Best Unrestricted Grants for Nonprofits

The New York Foundation Core Grants support community organizing, grassroots advocacy, and movement-building efforts in New York City. Grants of $47,500 per year are available for up to three years for established groups and five years for emerging ones. In addition to funding, grantees gain access to capacity-building resources, including legal services, workshops, and small responsive grants. The foundation prioritizes organizations led by marginalized communities and those addressing systemic injustices.

The scholarships and fellowships provide recipients with the opportunity to attend and explore the operation of the field at the NRPA Annual Conference. A primary focus is to inspire future participation and leadership in NRPA and to develop professional contacts with leadership and members from around the nation. Recipients receive complimentary NRPA Annual Conference registration and a travel stipend.

Young Professional Fellowships

The fellowship provides selected young professionals (up to 4) with the opportunity to explore the operation of NRPA and its governing bodies at the NRPA Annual Conference through the support of Sourcewell. Participants will meet with mentors, be recognized at the awards ceremony and attend various conference sessions and meetings. A primary focus of the program is to inspire future participation and leadership in NRPA and to develop professional contacts.

The South Carolina Department of Education offers the Public Charter Schools Program Discretionary Subgrant to foster the development and initial operation of new charter schools. This competitive grant, funded by the U.S. Department of Education, aims to enhance access to quality education by supporting innovative educational models and addressing achievement gaps. Eligible new charter schools can apply for funding to cover planning and implementation costs, ensuring they are effectively launched to benefit underserved student populations.

The 2025-2026 Teach for America grant aims to enhance the quality of education in Texas by funding proven models to recruit and retain effective teachers, particularly in high-need areas like the Rio Grande Valley and major metropolitan regions. The initiative targets increased employment of TFA teachers, emphasizing training in Bilingual/ESL, science, and math. By 2026, the goal is to have at least 2,100 TFA educators in classrooms serving economically disadvantaged students, ultimately improving student achievement.

The Michigan Animal Health Foundation offers research and education grants to enhance animal health and welfare. Since 1977, these grants have supported nearly 50 projects aimed at improving veterinary care and medical techniques. Eligibility varies, with specific criteria for research grants, while educational grants have no restrictions. Researchers and educators alike can benefit from this funding, which plays a vital role in advancing animal health initiatives.

Greater Northwest Kansas Community Foundation

Our mission is to empower our donors, affiliates and charitable partners through education, stewardship and regional collaboration, to create thriving communities and impact present and future generations.

Russell County SPARC Grant

RCACF will consider applications for SPARC grants within Russell County. Applications will be reviewed upon receipt of the submitted application. Only organizations with a 501(c)(3) public charity status, schools / educational institutions, churches / religious organizations, or local government agencies (city/county) are eligible to apply. Upon approval of the request, funds will take 10-14 days for processing. 

Greater Northwest Kansas Community Foundation

Our mission is to empower our donors, affiliates and charitable partners through education, stewardship and regional collaboration, to create thriving communities and impact present and future generations.

Russell Schools Apple Seed Fund

The Russell Schools Apple Seed Fund was established to promote and enhance the education of public school students within the city of Russell (presently USD 407 schools).

Success Criteria

Successful applicants will meet or address one or more of the following items:

• Items and events which directly benefit the students of the Russell schools and which would not be considered a normal or necessary budget item for basic education.
• Educational trips or experiences, excluding a senior class trip.
• Programs of significant or cultural and/or educational value not otherwise available to students.
• Equipment and materials with significant cultural and/or educational value, otherwise not available to the students.

Williams-Daniels Family Foundation

Headquartered in Brooklyn, New York, The Williams-Daniels Family Foundation is an 501c3 non profit organization started by the late James P. Williams in 2015. The Williams-Daniels Family Foundation is dedicated to empowering individuals and strengthening communities through education, economic opportunity, and meaningful community engagement. Through charitable contributions, partnerships, and volunteer initiatives, the Foundation works to inspire growth, promote self-sufficiency, and cultivate a spirit of service and environmental responsibility. The Foundation fulfills its mission through the following core pillars:

• Education – Providing scholarships, mentorship, and educational support to aspiring students pursuing higher education.
• Economic Empowerment – Equipping individuals and families with resources for financial growth and career advancement through educational, employment encouragement, and financial literacy.
• Community Enrichment – Encouraging volunteerism, environmental awareness, and community involvement by providing programs, information, and outreach initiatives that strengthen and uplift the communities we serve.

Every year, The Williams-Daniels Family foundation honors people in the inner city community to recognize their dedication and hard work.  

