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Best Unrestricted Grants for Nonprofits

Get unrestricted grants for nonprofits providing flexible funding to meet pressing organizational or program needs.

32,000+

Available grants

$8.25B

Total funding

$6K

Median grant

32,000+ grants
$8.25B total
$6K median

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32,499 Results based on applied filters

Donald D. Casson Character Counts Scholarship

Mid Shore Community Foundation
Private
United States
Unspecified amount

Mid Shore Community Foundation Mid-Shore Community Foundation awards scholarships to high school seniors in Caroline, Dorchester, Kent, Queen Anne’s and Talbot Counties, who are planning to attend a college, university, or trade school. In general, scholarships are awarded to students who demonstrate academic achievement, community service, financial need, and other criteria specified by the donor.

The Foundation awards scholarships to high school seniors through a pooled scholarship application - students complete one online application in consideration for all scholarships to which they meet eligibility. All applications are reviewed and considered by the Foundation’s Scholarship Committee. Donald D. Casson Character Counts ScholarshipAwarded to students graduating from Talbot County Public Schools, who have participated in a character education program, such as Character Counts. 

Education - Higher Education

Rebecca Lynn Seto Memorial Scholarship

Bold Foundation Inc.
Private
United States
US $5,000

Our Mission

Fighting Student Debt

The average student today will graduate more than $30,000 in debt and is far less likely to start small businesses, seek the highest impact careers, buy homes, or start families. At Bold.org®, we believe that’s a problem worth solving.

Rebecca Lynn Seto Memorial Scholarship

Rebecca Lynn Seto was an amazing young lady with a huge heart and a wacky sense of humor. Despite being non-verbal and having a very rare syndrome that no one, including education and medical staff, had ever encountered before, she touched the lives of many. Family was most important to Becky. She was happiest at family gatherings, where singing "Happy Birthday" would excite her immensely. She was an active, lifelong member of St. John’s Lutheran Church, where she loved attending services and socializing with her church family, classmates, friends, and even strangers. Her contagious smile and laughter lit up rooms and stadiums, and she was ecstatic at her first live game watching her beloved NY Giants. Her smile and laughter were present during many of the activities she loved, such as riding roller coasters, dancing, kayaking, drumming, swimming, and bike riding.

Becky and her family benefited greatly from the help of special educators, physical therapists, speech therapists, occupational therapists, and social workers. The staff who got the most from Rebecca and whom she enjoyed working with the most were those who took the time to understand her quirky personality, her likes, and dislikes. Most importantly, they figured out how to communicate with her even though she couldn’t talk. They used this understanding to build successful programming and goals for her. Over her lifetime, from early intervention through high school, teams who worked with Becky were innovative and engaged her, making her excited to go to school and work with them.

Sadly, Rebecca passed away on May 3, 2024, at the age of just thirty-one. Becky’s impact on people will continue through the Rebecca Lynn Seto Memorial Scholarship, benefiting those studying special education, occupational therapy, physical therapy, speech therapy, or social work.

Education - Higher Education

Dog Enrichment Grant

Petfinder Foundation
Private
Canada, Mexico +1 more
Up to US $4,000
The Dog Enrichment Grant, offered by the Petfinder Foundation, aims to enhance the quality of life for dogs awaiting adoption through enrichment activities and items. Grants are available for play yard renovations (up to $3,000) and interactive items (up to $1,000). Applications are accepted monthly until funds are depleted, and the window closes on November 1. Eligible expenses must be utilized within three months, and reimbursement requests will not be accepted.
Animal Welfare - Domestic Animals & Pets

Mutual Self-Help Housing Technical Assistance Grants in Oregon

USDA: Rural Development (RD)
Federal Government
Oregon
Unspecified amount
The Mutual Self-Help Housing Technical Assistance Grants in Oregon provide crucial funding to organizations that assist low-income families in constructing their homes through cooperative effort. Grant recipients aid these families by offering technical and supervisory support, ensuring they can successfully build homes in rural areas. This initiative not only fosters community engagement but also empowers families by allowing them to take an active role in the construction process.
Real Estate & Housing

