Best Unrestricted Grants for Nonprofits in Virginia

The Comprehensive Housing Counseling (CHC) and Housing Counseling Training (HCT) NOFO (FY2026) aims to support HUD-approved housing counseling agencies. These agencies provide essential guidance to tenants and homeowners regarding property maintenance, financial management, and literacy. This initiative plays a crucial role in helping individuals secure sustainable homeownership or affordable rentals, while also serving as a safeguard against housing scams and discrimination, connecting clients to various housing resources.

The NLN Edmund J. Y. Pajarillo Health Informatics and Innovation Scholarship offers up to $5,000 annually to support graduate students in health informatics. This scholarship focuses on advancing nursing education through innovative data analysis and technology. Eligible applicants must be enrolled in accredited programs and have completed at least one year of study. Special consideration is given to nurses of color and those from marginalized communities transitioning to full-time teaching roles.

The NEI Institutional Mentored Physician Scientist Award (K12 Clinical Trial Optional) aims to foster innovative research career development for clinically trained vision scientists. This funding opportunity encourages institutions to develop programs that prepare scholars for independent research careers, particularly in minimal risk clinical trials. Emphasis is placed on recruiting underrepresented groups in research, ensuring a diverse pool of clinician investigators engaged in vision research.

Community Foundation of Northwest Mississippi

The Community Foundation of Northwest Mississippi manages 314 donor-established funds and has disbursed over $48 million to support more than 1,000 charitable organizations and activities recommended by its donors, as well as charitable programs established by the foundation. Established in 2002 with a generous grant from the Maddox Foundation, the Community Foundation is an independent 501(c)3 charitable organization. The Foundation serves Bolivar, Coahoma, DeSoto, Leflore, Marshall, Panola, Quitman, Sunflower, Tallahatchie, Tate, Tunica and Yalobusha counties. 

The Reese and Joelle Norris Service through Music Scholarship

The Community Foundation, CoroRio, and MidSouth Music Institute is pleased to offer a $500 college scholarship: The Reese and Joelle Norris Service through Music Scholarship. We are grateful to Reese and Joelle Norris for more than ten years of service to CoroRio and the MidSouth Music Institute. Together, they have nearly 50 years of teaching thousands of all ages throughout the MidSouth and across the country.

Starting in the Spring of 2024, the scholarship will be awarded each year to a student who is currently involved in CoroRio, plans to pursue a career related to music, and has demonstrated a passion for serving others through music, like Reese and Joelle. 

The Barbara Berger Clark Memorial Nursing Scholarship

The family of Barbara Berger Clark created this scholarship in her memory to support the next generation of nurses who share her commitment to public health and to serving their communities. Open to all nursing students, including those entering the field later in life or as a second career, this scholarship especially honors those who share Barbara’s commitment to public health nursing, prevention, and advancing health equity.

Number and Size of Awards

Number of recipients and individual total award amounts vary annually. Award paid in the Fall and divided equally between the Fall and Spring semesters. Award renewability varies and is dependent on the length of the recipient’s program of study. Minimum award size $5,000.

Allowed Use of Award

Awards may be used for tuition, fees, books, and other expenses associated with higher education.

The AAUW Branch and State Affiliate Community Action Grants aim to empower AAUW branches and state organizations by providing up to $10,000 for innovative STEM programming targeted at girls in grades K-12. This initiative is designed to foster hands-on learning experiences, expand local impact, and showcase AAUW's commitment to gender equity in STEM. By collaborating with other organizations, AAUW seeks to build confidence and inspire the next generation of female STEM leaders.

The National Book Fund (NBF) offers grants to support adult education and literacy programs across the U.S. by providing New Readers Press materials. Grants typically range from $500 to $2,000, with applications considered for higher amounts if justified. Eligible applicants must have a defined project and use materials directly with learners. Priority is given to nonprofit organizations providing free literacy instruction. Note that individuals and lending libraries are not eligible for funding.

The Lovisa Card Catlin Art Scholarship, administered by the Erie Community Foundation, supports graduating seniors from Erie County high schools pursuing further education in art, architecture, or industrial art. In 2023, over $800,000 was awarded to more than 500 students for post-secondary education. Applicants must submit up to six examples of their artwork in JPEG format along with a completed application. This scholarship fosters artistic talent and encourages educational advancement in creative fields.

