Best Unrestricted Grants for Nonprofits

The Peggy Barber Tribute Grant, offered by the American Library Association, supports libraries facing budget constraints by providing $2,500 to three selected libraries. The 2025-2026 cycle focuses on programming that strengthens community ties through libraries as third spaces, promoting gatherings and connections among individuals. Eligible proposals may include intergenerational gardening programs, play-based activities for adults, or visual arts performances. Applicants must have ALA or ARSL membership and demonstrate how their program will foster community engagement.

TheOhio Department of Health (ODH), Bureau of Health Improvement and Wellness, Violence and Injury Prevention Section, announces the availability of grant funds

Any award made through this program is contingent upon the availability of funds for this purpose. The First-tier subrecipient agency  must be prepared to support the costs of operating the program until receipt of grant payments.

The following criteria must be met for grant applications to be eligible for review:

• The Applicant does not owe funds to ODH and has repaid any funds due with 45 days of the invoice date.
• Applicant has not been certified to the Attorney General’s (AG’s) office.

The Illinois Community College Board has initiated the Digital Instruction for Adult Education grant to enhance technology access and digital skills for adult learners. This initiative aims to support Title II Adult Education and IELCE programs in upgrading their technology infrastructure, ensuring effective integration of technology in classrooms, and improving distance learning options. By fostering innovation through AI and increasing access to educational resources, the grant will empower individuals with foundational skills to transition into postsecondary education and the workforce.

The PLTW Computer Science program, funded by the John Deere Foundation, aims to enhance STEM opportunities for underserved students in John Deere communities. This initiative supports schools initiating or expanding PLTW Computer Science courses starting in the 2025-2026 academic year. With a commitment to inclusive education, the foundation seeks to empower students by providing essential resources and opportunities to develop critical skills that will serve them in future careers.

The PLTW Computer Science program, in collaboration with the John Deere Foundation, aims to enhance access and participation in STEM for underserved students in John Deere home communities. This initiative focuses on expanding existing Computer Science programs in schools, ensuring equitable educational opportunities, and developing critical skills through real-world challenges. The partnership is part of a commitment to support 1 million underrepresented youth by 2030, fostering inclusivity in education.

The Bonner County Human Rights Task Force Fund, established in 1992, promotes equality and human rights through community education and advocacy. Grants of up to $8,000 support projects that celebrate diversity and enhance human rights. Eligible applicants include local organizations, educational institutions, and government entities committed to these ideals. Projects should engage the community and focus on non-discrimination and cultural diversity, contributing to the rich fabric of Bonner County.

The PLTW Engineering program expansion, supported by Ardagh Group, aims to enhance educational opportunities for over 500,000 PreK-12 students in local communities. This initiative will not only add new PLTW Engineering courses but also provide training for more than 5,000 teachers across 2,000 schools over the next decade. By fostering access to quality education, Ardagh Group is committed to building vibrant communities and ensuring equal opportunities for all students.

Saginaw Community Foundation

The Saginaw Community Foundation (SCF) is a tax-exempt charitable organization created by and for the people of Saginaw County. Established in 1984 with an initial grant of $50,000 by the Junior League of Saginaw Valley in celebration of its 50th anniversary, SCF enables people with philanthropic interests to easily and effectively support the issues they care about – immediately, or through their wills. SCF is one of 900+ community foundations nationwide classified as a public charity under Section 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code.

Unlike a private foundation, SCF’s assets come from any number of individuals, corporations, foundations and organizations interested in improving the quality of life in our community. These gifts range in size and purpose, depending upon the interests of individual donors. Some funds are given for specific charitable purposes; others are unrestricted so they may be used to meet the changing needs of our community.

Saginaw Social Service Club – Norman D. Osborne Memorial Scholarship

The Saginaw Social Service Club, established in 1936, provides this scholarship in memory of Norman Osborne. The Saginaw Social Service Club’s goals are to promote social work, the exchange of ideas and information on social questions, and the development of professional relationships to enhance public service.

Mr. Osborne dedicated his life to the betterment of the Saginaw community and was a lifelong member of the Saginaw Social Service Club.

Evaluation Criteria

• Financial need
• Community service and/or work experience
• Recommendations
• Essay

The PLTW Gateway grant from Chevron aims to enhance educational opportunities in San Ramon, California, by expanding Project Lead The Way (PLTW) programs in local schools. With over $17 million invested since 2009, Chevron's support has transformed the educational landscape for nearly 250,000 students and 8,100 teachers across multiple states. This funding will facilitate the introduction of new units and training for teachers, ensuring sustainable growth and improved learning outcomes for K-12 students.

