Best Unrestricted Grants for Nonprofits

The Chi-Cal Rivers Fund Grant, administered by the National Fish and Wildlife Foundation, aims to enhance the waterways of the Chicago and Calumet region. This initiative focuses on reducing stormwater runoff through nature-based infrastructure, improving fish and wildlife habitats, and promoting community engagement. The program supports projects under three main categories: habitat quality improvement, stormwater solution expansion, and activation of restored natural areas, encouraging strategic investments for ecological resilience.

The IMPLICIT Grant, funded by the Minnesota Department of Health, aims to enhance maternal and perinatal care by implementing the IMPLICIT model in at least five clinics over three years. This initiative addresses critical factors such as smoking and maternal depression to reduce birth defects. A total funding of $130,000 is available, providing annual stipends of $18,000 to participating clinics, which will also receive essential training and support to ensure sustainable healthcare improvements.

The Joseph and Elaine Malama Vierra Scholarship Fund, established in 2016, supports Hawaii residents pursuing degrees in conservation and environmental sciences. Applicants must demonstrate financial need, maintain a minimum GPA of 3.0, and attend an accredited four-year institution. Preference is given to past recipients who continue to meet eligibility requirements. This fund encourages the study of vital fields, including Conservation Biology and Marine Sciences, contributing to the sustainability of Hawaii's natural resources.

The Great Apes and Gibbons Program Grant, administered by the Arcus Foundation, supports conservation efforts for great apes and gibbons across 24 priority landscapes in Africa and Asia. The program emphasizes sustainable coexistence between humans and wildlife, having awarded over 2,000 grants to more than 500 organizations globally. Funding is not available for individuals or specific lobbying activities, ensuring resources are directed towards impactful conservation initiatives.

The Monmouth County Community Grant, offered by the Community Foundation of New Jersey, invites nonprofit organizations to submit proposals addressing diverse community needs. Prioritizing initiatives that emphasize diversity, equity, and inclusion, this grant supports programs in education, healthcare, and food security, among others. With funding up to $10,000 per organization, the grant aims to foster collaborative partnerships and address systemic issues affecting underserved populations in Monmouth County.

About MassCEC

The Massachusetts Clean Energy Technology Center (MassCEC) is a quasi-state economic development agency dedicated to accelerating the growth of the clean energy sector across the Commonwealth to spur job creation, deliver statewide environmental benefits and to secure long-term economic growth for the people of Massachusetts. MassCEC works to increase the adoption of clean energy while driving down costs and delivering financial, environmental, and economic development benefits to energy users and utility customers across the state.

Our Mission

MassCEC’s mission is to accelerate the clean energy and climate solution innovation that is critical to meeting the Commonwealth’s climate goals, advancing Massachusetts’ position as an international climate leader while growing the state’s clean energy economy. MassCEC is committed to creating a diverse, equitable, and inclusive organization where everyone is welcomed, supported, respected, and valued.

2030 Fund

About the 2030 Fund

The $50M 2030 Fund is a signal to the market that Massachusetts is committed to the commercialization of climate technologies. MassCEC invests impactfully and countercyclically in Massachusetts’ most promising climate technology innovators. Our investments support climatetech companies as they de-risk their technology, reach early commercial milestones, and attract private funding for growth.  

Climatetech encompasses a wide range of tech solutions across sectors that further mitigation, adaptation, and resilience. Portfolio companies work to reduce greenhouse gas emissions, prepare for and respond to the impacts of climate change, and/or serve as enabling solutions to achieve the Commonwealth’s climate goals. We invest across seven major sectors: energy; industry and manufacturing; transportation; buildings; agriculture, food and nature; carbon management; and adaptation and resilience.

