Best Unrestricted Grants for Nonprofits

The New York State Agricultural Conservation Easement Program (ACEP) offers Wetland Reserve Easements (WRE) to help landowners restore and enhance wetlands previously degraded by agriculture. This program provides funding for permanent and temporary easements, ensuring habitat protection for wildlife, improved water quality, and resilience against climate change. NRCS prioritizes applications that enhance migratory bird habitats, making it a key initiative for ecological conservation in New York.

The Big Yellow School Bus Grant, offered by the Rhode Island State Council on the Arts, provides funding to support in-person field trips for Rhode Island schools. Grants of up to $500 are available to facilitate arts and cultural experiences. Schools can apply starting September 1 for the 2025-26 school year. Eligible organizations include schools and affiliated non-profits, with a maximum of two grants awarded per school each year.

The Claire C. Bennitt Watershed Fund Grant Program supports the acquisition of watershed lands to protect water quality and enhance community life. Grants are aimed at non-profits, municipalities, and educational institutions, focusing on projects that benefit the South Central Connecticut Regional Water District. Eligible projects must enhance water supply protection and include appraisals and purchase agreements. The Fund emphasizes conservation easements and environmental education, ensuring sustainable management of vital water resources.

The Robert Sydney Needham Foundation Grant, established in memory of Robert Sydney Needham, supports New Jersey colleges and universities in providing scholarships to deserving students. Eligible candidates must be full-time sophomores, juniors, or seniors with a GPA of 3.3 or higher, demonstrating community involvement and financial need. The grant aims to honor Mr. Needham's legacy by fostering educational opportunities for promising students in the state.

The Hanger Foundation's Veteran Grant aims to empower veterans facing physical challenges by providing support for rehabilitation services and athletic programs. This grant seeks to positively impact veterans' lives, particularly those with limb differences, through community engagement and employee involvement in charitable efforts. With a focus on 501(c)(3) organizations, the foundation invests in projects that address trauma and promote social activities, ensuring that veterans receive the assistance they need.

Our Mission

UNCF envisions a nation where all Americans have equal access to a college education that prepares them for rich intellectual lives, competitive and fulfilling careers, engaged citizenship and service to our nation.

UNCF’s mission is to build a robust and nationally-recognized pipeline of under-represented students who, because of UNCF support, become highly-qualified college graduates and to ensure that our network of member institutions is a respected model of best practice in moving students to and through college.

Publix Cares Scholarship 

Publix Cares Scholarship for eligible students attending in one of the following institutions: Benedict College, Bethune-Cookman University, Clark Atlanta University, Florida Agricultural and Mechanical University, Morehouse College, Savanah State University, Spelman College, Tennessee State University, University of Central Florida, & Virginia State University.

The Island Foundation offers Alternative Education Grants aimed at supporting experiential education programs, after-school initiatives, and alternative education schools. Established in 1979, the Foundation emphasizes unconventional approaches that connect youth with their environment, promote community service, and embrace diverse learning styles. They prioritize funding for 501(c)(3) nonprofits in Maine, Massachusetts, and Rhode Island, with a focus on maritime trades and programs benefitting at-risk youth.

The Henry Dreyfus Teacher-Scholar Awards Program supports early-career faculty in the chemical sciences at undergraduate institutions. Through institutional nominations, it provides $75,000 unrestricted research grants to enhance scholarly research and teaching. Eligible nominees must hold full-time tenure-line positions and be within their fourth to twelfth independent academic years, demonstrating a strong commitment to undergraduate education. This funding opportunity fosters the development of promising educators and researchers in the chemical sciences.

The New York State Office of Mental Health (OMH) invites proposals for funding to establish up to eight new Clubhouses across four regions. This initiative aims to enhance access to mental health services by supporting both existing providers converting to the Clubhouse Model and new applicants. The focus is on regions currently lacking accredited Clubhouses, ensuring that adults with serious mental illness receive the necessary support and resources for recovery.

The Walter and Louise Sutcliffe Foundation Grant supports needy students in nursing schools and funds cancer research. Established in 1990 from Mrs. Louise Sutcliffe's estate, the foundation honors her and her late husband, Walter. Organizations eligible for funding must qualify as 501(c)(3) exempt entities under the Internal Revenue Code. The foundation's mission emphasizes providing vital assistance to students and advancing cancer research initiatives.

Armstrong County Community Foundation

The Armstrong County Community Foundation, a public nonprofit corporation,

• Gives grants, scholarships, and organizational support to address the needs of our community.
• Builds a permanent endowment to help our donors create a legacy through this endowment.
• Promotes informed philanthropy to increase and sustain charitable resources for the region.
• Provides leadership and builds partnerships to identify and solve community issues.