The PLTW Engineering program, in partnership with Ardagh Group, aims to enhance education in local communities over the next decade, impacting over 500,000 PreK-12 students and training more than 5,000 teachers across 2,000 schools in the U.S. This initiative is supported by a $50,000 grant, distributed over three years, facilitating diverse engineering courses and improving educational equity. Ardagh Group, a global leader in sustainable packaging, emphasizes the importance of education in fostering vibrant communities.

The Teacher Time Analysis and Supports Admin Grant, overseen by the Texas Education Agency, aims to enhance the efficiency of teacher time use and resource allocation in public education. This grant supports school systems in conducting inquiries into their educational practices, ultimately benefiting over 5 million students. By providing essential administrative support, the grant facilitates a systematic approach to improving educational outcomes through effective resource management and strategic planning from 2025 to 2028.

The Glens Falls Foundation Grant, established in 1939, aims to enhance the quality of life in the Greater Glens Falls area by funding non-profit organizations that meet community needs. Grants support capital projects, equipment, and special initiatives, with a focus on projects demonstrating viability, sustainability, and community impact. The Foundation prioritizes applicants with a clear financial need and encourages innovative projects while discouraging funding for general operating expenses.

The PLTW Launch grant, funded by Chevron, aims to enhance educational experiences for students in San Ramon by expanding Project Lead The Way programs. With a total award of $10,000 distributed over two years, the grant supports schools that commit to implementing at least two PLTW Launch modules. Since 2009, Chevron has invested over $17 million in PLTW, benefiting nearly 250,000 students and 8,100 teachers across multiple states. This initiative underscores Chevron's dedication to quality education.

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. 

Center for Strategic Compensation

Program Description

The 2026-2028 Center for Strategic Compensation (CSC) Grant will support School Systems in developing and implementing strategic compensation systems, talent systems support, and other related strategic planning while utilizing funds obtained through participation in the Teacher Incentive Allotment (TIA) as well as local district dollars. The Center for Strategic Compensation aims to support School Systems in obtaining an Enhanced TIA district designation and provide support to Education Service Centers (ESCs) to develop capacity in supporting School Systems to develop and implement strategic compensation systems.

Raymond and Paulette Cox Scholarhsip (Piedmont)

Provides scholarship to a Piedmont graduating senior with a GPA of 3.0-3.00, attending a two- or four-year college or university and majoring in health services or public service.

The Local Road Administration (LRA) Assistance Funds, administered by the Georgia Municipal Association, provide essential funding for local road projects without requiring a match. These funds are included in the amended fiscal year 2025 budget to support various eligible activities, such as road construction, maintenance, and safety improvements. Local governments must meet specific compliance standards and submit necessary documentation to access this funding, fostering enhanced infrastructure across communities.

The ACS Bridge Travel & Professional Development Award supports undergraduate and graduate students from diverse backgrounds in the chemical sciences to attend ACS meetings. This funding, up to $1,000, helps cover essential expenses such as registration, transportation, and lodging. By enhancing participation in conferences, the award aims to foster mentorship and opportunity for students from historically marginalized groups, ultimately contributing to a more inclusive scientific community.

Nebraska Department of Economic Development

Since 1967, the Nebraska Department of Economic Development (DED) has been focused on growing and diversifying the state’s economic base, bringing new dollars, new businesses, and new people into the state. DED's mission is to provide quality leadership and services that enable Nebraska’s communities, businesses, and people to succeed in a global economy. We are here, equipped and ready, to assist you and your community in developing and capitalizing on economic development opportunities.

Community Development Block Grant

The federal Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) program provides funding for community and economic development projects in order to encourage additional federal, state and private resource investment. Communities receiving CDBG funds use the grants to provide safe and sanitary housing, a suitable living environment and expanded economic opportunities. The Nebraska DED administers the CDBG program for most of the state. Due to population size, some cities in Nebraska are the administrators of the CDBG program in their communities. DED receives federal funds for CDBG from the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) on an annual basis.

CDBG Downtown Revitalization

CDBG funds can be utilized for downtown revitalization projects. The purpose of the Downtown Revitalization (DTR) Opportunity is to leverage investments that will contribute to the revitalization or redevelopment of downtown infrastructure and develop a greater capacity for growth, addressing health and safety concerns and commercial revitalization within the traditional business centers of our Nebraska communities. This provides a sound basis for fostering local economic development through public and private sector partnerships. This recognizes the importance of the condition and viability of a downtown to increase the community’s tax base and cultivates a tangible center for community activity. These projects directly relate to business retention, expansion, and location decisions, recognizing that downtowns reflect the economic core and persona of our communities.