Broadwater County Development Corporation: Marketing Grant

Montana Community Foundation
Private
Broadwater County, Montana
Up to US $500
The Broadwater County Development Corporation offers a Marketing Grant aimed at promoting events that boost economic development in Broadwater County. This initiative encourages local organizations to attract visitors, thereby supporting local businesses. Grants are available for up to $500 for BCDC members and $250 for non-members. Eligible applicants must be based in Broadwater County, and the event must be held in the same area. This program is essential for enhancing community engagement and economic vitality.
Economic Services & Development

Mutual Self-Help Housing Technical Assistance Grants in North Carolina

USDA: Rural Development (RD)
Federal Government
North Carolina
Unspecified amount
The Mutual Self-Help Housing Technical Assistance Grants in North Carolina provide essential funding to organizations that aid low-income families in constructing their homes. Through local self-help projects, families work together under the guidance of grant recipients, who offer technical assistance. This initiative not only empowers communities but also promotes affordable housing in rural areas, ensuring that families have the support needed for successful home construction.
Real Estate & Housing

Dorchester County Public Schools Education Foundation Scholarship

Mid Shore Community Foundation
Private
Dorchester County, Maryland
Unspecified amount

Mid Shore Community Foundation Mid-Shore Community Foundation awards scholarships to high school seniors in Caroline, Dorchester, Kent, Queen Anne’s and Talbot Counties, who are planning to attend a college, university, or trade school. In general, scholarships are awarded to students who demonstrate academic achievement, community service, financial need, and other criteria specified by the donor.

The Foundation awards scholarships to high school seniors through a pooled scholarship application - students complete one online application in consideration for all scholarships to which they meet eligibility. All applications are reviewed and considered by the Foundation’s Scholarship Committee. Dorchester County Public Schools Education Foundation ScholarshipAwarded to students graduating from Dorchester County Public Schools, who have completed the Teacher Academy of Maryland Program, with a minimum of 100 hours in internship placement and are planning to pursue degrees in Education. 

Education - Higher Education

Website and Technology Grant

Kentucky Department for Libraries and Archives (KDLA)
State/Local Government
Kentucky
Up to US $9,000

Organizational Information

​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​Mi​ssio​n​

Uniting People and Information.

Visi​on

We envision a future in which Kentuckians value the importance of libraries and Kentucky government records and we are recognized for:

  • Innovative and creative approaches for preserving and providing access to government records;
  • Enabling libraries to be essential to their communities;
  • Being a va​lued partner in the educational and economic development of the Commonwealth.

2027 Website and Technology Grant

Overview

This grant is made possible by KDLA’s funding from the Grants to States program administered by the Institute of Museum and Library Services (IMLS). Projects must support the information needs of all Kentuckians by providing access to resources as identified in the 2023-2027 LSTA 5-Year Plan. 

Goals

To support initiatives to update library websites to meet the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) standards and offer current technology. All project activities and funds must be spent by August 31, 2027.

Library Services Technology Access & Digital Literacy

Platt Scholarships for Fieldwork Participation

American Society of Overseas Research (ASOR)
Private
Armenia, Croatia +19 more
US $2,000
The Platt Scholarships for Fieldwork Participation, offered by the American Society of Overseas Research (ASOR), provide $2,000 scholarships for members involved in ASOR-affiliated archaeological projects. This year, ASOR plans to award nine scholarships to support participation in fieldwork across the Mediterranean and Western Asia. Scholarships aim to facilitate research endeavors while prioritizing applicants who have not previously received funding from ASOR or other sources for this summer.
Archaeology

PDCED: Flood Mitigation Grant Program

Pennsylvania Department of Community and Economic Development
State/Local Government
Pennsylvania
Up to US $500,000
The PDCED Flood Mitigation Grant Program, administered by the Pennsylvania Department of Community and Economic Development, supports projects aimed at reducing flood risks across the state. It allocates funds from the Marcellus Legacy Fund to eligible applicants for projects costing $50,000 or more. This initiative is crucial for communities facing flood challenges, ensuring they receive the necessary resources to implement effective mitigation strategies.
Disaster Preparedness

Elizabeth Schalk Memorial Scholarship

Bold Foundation Inc.
Private
United States
US $2,000

Our Mission

Fighting Student Debt

The average student today will graduate more than $30,000 in debt and is far less likely to start small businesses, seek the highest impact careers, buy homes, or start families. At Bold.org®, we believe that’s a problem worth solving.

