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
ROCHESTER AREA FOUNDATION · Rolling / Open Foundation

RAF Better Communities Grants: Spring Focus Areas Status: ACTIVE Funder: Rochester Area Foundation Amount: US $10,000 - US $20,000 Last Updated: January 22, 2026 Summary The RAF Better Communities…

Up to US $10,000
THE REACH HEALTHCARE FOUNDATION · Rolling / Open Foundation

Rapid Equity Fund Grant Status: ACTIVE Funder: Reach Healthcare Foundation Amount: Up to US $10,000 Last Updated: February 20, 2026 Summary Overview The Rapid Equity Fund is back! For the second…

Greater Salina Community Foundation · Rolling / Open Foundation

RCCF: Republic County Community Action Fund Grant Status: ACTIVE Funder: Greater Salina Community Foundation Last Updated: February 19, 2026 Summary Overview Greater Salina Community Foundation Our…

Rhode Island State Council on the Arts · Rolling / Open Foundation

RISCA General Operating Support for Organizations Grant Status: ACTIVE Funder: Rhode Island State Council on the Arts Amount: US $3,000 - US $40,000 Last Updated: February 23, 2026 Summary The Rhode…

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…

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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