Overview Detroit Arts Support provides multi-year operating support grants to arts organizations in Wayne, Oakland, and Macomb counties. DAS in supported by The Kresge Foundation, Fred and Barbara…
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.
Overview Dogwood Health Trust Dogwood Health Trust was created in 2018, but our ethos was inspired by a tradition of caring for a community that is more than a century old and rooted in our…
Dory Foundation Grant Status: ACTIVE Funder: Dory Foundation Amount: US $10,000 - US $250,000 Last Updated: October 07, 2025 Summary The Dory Foundation Grant supports innovative, early-stage…
Eastern Band of Cherokees Community Foundation: Unrestricted Fund Grant Status: ACTIVE Funder: North Carolina Community Foundation Inc Amount: US $500 - US $1,000 Last Updated: November 22, 2025…
EDL Northwest General Operating Support Grants Funder: Emissaries of Divine Light (EDL) Northwest Website: edlnw.org Program Description: EDL NW provides multi-year, general operating support funding…
Elaine Jones Safety Net Fund Grant Status: ACTIVE Funder: Napa Valley Community Foundation Amount: Up to US $150,000 Last Updated: May 10, 2025 Summary The Elaine Jones Safety Net Fund supports…
Emerging Justice Fund Funder: Social Justice Fund Northwest (SJF) Geographic Scope: Idaho, Montana, Oregon, Washington, and Wyoming Award Type: Unrestricted grants Focus: Grassroots organizing for…
Empowering Resilient Communities to Thrive Grants Status: ACTIVE Funder: Community Foundation of Tompkins County Amount: US $500 - US $12,000 Last Updated: December 19, 2025 Summary The Empowering…
Family Power Fund : General Operating Grants Status: ACTIVE Funder: Headwaters Foundation Inc Amount: Up to US $150,000 Last Updated: October 10, 2025 Summary The Family Power Fund, established by…
FDL Unrestricted Grant ( Bi-annual Grant Cycle) Status: ACTIVE Funder: Fond du Lac Area Foundation Amount: US $500 - US $5,000 Last Updated: August 18, 2025 Summary The Fond du Lac Area Foundation…
Flexible Funding 2026 Geographic Scope: Western Massachusetts (Hampden, Hampshire, and Franklin Counties) Funder: Community Foundation of Western Massachusetts Contact: - Address: 333 Bridge Street,…
Flexible Funding Grant Status: ACTIVE Funder: Community Foundation of Western Massachusetts Amount: Up to US $30,000 Last Updated: August 09, 2025 Summary Flexible Funding provides unrestricted…
Forever Austin Fund Grants Funder: Austin Community Foundation Inc (TX, US) Program Type: Legacy/endowment grant program funded through planned gifts Geographic Scope: Central Texas Focus Areas: -…
Forever Austin Fund Grants Funder: Austin Community Foundation (CHARITABLE HOLDINGS II, TX, US) Website: austincf.org Program Overview Endowment-based grant program providing general operating…
Forever Austin Fund Grants Organization: Austin Community Foundation Program Type: Annual grant program from endowed community fund Geographic Scope: Central Texas Award Information: In 2025, ACF…
Overview The Women’s Foundation for the State of Arizona Our Vision An Arizona where women and girls of all identities thrive. Our Mission WFSA innovates to create social, political, and economic…
Franklin County Community Foundation: Unrestricted Endowment Fund Grant Status: ACTIVE Funder: North Carolina Community Foundation Inc Amount: US $500 - US $1,000 Last Updated: November 22, 2025…
Fund for Buhler Grant Status: ACTIVE Funder: Hutchinson Community Foundation Amount: US $300 - US $5,000 Last Updated: May 10, 2025 Summary The Fund for Buhler Grant, managed by the Buhler Community…
Fund for Columbia County: General Operating Support Grants Status: ACTIVE Funder: The Berkshire Taconic Community Foundation Amount: US $5,000 - US $15,000 Last Updated: December 30, 2025 Summary…
Fund for Community Good Geographic Scope: Kent County, Michigan Overview: The Fund for Community Good is an unrestricted fund that, along with field of interest funds, allows the Grand Rapids…
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.
Ready to apply for these grants?
- Assess your eligibility for this grant
- Draft a tailored application narrative
- Track the deadline and get reminders
- Find similar grants from other funders