Elizabeth Schalk Memorial Scholarship

Mental health issues are among the most common health issues affecting individuals and families today. 

Mental illness can make it a challenge for families by not only affecting those who suffer directly but also those suffering indirectly. The Elizabeth Schalk Memorial Scholarship will not only help fund a student's education, but will also memorialize Elizabeth Schalk, who suffered from mental illness throughout her life.

To apply, write about how mental illness has had an effect on you and/or the people you are close to.

Education - Higher Education

Undergraduate STEM Research Scholarships

Virginia Space Grant Consortium
Association/Society
Virginia
Up to US $8,500
The Undergraduate STEM Research Scholarships, funded by the Virginia Space Grant Consortium and NASA, offer up to $8,500 to full-time STEM students engaged in faculty-mentored research projects with aerospace relevance. Eligible applicants must be U.S. citizens, enrolled as juniors or seniors, and maintain a minimum GPA of 3.0. Scholarships are competitive and non-renewable, providing stipends for academic and summer research activities.
STEM / STEAM Education

Mutual Self-Help Housing Technical Assistance Grants in Ohio

USDA: Rural Development (RD)
Federal Government
Ohio
Unspecified amount
The Mutual Self-Help Housing Technical Assistance Grants in Ohio support local organizations in assisting low-income families to construct their own homes in rural areas. Grant recipients provide essential technical and supervisory assistance, enabling families to engage in the building process. This program fosters community development and empowers participants through self-help housing initiatives, ensuring they gain valuable skills while improving their living conditions.
Real Estate & Housing

Betty Taylor Memorial Award

Community Foundation of Henderson County
Private
North Carolina
Unspecified amount

Betty Taylor Memorial Award

The Betty Taylor Memorial Award is designed to award funds to support advancement in the applicants career as an emerging artist in the field of visual arts and crafts through education, advanced projects, marketing and/or other related pursuits. The relationship of the project to the career advancement of the applicant must be clearly defined in the “Narrative” section of the application. Conducting deeper study is a key element to the Taylor Award, and the applicant will need to elaborate on study method, mentoring, apprenticeships, etc.

Purpose 

To promote emerging artists who are in need of financial support for continued education in the field of visual arts and crafts.

The Betty Taylor Memorial Award is funded by The Ellen (Betty) Taylor Memorial Fund at Community Foundation of Henderson County (CFHC) and administrated in partnership with the Arts Council of Henderson County. 

Artist Training & Development

A to Z Fund Mini-Grant- General Classroom

Oakland Public Education Fund
Private
Alameda County, California
Up to US $1,500
The A to Z Fund Mini-Grant supports Oakland public schools by providing resources for underfunded educational projects, including STEM, art, and music initiatives. With a focus on equity, the fund prioritizes schools serving low-income students and those facing significant challenges. Grants can cover supplies, guest speakers, and project-related expenses, ensuring that all students have access to enriching experiences. This initiative addresses the disparities in funding across schools, aiming to create equal opportunities for all students.
Teacher Development & Training

State Historical Fund: Planning Grant

History Colorado
Private
Colorado
Up to US $20,000
The State Historical Fund's Planning Grant, offered by History Colorado, supports public entities and nonprofit organizations in Colorado to develop planning documents essential for future preservation projects. This grant fosters collaboration with experienced consultants familiar with the Secretary of Interior's Standards. Eligible applicants include state agencies, local governments, and certified nonprofits. The funding aims to enhance historical preservation efforts, ensuring that critical planning is completed to facilitate successful project execution.
Historic Preservation