James K. Greenbaum Scholarship

In gratitude for the many years of service that Dr. Greenbaum has given to our community, a scholarship has been established in his name to benefit a graduating student from the area who will be furthering his or her education.

The goal of the scholarship is to honor Dr. Greenbaum’s lifetime contribution to the children of our area and to continue his legacy.

Scholarship Details

• Available to High School Seniors
• Nonrenewable

All ACCF Scholarships are merit based.

The Rural Business Development Grants in Colorado aim to support small rural businesses with technical assistance and training. Eligible projects must benefit rural areas outside urban centers, with funding available for various uses, including training, land acquisition, and pollution control. The program prioritizes smaller requests and targets public entities and nonprofits. Grants foster community and technology-based economic development, enhancing job training and long-term business planning.

The Keystone Historic Preservation Planning Grants provide funding for nonprofit organizations and local governments in Pennsylvania to support projects aimed at preserving and promoting historic resources. This program focuses on planning and development for publicly accessible sites eligible for the National Register of Historic Places, encouraging applicants to engage in cultural resource surveys, national register nominations, and community planning. It aims to enhance public access to historic sites while revitalizing local communities.

The Four Way Community Foundation, established in 1975, provides vital grants to nonprofits in Josephine and Jackson Counties. Focused on supporting organizations that serve intellectually and developmentally disabled residents, the Rose Douglas Grants typically offer up to $10,000 for operational, programmatic, or capital needs. The foundation prioritizes projects that enhance community well-being and ensure inclusivity for individuals with disabilities, fostering goodwill and collaboration among local services.

The National Mesothelioma Virtual Bank (NMVB) aims to enhance biomedical research on malignant mesothelioma by expanding its collection of biospecimens, including tumor tissues and blood samples, alongside demographic and clinical data. Established in 2006, the NMVB serves as a crucial resource for researchers, providing access to a diverse library of samples and data, which can help identify disease markers and develop improved treatment options. This initiative is essential for advancing the understanding and treatment of mesothelioma.

The Lake Champlain Basin Program invites proposals to enhance public access to waterbodies in the Lake Champlain Basin, in line with the Thriving Communities goals outlined in Opportunities for Action. With approximately $300,000 available, projects should aim to improve recreational access and foster appreciation of the region's natural and cultural resources. This funding opportunity supports initiatives that contribute to sustainable community development and environmental stewardship.

Community Foundation of Mendocino County

The Community Foundation of Mendocino County is a county-wide nonprofit organization that administers permanent charitable funds established through gifts and bequests from individuals, families, businesses, and other organizations.

Scholarships

The Community Foundation of Mendocino County Scholarship program provides scholarship opportunities for local students to help pursue their educational goals and achieve their higher education dreams.

The Community Foundation of Mendocino County provides scholarships for all seven regions of the county, as well as for specific academic and professional goals.

Pearson Family STEM Scholarship Fund

Created by the Pearson Family to support students pursuing careers in STEM.

The Illinois Healthy Resilient Communities initiative, supported by the Illinois Department of Public Health, aims to enhance health equity through funding partnerships that target social determinants of health. This Notice of Funding Opportunity (NOFO) invites local health departments and lead organizations to apply for either Capacity Building or Implementation grants. Successful applicants will develop and execute programs that address health disparities and improve community resilience, fostering a healthier Illinois.

The Centers of Excellence Program, funded by the US HHS: HRSA, aims to improve health professions education for under-represented minority individuals. It provides grants to health schools and organizations to enhance academic performance, expand clinical education, and strengthen faculty recruitment. This initiative promotes strategic partnerships to develop a competitive applicant pool and supports research on health issues affecting minority groups, ensuring better health outcomes and career opportunities in the health professions.

The National Cancer Institute (NCI) invites applications for innovative technologies aimed at cancer research and clinical care. This funding opportunity supports early-stage projects focused on proof-of-concept studies to assess the feasibility of new methods and tools. Applications should demonstrate significant technical innovation, targeting advancements in cancer biology, early detection, clinical diagnosis, treatment, and epidemiology. Technologies may include novel analysis platforms, imaging technologies, and biospecimen processing innovations, with a focus on cancer applications.

The DCCF Teacher Grants provide financial support of up to $500 for innovative classroom projects in Decatur County. These grants aim to empower teachers to implement creative ideas that cannot be covered by traditional funding sources, such as school budgets. The Decatur County Community Foundation is dedicated to enhancing educational opportunities and fostering impactful initiatives in the community. This program exemplifies their commitment to supporting educators and improving the overall learning environment.

Community Foundation for Palm Beach and Martin Counties

The Community Foundation for Palm Beach and Martin Counties, Inc., strengthens our communities by leading philanthropy and solutions through our direct work in partnership with donors, nonprofits and the community. Our 501(c)3 nonprofit Foundation is the foremost resource for convening partners to elevate people, improve lives and make our community a better place to live.

