Best Unrestricted Grants for Nonprofits

The JoAnn & William (Bill) Hintz Memorial Scholarship offers financial support to residents of Marathon County pursuing education in printing, graphic arts, or related fields. Over 200 scholarships totaling over $300,000 are awarded annually, emphasizing community involvement. The selection process prioritizes qualified candidates from Marathon County, while also considering Wausau West High School seniors with varsity athletics experience. This initiative, managed by the Community Foundation of North Central Wisconsin, aims to enhance educational opportunities and community engagement.

The John H.A. Stubbe Memorial Scholarship aims to support high school seniors from Wausau and D.C. Everest School Districts who have participated in curling, baseball, or softball. This scholarship is intended for students planning to pursue higher education in Wisconsin, with a total funding of over $300,000 available for more than 200 students. It embodies the Community Foundation's mission to enhance community quality of life through educational opportunities.

The Duluth Builders Exchange Apprenticeship Scholarship, offered by the Duluth Superior Area Community Foundation, aims to equip emerging construction workers with essential tools and gear. Eligible applicants must be registered with a union and enrolled in their first or second year of an apprenticeship program in the construction industry within specified counties. This scholarship provides a financial award of $500 to support their journey into the workforce.

The G. Scott Ransom Scholarship Fund, established by Team Duluth and the Duluth/Superior Alpine Club, supports youth athletes aged 5 to 19 in Northeastern Minnesota and Northwestern Wisconsin. This scholarship, honoring Coach Scott "Race" Ransom, helps cover team fee costs for competitive skiing experiences. By participating, young athletes not only enhance their skiing skills but also gain valuable life skills for future success. Award amounts vary based on individual needs.

The Luthra Family Scholarship, administered by the Community Foundation of North Central Wisconsin, provides annual financial assistance to exceptional students from the Wausau or D.C. Everest School Districts. This scholarship targets those pursuing education in health or human sciences at a University of Wisconsin institution. Over $300,000 is awarded annually to more than 200 students, emphasizing academic excellence, community involvement, and financial need.

The Macdonald Foundation Work Ethic Scholarship, established in 2015, supports students from Marathon County and the Merrill area who demonstrate a strong work ethic. With over $300,000 awarded annually to more than 200 students, the scholarship is open to high school seniors and current college students planning to attend a four-year University of Wisconsin campus. Recipients can apply repeatedly, fostering ongoing educational opportunities and community engagement.

The AIPG National Undergraduate Scholarship, provided by the American Institute of Professional Geologists, aims to support undergraduate students majoring in geological sciences. With awards ranging from $1,000 to $3,000, this scholarship promotes student participation in the AIPG and helps cover college education costs. Eligible applicants must be at least sophomores and either current student members of AIPG or have applied for membership. Up to ten scholarships will be awarded annually.

The Lannice and Kevin Chang Scholarship Fund, established in 2022, aims to support students from Kauai, Hawaii. Applicants must be Hawaii residents demonstrating financial need and maintaining a minimum GPA of 2.0. Preference is given to prior recipients who continue to meet eligibility requirements. This initiative by the Hawai'i Community Foundation underscores a commitment to educational support for local students, fostering academic success and community growth.

The Marathon County Labor Council Scholarship aims to support the educational pursuits of high school seniors who are children or grandchildren of labor union members in good standing. Annually, this scholarship provides financial assistance to deserving students planning to further their education in any field, with a preference for those intending to contribute to the labor movement. Over $300,000 is awarded through various scholarships to enhance the community's educational opportunities.

The Mark Foundation & Jane Wiley TLC Scholars Award offers over $300,000 in scholarships to more than 200 students in north central Wisconsin, supporting those pursuing higher education. This award specifically assists graduates with tuition loan repayments, providing up to $4,000 for those who meet eligibility criteria, including residency in Marathon County and acceptance into accredited institutions. The initiative aims to foster academic success and alleviate financial burdens for deserving students.