Mutual Self-Help Housing Technical Assistance Grants in North Dakota

USDA: Rural Development (RD)
Federal Government
North Dakota
Unspecified amount
The Mutual Self-Help Housing Technical Assistance Grants in North Dakota provide essential funding to qualified organizations that assist low-income families in constructing their own homes. These grants enable local organizations to offer technical and supervisory support throughout the construction process, fostering community and self-reliance. Eligible applicants include government non-profits and federally-recognized Tribes, ensuring that resources are directed towards those in need of housing assistance. This program ultimately aims to enhance rural housing initiatives.
Real Estate & Housing

Drs. Kenneth and Michael Judd Health Professions Scholarship

Mid Shore Community Foundation
Private
Caroline County, Maryland, Dorchester County, Maryland +3 more
Unspecified amount

Mid Shore Community Foundation Mid-Shore Community Foundation awards scholarships to high school seniors in Caroline, Dorchester, Kent, Queen Anne’s and Talbot Counties, who are planning to attend a college, university, or trade school. In general, scholarships are awarded to students who demonstrate academic achievement, community service, financial need, and other criteria specified by the donor.

The Foundation awards scholarships to high school seniors through a pooled scholarship application - students complete one online application in consideration for all scholarships to which they meet eligibility. All applications are reviewed and considered by the Foundation’s Scholarship Committee. Drs. Kenneth and Michael Judd Health Professions ScholarshipAwarded to Mid-Shore students, who are planning to pursue careers in healthcare.

Education - Higher Education

Mutual Self-Help Housing Technical Assistance Grants in New York

USDA: Rural Development (RD)
Federal Government
New York
Unspecified amount
The Mutual Self-Help Housing Technical Assistance Grants in New York provide essential funding to qualified organizations for local self-help housing projects. These grants enable very-low- and low-income families to construct their own homes with guidance and technical assistance. Eligible applicants include government and private non-profit organizations as well as federally recognized tribes. The program fosters community collaboration and provides families with the skills needed to manage their housing construction efforts effectively.
Real Estate & Housing

Champion Credit Union A. Roland Leatherwood Memorial Scholarship

Carolinas Credit Union Foundation
Private
United States
Unspecified amount

For 30 years, the Carolinas Credit Union Foundation has served as a partner in philanthropy to credit unions, with a mission to empower and inspire credit unions in the Carolinas through collaborative opportunities to enrich our communities. A great example of this collaborative philanthropy is our scholarship program. 

More than 20 credit unions in North Carolina and South Carolina have active managed funds at the Foundation. The generosity of these credit unions helps hundreds of high school seniors as well as undergraduate and graduate students receive scholarship funds each year.

As a member of any of the following credit unions, you may apply for a scholarship. 

Champion Credit Union A. Roland Leatherwood Memorial Scholarship

At Champion Credit Union, education and financial wellness are at the core of our mission. We are proud to award multiple scholarships each year to assist high school seniors within our field of membership who want to further their education by attending a community college or university.

We have partnered with the Carolinas Credit Union Foundation to offer a simple application process with an easy-to-manage portal for the scholarship applications. An applicant who does not receive a scholarship award from Champion Credit Union is automatically entered in the scholarship pool to receive additional scholarship awards from the Carolinas Credit Union Foundation.  

Education - Higher Education

Beverley A. Pattenden Scholarship

Mid Shore Community Foundation
Private
United States
Unspecified amount

Mid Shore Community FoundationMid-Shore Community Foundation awards scholarships to high school seniors in Caroline, Dorchester, Kent, Queen Anne’s and Talbot Counties, who are planning to attend a college, university, or trade school. In general, scholarships are awarded to students who demonstrate academic achievement, community service, financial need, and other criteria specified by the donor.

The Foundation awards scholarships to high school seniors through a pooled scholarship application - students complete one online application in consideration for all scholarships to which they meet eligibility. All applications are reviewed and considered by the Foundation’s Scholarship Committee.Beverley A. Pattenden ScholarshipAwarded to Mid-Shore students, who are planning to pursue careers as Physicians