The 2030 Fund invests in a variety of financial instruments, including SAFEs, convertible notes, equity, and venture debt. Investments typically range from $100k-$600k per check and may total $1.5M cumulatively. MassCEC is able to provide more patient capital than a typical private investor. Deploying strategic state capital, with no artificial pressures of fund lifetimes, the 2030 Fund can invest counter-cyclically, back founders through challenging market conditions, and work for successful long-term exits. 

MassCEC considers new investments on a rolling basis. The timeline from pitch to close of investment is typically three to five months.

The Yellow Springs Community Foundation offers General Discretionary Grants to enhance community life in Yellow Springs and Miami Township. These grants support projects, programs, and events that address community needs. Applications are accepted quarterly, with deadlines at the end of March, June, September, and October. The Foundation prioritizes one-time projects, collaborations, and reasonable compensation. Eligible applicants include registered nonprofits, while individuals and ongoing operational support are typically not funded.

Impact 100 Jersey Coast Grants offers substantial funding to nonprofit organizations serving Monmouth and Ocean Counties. Each year, a minimum of $100,000 is available for one transformational grant, with additional Mission Awards of up to $10,000 given to finalists not receiving the main grant. Proposals should address unmet needs, target underserved populations, and demonstrate high impact. Interested nonprofits must complete an Eligibility Form to confirm their eligibility before applying.

The Luther I. Replogle Foundation Grant supports organizations in metro areas like Boston and Washington, DC, focusing on youth, women with children, and those in long-term poverty. Grants range from $5,000 to $10,000, emphasizing mental health, vocational training, and educational services. First-time applicants are welcome, but the foundation prioritizes innovative programs with annual expenses under $1 million. Certain areas, such as religious activities and for-profit businesses, are not funded.

The John Ben Snow Foundation provides funding primarily for tax-exempt organizations in Central New York, focusing on education, arts, community initiatives, and youth programs. Established in 1948, the foundation prioritizes proposals that enhance educational opportunities and reduce barriers for under-resourced individuals. Additionally, it considers projects in environmental and historic preservation, though these areas receive limited funding. Grants typically range from $5,000 to $10,000.

The Silver Bay Charitable Fund Grant aims to support low-income communities through initiatives in the arts, education, community, and economic development. The fund prioritizes projects that address urgent community needs, promote collaboration, and yield significant results with moderate funding. Eligible organizations must be classified as charitable and serve residents within designated areas. Examples of funded projects include community arts, housing, and job development programs, focusing on improving the quality of life for underserved populations.

Impact 100 Jersey Coast Grants provide a minimum of $100,000 each year to nonprofit organizations that serve the Monmouth and Ocean County areas. These grants focus on vital community needs such as arts, education, health, and sustainability. Nonprofits must confirm eligibility through an application process, ensuring that proposals align with funding criteria. This initiative encourages diverse participation and aims to make a transformative impact in the community.

The Open Grants Program by the Golden LEAF Foundation offers funding to governmental entities and 501(c)(3) nonprofits in North Carolina. Grants up to $500,000 support projects focused on economic development, particularly in tobacco-dependent and rural communities. Priority areas include job creation, agriculture, workforce preparedness, and enhancing community capacity. This program aims to strengthen the economy by investing in infrastructure, training, and innovative agricultural practices, fostering sustainable growth and partnerships.

The California Garden Clubs Scholarship offers six $2,000 scholarships for the 2025-26 academic year, aimed at students with notable achievements or those who have completed two years of college. This initiative promotes horticulture and environmental conservation while encouraging civic beautification across California. The scholarships reflect the organization's commitment to fostering a deeper appreciation for the natural beauty of the state through education and community involvement.

The Wolcott Family Foundation (WOLFF) offers grants aimed at fostering social change and environmental stewardship, particularly for grassroots organizations in Colorado. By funding projects that empower communities, advocate for civil rights, and address ecological challenges, WOLFF believes in the transformative power of small grants. Their approach emphasizes sustainable practices and community engagement, ensuring that initiatives tackle root causes of societal issues. This foundation is dedicated to supporting organizations that can make a significant difference with limited resources.