J.P. Williams Empowerment Award

The J.P. Williams Empowerment Award honors an individual who has dedicated themselves to empowering others through education, mentorship, leadership, advocacy, or personal example. 

Recipients are catalysts for positive change, investing their time, knowledge, and resources to help others overcome barriers and achieve success. This award celebrates leaders whose influence extends beyond their own accomplishments by equipping others to thrive and lead with purpose.

The Leadership Education in Adolescent Health (LEAH) Program, funded by the US HHS: Health Resources & Services Administration, aims to enhance the quality of care for adolescents and young adults. By establishing graduate training programs, LEAH prepares healthcare professionals to effectively address chronic disease prevention and improve access to team-based healthcare services for this population, ultimately fostering better health outcomes and empowering future leaders in adolescent health.

Every Battle Creek area resident shall have the resources to access post-secondary education and training.

Your dreams matter — and we want to help you achieve them. Whether you’re a graduating high school senior, an adult returning to school, or a graduate student pursuing advanced education, we’re here to support you by opening doors to opportunity.

Beyond tuition, many funds support total cost of attendance — books, fees, equipment, and in some cases childcare or transportation.

Checks are made payable to the educational institution indicated on the follow-up and mailed directly to the educational institution. Checks are typically mailed in early August.

Thomas R. and Catharine G. Allan Scholarship Fund

The Thomas R. and Catharine G. Allan Scholarship was established in memory of Thomas R. and Catharine G. Allan who thought it was important to further your education. The scholarship assists graduating seniors and graduates from Calhoun County public and private high schools pursuing postsecondary educational opportunities in teacher education.

The FY 2027 Service Area Competition (SAC) funding aims to enhance healthcare access in underserved communities across the U.S. by providing grants for comprehensive primary and preventive health services. This initiative addresses essential health needs through competitive funding opportunities, ensuring that health centers can effectively serve their designated areas. Additional service areas may be announced as needed if current centers are unable to continue their operations, thus maintaining service continuity.

The NNLM CHIS Training Award Year 5 aims to enhance the capabilities of rural and small library staff in providing reliable health information. This initiative not only supports health literacy but also promotes community engagement by enabling awardees to conduct CHIS classes. By utilizing existing materials, participants can present these classes in various formats, ensuring broader access to essential health resources. This award fosters local health information leaders, ultimately improving public health outcomes.

The FY 2027 Service Area Competition (SAC) aims to enhance health services in underserved communities across the U.S. and its territories. This funding opportunity supports comprehensive preventive and primary health care delivery. Each SAC announcement details service areas available for competition, with potential additional areas announced throughout the year. This initiative is crucial for ensuring continuous access to quality health care for vulnerable populations.

The FY 2027 Service Area Competition (SAC) funding aims to enhance health services in underserved communities across the U.S. by providing grants for comprehensive preventive and primary health care. The initiative supports health centers in delivering essential services, ensuring that vulnerable populations receive the care they need. Service areas for competition are announced periodically, and additional areas may be added if existing centers are unable to continue their services.

The Alan and Grace Tenn Scholarship Fund supports undergraduate seniors and graduate students majoring in education at Hawaiian institutions. Applicants must demonstrate financial need, maintain a minimum GPA of 2.7, and be residents of Hawaii. The fund prioritizes past recipients who continue to meet eligibility criteria and students planning to teach or counsel within the educational system. The scholarship fosters the development of future educators in Hawaii.

The Clarence FW and Virginia WLC Young Living Trust provides scholarship support to Hawaii public high school graduates attending the University of Hawaii. Established in 2015, the scholarship aims to assist students who demonstrate financial need, maintain a GPA of 3.0 or higher, and are pursuing a major in Education. Eligible students must attend full-time at one of the designated University of Hawaii campuses.

The Lanesborough Initiative For Excellence (LIFE) Grant aims to enhance the educational experience of students and teachers in the Lanesborough School District by funding innovative projects. Eligible applicants include students, teachers, and community members proposing initiatives that foster educational growth. Grants focus on direct project costs, excluding salaries, and preference is given to proposals demonstrating volunteer involvement and additional support. This initiative encourages creativity and resourcefulness in educational settings.

The Andrew Turnbull Scholarship, established in 2011, supports first-year agricultural or horticultural students at Massey University who were enrolled in the Bachelor of Veterinary Science pre-selection semester. This scholarship aims to assist those who did not qualify for other agricultural scholarships earlier in the year. Preference is given to applicants demonstrating a genuine interest in pursuing a career in agriculture or horticulture.