Education - Higher Education

Mutual Self-Help Housing Technical Assistance Grants in Tennessee

USDA: Rural Development (RD)
Federal Government
Tennessee
Unspecified amount
The Mutual Self-Help Housing Technical Assistance Grants in Tennessee provide essential funding to organizations aiding low-income families in constructing their own homes. This program enables participants to contribute labor while receiving guidance and technical support from qualified organizations. By fostering community involvement and self-sufficiency, the initiative helps improve housing conditions in rural areas. Eligible applicants include government non-profits and tribes, while funds cannot be used for purchasing materials or paying construction workers.
Real Estate & Housing

Mutual Self-Help Housing Technical Assistance Grants in Texas

USDA: Rural Development (RD)
Federal Government
Texas
Unspecified amount
The Mutual Self-Help Housing Technical Assistance Grants in Texas provide essential funding to qualified organizations for local self-help housing projects. This initiative supports very-low- and low-income families in constructing their own homes, fostering community collaboration. Eligible organizations include government non-profits and federally recognized tribes, while funds cannot be used for direct construction labor or purchasing property. This program plays a vital role in enhancing housing options in rural areas.
Real Estate & Housing

Mutual Self-Help Housing Technical Assistance Grants in Utah

USDA: Rural Development (RD)
Federal Government
Utah
Unspecified amount
The Mutual Self-Help Housing Technical Assistance Grants in Utah provide essential funding for qualified organizations to support low-income families in constructing their own homes. This initiative encourages community collaboration, as participants contribute labor under the guidance of experienced organizations. By empowering families to take part in the building process, the program fosters self-sufficiency and strengthens rural communities. Eligible areas can be verified through the USDA Eligibility Site, ensuring accessibility for those in need.
Real Estate & Housing

Brendan Davis Memorial Scholarship

Mid Shore Community Foundation
Private
United States
Unspecified amount

Mid Shore Community Foundation Mid-Shore Community Foundation awards scholarships to high school seniors in Caroline, Dorchester, Kent, Queen Anne’s and Talbot Counties, who are planning to attend a college, university, or trade school. In general, scholarships are awarded to students who demonstrate academic achievement, community service, financial need, and other criteria specified by the donor.

The Foundation awards scholarships to high school seniors through a pooled scholarship application - students complete one online application in consideration for all scholarships to which they meet eligibility. All applications are reviewed and considered by the Foundation’s Scholarship Committee. Brendan Davis Memorial ScholarshipAwarded to students graduating from high schools in Kent and Talbot Counties, who are planning to pursue careers in the culinary arts. Recipients must pledge to be drug and alcohol free for the duration of the scholarship. 

Education - Higher Education

Carolina Trust Federal Credit Union Community Service Scholarship

Carolinas Credit Union Foundation
Private
United States
US $5,000

For 30 years, the Carolinas Credit Union Foundation has served as a partner in philanthropy to credit unions, with a mission to empower and inspire credit unions in the Carolinas through collaborative opportunities to enrich our communities. A great example of this collaborative philanthropy is our scholarship program. 

More than 20 credit unions in North Carolina and South Carolina have active managed funds at the Foundation. The generosity of these credit unions helps hundreds of high school seniors as well as undergraduate and graduate students receive scholarship funds each year.

As a member of any of the following credit unions, you may apply for a scholarship.

Carolina Trust Federal Credit Union Community Service Scholarship

Carolina Trust actively demonstrates the credit union philosophy People Helping People in the communities we serve. We are honored to partner with several organizations to provide deserving students with financial assistance to achieve their higher education goals.

Scholarship Amount:

  • $5,000.00
Education - Higher Education

Mutual Self-Help Housing Technical Assistance Grants in South Dakota

USDA: Rural Development (RD)
Federal Government
South Dakota
Unspecified amount
The Mutual Self-Help Housing Technical Assistance Grants in South Dakota support organizations in overseeing self-help housing projects for low-income families. Participants build homes collaboratively, receiving technical assistance throughout the process. Eligible applicants include non-profit organizations and federally-recognized tribes. Funds can be used for technical support and recruitment, but not for hiring construction labor or purchasing materials. This program aims to empower families while fostering community development in rural areas.
Real Estate & Housing

Unrestricted Grants for Nonprofits Highlights

Unrestricted grants for nonprofits provide flexible funding to support operating expenses, program development, and general organizational needs. The following grants empower organizations to allocate resources where they are needed most to achieve long-term impact and sustainability.


