Best Unrestricted Grants for Nonprofits

The United Way of Southern Chautauqua County Grant offers funding extensions for existing programs through June 2025, focusing on community improvement. Established in 1920, this organization partners with various sectors to enhance quality of life. Their mission mobilizes resources to support individuals and families, aiming for academic success, health independence, and workforce readiness. Grants range from $1,500 to $116,000, with a minimum request of $7,500 for the 2022-2024 cycle. Eligibility is limited to registered 501(c)(3) nonprofits.

Joyful Heart Foundation

Since 2004, Joyful Heart has been a leading national organization with a mission to transform society’s response to sexual assault, domestic violence and child abuse by building a world that prioritizes survivors’ healing.

Our Areas of Focus

We continue to carry out our mission through programming centered on survivors’ needs. We strive to fill gaps where those needs aren’t being met, without duplicating existing programs. In order to build a more compassionate, more informed culture rooted in the possibility and promise of healing, we focus on three key areas: Awareness and Community Building, Policy and Advocacy and Healing Programs.

• Healing Programs and Resources: Creating and fostering a culture of healing and nurturing for survivors and the professionals who support them.
• Policy and Advocacy: Advocating for policies and practices that forge a path to safety, justice and hope for survivors.

• Awareness and Community Building: Creating spaces and conversations that channel a drive for change into action and transformation.

Heal the Healers Grant 

Helping alleviate the effects of secondary trauma for the long-term wellbeing of professionals who support survivors

Building for a System of Care and Compassion

Heal the Healers Grantmaking Program provides critical support for professionals who help survivors heal and seek justice. People working on the frontlines of survivor-centered services are subject to the often overlooked effects of secondary trauma that can emerge as a result of continuous exposure to people who have recently experienced abuse and violence.

The Heal the Healers Grant Fund and Grantee Learning Cohorts provide resources to mitigate the effects of secondary trauma among the practitioners responsible for the earliest stages of survivors’ paths to justice and healing. Creating a safer, more compassionate world for the people who do this work helps lay a foundation for lasting change and a world where every survivor’s healing is prioritized.

The Heal the Healers Fund provides micro-grants of up to $5,000 to nonprofit, Tribal, or governmental organizations supporting survivors for training, small capital projects, or organizational activities.

Areas of Support

The Joyful Heart Foundation has established the following guidelines for its Heal the Healers Fund grants to support those working directly with survivors in the following areas.

• Training and/or program development on self-care practices such as training in trauma-informed yoga, breathwork, somatic therapy, etc.
• Small capital items and equipment that specifically allow staff and volunteers to address their self care needs such as daylight lamps for staff or new furniture for a break room.
• Staff activities to build and support connections between colleagues such as, trust building experiences, monthly pizza nights, or bagel Fridays.
• Or any combination of the above. 

In addition to the financial support, grantees will also be invited to join a peer learning community cohort that includes:

• Opportunities to amplify their fellowship/cohort experiences to inspire others in the field
• Virtual peer-to-peer networking opportunities
• Virtual training/presentations by leading healers, therapists and other professionals with expertise in cutting edge vicarious trauma, empowerment, leadership and therapeutic modalities

The Duke Endowment's Health Care Grant aims to enhance health equity in North and South Carolina. Established in 1924, it supports innovative models addressing health disparities in vulnerable populations, focusing on access to care, maternal and infant health, mental health, oral health, and workforce development. By partnering with local stakeholders, the Endowment strives to reduce barriers to care and promote healthy behaviors, ultimately improving health outcomes for marginalized communities.

The Health Access Heroes Awards, initiated by Sun Life Financial, aims to enhance health access and outcomes for underserved communities. This initiative highlights the crucial connection between oral health and diabetes, focusing on prevention and management. It recognizes impactful nonprofits and unsung heroes who contribute significantly to community health. Selected awardees will receive a $10,000 donation to support their charitable efforts, promoting diabetes awareness, management, and overall health equity.