The Project Safe Neighborhoods Grant Program aims to reduce violent crime and enhance public safety in the Eastern District of Virginia. With approximately $500,000 in federal funding, this initiative focuses on innovative and evidence-based strategies to combat gun violence and gang activity. It encourages collaboration between law enforcement, local communities, and various stakeholders. Key funding areas include Group Violence Intervention, Gun and Gang Crime Investigation, Firearms Analysis, and Prevention and Reentry Programs, all designed to foster safer communities.

The Vadon Foundation Grant supports innovative, community-based initiatives aimed at sustaining healthy indigenous nations. By empowering visionary changemakers, the foundation addresses multi-generational challenges through focused programming in areas like language revitalization, community leadership, and addressing crises such as food insecurity. The foundation seeks to foster self-determination and sustainability within native communities, ensuring that future generations can thrive culturally and socially.

The Strategic Research Grant for Sleep Health Disparities Research, offered by the AASM Foundation, aims to address significant gaps in knowledge related to sleep disorders among disadvantaged populations in the U.S. This initiative focuses on enhancing screening, diagnosis, and treatment effectiveness, while promoting innovative interventions tailored to culturally diverse groups. The grant supports impactful research that seeks to mitigate sleep health disparities, ultimately improving health outcomes for racial/ethnic minorities, socioeconomically disadvantaged individuals, and other underserved communities.

Jean Griswold Foundation 

The Jean Griswold Foundation (JGF) is a non-profit organization dedicated to supporting Caregivers through educational opportunities and scholarships. 

Mission

The mission of the Jean Griswold Foundation is to support Caregivers by providing educational scholarships* to enable them to further their training, enhance their careers, and better assist the clients they serve.

By offering educational scholarships, our Foundation will not only make a positive impact on the Caregivers themselves, but also the clients they assist and the home healthcare agencies where they are employed, as well as help advance the overarching home-care industry.

The Jean Griswold Foundation is proud to continue the service created by Dr. Jean Griswold, through spearheading this strategic journey of growth and professional development.

Scholarships

The Jean Griswold Foundation Scholarship Program awards scholarships to deserving Caregivers who wish to further their education in a care-related field. Applicants do not have to be associated with Griswold in any way, and the funds will be paid directly to the institution where the caregiver will be receiving education.  

Summer Scholarship Program

The Jean Griswold Foundation has awarded over $150,000 in scholarships to exceptional Caregivers nationwide since 2022. 

The Thurman Munson Memorial Scholarship Fund, established by Stark Community Foundation, supports high school seniors from Stark or Summit County who have participated in varsity baseball or softball. This scholarship seeks to assist students demonstrating both academic potential and financial need, with verification of their sports involvement required. The fund alternates scholarship awards between male and female recipients each year, continuing the legacy of philanthropy since 1963.

The Varghese Summersett Autism Scholarship aims to support children diagnosed with autism who require financial assistance for educational or recreational opportunities. Offered by Varghese Summersett, this scholarship reflects the commitment to enhancing the quality of life for autistic children. It can be utilized for camps, tutoring, or educational tools to help them thrive. This initiative is particularly meaningful, as several members of the legal team have personal connections to autism, underscoring their dedication to this cause.

The Charles E. Crow Memorial Scholarship Fund, established in 1953, supports graduates of Big Pasture High School in Randlett, Oklahoma, by providing a one-year scholarship up to $5,000. This initiative aims to enhance educational opportunities for students pursuing college, community college, or trade school certifications. Applicants must demonstrate financial need and maintain a minimum GPA of 2.8. By investing in the potential of local youth, this fund contributes to building thriving communities and advancing equity in education.

The Carter Creech Scholarship offers financial support up to $8,000 for graduating seniors of Troy Buchanan High School in Missouri who aim to pursue a four-year degree. Eligible candidates must maintain a minimum 3.5 GPA, achieve an ACT score of 27 or higher, and rank in the top 10% of their class. This scholarship encourages academic excellence and allows recipients to reapply annually for up to $32,000 over four years, fostering educational opportunities in the community.