Search Instrumentl's Unrestricted Grants Database


Discover 8,000+ funding opportunities for unrestricted grants, with $3.43B available. Instrumentl connects nonprofits to tailored funding options, offering tools for tracking deadlines, customized searches, and insights to support organizational flexibility and growth.

Last updated: October 5, 2026. Next update: November 1, 2026.

Grant Insights : Unrestricted Grants for Nonprofits

Grant Availability

How common are grants in this category?

Quite common — grants in this category are more prevalent than in others.

8,000+ Unrestricted grants for nonprofits grants for nonprofits in the United States, from private foundations to corporations seeking to fund grants for nonprofits.

3,000+ Unrestricted grants for nonprofits over $25K in average grant size

3,000+ Unrestricted grants for nonprofits over $50K in average grant size

1,000+ Unrestricted grants for nonprofits supporting general operating expenses

7,000+ Unrestricted grants for nonprofits supporting programs / projects

1,000+ Grants on Instrumentl focused on Health Care Access & Delivery

300+ Grants on Instrumentl focused on Social Justice / Human Rights

Grant Deadline Distribution

Over the past year, when are grant deadlines typically due for Unrestricted grants for Nonprofits?

Most grants are due in the first quarter.

Q1
29.8%
Q2
23.8%
Q3
23.9%
Q4
22.6%

Typical Funding Amounts

What's the typical grant amount funded for Unrestricted Grants for Nonprofits?

Grants are most commonly $34,887.

$0 $0 Min.
$34,887 $34.9 K Median
$655,609 $655.6 K Average
$188,250,000 $188.3 M Max.

Frequently asked questions

Unrestricted grants are open to nonprofits across various sectors, including education, healthcare, social services, and the arts. Unlike project-specific grants, these funds aren’t tied to a particular initiative, making them great for organizations that need flexibility to strengthen their operations, build capacity, and expand their reach.

Based on Instrumentl’s live grant database for unrestricted grants, grant deadlines are most common in Q1, accounting for 29.8% of all submission dates. The slowest period for new grant opportunities in this category falls in Q4, making it a less competitive time for preparation and strategic planning.

Unrestricted grants aim to give nonprofits the freedom to focus funding where it’s needed most. Whether it’s covering administrative costs, hiring staff, investing in technology, or expanding prgrams, these grants help nonprofits strengthen their organization. Funders see unrestricted grants as a way to help nonprofits remain adaptable as new challenges come up while building long-term sustainability.

Funding for unrestricted grants varies widely, with award amounts ranging from a minimum of $0 to a maximum of $188,250,000. Based on Instrumentl’s data, the median grant amount for this category is $34,887, while the average grant awarded is $655,609. Understanding these funding trends can help nonprofits set realistic expectations when applying.

Unrestricted grants are typically funded by private or community foundations, corporate giving programs, and individual donors. Well-known funders like the MacArthur Foundation and the Ford Foundation offer unrestricted grants to nonprofits that align with their mission. Community foundations and corporate programs (Target Foundation, Toyota) also fund these types of grants for organizations.

To improve the chances of receiving unrestricted grants, applicants should:

  • Show financial responsibility – Funders want to know their money will be managed effectively, so provide financial reports and budgeting strategies.
  • Highlight past successes – Use data, stories, and testimonials to show how your organization has already made an impact.
  • Explain how the funds will support your mission – Make it clear how unrestricted funding will help your organization grow, expand reach, and have a greater impact.
  • Build strong relationships with funders – Unrestricted grants often come from funders who already trust an organization, so networking and maintaining strong connections can increase your opportunities.

For more information on unrestricted grants, dig into our guide on the differerences between restricted and unrestricted funding.

Instrumentl simplifies the process of applying for unrestricted grants by offering an intuitive platform that helps nonprofits discover relevant funding opportunities, track deadlines, and analyze funder-giving patterns. The platform's automated alerts ensure users never miss a deadline, while detailed funder insights help organizations tailor their applications to align with grantor priorities.

Learn more about Instrumentl’s and how you can scale your grant funding.