The Neng & Bao Xiong Volvo Scholarship, administered by the Community Foundation of North Central Wisconsin, awards scholarships to deserving graduating high school seniors from the greater Wausau area. The program supports students demonstrating community service and cultural tolerance, with over $300,000 available for more than 200 scholarships. Eligible students must plan to pursue higher education at an accredited college or university in any field of study.

The Rosie’s Striving for a Better Future Scholarship offers financial support to students in north central Wisconsin, aiming to enhance their educational pursuits at various institutions. With over $300,000 in scholarships available, eligibility includes being a resident of Marathon County and demonstrating community service, leadership, and personal accomplishments. This initiative encourages diverse educational paths, making higher education accessible to all deserving students.

The Rotary Club of Wausau Scholarship provides significant financial support to deserving students in north central Wisconsin. Administered by the Community Foundation, it awards up to five scholarships of $1,000 each annually. Applicants must demonstrate community service involvement and leadership skills. This initiative reflects Rotary International's commitment to 'Service Above Self,' helping students pursue their educational goals at accredited post-secondary institutions.

The Difference is You Scholarship offers financial support to graduating high school seniors from Marathon County who have received special reading or speech instruction during their K-12 education. With over $300,000 distributed among more than 200 students, this scholarship aims to empower young individuals pursuing post-secondary education in various fields. It reflects the Community Foundation of North Central Wisconsin's commitment to enhancing the quality of life through philanthropic efforts.

The Tong Phia Xiong & Sal Lor Scholarship aims to support deserving graduating high school seniors from the greater Wausau area. This scholarship emphasizes community service, cultural tolerance, and respect for elders. Students must plan to attend a four-year college or university in any field of study. With over $300,000 in scholarships available, this initiative reflects a commitment to enhancing the quality of life in north central Wisconsin through education.

The Walter (Coke) Fehl Hockey Scholarship honors the legacy of Coke Fehl, supporting graduating high school hockey players from the greater Wausau area. This scholarship aims to recognize students who have positively influenced the sport and demonstrated teamwork and strong work ethic. It is part of a larger effort by the Community Foundation of North Central Wisconsin, which administers over 125 endowed scholarship funds, providing over $300,000 in scholarships annually to students across various educational levels.

The Wausau Area H.O.P.E. Hmong Women Scholarship, established by the H.O.P.E. Women, aims to support deserving Hmong women from the greater Wausau area. This scholarship recognizes academic excellence, personal integrity, and community involvement. Eligible candidates include high school seniors and college students who maintain a GPA of 2.5 or higher and demonstrate a commitment to bettering their community. The scholarship is part of the Community Foundation of North Central Wisconsin's broader mission to enhance local quality of life.

Department of Forests, Parks and Recreation

The Department of Forests, Parks and Recreation (FPR) is responsible for the conservation and management of Vermont’s forest resources, the operation and maintenance of the State Park system, and the promotion and support of outdoor recreation for Vermonters and our visitors. In addition, FPR is responsible for the acquisition, planning coordination and administration of all Agency of Natural Resources lands. Department employees are stationed throughout Vermont, including offices in Montpelier and at five regional locations.

VOREC Community Grant Program

The VOREC Community Grant Program (VCGP) is intended to fund community projects that support and grow local economies by leveraging outdoor recreation. 

The Vermont Outdoor Recreation Economic Collaborative (VOREC) Community Grant Program supports outdoor recreation projects that drive economic growth and enhance community well-being. Funded by one-time allocations by the Vermont General Assembly, we are launching the fifth VCGP grant round this fall. 

In order to maximize the impact of the available funding, the upcoming grant round will focus on project development and promotion. This grant will fund projects that will support local outdoor recreation economies, but need design, scoping, or planning work done to unlock other funding. This program will also help communities and organizations share information about their amazing recreation resources and businesses by supporting marketing, branding, and other promotion. 

