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.

285 grants
Foundation
Updated daily
COMMUNITY FOUNDATION OF SOUTHERN · Rolling / Open Foundation

Robert G. Campbell Community Fund Grant Status: ACTIVE Funder: The Community Foundation of Southern Wisconsin Last Updated: September 10, 2025 Summary The Robert G. Campbell Community Fund, managed…

NORTH CAROLINA COMMUNITY FOUNDATION · Rolling / Open Foundation

Robeson County Community Foundation Grant Status: ACTIVE Funder: North Carolina Community Foundation Inc Amount: US $1,000 - US $2,500 Last Updated: November 22, 2025 Summary The Robeson County…

FIRST PEOPLES FUND · Rolling / Open Foundation

Rooted Pathways Program Grant Status: ACTIVE Funder: First Peoples Fund Amount: Up to US $50,000 Last Updated: July 14, 2025 Summary The Rooted Pathways Program, initiated by First Peoples Fund,…

Greater Salina Community Foundation · Rolling / Open Foundation

SCCF: Smith County Action Fund Grant Status: ACTIVE Funder: Greater Salina Community Foundation Last Updated: February 19, 2026 Summary Overview Greater Salina Community Foundation Our mission is to…

Approximately US $15,000
STEPHEN & HELEN G SEDORA CHARITABLE TRUST · Rolling / Open Foundation

Sedora Foundation Grant Status: ACTIVE Funder: Stephen & Helen G Sedora Charitable Trust Amount: Approximately US $15,000 Last Updated: August 11, 2025 Summary The Sedora Foundation Grant offers…

UNITED WAY OF SOUTH CENTRAL MICHIGAN · Rolling / Open · One-time Foundation

Seeding Grants Status: Pilot program completed in 2022 Purpose: Provide unrestricted, one-year investments to BIPOC-led organizations, representing a shift toward more equitable funding practices in…

SENIOR SERVICES FOR NORTHERN CALIFORNIA · Rolling / Open Foundation

Sequoia Living Unrestricted Fund Purpose: Supports areas of greatest need within all Sequoia Living communities and programs. Geographic Scope: All Sequoia Living communities and programs in the Bay…

THE SKOLL FOUNDATION · Rolling / Open Foundation

Skoll Awards Grant Status: ACTIVE Funder: The Skoll Foundation Last Updated: October 08, 2025 Summary The Skoll Awards for Social Innovation, presented by the Skoll Foundation, recognize social…

AMERICAN ACADEMY OF SLEEP MEDICINE · Rolling / Open Foundation

Overview The AASM Foundation is investing in people, research, and communities to improve the sleep health of all people. Our purpose is embodied by organizations that are at the forefront of…

AMERICAN ACADEMY OF SLEEP MEDICINE · Rolling / Open Foundation

Sleep Champion Award Grant Status: ACTIVE Funder: American Academy Of Sleep Medicine Foundation Amount: Up to US $10,000 Last Updated: January 02, 2026 Summary The Sleep Champion Award, established…

Community Foundation for SW Washington · Rolling / Open Foundation

Social Justice and Resiliency Fund Grant Status: ACTIVE Funder: Community Foundation for Southwest Washington Last Updated: November 01, 2025 Summary The Social Justice and Resiliency Fund offers…

CHARLOTTE COMMUNITY FOUNDATION INC · Rolling / Open · Annual Foundation

Spring 2026 Unrestricted Support Grant Cycle Funder: Charlotte Community Foundation Inc (FL, US) Status: Application cycle closed as of March 2, 2026. Award recipients to be announced in April 2026.…

SPUR COMMUNITY FOUNDATION INC · Rolling / Open Foundation

Overview _NOTE: If you have no relationship or previous point of contact with Spur, we ask that you contact a Spur staff member before applying._ Vision & Mission At Spur Community Foundation, we…

PIQUA COMMUNITY FOUNDATION · Rolling / Open Foundation

Standard Grants Funder: Piqua Community Foundation Geographic Scope: Piqua, Ohio and surrounding area Contact: info@piquacommunityfoundation.org, 937-615-9080 Overview The Piqua Community Foundation…

ALLIANCE FOR EARLY SUCCESS FKA · Rolling / Open Foundation

State Policy Advocacy Grants Overview: The Alliance for Early Success provides grants to state early childhood policy organizations as unconditional, general operating grants (core operating…

US $5,000 - US $25,000
THE STONE FOUNDATION OF NEW JERSEY · Rolling / Open Foundation

Stone Foundation Grants - Maine Status: ACTIVE Funder: Stone Foundation Of New Jersey Amount: US $5,000 - US $25,000 Last Updated: February 04, 2026 Summary The Stone Foundation Grants in Maine offer…

$2.3 million over three years
HEART OF MAINE UNITED WAY · Rolling / Open · Biennial Foundation

Strategic Investment Grants Overview: Heart of Maine United Way's Strategic Investment Grants serve as the primary vehicle for funding programs that align with community goals across a 6-county…

SILICON VALLEY CREATES · Rolling / Open · Annual Foundation

SVCREATES Unrestricted Operating Grants Geographic Scope: Santa Clara County and surrounding Central California regions Program Type: Ongoing annual grants to support unrestricted operating funds for…

SOCIAL VENTURE PARTNERS BOSTON INC · Rolling / Open Foundation

Overview _NOTE: Interested in participating in our next grant cycle? Please fill out the form found here._ Our Mission We foster a community of engaged citizens, strengthen social impact…

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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