The McDaniel Scholarship at Adams State University aims to provide full-tuition scholarships to students in junior standing or above, including post-graduate and graduate students. Established by Dr. John E. McDaniel, this scholarship honors past students while supporting the educational aspirations of future scholars. As part of Colorado's premier Hispanic-Serving Institution, this initiative reflects the university’s commitment to equitable access to education and empowering historically underserved populations.

Creative Capacity Grant

A grant is a form of financial assistance. The State of Arizona sets aside a certain amount of money to invest in projects that have strong potential for public benefit.

Through Creative Capacity Grants (CCGs) the State provides general operating support to nonprofit organizations whose primary mission is to produce, present, teach, or serve the arts.

CCGs are available to organizations of all sizes, but application requirements vary.

Who is it for?

Organizations may apply for Creative Capacity Grants, levels 1-5, if they…

• are based in Arizona,
• are incorporated as a nonprofit organization* with tax-exempt status, or are a unit of municipal or tribal government,
• have a primary mission to produce, present, teach, or serve the arts,
• have an annual budget of at least $4,000 and up to $399.999, and
• will incur eligible expenses during the funding period (July 1, 2026 – June 30, 2027).

* Unincorporated organizations that are otherwise eligible and whose annual budget is below $200,000 may apply through a nonprofit fiscal sponsor.

Texas Education Agency

The Texas Education Agency is the state agency that oversees primary and secondary public education. It is headed by the commissioner of education. The Texas Education Agency improves outcomes for all public school students in the state by providing leadership, guidance, and support to school systems.

The Division of Governance Interventions supports TEA’s mission and vision by providing exceptional leadership, guidance, and support to school system leadership teams and governing boards. The division collaborates with external field support agents appointed by the TEA Commissioner of Education to build sustainable systems aligned to core TEA initiatives, so that the school system thrives after the release of agency intervention. 

SP Supports 2: Effective Program Model Implementation

Program Description

The purpose of this project is to provide school systems with supplemental supports that include professional development and technical assistance on TEA-developed program implementation resources and researched based guidance.

About AWS

We Move Welding Forward

Founded in 1919, the American Welding Society is a nonprofit organization with a global mission: to advance the science, technology, and application of welding and allied joining and cutting processes worldwide, including brazing, soldering, and thermal spraying.

By fostering knowledge, embracing change, and providing real-world opportunities through scholarships, fellowships, and workforce development, AWS provides the tools to help members succeed—and to inspire future generations of welding professionals.

Counselor and Fellow Awards

The AWS Counselor and Fellow Awards celebrate members for distinguished organizational leadership and notable contributions to welding science and technology.

Counselor Awards

The American Welding Society, in 1999, established the honor of Counselor of the Society to recognize members for a career of distinguished organizational leadership that has enhanced the image and impact of the welding industry. The first class of Counselors was inducted at the 2001 AWS Show.

Election as a Counselor of the Society is demonstrated as evidenced by:

• Leadership of or within an organization that has made a substantial contribution to the welding industry.
• The individual’s organization shall have shown an ongoing commitment to the industry, as evidenced by support of participation of its employees in industry activities.
• Leadership of or within an organization that has made a substantial contribution to training and vocational education in the welding industry.
  • The individual’s organization shall have shown an ongoing commitment to the industry, as evidenced by support of participation of its employees in industry activities.
  • This recognition is selected by the AWS Counselor Committee based on specific criteria at least 16 months in advance of FABTECH.
  • Nominations must be submitted through the online nomination portal by June 1st.
  • Nominations are reviewed/selected at the fall Counselors Committee meeting, with final approval the following year at the spring Districts Council meeting.

A maximum of 5 Counselors are selected each year, as determined by the Counselors selection committee.

About AWS

We Move Welding Forward

Founded in 1919, the American Welding Society is a nonprofit organization with a global mission: to advance the science, technology, and application of welding and allied joining and cutting processes worldwide, including brazing, soldering, and thermal spraying.

By fostering knowledge, embracing change, and providing real-world opportunities through scholarships, fellowships, and workforce development, AWS provides the tools to help members succeed—and to inspire future generations of welding professionals.

Counselor and Fellow Awards

The AWS Counselor and Fellow Awards celebrate members for distinguished organizational leadership and notable contributions to welding science and technology.

Fellow Awards

The American Welding Society, in 1990, established the honor of Fellow of the Society to recognize members for distinguished contributions to welding science and technology, and for promoting and sustaining the professional stature of the field. The first class of Fellows was inducted at the 1991 AWS Show.

