Best Unrestricted Grants for Nonprofits

The Sustainability Project Grant by the DOE Office of Sustainability supports NYC Public Schools in implementing impactful sustainability projects. Schools can apply for funding up to $5,000 for initiatives that enhance environmental education, create gardens, or promote climate action. The grant aims to empower diverse school communities and foster climate literacy, ultimately contributing to healthier environments and social equity. Priority is given to schools with higher economic need and those that haven't received funding previously.

The Perry Dean and Alice Graham Charitable Foundation Grant supports 501(c)(3) organizations in Texas, with a special focus on Navarro County. Established in 1987, the foundation aims to enhance community welfare through grants in Arts, Culture, Education, and Human Services. Organizations must have operating budgets under $20 million to qualify for funding, ensuring that support reaches smaller, impactful entities dedicated to charitable purposes.

The Al Kersich Student Excellence Award, offered by Montana State University, recognizes outstanding students pursuing a degree in Civil Engineering. This merit-based award aims to support students with exceptional academic records and potential for success. It is available to Montana High School graduates, emphasizing the importance of local talent in the engineering field. Award amounts vary, providing financial assistance to help deserving students achieve their educational goals.

The Alvah & Doris Veit Foundation Academic Grant aims to support Camden, NJ high school graduates pursuing engineering degrees. Established in 2011, this charitable foundation awards grants based on proposals, with a median size of $5,000. Eligible applicants must demonstrate academic excellence, financial need, and community involvement. Grant funds can be used for tuition and educational materials, with applications reviewed quarterly. The foundation is dedicated to fostering academic achievement and community improvement among local students.

The RTK Scholars Program, funded by RTK Environmental Group, provides a $1,500 scholarship to support students pursuing careers in science, particularly in environmental studies, biology, and engineering. This initiative aims to cultivate the next generation of experts in environmental testing and technology. Eligible applicants must maintain a GPA of 3.0 or higher and be enrolled in an accredited institution. The application deadline is May 31 each year, promoting academic excellence and dedication to environmental sciences.

The Somatic Mosaicism across Human Tissues (SMaHT) Program aims to enhance understanding of biological processes and disease mechanisms due to somatic mutations in human tissues. Since 2023, it has produced multi-omic datasets from various human tissues. The NIH plans to advance this initiative by establishing the National Somatic Mosaicism Commons Data Analysis & Organizational Center, which will oversee data management, develop analytical tools, and provide training to facilitate research and clinical applications.

The Tropf Family Scholarships, offered by the Community Foundation of Howard County, provide four scholarships worth $1,000 each to senior students at Atholton, Wilde Lake, Long Reach, and Oakland Mills High Schools. These scholarships aim to support students pursuing studies in mathematics, physical sciences, or engineering at a four-year college or university. Eligible students must maintain a minimum 3.0 GPA and plan to study full-time at an accredited institution.

The Paul G. and Miriam B. Mattern Fund Grant, established in 2012, honors the legacy of Paul and Miriam Mattern, dedicated volunteers from Walton, NY. The fund supports projects that enhance the cultural and social well-being of the community, providing grants up to $5,000 annually to qualified non-profit organizations. Matching grants are encouraged, and various types of support, including capital and program funding, are available to strengthen community initiatives.

The Ashe County Community Foundation Grant supports local nonprofits through various funds, including those for education and children's programs. Established in 1995, ACCF aids community development via competitive grants, typically ranging from $500 to $2,000. Organizations eligible for funding must be 501(c)(3) public charities or local government units, promoting inclusivity without discrimination. This grant is vital for enhancing community assets and addressing local needs in Ashe County.

Community Foundation of the Holland/Zeeland Area

Our Mission

The Community Foundation of the Holland/Zeeland Area seeks to ensure that our community thrives today, tomorrow, and forever by building our Community’s Endowment to support high impact charitable projects, helping donors achieve their charitable goals, and leading and partnering in community-level initiatives.

Scholarships

CFHZ awards over $1 million in scholarships each year for students to attend schools of higher education throughout the nation. Our scholarships are possible thanks to the generosity of donors who invest in our community’s future by furthering the education of others.

All Holland/Zeeland area individuals interested in post-secondary education are encouraged to apply for CFHZ scholarships.

The Foundation proudly administers over 100 scholarships, each with unique eligibility criteria that must be met before a candidate can be considered.

