Best Unrestricted Grants for Nonprofits

Red Boucher Scholarship Fund

A scholarship fund created in honor of Henry Aristide "Red" Boucher to support post-secondary education for students studying technology. 

The Red Boucher Scholarship honors the late H.A. "Red" Boucher and was established by the Alaska Society for Technology in Education in 2008.

Red Boucher and his family came to Alaska after his service in the Navy. They settled in Fairbanks in 1958 after John F. Kennedy, whom he campaigned for, told him there was great potential in the far north territory. He founded the Fairbanks Goldpanners baseball team in the 1960s, setting up the roots of the Alaska Baseball League. He served on the Fairbanks City Council before becoming mayor in 1966. He was elected lieutenant governor of Alaska under the second administration of Governor William Allen Egan, serving from 1970 to 1974. Afterwards, he served in the Alaska House of Representatives and Anchorage Assembly. He also had an interest in telecommunications, sparked by the first Apple computers, and became known as a telecommunications whiz whose successes included a crusade to boost Internet access in remote Alaska villages.

The Foreign Language Study Grants provide funding up to $5,000 for Harvard graduate students in doctoral programs to participate in intensive language programs abroad. The grants support students after their G1, G2, or G3 years, emphasizing the necessity of the language for their research. Recipients must conduct their studies outside the U.S., ensuring a minimum duration of six weeks for the language program.

The Cressey Family Charitable Trust Grant supports education and literacy initiatives in the Eugene/Springfield area of Oregon. Established in 2006 by John P. Cressey, the trust honors his parents' legacy of community service. The foundation focuses on funding non-profit organizations and the City of Eugene Public Library to enhance reading programs and educational opportunities for local residents. Eligible applicants must be 501(c)(3) organizations operating within the specified geographic area.

The Graves Foundation Grants support grassroots, community-led initiatives in Minneapolis, aiming to close equity gaps and enhance the lives of youth. With a focus on education, community-building, housing, and youth development, the foundation fosters partnerships with local leaders and organizations. They are committed to understanding community needs through active engagement rather than traditional reporting methods. By investing in systemic change, the foundation strives to create a vibrant and inclusive environment for all residents.

The National Endowment for the Arts (NEA) offers Grants for Arts Projects (GAP) to support diverse arts initiatives that enhance public engagement and education. These grants aim to improve community well-being through the arts and are open to all organizations, regardless of size or location. Applicants are encouraged to align their projects with NEA funding priorities, fostering creativity across various disciplines such as music, theater, and visual arts.

The Lenox Education Enrichment Foundation (LEEF) aims to enhance the educational experience for students and teachers in Lenox Public Schools. They invite grant proposals from the community for projects that can improve educational outcomes, such as independent studies, extracurricular programs, and professional development. Grants range from $100 to $1,000, with a focus on projects that demonstrate volunteer support and collaboration. However, no project can receive funding for more than three years.

The Charlie O’Neill Research Grant, established in 1993 by the California Native Plant Society's Orange County Chapter, supports graduate and undergraduate students conducting field research on California’s native plants. The grant aims to protect native plant habitats through research, education, and stewardship. Awards may cover supplies, equipment, and travel costs, and recipients receive a one-year CNPS membership. Preference is given to studies focused on species within Orange County.

The North Lake Tahoe-Truckee Leadership Program aims to develop community leaders in the region, having graduated over 500 participants since 2004. The program, running from January to June 2026, offers full-day sessions on vital topics like economic development and environmental issues. Participants will learn from experienced local leaders and engage in hands-on activities, enhancing their leadership skills. This year's program includes insights on intergenerational leadership, fostering a robust alumni network dedicated to community impact.

The National Board Certified Teachers Scholarship, funded by the Education Minnesota Foundation, aims to support K-12 educators pursuing National Board Certification. Each year, eligible Education Minnesota members can receive scholarships up to $1,000 to cover assessment fees. This initiative particularly encourages first-time applicants while also allowing those maintaining certification to apply. Scholarships are awarded annually, and recipients must provide proof of payment for the certification process to access their funds.

The Nonprofit Security Grant Program, managed by Montgomery County's Office of Emergency Management and Homeland Security, aims to enhance safety for nonprofit and faith-based organizations at high risk of hate crimes. With a budget of $1.2 million for FY 2026, eligible organizations can request up to $15,000 for security improvements. This initiative emphasizes the importance of community resilience and preparedness, ensuring that vulnerable organizations have the necessary resources to protect themselves against potential threats.

