Best Unrestricted Grants for Nonprofits

The Steve Sullivan Professional Development Funding Grant, offered by the REALTOR® Foundation, aims to enhance the capabilities of 501(c)(3) non-profit organizations in central Indiana. With a commitment to combating homelessness, the grant provides resources for training in essential areas such as grant writing, leadership, and strategic planning. By focusing on professional development, the Foundation seeks to empower organizations to better serve vulnerable populations and create sustainable solutions for housing instability.

The Gilman-McCain Scholarship, funded by the U.S. Department of State, honors Senator John S. McCain's legacy by supporting children and spouses of active military personnel. This program provides $5,000 awards for study abroad or internships, fostering leadership and career readiness. Eligible applicants must be U.S. citizens, undergraduate students, and recipients of federal financial aid. The scholarship aims to enhance global perspectives and promote careers in public service, contributing to the principles of democracy and human rights.

The Southern Wayne County Regional Chamber Scholarship Program aims to support students from Southern Wayne County in their pursuit of undergraduate education. Two renewable scholarships of $1,000 each are available for incoming college freshmen, with one awarded to a student overcoming an educational barrier and another to a student from a vocational background. This initiative fosters educational opportunities and community growth in the Southern Wayne County area.

Indiana Arts Commission

The Indiana Arts Commission (IAC) is an agency of state government that works directly with communities, creatives, and organizations to harness the power of creativity to strengthen Indiana. Through its programs and services, the IAC funds and supports arts experiences, arts education, and the arts economy to enhance the quality of life for Indiana's people and places.

Mission Statement: We champion and invest in arts and creativity to strengthen Indiana’s people and communities.

Traditional Arts Indiana Apprenticeship

The Traditional Arts Indiana (TAI) Apprenticeship Program supports the continuation of cultural practices in Indiana communities by funding up to six apprenticeship pairs each year, enabling apprentices to learn essential knowledge and skills in traditional art forms from master artists. TAI hosts this apprenticeship program in partnership with the Indiana Arts Commission and the National Endowment for the Arts.

The TAI Apprenticeship Program supports traditional cultural expressions of a community or group. Examples might be making an object, playing a tune, or practicing a dance. Nevertheless, each creative practice is rooted in a community. It is “traditional” in that it entails skills, aesthetics, and values that are transmitted over time within a family, community, religious, or occupational setting.

If selected, master artists will receive an honorarium with additional funds to cover the cost of apprenticeship materials and resources. Each master artist will host an apprentice formally for nine months. At the end of this period, apprenticeship pairs will showcase their traditional practices at a public event. There will be additional opportunities for master artists and apprentices to participate in future TAI events.

The Master of Public Health Summer Practicum offers UC Berkeley students a unique opportunity to gain hands-on experience in public health. Participants engage in a 10-week, full-time internship, working closely with departments focused on community health, equity, and improvement. This program not only provides a stipend but also facilitates career exploration in healthcare for under-represented students, promoting diversity in the field. Ideal candidates are Master's students in good standing, with the ability to travel to various locations in Contra Costa County.

Residential Assistance for Families in Transition (RAFT)

The Residential Assistance for Families in Transition (RAFT) program provides short-term emergency funding to help you with eviction, foreclosure, loss of utilities, and other housing emergencies.

RAFT provides up to $7,000 per 12-month period so your family can stay in your current home or move to a new one. You may use the money for rent, utilities, moving costs, and mortgage payments.

The USTA Western Massachusetts Junior Learn-to-Play Tennis Education Scholarship offers financial assistance to juniors aged 8-18 who wish to learn tennis. With scholarships up to $250, the program aims to support young athletes in Western Massachusetts, ensuring they can access lessons and programs regardless of their financial situation. Applicants must work with approved providers and submit accountability forms to confirm their participation and commitment to the sport.

Indiana Office of Community and Rural Affairs

The Indiana Office of Community and Rural Affairs works with Indiana communities to build relevant and economically thriving places where people want to live, work and grow.

Mission: The Indiana Office of Community and Rural Affairs works with local, state and national partners to provide resources and technical assistance to aid communities in shaping and achieving their vision for community and economic development.