AWS Fellow candidates are expected to have demonstrated impactful contributions through research, teaching, leadership, or service. Election as a Fellow of the Society is based on the outstanding accomplishments and technical impact of the individual. These accomplishments will have advanced the science, technology and application of welding, as evidenced by:

• Sustained service and performance in the advancement of welding science and technology
• Publication of papers, articles, and books, which enhance knowledge of welding
• Innovation and development of welding technology
• Society and Section contributions
• Professional recognition

About AWS

We Move Welding Forward

Founded in 1919, the American Welding Society is a nonprofit organization with a global mission: to advance the science, technology, and application of welding and allied joining and cutting processes worldwide, including brazing, soldering, and thermal spraying.

By fostering knowledge, embracing change, and providing real-world opportunities through scholarships, fellowships, and workforce development, AWS provides the tools to help members succeed—and to inspire future generations of welding professionals.

CWI Lifetime Achievement Award

In 2018, the American Welding Society established the AWS Certified Welding Inspector Lifetime Achievement Award to recognize individual members for a career of distinguished service, leadership, outstanding accomplishments, and innovative contributions towards enhancing the image and technology of welding inspection. Individuals receiving the award may be currently working as a CWI or have worked as one in the past.

• Election as a CWI Lifetime Achievement Award recipient is demonstrated as evidenced by:
• Advancements in the field of welding inspection.
• Mentorship of individuals entering the field of welding inspection.
• Effective application of existing and new inspection technology.
• Evidence of participation in activities directly related to the recruitment, training, education and/or mentorship of individuals entering the field of welding inspection.
• This recognition is selected by the AWS CWI Lifetime Achievement Award Committee based on specific criteria.
• Nominations are reviewed/selected during a fall CWI Lifetime Achievement Award Committee meeting with final approval the following year at the spring Districts Council meeting.
• A maximum of 5 recipients are selected each year, as determined by the selection committee.

About AWS

We Move Welding Forward

Founded in 1919, the American Welding Society is a nonprofit organization with a global mission: to advance the science, technology, and application of welding and allied joining and cutting processes worldwide, including brazing, soldering, and thermal spraying.

By fostering knowledge, embracing change, and providing real-world opportunities through scholarships, fellowships, and workforce development, AWS provides the tools to help members succeed—and to inspire future generations of welding professionals.

AWS Distinguished Member Award

The AWS Distinguished Member Award was created to recognize outstanding service and commitment of AWS Members to the Society and the welding industry.

To qualify for Distinguished Member status, applicants must accrue 35 or more points from at least three of the four categories listed on the application form. These include National AWS Leadership, Local AWS Leadership, Professional Development, and AWS Membership Recruitment. Members are invited to nominate an individual by submitting the completed application form to the Director, Membership.

Award recipients will receive an AWS Distinguished Member Award certificate, suitable for framing, a Distinguished Member lapel pin, and recognition in the Welding Journal, as well as in the AWS Awards Directory. Allow three weeks for delivery.

To request more information, please contact the Director, Membership.

Women's Gift Alliance (WGA) Grants

The Women's Gift Alliance (WGA) is a nonprofit membership organization affiliated with the Idaho Community Foundation. WGA does not limit funding to women's causes but strives to address a broad range of community needs. Of the annual membership contributions:

• Half are pooled and distributed through a grant solicitation and selection process.
• The remaining half is equally divided between Individually Designated Gifts and the WGA Endowment Fund.

The WGA awards annual grants through a collaborative selection process directed by its membership. The Grant Committee identifies and requests proposals from organizations that make a significant community impact and demonstrate one or more of the following criteria:

• POOLED Grant CRITERIA
  • Address a community problem
  • Enrich the fabric of the community
  • Foster collaboration or partnerships
  • Create a bold new venture

The award amount is dependent on the size of the Pooled Fund each year. The WGA's first grant, in the amount of $26,000, was awarded in July of 2005. In 2024 WGA awarded three $30,000 Grants along with 2 Finalist Awards of $5,000 each.

The Grant Committee, composed of generally 20 volunteers and 2 co-chairs, meets, reviews, and discusses each proposal. Financial statements of finalist organizations are reviewed, and WGA teams visit applicants on-site. 

Finalist proposals from local nonprofits are placed on a ballot and voted on by the entire Women's Gift Alliance membership. All Pooled Fund Grants are locally distributed within Kootenai County.