Unrestricted Grants for Nonprofits

Unrestricted grants — also called general operating support — are the most flexible and most valued form of nonprofit funding. These grants can be used for any organizational purpose: salaries, rent, utilities, programs, or anything else the organization needs. While harder to find than program grants, a growing number of funders recognize that strong organizations need unrestricted support.

291 grants
Foundation
Updated daily
Deaf Organizations Fund · Rolling / Open · Annual Foundation

2026 Impact Grant for Deaf Organizations Status: Currently closed (was accepting applications through March 10, 2026 at 5:00 PM CT). Funding decisions will be announced in May 2026. Geographic Scope:…

COMMUNITY FOUNDATION OF BOONE · April 13, 2026 · Annual Foundation

Aaron Stookey Spirit of Philanthropy Award Established: 1996 Geographic Scope: Boone County, Indiana Purpose: Recognizes individuals or businesses in the community who are exemplary in their…

Albuquerque Involved · Rolling / Open Foundation

ABQ Involved Grant Status: ACTIVE Funder: Albuquerque Involved Last Updated: February 02, 2026 Summary The ABQ Involved Grant aims to empower individuals and families in the greater Albuquerque area…

20% match on future gifts up to $500,000
LUTHERAN LEGACY FOUNDATION INC · Rolling / Open · Annual Foundation

Accelerator Grants for Organizations Funder: Lutheran Legacy Foundation Inc (IL, US) Purpose: Reward growing endowments by matching additional fundraising efforts after initial startup phase, helping…

The Alaska Community Foundation · Rolling / Open Foundation

Overview _NOTE:  Those interested in applying are strongly encouraged to call ACF staff prior to submitting an online application._ Description The Social Justice Fund supports organizations and…

US $2,000 - US $20,000
THE AARON COPLAND FUND FOR MUSIC INC · Rolling / Open Foundation

ACFM General Support Program Grant Status: ACTIVE Funder: Aaron Copland Fund for Music Amount: US $2,000 - US $20,000 Last Updated: November 16, 2025 Summary The ACFM General Support Program provides…

$15,000 average (2025)
Groundswell Action Fund · Rolling / Open · Annual Foundation

Action Fund General Support Grants Funder: Groundswell Action Fund (501(c)(4)) Geographic Scope: Nationwide, United States Focus Areas: - Electoral organizing led by women of color and…

ALLEGANY FRANCISCAN MINISTRIES INC · Rolling / Open Foundation

AFM: Tau Grant (Cycle 1-Access to Healthcare) Status: ACTIVE Funder: Allegany Franciscan Ministries Inc. Amount: Up to US $20,000 Last Updated: January 14, 2026 Summary The AFM: Tau Grants provide…

ALLEGANY FRANCISCAN MINISTRIES INC · Rolling / Open Foundation

AFM: Tau Grant (Cycle 2-Economic Mobility) Status: ACTIVE Funder: Allegany Franciscan Ministries Inc. Amount: Up to US $20,000 Last Updated: January 14, 2026 Summary Overview Program Description Tau…

ALLEGANY FRANCISCAN MINISTRIES INC · Rolling / Open Foundation

Overview Our mission: We, Allegany Franciscan Ministries and Trinity Health, serve together in the spirit of the Gospel as a compassionate and transforming, healing presence within our communities.…

NORTH CAROLINA COMMUNITY FOUNDATION · Rolling / Open Foundation

Alleghany County Community Foundation Grant Program Status: ACTIVE Funder: North Carolina Community Foundation Inc Amount: US $500 - US $2,500 Last Updated: November 25, 2025 Summary The Alleghany…

UNITED MIDCOAST CHARITIES INC · March 31, 2027 · Annual Foundation

General Operating Support Overview: Funding that can be used in any way the organization needs, allowing grantees to nimbly meet challenges throughout the year and apply funding as needed to…

COLLINGTON EPISCOPAL LIFE CARE · Rolling / Open · Annual Foundation

Annual Fund Purpose: Unrestricted funding to allow the Foundation flexibility to address emerging needs and opportunities. Funding Support Grants awarded from this Fund support a multitude of: -…

FRONT RANGE COMMUNITY COLLEGE FOUNDATION · Rolling / Open · Annual Foundation

Annual Fund Funder: Front Range Community College Foundation Geographic Scope: Front Range Community College (Boulder County, Westminster, Larimer County - Colorado) Description: The Annual Fund is…

$1,000+ for President's Circle membership
Monterey Peninsula College Foundation · Rolling / Open · Annual Foundation

Annual Fund & MPC President's Circle Program Type: Donor giving program with membership benefits Geographic Scope: Monterey County, CA Overview: Contributions to the Annual Fund provide critical…

$65,000 per organization (3-year renewable commitment up to $975,000 per organization over three years)
The Womens Foundation for the State of Arizona · Rolling / Open · Annual Foundation

Annual Grants Program (Southern Arizona) Funder: Women's Foundation for the State of Arizona Geographic Scope: Southern Arizona Overview: WFSA's foundational annual grants program for nonprofits in…

US $125,000 - US $175,000
Arbor Brothers Inc · Rolling / Open Foundation

Arbor Rising Grant Status: ACTIVE Funder: Arbor Brothers Inc Amount: US $125,000 - US $175,000 Last Updated: June 14, 2025 Summary Arbor Rising Grant, established in 2010, is a NYC-based nonprofit…

Frequently Asked Questions

Why are unrestricted grants hard to find?
Many funders prefer program-specific grants because they can point to tangible outcomes. However, the Trust-Based Philanthropy movement is changing this — more funders now offer general operating support. MacKenzie Scott's no-strings-attached gifts have also shifted norms. Community foundations, corporate sponsors, and earned revenue are other unrestricted funding sources.
Which major foundations give unrestricted grants?
The Ford Foundation moved to primarily general support. The Hewlett Foundation's organizational effectiveness grants are unrestricted. MacKenzie Scott's Yield Giving provides large unrestricted gifts. Many community foundations offer general operating grants. The Kresge Foundation, Packard Foundation, and Open Society Foundations also provide significant unrestricted funding.
How do I find more unrestricted funding?
Look for funders who explicitly mention "general operating support" in their guidelines. Build multi-year relationships with program funders and request unrestricted renewals. Develop earned revenue streams for maximum flexibility. Community foundations, United Ways, and federated campaigns often provide unrestricted annual grants to member agencies.

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