The PRO 2026-06 Mental Health Wellness Uniting Grant aims to promote mental health wellness for families and youth in Hillsborough County. Approved by the Children's Board of Hillsborough County, this grant focuses on funding services that enhance behavioral support, resource navigation, and social connections. It targets parents of children aged 0-18 and youth aged 11-18, emphasizing collaboration and measurable outcomes. Organizations with expertise in mental health are encouraged to apply.

The PNASH Pilot Project Program at the University of Washington focuses on enhancing agricultural safety and health through innovative research and outreach. The program supports both early-stage and experienced investigators in developing preliminary data, adapting proven tools, and exploring new research directions. With funding of up to $30,000 for pilot projects and an additional $5,000 for education grants, this initiative aims to improve workplace safety for agricultural workers, including those in fishing and forestry. Applications are accepted on a rolling basis.

The Michigan Sea Grant is offering Graduate Student Research Fellowships for innovative research in natural or social sciences related to the Great Lakes. Open to M.S. or Ph.D. students, these fellowships support projects for one to two years, with funding of up to $60,000. Notably, a 50% non-federal match is required to secure these funds, ensuring collaboration with local agencies or NGOs. Applications are encouraged before the extended deadline of August 15, 2025.

New Leaf Fund - Summer Cycle

Community Foundation of Greenville administers grants to preserve parks, open spaces, and historical and cultural assets through the New Leaf Fund.

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
• 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 Idaho Nonpoint Source Management §319 Subgrants program provides financial assistance to states, territories, and tribes for activities aimed at reducing nonpoint source pollution. Administered by the Idaho Department of Environmental Quality, these grants support projects targeting water quality improvement in lakes and rivers. Eligible initiatives include agricultural practices, urban stormwater management, and groundwater protection efforts. A 40% match is required, and projects that leverage multiple funding sources are prioritized.

Gilead Africa Grants support innovative, data-driven projects aimed at enhancing healthcare systems and promoting health equity across Africa. Targeting key areas such as HIV/AIDS and Viral Hepatitis, the grants prioritize community-informed initiatives. Gilead encourages partnerships with nonprofits and patient advocates, focusing on direct programmatic support to address disparities in healthcare access and outcomes. Applications are accepted year-round, with a commitment to funding that aligns with local needs and priorities.

Mercy Health Freeport Area- Volunteer Services Scholarship Program

One $1,000 scholarship is available to a student pursuing a health care career. The student must be an active member of Mercyhealth’s Student Volunteer Program with a minimum of 40 career hours, and must reside in Stephenson, Jo Daviess, Carroll, Ogle, or Winnebago counties.

The student must currently be enrolled in an accredited program of study involving the following health care careers:

• Imaging/Radiology Technology (cardiac, diagnostic or vascular ultrasound, CT technology, MRI, radiology, or nuclear medicine)
• Medical Assistant
• Nursing (Registered Nurse or Licensed Practical Nurse)
• Rehabilitation Services (Physical Therapy, Occupational Therapy, Speech Language Pathology)
• Respiratory Therapy
• Surgical Technology

The Alabama Power Foundation's Power to Play Grants aim to enhance student success through athletics, arts, and music. With a focus on equitable access, these grants support schools and organizations in creating opportunities for K-12 students. By facilitating extracurricular involvement, the program fosters improved academic performance and graduation rates. Eligible applicants include Title I schools and 501(c)(3) organizations, with funding directed towards new sports, arts programs, and music initiatives, ultimately enriching the educational experience for students across Alabama.

The Keller Foundation Grant, established in 1980, aims to support innovative programs for children and families, particularly in the Grand Rapids area. With nearly $7 million awarded to over 150 nonprofits, the foundation focuses on five key areas: Cultural, Education, Environment, Health, and Human Services. Grants, ranging from $2,500 to $50,000, prioritize long-term impact and community involvement, fostering educational and cultural opportunities for underserved youth.

The One Hive Foundation Grant focuses on promoting pollinator health and ecologically responsible agriculture through funding research and nonprofit initiatives. Launched in 2022, the grant supports diverse projects aimed at enhancing environmental data, public education, and scientific collaboration. Targeting verified 501c3 organizations, the foundation emphasizes ecological practices and community engagement in Vermont and beyond, with grants of up to $75,000 available to eligible applicants.

