creative business expansions. This initiative encourages local businesses to innovate and adapt, ensuring vital retail areas thrive in the community.

The State Maternal Health Innovation Program (SMHI) aims to enhance maternal health across states by addressing critical gaps. It focuses on improving service quality, developing a skilled workforce, and utilizing enhanced data capabilities. Through innovative programming, the initiative strives to significantly reduce maternal mortality and severe maternal morbidity, ensuring better health outcomes for mothers and their families.

The Diabetes Innovation Challenge Grant, hosted by the American Diabetes Association, invites emerging companies to propose innovative solutions addressing the daily challenges faced by individuals with diabetes. Participants present their ideas to a panel of experts, competing for the opportunity to implement their visions. The top five applicants are selected to showcase their concepts, while the top ten runners-up can display their pitches during the event, fostering collaboration and advancement in diabetes care.

The Indiana Department of Health Trauma System Development Grant supports initiatives aimed at enhancing the statewide trauma care system. Funded by the Indiana Clinical and Translational Sciences Institute, this grant encourages projects that focus on trauma system development, quality improvement, engagement with trauma and non-trauma centers, and injury prevention programming. Applicants are encouraged to submit proposals addressing one or more of these strategies to improve patient outcomes and save lives across Indiana.

The W. G. Raoul Foundation Grant focuses on improving the lives of children with asthma in Georgia through education and prevention initiatives. Established in 1913, the foundation supports nonprofit organizations addressing pediatric asthma, offering grants ranging from $20,000 to $70,000 for one-year projects. The foundation prioritizes funding for smaller organizations and preventive programs, and it holds biannual meetings to review grant applications, aiming to foster innovative solutions in asthma care.

The Maternal and Child Health (MCH) Nutrition Training Program aims to enhance the nutrition and overall health of mothers and children. This initiative focuses on interdisciplinary graduate education, equipping a skilled workforce to support Title V and other MCH programs. It seeks to expand nutrition education and career pathways while improving access to quality nutrition services. Trainees will gain practical experience through placements at health centers, ultimately benefiting families and communities.

The National Security Workforce Graduate Scholarship, launched by the LANL Foundation in partnership with Los Alamos National Laboratory, aims to strengthen the pipeline of Northern New Mexico students pursuing advanced degrees in vital science, engineering, and management fields. Eligible candidates must be residents of the region and enroll in relevant master's or doctoral programs. This scholarship not only supports academic growth but also fosters future careers at LANL, contributing to national security advancements.

The Emerging Contaminants in Small or Disadvantaged Communities (EC-SDC) Grant, offered by the New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection, aims to provide funding to public water systems in small or disadvantaged communities. This initiative focuses on addressing emerging contaminants, including PFAS, ensuring safe drinking water through technical assistance, water quality testing, and community engagement. The grant supports sustainable practices and environmental justice while enhancing public health and community resilience.

The DC Emerging Retail Initiative Grant Program supports emerging businesses by activating vacant spaces, enhancing economic activity, and providing essential goods in underserved areas. This program encourages innovative temporary-use models, allowing businesses to test concepts in low-risk environments, create jobs, and deliver necessary amenities. With a maximum request of $20,000, it aims to foster sustainable growth and community-focused retail development, bridging the gap between shared spaces and permanent establishments.

The Byrne State Crisis Intervention Program (SCIP), authorized by the Bipartisan Safer Communities Act of 2022, provides formula funds to support gun violence reduction programs and initiatives. For this project, grant funds can be used by eligible entities to expand the capacity of existing accountability courts to assist participants who may be most likely to become involved with violent crime and support the implementation of peer support programming, which is a vital part of the continuum of care for efforts to combat the effects of violence. Funding will specifically support the implementation (including specialists’ certifications and training) of peer support programming, which is a vital part of the continuum of care for efforts to combat the effects of gun violence.Applicants are limited to units of local government in the State of Georgia to apply on behalf of accountability courts that provide criminal justice and civil proceeding services to communities within Georgia. Priority consideration will be given to 1) existing recipients under the FY 2022-2023 Byrne State Crisis Intervention Program Grant or 2) those that meet the less-than-$10K eligibility criteria. 

The AGRI Farm to School and Early Care Full Tray Grant supports school districts and early childhood education centers in Minnesota seeking to enhance local food procurement. Grants range from $5,000 to $35,000 with a 1:1 cash match requirement. Projects may include increasing the frequency of Minnesota-grown foods in meals and forming relationships with local producers. This initiative aims to promote healthy eating and local agriculture while benefiting communities across the state.

The Maryland Elevates Grant Program aims to improve outcomes for infants, toddlers, children, and youth with disabilities within a comprehensive early intervention and special education system. Targeting disparities, it supports non-profits, community-based partners, and higher education institutions committed to implementing evidence-based practices and equitable solutions. The program emphasizes accelerated learning in inclusive environments, fostering teacher capacity and instructional leadership to enhance educational experiences for families across Maryland.