CDBG Planning Grant - Historic Preservation Plan

The Planning Grant Program leverages Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) funding from the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development to encourage communities to plan for long-term, holistic improvement. The Office of Community and Rural Affairs (OCRA) seeks applications from local units of government for programs funded through the State CDBG program. Eligible local units of government are counties, cities, or incorporated towns not located within an entitlement community. Unincorporated areas must apply through the county in which they are located. Eligible planning activities consist of all costs associated with data gathering, study, analysis, and preparation of plans and the identification of actions to implement such plans.

A Historic Preservation Plan identifies and documents historic resources, sets a preservation vision, and prioritizes compliance driven rehabilitation, funding, and maintenance actions.

Forest health financial assistance programs are offered to assist landowners and forest managers in Virginia as they manage their trees and land, and to benefit forests in Virginia overall.

Pine Bark Beetle Prevention Programs

The southern pine beetle is a destructive native insect that threatens pine forests. Good forest management practices like thinning can help reduce losses from this insect. There are currently three cost-share programs available through the Pine Bark Beetle Prevention Cost-Share Program. All programs exist to offer incentives to landowners and loggers for specific forest management projects aimed at improving the health of managed pine stands in Virginia.

The QM-Jerome Foundation Fellowship supports emerging visual artists in New York City, offering $20,000, mentorship, and professional development. Founded by the Jerome Foundation, the program aids artists at the beginning of their careers, encouraging innovative artistic approaches and risk-taking. The fellowship culminates in solo exhibitions at the Queens Museum in 2027, fostering community engagement and artistic growth among participants while honoring the legacy of philanthropist Jerome Hill.

The AAAS Mass Media Science & Engineering Fellowship is a prestigious 10-week summer program designed for science, engineering, and mathematics students to work at media organizations across the U.S. This fellowship enhances public understanding of science by equipping fellows with skills to communicate complex scientific concepts effectively. Participants will receive an $8000 stipend and gain invaluable experience in journalism, fostering collaboration between scientists and media professionals to create engaging science stories for the public.

The David B. Jones Foundation Grant supports educational, research, and charitable initiatives in paleontology within the United States. Established in 1998, it offers various funding types, including one-time, multiyear, and challenge grants, focusing on projects that promote the science of paleontology. Eligible applicants are 501(c)(3) organizations aligned with the foundation's mission, prioritizing programs that engage young fossil hunters and public education through museums. The foundation does not fund individual requests or religious organizations.

The Academic Research Enhancement Award (AREA) supports small-scale research at institutions that receive limited NIH funding, emphasizing biomedical research for undergraduate students. This program aims to enhance the research environment and provide valuable experiences for students. Eligible institutions must award baccalaureate science degrees and have received no more than $6 million in NIH support over four of the last seven years. This funding opportunity encourages investigator-initiated minimal risk clinical trials to advance NIH missions.

The Space Technology Research Institutes program, part of NASA's SpaceTech REDDI initiative for FY 2026, aims to advance innovative space technologies that meet critical needs. By encouraging collaboration among entrepreneurs, researchers, and small businesses, it seeks to enhance U.S. competitiveness in the global space landscape while fostering economic growth in the expanding space economy. This initiative supports future NASA and commercial missions through transformative research and development.

The CFMT Sports Fund, part of the Community Foundation of Middle Tennessee, aims to promote teamwork and community engagement among children. By providing grants up to $5,000, it supports 501(c)(3) organizations that foster a sense of belonging and hope through team-based activities, particularly during critical afterschool hours. This initiative not only keeps youth engaged but also addresses pressing community challenges, driving positive change for a thriving and inclusive future.

The CFMT William N. Rollins Fund for the Arts, established by the Community Foundation of Middle Tennessee, aims to enhance the local arts scene. This fund supports visual arts, arts education, and art therapy programs, providing grants up to $15,000 for eligible 501(c)(3) public charities and government entities. Through collective philanthropy, it strives to foster a thriving and inclusive community while honoring the legacy of Bill Rollins, a passionate artist.