The Fine Arts Fund Grant, administered by the Community Foundation of Kankakee River Valley, aims to enhance cultural initiatives in Kankakee and Iroquois Counties. Grants of up to $2,500 will support non-profit organizations in various artistic disciplines, including music, literature, and visual arts. The foundation seeks impactful projects that demonstrate creativity and community engagement, ensuring that funds are allocated effectively to foster artistic expression and community development.

Columbia Bank Foundation

Since 1927, Columbia Bank has evolved alongside the communities and businesses we serve. What began as a single branch in Fair Lawn has grown into a regional bank serving New Jersey, Staten Island and Brooklyn. Throughout that growth, we have remained focused on providing the stability, convenience and service customers expect from a trusted financial partner. Today, we offer the strength and capabilities of a larger financial institution while continuing to provide the personal service and practical financial guidance that have long defined Columbia Bank.

Alongside Columbia Bank’s mission to serve the community, the Columbia Bank Foundation helps support local charitable causes and communities with grants on a sustained basis. Our goal is to make a difference in as many people’s lives as we can and to do our part to help make our communities better, stronger and safer.

Columbia Bank Foundation Micro Grants

The Columbia Bank Foundation is committed to serving the needs of its local communities. The Foundation actively seeks and focuses on innovative programs that provide a measurable impact in the communities that it serves.

Our Micro Grant Program allows organizations that meet one of our focus areas to apply for smaller grants under a streamlined application process. Applications under the Micro Grant Program will be accepted anytime throughout the year for $1,000 to $4,999. These are reviewed internally each month. Our Focus Areas:

• Housing Programs
• Community Investment and Economic Development Programs 
• Financial Literacy and Education 
• Health & Human Services
• Food Insecurity 
• Environmental Sustainability 
• The Arts

About Rose

Our Mission, Vision, and Roots

Rose believes that environmental stewardship, community justice, and consumer rights are all inextricably linked.

We amplify community voices by making grants, building capacity, and fostering the next generation of environmental leaders.

Environmental Justice for California’s Environment and Communities Fund

This funding opportunity is borne out of a partnership with the California Department of Toxic Substances Control to receive Supplemental Environmental Project money associated with the agency’s enforcement actions. The Rose Foundation for Communities and the Environment is administering these funds to support organizations working on hazardous waste related issues throughout the area affected by the facility’s violations. The funding opportunity is expected to be offered on an annual basis once established, though availability is dependent on DTSC enforcement actions. 

The CDC is allocating funds through NOFO DD-27-0028 to enhance maternal child health surveillance and partnerships. This initiative targets public health challenges such as alcohol use during pregnancy and fetal alcohol spectrum disorders (FASDs). It aims to improve clinical surveillance systems, data quality, and timely reporting, while fostering national partnerships to prevent FASDs and support affected infants and children. The approach focuses on translating high-quality surveillance data into actionable prevention strategies.

About Us

The Pulitzer Center has a bold vision: to be the venue for the world’s most innovative and consequential reporting, with journalism as the key element for mobilizing society through audience engagement strategies.

Founded in 2006 by Jon Sawyer, the Center is an essential source of support for enterprise reporting in the United States and across the globe. The thousands of journalists and educators who are part of our networks span more than 80 countries. Our work reaches tens of millions of people each year through our news-media partners and an audience-centered strategy of global and regional engagement.

We believe that people and communities who actively engage with systemic challenges will find solutions together. By supporting journalists as they conduct in-depth investigations, produce compelling stories, and engage diverse audiences, we create a ripple effect of world-changing impact. The result? Policy reforms, public awareness, and community empowerment.