Karri B. and David E. Jasperse Scholarship

• Graduating senior from Holland Christian, Black River, West Ottawa, or Holland High School
• Enrolling in a bachelor's degree program in mathematics, science, or engineering at an accredited public post-secondary school within Michigan
• Financial need (must submit the page of the FAFSA Submission Summary showing the Student Aid Index amount)
• GPA of 3.0 or greater

The Lane and Elizabeth C. Dwinell Charitable Trust Grant aims to strengthen communities and foster positive social change in New Hampshire. Established by Lane and Elizabeth Dwinell, who dedicated their lives to civic engagement, the trust supports diverse charitable organizations, especially those focused on reducing healthcare costs and enhancing local culture. The foundation prioritizes projects that address community needs, particularly in Lebanon and the Upper Valley, while adhering to specific eligibility criteria.

The Juliet Ashby Hillman Foundation Grant supports organizations that help young people in the Portland, Oregon area thrive. With a focus on cultural vibrancy and sustainability, the Foundation aims to mitigate risk factors affecting youth potential. Applications are accepted year-round, with a deadline of October 1, 2025, for this year. The Foundation prioritizes partnerships that foster a healthier, more stable future for the community.

About Oregon Humanities

Oregon Humanities is committed to bringing people together across differences of background, experience, and belief. Each year, we offer hundreds of public conversations and programs across the state, train and support dozens of discussion facilitators, and award grants and fellowships that help people connect, reflect, and cultivate a stronger sense of agency in their communities. In our magazine and on our website, we publish stories that explore the thoughts, perspectives, and experiences of Oregonians. Our long-term hope is that the work of Oregon Humanities will make broad and significant contributions to a more cohesive, inclusive, and imaginative democratic culture.

Mini Grants for Libraries

A grant for Oregon libraries to create and host events in their communities.

Purpose of this grant

Our Mini Grants for Libraries enable Oregon libraries to create and host events in their own communities around an annual theme that corresponds to our Consider This Conversations.

For 2027, Oregon Humanities will award $40,000 in funding to enable Oregon libraries to create and host events in their own communities. 

Events should reflect our 2027 theme: What Do We Trust? We live in a time of declining trust. According to the Pew Research Center, most Americans now say they do not trust government, media, or one another. Grantees are welcome to interpret this theme and develop topics that are relevant to their communities. Potential topics include, but are not limited to the following:

• Why is trust so scarce? 
• How do we decide who or what to trust? 
• How is our trust in others affected by our circumstances, such as wealth, race, and where we live? (Oregonians are more likely than residents of other states to say that most people can be trusted. Why is that?) 

Applicants are encouraged to think about the concept of trust from various perspectives, including family, the economy, technology, civic life, and faith. 

Notes about grant funded activities

• Programs can be in multiple languages or be in a language other than English. Grant reporting must be in English.
• Programs can be hosted online or in-person.

Some activities that are commonly funded by this grant include: 

• Community dialogues
• Speaker events that include audience engagement
• Interactive author presentations
• Storytelling
• Programming that connects exhibits to current experiences
• Community-engaged interpretation of history, art history and theory, cultural history, or philosophy

The Lenoir County Community Foundation Grant Program, established in 1993, supports local charitable initiatives through competitive grants. It primarily serves organizations that are tax-exempt under Section 501(c)(3) or local government units, including public schools. Grants typically range from $500 to $3,000 and are aimed at enhancing community life in Lenoir County. This program encourages diverse organizations to apply, excluding those that engage in political lobbying or faith-based exclusivity.

The SMART FY26 Support for Adam Walsh Act Implementation Grant Program aims to enhance sex offender registration and notification practices across jurisdictions in the U.S. By supporting the implementation of the Sex Offender Registration and Notification Act (SORNA), this grant facilitates the establishment of comprehensive sex offender registries, ensuring that states, territories, and federally recognized tribes comply with federal standards. This initiative also promotes interjurisdictional information exchange and helps maintain public safety.

The Japanese-Language Education Project Grant supports initiatives that enhance Japanese language education across various regions. Offered by the Japan Foundation, Los Angeles, this grant targets workshops, seminars, and original projects that connect language learning with Japan Studies. Eligible applicants include non-profit educational organizations in the U.S. Projects should benefit multiple programs, ensuring a broad impact on Japanese language education. The deadline for applications is two months before the project start date, which must be between April 1, 2025, and March 31, 2026.

Community Foundations of the Hudson Valley 

Community Foundations of the Hudson Valley (CFHV) empowers individuals, families, businesses, and organizations to fulfill their philanthropic goals through the establishment of charitable funds that support the needs of Dutchess, Putnam and Ulster counties. With over $100 million in assets, CFHV manages nearly 600 charitable funds and has distributed more than $777 million in grants and scholarships since January 2000. We lead initiatives to address urgent community needs such as food insecurity and educational challenges, offering both immediate relief and long-term support.