The 25K for Kids Grant, offered by the Androscoggin Bank MainStreet Foundation, supports local non-profits in Maine that help at-risk youth access essential services such as food, shelter, and security. This annual grant of $25,000 is awarded to one organization after a competitive selection process involving presentations from finalists. The Foundation emphasizes direct service proposals that foster leadership, literacy, and mental health support, ensuring a positive impact on the community's vulnerable populations.

The Charles D. Berry Foundation, established in 2018 by Chuck Berry, aims to enrich the Greater Dayton community through grants in arts, education, health, and community services. The foundation emphasizes support for programs that foster creativity, education, and well-being, ensuring a positive impact on local residents. They prioritize requests for operating and capital support, while maintaining a commitment to social equity and inclusion. Organizations must meet specific eligibility criteria, including having 501(c)(3) status.

The Women’s Fund Grant seeks to empower women and children in Topeka/Shawnee County by funding innovative programs focused on economic well-being, STEAM education, health services, affordable housing, and access to healthy food. Grants will support one-year projects with awards under $10,000, emphasizing impactful solutions that foster community resilience and promote philanthropy. Proposals from nonprofit organizations demonstrating charitable intent are encouraged, aligning with the Fund's mission to catalyze meaningful change.

Community Foundation of Snohomish County

The Community Foundation works in many roles including that of a funder, partner, and catalyst for change in Snohomish County. Our board and staff have been on a dedicated journey to dismantle racism and oppressive policies in our organization, in our teams and in ourselves.

Mission: Strengthen community and thoughtfully change lives.

Youth Initiative Grant

The Community Foundation of Snohomish County is pleased to announce the opening of the Youth Initiative Grant program, which will offer grants of up to $5,000 each. These grants are intended to support youth programming in Snohomish County, and the grants are not renewable for a second year.

As funding is limited, priority will be given to specific types of programs. 

Funding Priorities

Priority will be given to:

• Organizations with budgets of $1 million or less.
• Grants written by youth. Currently running programs that provide support without requiring increased outcomes or expanded services. The goal is to sustain and strengthen existing efforts without the pressure to scale.
• Programs that are tailored to the unique experiences and serve youth who are intersectionally marginalized, such as LGBTQ+ BIPOC youth, immigrant and refugee youth with disabilities, youth living in rural communities etc. Programs of these groups.
• Organizations offering mental health support, including trauma-informed care, peer support networks, or youth-led mental health initiatives that help youth build resilience and coping strategies for dealing with significant stressors.
• Youth-led healing circles or restorative justice programs that focus on community building, cultural resilience, and healing for youth from marginalized backgrounds.
• Organizations that actively involve youth in all aspects of their programming and leadership, including but not limited to policy and program development, advocacy, having youth on committees and/or boards etc.
• Programs that focus on digital literacy, technology access, and online skills development, especially for rural and low-income youth who may have limited access to digital resources.
• Organizations offering arts-based programs, such as music, visual arts, theater, or cultural projects, that allow youth to explore their identities, share their stories, and engage in community-based creative expression.
• Programs that focus on career development, workforce readiness, and entrepreneurship opportunities for youth, particularly those from low-income or marginalized communities, to help create sustainable pathways for future success.
• Youth-led projects, including community organizing, advocacy, and social impact initiatives that empower youth to drive social change within their communities.
• Programs that pair youth with older adults to promote mutual learning, cultural exchange, and community solidarity.

The William and Helen Thomas Charitable Trust provides funding to nonprofit organizations focused on education, environmental protection, medical research, and support for the underprivileged. This trust, based in Florida, primarily serves communities in Palm Beach, Martin, and St. Lucie Counties, along with select areas in Appalachia. It seeks to assist public charities classified under Section 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code, ensuring support for impactful charitable initiatives.