The Wean Foundation's Resident Engagement Grants aim to boost community engagement by funding grassroots organizations in Warren and Youngstown. Grants ranging from $500 to $5,000 support initiatives that prioritize race equity and inclusion, enhance resident participation, and leverage local resources. Participation in a prerequisite workshop is required, ensuring that funded projects align with the foundation's commitment to sustainable community development and racial equity. For more information, visit the Wean Foundation's website.

The Giving Circle of Women’s Connection Philadelphia supports local nonprofits focused on improving the lives of women and children. Their 2025 focus is on Juvenile Justice, targeting organizations that serve youth ages 10-18. Eligible nonprofits must be based in Philadelphia, meet certain budget criteria, and demonstrate a commitment to inclusivity. Through collective philanthropy, the Giving Circle aims to foster community engagement and address the critical needs of youth in the juvenile justice system.

The Kentucky Statewide Reserve Fund supports innovative workforce development initiatives under the Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act (WIOA). Funded by the Kentucky Workforce Innovation Board, this program provides financial assistance to local workforce development boards, state agencies, and non-profits. Eligible applicants must be engaged in workforce training activities, while for-profit organizations are ineligible. Applications are accepted monthly, with a focus on enhancing workforce capabilities across the Commonwealth.

The AGRI Equipment Grant, offered by the Minnesota Department of Agriculture, provides funding up to $25,000 for equipment purchases that support Farm to School initiatives. Applicants may also apply for the Farm to School First Bite Mini Grant. The grant requires a 1:1 match and completion of projects by a specified date. This initiative aims to enhance the quality of life for Minnesotans by promoting sustainable agricultural practices.

The CRDA Community Development Grants aim to enhance Atlantic City through targeted support for community initiatives. Grants of up to $30,000 are available for various projects, including education, youth services, and cultural festivals, fostering a vibrant community for residents and visitors alike. Eligible applicants must be non-profit organizations with a proven track record. The CRDA prioritizes projects that strengthen community ties and improve the quality of life in Atlantic City.

Louisiana Division of Administration

Housed within the Louisiana Division of Administration, the Office of Community Development administers federal funding through disaster recovery programs, which help storm-affected communities rebuild and strengthen resilience in housing, infrastructure, economic development and mitigation, as well as through local government assistance programs that provide grants for high-priority rehabilitation, construction and improvement projects throughout Louisiana. To this end, LOCD leverages established statewide partnerships and proven best practices to help Louisiana communities recover, rebuild and implement long-term resilience planning, while also supporting critical local projects that improve our infrastructure and expand opportunities statewide.

LGAP Emergency Set Aside

LGAP helps local governments address high-priority needs when no federal or other state funding is available, with priority given to projects that protect public health and safety such as fire and police protection or sewer and water improvements.

A total of $500,000 has been set aside in the Local Government Assistance Program for projects determined to be of an emergency nature that affect the health and safety of residents. The ceiling amount for an individual emergency grant is $300,000. The emergency situation must have occurred within three months of application submission. Applications are accepted on a continuous basis. Local governments interested in applying for these emergency funds should first contact LOCD to discuss the proposed project. If LOCD determines the proposed project meets program intent, the local government will be invited to submit an application.

The Altrusa International of Grand Rapids Scholarship, supported by the Grand Rapids Community Foundation, aims to empower students from Allegan, Kent, Ionia, Muskegon, Montcalm, and Ottawa Counties. This scholarship is intended for individuals returning to college or entering after a two-year hiatus, emphasizing inclusivity and support for those with financial need. Recipients can benefit from awards ranging from $2,000 to $5,000, which are directly applied to educational costs, enhancing opportunities for academic and career advancement.

The Indiana Youth Worker Well-Being Project Grants offer funding opportunities for youth-serving organizations in Indiana to enhance workplace wellness. Organizations can apply for grants to implement customized strategies aimed at improving staff well-being. The initiative encourages applicants to identify their needs and growth opportunities, ensuring they can create a positive work environment. Applications are due by October 3, 2025, for workplace wellness projects and by October 17 for other categories.

The Community Grants Food Grant Program offers up to $30,000 over two years to support nonprofits that provide food-related services. This program aims to enhance organizational capacity and address food insecurity in Santa Barbara County. Priority is given to organizations demonstrating increased demand for food security programs, cultural competence, and collaborative community efforts. Eligible organizations must be 501(c)(3) certified and capable of effectively serving low-income populations.

The Aim High Jerry Clay Scholarship, offered by the Grand Rapids Community Foundation, supports full-time students from certain Michigan counties studying Welding or Welding Technology at GRCC or Ferris. This scholarship aims to remove barriers to education, ensuring that local students can pursue their academic and career aspirations. With a mission to foster an inclusive economy, the foundation provides significant financial assistance, with awards typically ranging from $2,000 to $5,000.