The WAEF Scholarships, supported by the Washington Apple Education Foundation, provide critical financial aid to over 300 students this year, disbursing more than $1 million in educational awards. Open to individuals with ties to Washington Fruit & Produce, the scholarships cater to high school seniors and college students pursuing various degrees at accredited institutions. This initiative highlights the foundation's commitment to fostering education within the tree fruit industry, making higher education accessible to deserving candidates.

The Miguel Cabrera Family Scholarship aims to support educational opportunities for high school graduates in Michigan and Florida, prioritizing those from specific counties. Each selected student receives $1,000, renewable for up to four years, contingent on maintaining good academic standing. Applicants must demonstrate financial need and be first-generation college students or from historically underrepresented groups. This initiative is backed by the Community Foundation for Southeast Michigan, which has a rich history of philanthropy since 1984.

The Otis Smith Scholarship, funded by the Community Foundation for Southeast Michigan, provides non-renewable scholarships of up to $3,000 for single parent mothers pursuing post-secondary education at accredited institutions. Established to honor Otis M. Smith's mother, the program aims to empower women in southeastern Michigan, particularly those demonstrating financial need and strong academic potential. Applications are open until February 12, 2025, and recipients may use funds for tuition or educational expenses.

The WAEF Scholarships provided by the Washington Apple Education Foundation support over 300 students this year with more than $1 million in educational awards. Open to high school seniors and college students with ties to the Washington tree fruit industry, these scholarships can be renewed for a second year if qualifications are met. Recipients can pursue various degrees at accredited institutions, promoting education in tree fruit-related fields.

The Veterans Artist Residency Program at Kala Art Institute offers unique opportunities for veterans in the arts. This program supports innovative work across various mediums such as printmaking, digital media, and sculpture. Selected artists receive 1-4 months of studio access, a cash award of $1,000, housing for out-of-area artists, and participation in community events. The residency fosters a collaborative environment, encouraging artistic growth and community engagement.

The Schumann Field Trip New Jersey Funds provide essential grants for educational trips to various arts, cultural, historical, and scientific venues, enhancing learning for students in underserved communities. With a maximum funding of $1,500 per trip, schools can apply for multiple excursions, fostering real-world connections to classroom lessons. This initiative prioritizes trips outside local districts, benefiting all Essex County schools and eligible non-profit organizations, ensuring broader access to enriching educational experiences.

The Paulus Schroeter Scholarship, offered by the Amarillo Area Foundation, supports graduating high school seniors from the top 26 counties in the Texas Panhandle. This scholarship recognizes students who demonstrate exceptional leadership qualities in both academic and community engagements. As a vital nonprofit organization, the Foundation plays a crucial role in addressing the philanthropic needs of over 400,000 residents, ensuring lasting positive impacts in the region.

The Forestry Division's Volunteer Fire Assistance Grant, administered by the Montana Department of Natural Resources and Conservation, provides essential funding to rural fire departments. This program supports training, equipping, and organizing efforts to enhance fire response capabilities in rural communities. By offering cost-share grants, the initiative aims to strengthen local fire departments, ensuring they are well-prepared to protect lives and property from wildfires and other emergencies. Participation is encouraged, benefiting all counties in Montana.

The Victoria S. and Bradley L. Geist Foundation is committed to enhancing the lives of foster children and their caregivers in Hawaii. Through their Family Strengthening and Prevention Programs Funding Opportunity, they aim to provide essential resources and support. This initiative recognizes the significant impact of a nurturing environment, ensuring that foster children have access to supportive homes and positive experiences for healthier, happier lives.

The Victoria S. and Bradley L. Geist Foundation aims to enhance the lives of foster children in Hawaii by providing essential items and services that promote a quality of life comparable to their peers. This initiative supports tax-exempt organizations, including nonprofits and religious entities, to ensure every child receives the nurturing they deserve. Through these enhancements, the Foundation celebrates the uniqueness of each child and fosters their growth.

The Robert A. "Bob" and Margaret W. Kesterson Scholarship, offered by the Amarillo Area Foundation, supports students from the Texas Panhandle's top 26 counties. Applicants must be employed during high school and maintain a minimum GPA of 2.0. This scholarship aims to assist those planning to attend Amarillo College or West Texas A&M University in any field of study, fostering educational opportunities within the community.