The upcoming grant round will be closely tied to the vision, common objectives, and themes of Move Forward Together Vermont. The scoring system will be designed to elevate projects that address equity and climate resilience. Example projects that might score well could include:  

• Contracting a landscape architect to complete a park design for a FEMA buyout property  
• Creating a regional outdoor recreation marketing plan to attract outdoor recreationists to downtown businesses  
• Community-informed planning for both building and sharing information about accessible trails  
• Program development for classes or community events focused on building confidence in the outdoors   
• Creating a town-wide outdoor recreation wayfinding plan and installing signs/kiosks using accessible signage principles  
• Developing a community economic recovery plan focused on supporting local businesses, and outdoor recreation resources following emergencies and natural disasters.   
• Developing a climate risk mitigation plan and preparing permit applications for identified trail improvement projects. 

The Kim Coco League of Extraordinary Scholars was established in 2017 to provide support for transgender students in Hawaii who are in good academic standing. This scholarship aims to assist those who demonstrate financial need and meet specific eligibility criteria, including maintaining a minimum GPA of 2.0 and being graduates of Hawaii public high schools. By fostering educational opportunities for gender-diverse individuals, the scholarship promotes inclusivity and empowerment within the community.

The BioLEAP Classroom Grants, funded by the National Anti Vivisection Society, support U.S. educators in purchasing humane alternatives to animal dissection. Grants of up to $1,000 are available for innovative learning tools like 3D models and synthetic specimens. This initiative promotes ethical education in anatomy labs, ensuring teachers have access to effective resources while fostering a compassionate approach to learning.

The Mary Gourlay Charitable Trust Grant, established in 2017, aims to support institutions that assist the blind in Pennsylvania, particularly in Philadelphia. The trust honors Mary Gourlay and is dedicated to funding projects in arts, education, health, and human services. Eligible organizations must be 501(c)(3) exempt, while grants are strictly for supporting blind persons. Notably, salaries are not covered by this funding, ensuring resources directly benefit the intended beneficiaries.

The City of Phoenix offers the Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) to enhance and support infrastructure projects in eligible neighborhoods. This initiative aims to engage residents and collaborate with local groups, addressing the needs of low- and moderate-income areas. The Neighborhood Services Department oversees these grants, ensuring that community development efforts align with the city's vision of creating vibrant neighborhoods. Interested parties should reach out for project proposals to make a positive impact.

The Northern Wisconsin Outdoor Experiential Education Scholarship Fund supports residents of Chequamegon Bay communities in accessing quality outdoor education programs. Created by anonymous donors passionate about outdoor experiences, the fund targets applicants demonstrating financial need and belonging to underrepresented groups in outdoor education. Awards of $1,000 are available for one year, enabling youth to engage in environmentally sustainable outdoor activities and develop social responsibility.

The K.M. Hatano Scholarship Fund, established in 1987 by Mr. Yasuji Hatano, supports academically excellent individuals from Maui, Lanai, and Molokai who demonstrate leadership and community involvement. Eligible applicants must be Hawaii residents with financial need and a minimum GPA of 2.0. Preference is given to previous recipients and those pursuing business management or visitor industry majors. This scholarship fosters educational advancement and community engagement among Hawaii's youth.

The U.S. Hillman Prize for Magazine Journalism, awarded by the Sidney Hillman Foundation, recognizes outstanding journalism that serves the common good. Open to global journalists, it requires works to be published in English and accessible to a U.S. audience within the past year. Winners receive a $5,000 honorarium and a certificate at the annual ceremony in New York City. The foundation prioritizes stories with U.S. impact across diverse topics.

The North Carolina Tuition Assistance Program (NCTAP) offers financial support to actively drilling Army and Air Guard members in North Carolina. This reimbursement program helps service members cover tuition costs at approved educational institutions within the state. Eligibility requires at least two years remaining on their contract and the ability to apply before attending Initial Active Duty Training (IADT). NCTAP aims to enhance educational opportunities for military personnel, fostering a well-educated and skilled force.

The OjO-Dor Scholarship offers post-secondary educational support to deserving high school seniors from the Lakeland School District in Minocqua, Wisconsin. With over $300,000 allocated across more than 200 scholarships, the program recognizes academic achievement, financial need, future potential, and leadership capabilities. Students may be invited for interviews during the selection process, fostering opportunities for local youth to pursue higher education and enhance their future prospects.