Africa Climate and Environment (ACE) Micro Grants

The second cohort of the Africa Climate and Environment (ACE) Micro Grants is receiving applications for outreach projects focused on Transparency and Governance in forest and ocean. Proposals should clearly and creatively integrate one or more Pulitzer Center-supported stories while targeting young professionals or communities. We are seeking proposals that create engagement on issues such as natural resource management, harmful corporate practices, corruption, and their impacts on biodiversity, Indigenous peoples, human rights, and climate. The initiative aims to strengthen public understanding and advocacy through storytelling, emphasizing accountability and sustainable environmental governance.

The Wayne C. Kaufmann Charitable Foundation aims to enhance community welfare and support organizations that provide educational and health services, particularly for disadvantaged individuals. Key focus areas include maternal health, K-12 STEM education, mental health for veterans, support for children with Down Syndrome, and addressing violence against women and children. The foundation gives priority to Lutheran-affiliated organizations and encourages projects that empower communities.

The Triangle Fund Grant supports programs in Steuben, Chemung, and Schuyler counties, aimed at fostering relationships among families, schools, and communities to benefit disadvantaged youth. With grants ranging from $5,000 to $15,000, the fund focuses on positive youth development, creative activities, educational achievement, workforce preparation, and support services. Eligible organizations include 501(c)(3) tax-exempt groups whose missions align with the fund's vision of community engagement and support.

Girls Giving Grants (G3), a youth initiative of Impact Austin, empowers young women in grades 8-12 to make a difference through grantmaking. Focused on serving youth in Central Texas, G3 awards unrestricted grants to nonprofit programs that positively impact children in Travis, Hays, Bastrop, and Williamson counties. Organizations must be 501(c)(3) public charities, targeting specific youth populations and planning to utilize funds within 12 months. This innovative approach fosters community engagement and active participation in philanthropy.

The Energy Efficiency and Conservation Grant provides funding between $2,000 and $20,000 for small communities in west central Minnesota to enhance energy efficiency and reduce fossil fuel emissions. Local governments can utilize these funds for climate planning, energy audits, and technical assistance for public facilities. This initiative aims to support sustainable practices and improve energy conservation efforts in communities with populations under 15,000.

The Tobacco, Alcohol, and Cannabis Policy Research for Health Equity grant aims to support research on policies affecting tobacco, alcohol, and cannabis use in the U.S. This initiative focuses on how these policies impact populations facing health disparities. Key components include engaging community organizations to advance equity in cancer prevention. Important deadlines for applications range from February 2025 to October 2027, providing opportunities for both standard and renewal submissions.

The Tobacco, Alcohol, and Cannabis Policy Research for Health Equity (R21 Clinical Trial Optional) aims to fund projects that explore policies related to tobacco, alcohol, and cannabis in the U.S. The focus is on understanding how these policies affect usage and exposure among disadvantaged populations. Engaging community organizations is essential for promoting equity in cancer prevention. This initiative is crucial for advancing health equity and reducing disparities in substance use.

Urban Agriculture

CDA's Urban Agriculture program focuses on supporting agricultural producers in and around Colorado's communities as they work to create local food systems and networks.

The goals of CDA's Urban Ag program are:

• Supporting and uplifting urban producers in providing access to fresh, local agricultural products for their communities
• Connecting urban producers with existing resources
• Conserving natural resources on urban farms

Urban Agriculture Microgrant Program

The purpose of the Urban Agriculture Microgrant Program is to aid Colorado’s agricultural producers in building a more resilient and sustainable food system by supporting and uplifting urban producers in providing access to fresh, local agricultural products for their communities and conserving natural resources on urban farms.

Due to limited funding, the Conservation Services Division has decided to use this microgrant opportunity to concentrate on small scale projects crucial to expanding urban production, implementing conservation practices, educating community members, and addressing other common challenges faced by urban producers.

The Creative Entrepreneur Accelerator Program provides $2,000 in funding to support creative entrepreneurs in Pennsylvania. This initiative aims to foster business growth by offering access to consulting services and resources tailored for those starting or developing a for-profit micro business. The program prioritizes diversity, equity, and inclusion, focusing on BIPOC entrepreneurs and those serving low-income communities, thus playing a vital role in economic recovery and innovation.