The Safe Streets and Roads for All (SS4A) Grant Program for FY25 aims to enhance road safety through competitive funding for planning and demonstration initiatives. This includes the creation and improvement of safety action plans to prevent fatalities and serious injuries across all roadway users. Eligible applicants must have or be developing an SS4A-funded action plan. The program supports comprehensive strategies that address various roadway safety challenges.

The Matthew Isakowitz Commercial Space Scholarship, presented by the Commercial Space Federation and the Matthew Isakowitz Foundation Programs, is an annual scholarship aimed at college students passionate about the commercial space industry. Recipients are awarded $1,000 and gain internship consideration and networking opportunities with industry leaders. The program emphasizes the importance of space policy knowledge, encouraging students to follow Matthew Isakowitz's legacy of kindness and generosity while pursuing careers in this evolving field.

The Safe Streets and Roads for All (SS4A) Grant Program- Implementation Grants aims to enhance road safety through competitive funding for projects addressing roadway safety issues. These grants support various initiatives, including planning and infrastructure improvements, to reduce fatalities and injuries among all road users. Eligible applicants must have a comprehensive safety action plan, ensuring that funded projects align with established safety strategies and are completed within five years of the grant agreement.

The TIA Conference Management, sponsored by the Texas Education Agency, aims to enhance teacher designation systems and strategic compensation practices across Texas school systems. Open to 1,000 leaders and ESC TIA Leads, the conference will provide essential resources and best practices to improve teacher retention and increase TIA designations. This initiative supports educational equity and excellence by fostering collaboration among local educational agencies.

The Computer Science Teacher Equipment and Community Grant aims to enhance computer science education for all students by providing up to $200,000 in funding for Georgia LEAs. This grant offers support for professional development, including physical computing resources and attending conferences. By fostering a collaborative community among educators, the initiative seeks to engage students effectively in learning computer science, ensuring they gain valuable skills and experiences in this critical field.

The NLM Grants for Scholarly Works in Biomedicine and Health (G13) program invites applications to support the creation of book-length manuscripts and scholarly works that are vital for U.S. health professionals and scientists. This initiative aims to foster critical reviews and analytical syntheses that enhance understanding of biomedical and public health challenges, ultimately contributing valuable resources for education, research, and clinical practice.

Ann E. Myers Scholarship

Ann E. Myers was born in Tiffin, Ohio in 1951. She held a Bachelor’s Degree from The Ohio State University and a Master’s Degree in Education from Ashland University, and was a National Board Certified Teacher. Teaching elementary school was Ann’s true calling and joy. She began her teaching career in Lancaster, Ohio in 1973. She taught in Lancaster until 1984, at which time she began teaching in the Dublin, Ohio school system. From 1984 until her retirement in 2012, Ann taught at various elementary grade levels at Olde Sawmill, Wyandot, Scottish Corners, and Indian Run. During her teaching career, Ann gave freely of her time to mentor younger teachers. Above all, she loved her students and would do anything for them. After retirement, Ann volunteered her time at Habitat for Humanity, Franklin County Food Bank, Franklin Park Conservatory, and Upper Arlington Library. Ann battled cancer for many years until her death in 2018. Courage and optimism were her best traits. Ann’s husband established the scholarship to ensure that her legacy of teaching young students the wonders of learning would live on. The scholarship establishes that goal by encouraging Dublin High School students to pursue a career in education.

Award Amount:

• $10,000 payable over four years at $2,500 per academic year.

The Fund for UU Social Responsibility Grant supports Unitarian Universalist organizations in the U.S., Canada, and Mexico, focusing on social justice, community engagement, and fostering generosity. With backing from the Unitarian Universalist Association, the program encourages innovative projects that promote the values of Unitarian Universalism while enhancing community involvement. Grants are typically for one year, with potential for renewal based on project success and community impact.

The Space Technology Research, Development, Demonstration, and Infusion (SpaceTech REDDI-2026) initiative by NASA aims to advance transformational space technologies to meet critical stakeholder needs. This umbrella solicitation for FY 2026 will invite proposals across various technology topics, promoting innovation and competitiveness in the U.S. space sector. With a focus on economic growth and fostering a strong aerospace community, STMD supports ideas from diverse innovators nationwide.