Honorable Anthony J. Pagones Memorial Scholarship

The Community Foundations of the Hudson Valley announces the availability of the Honorable Anthony L. Pagones Memorial Scholarship. Having grown up in Beacon, Judge Pagones dedicated his life to serving the people and places of the area. He was elected as the Beacon City Court Judge and maintained that position until 1997. In addition to serving as the Attorney for the City of Beacon School District, and for the City of Beacon, he acted as legal counsel for many other charitable and volunteer organizations.

Through the generosity of friends and the community, a yearly scholarship will be awarded to a Dutchess County graduating senior with a preference for a Beacon resident, who has the intention to study law, political science/government or criminal justice. Students will be evaluated on their academic performance, community involvement, an essay detailing their career plans, letters of recommendation and financial need.

Type of Award

One-time scholarship payable to school.

Current High School

Dutchess County High School preferably a Beacon resident

The Hahl Proctor Charitable Trust Grant provides financial assistance to charities focusing on children, families, arts, and education. Established by Hahl Proctor, a generous community member, the trust aims to support worthwhile causes with grants typically ranging from $2,000 to $20,000. This initiative reflects her commitment to enhancing community life through charitable endeavors.

The Evelyn W. Preston Memorial Fund Grant supports music concerts in Hartford's public spaces during the summer months. Established in 1978, it is open to nonprofit organizations, including arts groups and cultural centers. Eligible projects must feature at least two instruments and be accessible to the general public. The fund emphasizes community engagement and artistic collaboration, aiming to enrich the cultural landscape of Hartford while ensuring concerts are free for all attendees.

About

The Chester County Community Foundation connects people who care with the causes that matter, so their philanthropy makes a difference now and forever.

As you are aware, there is ongoing uncertainty around federal and state funding that significantly impacts nonprofit organizations. The Community Foundation is committed to supporting a strong and resilient sector, and we encourage all organizations to be proactive in their planning.

We strongly encourage every nonprofit to engage in scenario planning, examine cash flow projections and assess funding risks. We have seen nonprofits explore a variety of pathways forward, such as adapting program design, reducing or merging operations and significantly diversifying revenue streams .

Capacity Building: Coping with Cutbacks Grant

These grants are specifically designed to strengthen the sustainability and effectiveness of nonprofits serving Chester County.

• Funding may support efforts in contingency planning, strategic restructuring, partnerships and collaborations, marketing and communications, resource development, technology improvements, and more.
• Volunteer grant panels and CCCF staff review proposals.

The Hanna H. Gray Fellows Program, supported by the Howard Hughes Medical Institute, aims to enhance diversity in the academic research community. It provides funding of $250,000 and a $20,000 annual expense allowance for early-career researchers committed to fostering an inclusive scientific culture. Eligible applicants must hold a PhD or MD, commit to at least 75% research effort, and have no more than 24 months of postdoctoral experience. This initiative empowers fellows to become leaders in science.

The Hanna H. Gray Fellows Program, funded by the Howard Hughes Medical Institute, aims to enhance diversity in the scientific community by supporting early-career researchers. The program provides funding for postdoctoral training and early faculty years, promoting an inclusive academic culture. Fellows receive an initial salary of $80,000 and a $20,000 annual expense allowance. This initiative helps develop future leaders in biological and biomedical sciences, ensuring equitable opportunities for all backgrounds.

The Robert G. Campbell Community Fund, managed by the Community Foundation of Southern Wisconsin, is an unrestricted endowment dedicated to enhancing the quality of life in Iowa County, WI. Focused on supporting seniors, it funds projects that provide recreational opportunities, quality of life improvements, and community events honoring senior contributions. Annually, a portion of the fund's earnings is allocated to grants for the elderly, historic preservation, the arts, the environment, and education, fostering community enrichment.

The Brian D. Johnson Mechanical Engineering Scholarship at Montana State University provides financial assistance to deserving students pursuing degrees in Mechanical and Industrial Engineering. This scholarship, varying in amount, aims to support those demonstrating financial need and maintaining a minimum GPA of 3.0. Montana State University is committed to offering a robust educational experience, ensuring students achieve academic success while managing their financial responsibilities.

The John W. and Edna McManus Shepard Fund, managed by The Columbus Foundation, supports cultural and economic initiatives that enhance the quality of life for residents in Cambridge and Guernsey County. Eligible applicants include 501(c)(3) organizations that serve these communities. This fund aims to foster community development and enrich local culture through various programs and projects.

The Aaron Howard Townsend Civil Engineering Scholarship, offered by Montana State University, supports students pursuing a degree in Civil Engineering. This scholarship is available for full-time students who are juniors or seniors with a minimum GPA of 3.0. It represents an opportunity for students to receive financial assistance while pursuing their academic goals in engineering, aligning with the university's commitment to fostering academic excellence.