The Minnesota Teacher of the Year Award honors outstanding educators who inspire students and elevate the teaching profession. Nominations for 2026 are now open, inviting communities to recognize exceptional teachers who embody dedication and excellence. The award will be presented on May 3, 2026, at the Saint Paul RiverCentre. This prestigious recognition not only celebrates local talent but also positions the winner as Minnesota’s representative for the National Teacher of the Year.

The Public Health Preparedness Program, led by the New Jersey Department of Health, is a critical initiative aimed at enhancing the state's public health response capabilities. Funded by the CDC, this program focuses on strengthening all-hazards preparedness, fostering community resilience, and ensuring effective emergency response. By collaborating with healthcare coalitions and local health departments, it aims to improve the public health system's readiness and capacity to prevent illness and save lives during emergencies.

The Education Support Professional of the Year award recognizes outstanding contributions by education support professionals in Minnesota. Annually, Education Minnesota honors an individual who exemplifies dedication and excellence in their role. Nominations for the 2025-26 award are now open, inviting submissions from colleagues and community members. The recipient will receive a $1,200 honorarium, a choice of technology, and an expense-paid trip to a national conference, celebrating their impactful work within the educational community.

The California Advanced Services Fund's Broadband Infrastructure Grant Project aims to provide free broadband service to residents of low-income communities through grants and loans. With a funding allocation of $15 million for the fiscal year, eligible applicants can request up to $150,000 to build broadband networks in public housing and mobile home parks. This initiative seeks to bridge the digital divide by ensuring access to high-speed internet for 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 6-8, 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 a minimum annual budget of $400,000, 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.

The Betsy Palmer Graduate Student Scholarship at Montana State University supports graduate students pursuing degrees in Education, Health, and Human Development. This scholarship offers varying award amounts based on merit and is part of a robust financial assistance program that aims to recognize and reward academic excellence. Montana State University is committed to providing opportunities for students who demonstrate outstanding promise for success in their academic endeavors.

The CBT Arts and Culture Program supports local artistic and cultural projects that benefit Basin communities. This funding aims to empower artists, address local issues, and enhance community engagement in arts initiatives. Eligible applicants include individuals and organizations based in the Columbia Basin Trust region, with an emphasis on original creative works. Projects should prioritize innovative solutions while adhering to application guidelines. This initiative fosters cultural awareness and strengthens the local arts landscape for lasting community impact.

The CBT Arts and Culture Program provides funding for mentoring and master classes aimed at enhancing the skills of artists in the Basin. Supported by the Columbia Basin Trust, this initiative offers grants to individuals and organizations dedicated to artistic development. Projects must prioritize quality mentoring opportunities delivered by recognized professionals, ensuring that artists receive specialized training and support to elevate their craft.

The CBT Arts and Culture Program provides grants for major projects in the arts, supporting individuals and organizations in the Columbia Basin region. It encourages innovative artistic works and performances, requiring applicants to discuss project proposals with CKCA beforehand. This funding is designed to foster cultural initiatives, ensuring projects focus on original creative contributions, while excluding operational costs and retroactive funding. Eligible applicants must reside in the region for at least 12 months prior to application.

Community Foundation of the Fox River Valley

The Community Foundation of the Fox River Valley is a collection of individual funds and resources given by local citizens to enhance and support the quality of life in the Fox River Valley of Illinois.

We are a tax-exempt public charity that allows individuals, businesses, and non-profit organizations to establish permanent endowments and temporary funds within the confines of one large foundation.

Foundation funds are used to provide grants to non-profit organizations and scholarships to area students. The Foundation also hosts a Youth Engagement in Philanthropy (YEP) program, which helps high school students learn more about philanthropy and empowers them to make a difference in the community.

The Community Foundation of the Fox River Valley serves the City of Aurora, Kane County, and Kendall County within the State of Illinois.

Clemens-Clair Future Educators Scholarship Fund

This scholarship is named for Clemens J. Rosen and Clair J. Hemphill – two fathers who encouraged and paid for their daughters to pursue college educations. Both believed an educated woman had more opportunities and would be better able to take care of herself and her family.

