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
ARTSMEMPHIS · Rolling / Open Foundation

ArtsMemphis Operating Support Grant Status: ACTIVE Funder: ArtsMemphis Last Updated: April 24, 2025 Summary ArtsMemphis Operating Support Grant provides essential unrestricted funding to…

NORTH CAROLINA COMMUNITY FOUNDATION · Rolling / Open Foundation

Ashe County Community Foundation Grant Status: ACTIVE Funder: North Carolina Community Foundation Inc Amount: US $500 - US $2,000 Last Updated: November 25, 2025 Summary The Ashe County Community…

US $5,000 - US $25,000
Boston Foundation Inc · Rolling / Open Foundation

Asian Community Fund Grant Status: ACTIVE Funder: Boston Foundation Inc Amount: US $5,000 - US $25,000 Last Updated: April 01, 2026 Summary The Asian Community Fund (ACF) at the Boston Foundation is…

NORTH CAROLINA COMMUNITY FOUNDATION · Rolling / Open Foundation

Avery Community Foundation Grant Program Status: ACTIVE Funder: North Carolina Community Foundation Inc Amount: US $500 - US $1,000 Last Updated: November 25, 2025 Summary The Avery Community…

NORTH CAROLINA COMMUNITY FOUNDATION · Rolling / Open Foundation

Beaufort-Hyde Unrestricted Fund Grant Status: ACTIVE Funder: North Carolina Community Foundation Inc Amount: US $500 - US $1,000 Last Updated: November 25, 2025 Summary The Beaufort-Hyde Unrestricted…

BEXLEY COMMUNITY FOUNDATION · July 31, 2026 · Semi-annual Foundation

Bexley Community Foundation General Grant Program Funder: Bexley Community Foundation Geographic Scope: Bexley, Ohio residents and organizations Mission: Creates and inspires projects preserving the…

BIRMINGHAM JEWISH FEDERATION INC · Rolling / Open · Annual Foundation

Birmingham Jewish Federation Unrestricted Grant Funder: Birmingham Jewish Federation Inc (AL, US) Overview: Unrestricted grants from the Birmingham Jewish Federation to support Jewish community…

BOREALIS PHILANTHROPY · Rolling / Open Foundation

Overview The Black-Led Movement Fund (BLMF), based at Borealis Philanthropy, supports the Movement for Black Lives (M4BL) and other politically-aligned organizations to better shape policy agendas…

COMMUNITY FOUNDATION FOR MONTEREY COUNTY · Rolling / Open Foundation

Board Empowerment Grant Program Status: ACTIVE Funder: Community Foundation for Monterey County Amount: US $5,000 Last Updated: December 19, 2025 Summary The Board Empowerment Grant Program, piloted…

Boston Foundation Inc · Rolling / Open Foundation

Boston Foundation: Safety Net Grants Status: ACTIVE Funder: Boston Foundation Inc Amount: US $50,000 Last Updated: March 18, 2026 Summary The Boston Foundation's Safety Net Grants program provides…

US $50,000 - US $100,000
SAMUELI FOUNDATION · Rolling / Open Foundation

Breakaway Fund Grant Status: ACTIVE Funder: Samueli Foundation Amount: US $50,000 - US $100,000 Last Updated: March 05, 2026 Summary The Breakaway Fund, initiated by the Samueli Foundation, aims to…

Varies ($12,500 - $25,000 per award based on historical disbursements)
Brooks Gives Back Inc · Rolling / Open · Annual Foundation

Brooks Gives Back Annual Cash Awards Funder: Brooks Gives Back Inc, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization Geographic Scope: San Antonio, Texas - specifically serving zip codes 78235, 78223, and 78214…

$1.5 million multi-year unrestricted grants
NEW PROFIT INC · Rolling / Open · Annual Foundation

Build Investments Award Amount: $1.5 million multi-year unrestricted grants Support Includes: - Multi-year unrestricted grants ($1.5 million) - Deep strategic advisory support - Dedicated New Profit…

THE BUSH FOUNDATION · Rolling / Open Foundation

Overview About the Bush Prize The Bush Prize celebrates organizations that are highly valued within their communities and have a track record of successful community problem solving. Each partner…

SAINT PAUL & MINNESOTA FOUNDATION · Rolling / Open Foundation

Bush Prize: Minnesota Grant Status: ACTIVE Funder: The Saint Paul & Minnesota Foundation Amount: US $250,000 Last Updated: April 04, 2026 Summary Overview About Bush Prize: Minnesota The Bush Prize…

CAMBRIDGE COMMUNITY FOUNDATION · Rolling / Open Foundation

Cambridge Community Fund Funder: Cambridge Community Foundation Geographic Scope: Cambridge, MA Overview: Core grantmaking program providing steadfast nonprofit support. Multiple grant cycles…

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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