Grants & Scholarships

Grants power our nonprofit partners on the frontlines of pressing local issues, filling the opportunity gaps through direct-to-people programming.

Scholarships support aspiring college students who hold the promise of tomorrow’s progress.

Together, our competitive grants and scholarships help our region rise thanks to the vision and generosity of our donors. 

The Community Foundation offers both need and merit based scholarships.

St. Mary’s Extended Education Fund

Scholarship Eligibility

• Must be a St. Mary’s R. C. Church parishioner or a student acceptable to the committee at St. Mary’s.
• Must be a graduating senior or adult returning to school who is a resident of Pahokee.
• Can be used at college/university or vocational schools.
• Maintain a 2.0 GPA in college.
• Demonstrate financial need

Community Foundation for Palm Beach and Martin Counties

The Community Foundation for Palm Beach and Martin Counties, Inc., strengthens our communities by leading philanthropy and solutions through our direct work in partnership with donors, nonprofits and the community. Our 501(c)3 nonprofit Foundation is the foremost resource for convening partners to elevate people, improve lives and make our community a better place to live.

Grants & Scholarships

Grants power our nonprofit partners on the frontlines of pressing local issues, filling the opportunity gaps through direct-to-people programming.

Scholarships support aspiring college students who hold the promise of tomorrow’s progress.

Together, our competitive grants and scholarships help our region rise thanks to the vision and generosity of our donors. 

The Community Foundation offers both need and merit based scholarships.

Stephen Madry Peck, Jr. Memorial Scholarship Fund

About the Fund

Dr. Peck, a graduate of Twin Lakes High School, was a scholar with an abiding interest in foreign languages and culture. He traveled throughout Africa, Europe, the Caribbean and South America doing research and studying languages and cultures. He was proficient in eight languages besides his native English, and was a professor of Romance Languages at U.C.L.A. Stephen’s hunger for teaching and learning guided his service in many areas, before he passed away from a brain tumor. His mother, Dr. Dorothy Adams Peck established this scholarship to assist graduates who are interested in pursuing a degree in French or Spanish.

The National Cancer Institute (NCI) invites applications for the R33 grant aimed at advancing emerging technologies in cancer research. This funding opportunity seeks projects that demonstrate significant progress in technology development, focusing on cancer biology, early detection, and clinical diagnosis. Eligible proposals must showcase innovative methodologies that enhance research capabilities, with a strong emphasis on technical validation and broad applicability in cancer applications.

The Black Philanthropy Giving Circle Grant, managed by the Baltimore Community Foundation, supports nonprofit organizations that are Black-led or serve Black communities in the Baltimore area. This grant aims to enhance services for African-Americans, ensuring their needs are prioritized. With a focus on community-driven initiatives, the Fund encourages applications from organizations that contribute positively to the local landscape and uphold the values of empowerment and support for Black communities.

Community Foundation for Palm Beach and Martin Counties

The Community Foundation for Palm Beach and Martin Counties, Inc., strengthens our communities by leading philanthropy and solutions through our direct work in partnership with donors, nonprofits and the community. Our 501(c)3 nonprofit Foundation is the foremost resource for convening partners to elevate people, improve lives and make our community a better place to live.

Grants & Scholarships

Grants power our nonprofit partners on the frontlines of pressing local issues, filling the opportunity gaps through direct-to-people programming.

Scholarships support aspiring college students who hold the promise of tomorrow’s progress.

Together, our competitive grants and scholarships help our region rise thanks to the vision and generosity of our donors. 

The Community Foundation offers both need and merit based scholarships.

Roberta and Stephen R. Weiner Scholarship Fund

About the Fund

Established in 1994, the Roberta and Stephen R. Weiner Scholarship Fund was created to open doors for students who may not choose the traditional four-year college path but possess talents that are vital to the future of our society. Recognizing that technical, creative and artistic skills are just as important as academic degrees, Roberta and Stephen Weiner established the fund to help students continue their education beyond high school.

The scholarship is available to graduating seniors from public or private high schools in Palm Beach and Martin counties who demonstrate financial need and a sincere desire to pursue technical training, specialized education or nontraditional programs.

Through the Roberta and Stephen R. Weiner Scholarship Fund, the Weiners are giving young people a chance to find success on their own terms, proving that with the right support, talent and hard work, every student can achieve greatness — no matter what their chosen path.

The Cognitive Neuroscience (CogNeuro) Program by the National Science Foundation aims to fund proposals that deepen our understanding of the neural mechanisms of cognition and behavior. Successful applications will connect physiology, cognition, and behavior while also promoting outreach and mentoring within the field. Research topics include action, perception, memory, and decision-making. The program encourages broader impacts such as STEM outreach and public engagement in research, with a focus on diverse communities.