Clemens Rosen (1919-2016) did not finish grade school as he was needed on the farm. However, nobody could beat him in Scrabble. He served in WWII on a B24, was shot down twice and was held in a Nazi POW camp until the end of the war. He then took employment in Peoria, IL, first working for Western Electric and then as a foreman for Caterpillar Tractor Company.

Clair Hemphill (1912-1979) finished high school and was a life-long farmer in Elwood, Illinois. Clair’s father was a farmer as was his grandfather and others before him. Clair’s mother was a teacher until she married. He had a strong belief in women pursuing education and was proud that his daughter did just that.

This scholarship is a $10,000 scholarship, awarding $5,000 for two consecutive years providing that students maintain their enrollment status. 

Project Assistance Grants

The goal of the Community Arts grant program is to enhance the quality of life in Alabama communities through the arts.

This program supports projects that focus on community engagement and enhancement through the arts. Projects may include, but are not limited to, festivals, performances, workshops, after-school programs, or exhibitions. Multidisciplinary and collaborative projects are welcome.

$1,000-$10,000 requests for single events or workshops, such as a festival or art camp.

Grants: Powering Fort Worth’s Arts Organizations

Arts Fort Worth Community Impact Funds

The mission of Arts Fort Worth is to promote, nurture, and support the arts in Fort Worth. Arts Fort Worth’s competitive grants programs serve this mission by supporting local arts organizations and making the artistic programming they provide accessible to everyone in our city.

Apply for both operating and outreach project support in one application!

Community Impact Funds provide fundamental mission support through unrestricted funding to established nonprofit arts organizations for general operations, administration, and programming costs. This grant opportunity combines the intent of the two grant opportunities previously called CORE and CORE Plus into one unrestricted grant.

The Lisa Libraries Book Grants provide essential resources to organizations in low-income or underserved areas, enabling them to establish or enhance small libraries. Founded in 1990 to honor children's book editor Lisa Novak, the initiative has donated over one million books to help children gain access to literature. If your organization serves children in need of books, consider applying for support to create a nurturing reading environment.

The NewSchools: Learning Solutions Grant Program aims to empower K-8 students by enhancing their literacy and numeracy skills, crucial for overcoming educational challenges exacerbated by the pandemic. With a focus on innovative learning solutions, the program seeks to fund early-stage ideas that engage students and support educators. By leveraging research and technology, including generative AI, it aims to create equitable educational opportunities, fostering a brighter future for all students.

The Indigenous Energy Support Program (IESP) aims to enhance the capacity of First Nation and Métis communities to engage in energy projects. By providing funding for education and skill development, this program empowers communities to take advantage of energy opportunities, promoting cleaner and more affordable energy systems. The program focuses on community capacity-building initiatives, project-readiness training, and innovative projects that align with its objectives, fostering sustainable energy solutions.

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.

Education / Meritorious / Service Awards

The Educational/Meritorious/Service awards recognize individuals who have made notable contributions to the welding industry. From educators who have advanced welding knowledge to those who've exhibited outstanding service, these awards celebrate dedication, expertise, and the advancement of welding as both an art and a science.

Elihu Thomson Resistance Welding Award

This award is administered by the American Welding Society and sponsored by the Resistance Welding Manufacturing Alliance (RWMA). It was established in 1985, during RWMA's 50th anniversary, for initial presentation in 1986 to celebrate the 100th Anniversary of the invention of resistance welding. Naming of proposed recipients is the responsibility of RWMA.

It is presented annually to a living individual who has made an outstanding contribution to the technology and application of resistance welding, as evidenced by:

• Invention or production of new resistance welding equipment innovations or technology
• A unique application of resistance welding in a production environment
• A technical paper published in the Welding Journal or any other industry-recognized publication, or
• Other contribution the RWMA Governance Committee deems worthy of recognition

The State Library of Ohio offers the Conservation and Preservation Grant, providing up to $4,999 to libraries for conserving unique items or small collections. This initiative aims to support libraries in preserving culturally significant artifacts that reflect Ohio's historic and artistic heritage. Applicants must attend a mandatory workshop to ensure successful grant applications. The workshop covers selection criteria, working with conservators, and treatment documentation, enhancing the applicant's ability to manage preservation projects.