New Leaf Fund - Spring Cycle

The New Leaf Fund was established in 2025 by a Greenville native with a passion for conservation.

The Foundation encourages grant requests that include the protection of land and waterfront areas, increased tree cover and access to green spaces, and the protection and restoration of historical properties, in the City of Greenville, in Greenville County, and, to a lesser degree, in the Upstate.

Additional Information

• Awards typically range from $20,000 to $100,000
• Applicants may apply for more than one grant annually

Funding opportunities may include

Funding opportunities may include

• Projects including acquisition, development, preservation, or restoration of land
• Projects including acquisition, development, preservation, or restoration of historical and cultural assets
• Planning, survey, appraisal or design fees for implementing such projects

The Alston Beech Foundation Grant supports nonprofit organizations with clear, identifiable needs in the North Central Philadelphia area. Grants are available for strategic planning, program expansion, organizational capacity building, and initiatives focused on education, arts, and community safety. Eligible organizations must be 501(c)(3) certified, operational for at least two years, and comply with specific income and employment criteria. Applications are limited to one per organization annually, promoting sustainable community development.

The KS AmeriCorps Operational Grant, managed by the Kansas Volunteer Commission, aims to enhance community service by funding organizations that engage AmeriCorps members in impactful interventions. This grant prioritizes educational outcomes, poverty alleviation, rural support, social justice, and youth development. Successful applicants must demonstrate that their programs align significantly with these priorities. While priority consideration is given, it does not guarantee funding, emphasizing the competitive nature of the grant.

What Do We Fund?

HealthFirst funds projects that serve or benefit Clinton County. Projects and program proposals should address one or more of the following areas:

Education: improving individual and community wellness and health awareness through direct outreach and creative communication about nutrition, emergent health issues, disease prevention or management, and similar topics.

Innovation in Community Health: improving care delivery methods and services, including novel outreach methods for at-risk communities.

Promotion of Community Health: improving the good health of community members, including medication assistance, health and wellness screenings, and wellness initiatives (including exercise and vaccination initiatives).

What Do We Look for in a Grant Application?

High Priority Projects

• Proposals that are new, unique, pilot, or address unmet needs in Clinton County
• Projects designed to improve equity with a focus on supporting underserved communities
• Projects designed to take a systemic approach to improving outcomes for underserved communities
• Projects that include alliances, partnerships, and collaboration between providers and organizations that broaden, deepen, and diversify participation in the provision of services

​Lower Priority Projects

• Projects for remodeling, renovation, maintenance, repairs, and site improvement for existing facilities
• Projects that support or meet the basic educational, health, and safety functions of government agencies and/or schools

The KS AmeriCorps Planning Grant empowers organizations in Kansas to develop effective AmeriCorps programs aimed at addressing community needs. This grant supports planning for a subsequent operational grant application cycle (2026-2027). Key priorities include education, poverty alleviation, support for rural communities, social justice, and youth development. By leveraging these grants, organizations can enhance their readiness to serve and make a significant impact in their communities.

The Forest Foundation offers grants to support nonprofit organizations and citizen initiatives in Southwest Washington, especially Tacoma and Pierce County. They prioritize projects that promote community well-being, environmental stewardship, and cultural accessibility. Emphasizing fiscal accountability and innovation, the Foundation seeks proposals from tax-exempt organizations in Washington and Oregon. Grants are available for various program areas, including children and youth development, community building, and self-sufficiency, while excluding requests for capital construction and certain operational costs.

The Siebert Lutheran Foundation offers grants aimed at educating children and youth while sharing the Gospel of Jesus Christ. It supports high-performing Lutheran-affiliated schools and programs for those in socioeconomically disadvantaged communities, focusing on academic success and empowerment. Additionally, the foundation assists Lutheran churches in meeting the basic needs of disadvantaged individuals, fostering self-sufficiency. With a geographic focus on Wisconsin, it aims to create a future filled with hope through collaborative and innovative partnerships.