The CAPTRUST Scholarship offers five $2,000 awards to undergraduate students with a GPA of 3.7 or higher, supporting their educational journey. Applications are open for the Spring 2025 semester, and only the first 2,500 eligible submissions will be considered. To apply, students must submit essays for four specified categories, each not exceeding 200 words, totaling a maximum of 800 words. This initiative reinforces CAPTRUST's commitment to empowering future professionals.

The Orran "Buzzy" Calhoun Memorial Scholarship Fund, established by the Stark Community Foundation, supports graduates and current seniors from select high schools in western Stark County. Eligible applicants must maintain a minimum GPA of 3.0, pursue a full-time degree at a college or university, and demonstrate significant academic and extracurricular involvement. This fund reflects a commitment to empowering local students through educational opportunities, fostering community growth and development.

The Dr. and Mrs. W.C. Culp Student Research Grant supports medical students conducting summer research projects in interventional radiology. With funding of up to $6,000, the grant aims to inspire innovative research ideas and foster advancements in patient care. Eligible applicants include undergraduates and medical students in MD, DO, or PhD programs, including DACA recipients. A designated project advisor is required to guide the student throughout the research process.

The Robert Martz DiGiacomo Memorial Scholarship Fund, established by the Stark Community Foundation, supports graduating high school seniors in Lake Township. This scholarship honors students who excel academically and athletically, demonstrate outstanding moral character, leadership skills, and a strong devotion to their families. Since its inception in 1963, the Foundation has been dedicated to improving lives through philanthropy and fostering long-term community solutions.

The James Hantak Scholarship, established by The Columbus Foundation, supports graduating seniors from Columbus City Schools, Upper Arlington High School, or volunteers and athletes from Lancaster Special Olympics with special needs. The scholarship offers $5,000 annually for educational pursuits, with an additional $10,000 scholarship awarded based on financial need. Preference is given to athletes and volunteers from Special Olympics. This initiative aims to enhance opportunities for students in central Ohio, promoting inclusivity and community engagement.

The Pillars Artist Fellowship, launched in 2021 by Pillars Fund in collaboration with Riz Ahmed’s Left Handed Films, aims to empower emerging screenwriters and directors from Muslim communities. With a focus on authentic storytelling, the fellowship provides recipients with a $40,000 unrestricted award, mentorship, professional workshops, and industry connections. This initiative seeks to enhance representation in film and television, fostering narratives that challenge stereotypes and reflect the rich experiences of these artists.

The Partners In Education Scholarship Fund, established by Stark Community Foundation, supports Stark County high school graduates pursuing undergraduate degrees. Eligible applicants must be residents of Stark County, Ohio, have completed at least 24 post-secondary credit hours, and maintain a minimum GPA of 2.6. This initiative reflects the Foundation's commitment to enhancing educational opportunities and fostering community development since its inception in 1963.

The Yass Prize & STOP Awards Initiative aims to revolutionize education by recognizing and supporting exceptional education providers focused on Sustainable, Transformational, Outstanding, and Permissionless (STOP) education. Established in 2021, the initiative awards funds to organizations serving Pre-K to 12th grade students across the United States, fostering impactful partnerships and innovative practices. With a commitment to transforming educational experiences, the initiative celebrates the vital work of educators in response to contemporary challenges.

Molly Efron Scholarship

To support a Monroe County female high school senior planning to attend a four-year college or university to study science, technology, engineering, or math.

Number and Size of Awards

Two awards of $1,000 each; paid in one lump sum.

Allowed Use of Award

Awards may be used for tuition, fees, books, and other expenses associated with higher education.

The Tim Triner Letter Carriers Scholarship Fund, established by Stark Community Foundation, supports graduating seniors, particularly children and grandchildren of National Association of Letter Carriers members. This scholarship emphasizes scholastic achievement and is aimed at students accepted into full-time post-secondary education. Since 1963, the Foundation has played a pivotal role in addressing community challenges through philanthropy.

ONEOK's Scholarship Program provides financial support for dependents of ONEOK employees aiming for higher education. Annually, up to twelve scholarships are available: $5,000 per year for four years (max $20,000) or $2,500 per year for two years (max $5,000). Eligible applicants must be high school seniors or graduates with a minimum GPA of 2.5. The program encourages academic excellence and civic leadership, fostering the next generation of leaders from ONEOK families.