Fund for WCC Overview: Tax-deductible contributions to the Westchester Community College Foundation's Fund for WCC provide unrestricted gifts that support special programs, increase scholarship…
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.
Funds+® Overview: Public Wise offers unrestricted, operational grants for organizations working on voting rights and democracy. Geographic Scope Priority states (as of 2024): Arizona, North Carolina,…
FWAC: General Operating Support Grants Status: ACTIVE Funder: The Five Wings Arts Council Last Updated: July 30, 2025 Summary The Five Wings Art Council offers General Operating Support Grants to…
G. N. Wilcox Trust Grant - General Operating Status: ACTIVE Funder: G. N. Wilcox Charitable Trust Last Updated: February 19, 2026 Summary The G. N. Wilcox Trust Grant - General Operating provides…
G. William Hartzell Community Grants Funder: Piqua Community Foundation Fund Established By: G. William "Bill" Hartzell estate bequest Geographic Scope: Piqua, Ohio Contact:…
Gallatin County Nonprofit Vitality Grant Overview: A grant program funded by American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) dollars allocated by the Gallatin County Commission through One Valley Community…
Gene A. Daiber Designated Fund Status: Active - established February 11, 2025 Total Gift: $50,000 Purpose: Create a permanent endowment to support HACF's general grants program Focus Areas: Wide…
General Grant Program Funder: Lexington Community Foundation (LCF) Geographic Scope: Lexington, Nebraska and surrounding area Purpose: Financial assistance for programs and/or projects which will…
Overview _NOTE: New applicants must set up a 10 minute call before applying. _ Our Mission We empower nonprofits to think bigger, solve more problems, and make life better in the neighborhoods served…
Overview 2025-2026 (FY26) General Operating Support Grant Guidelines Welcome to the LexArts General Operating Support (GOS) Grant Program. GOS Grants provide unrestricted general operating support to…
General Operating Support The General Operating Support grant program provides direct funding to arts and cultural organizations in support of ongoing operations. An arts and cultural organization…
General Operating Support / Program/Project Support Funder: The Rose Hills Foundation Geographic Scope: Southern California, with current emphasis on organizations based in and serving Los Angeles…
General Operating Support Grant Status: ACTIVE Funder: HumanitiesDC Amount: Up to US $25,000 Last Updated: March 18, 2026 Summary The General Operating Support Grant, offered by HumanitiesDC,…
General Operating Support Grants Purpose: Flexible funding for existing grantees that can be used at their discretion to work on priority issues related to addressing health equity and the root…
General Participatory Grantmaking Program Funder: The Bronx Community Foundation (BxCF) Geographic Scope: The entire Bronx, NY Award Amounts: - Standard grants: Up to $50,000 (typically for two-year…
General Support Grants (DC Legal Services Grants Program) Status: ACTIVE Funder: DC Bar Foundation Last Updated: July 18, 2025 Summary The DC Bar Foundation, a leading funder of legal aid in…
General Support Grants Program Administrator: DC Bar Foundation Purpose: Provides unrestricted funding grants to DC legal services organizations that provide free or low-cost legal assistance to…
Give Choose Grants Status: ACTIVE Funder: Community Foundation for Loudoun and Northern Fauquier Counties Last Updated: January 16, 2026 Summary The Give Choose Grants program, organized by the…
GO Queens Grant Status: ACTIVE Funder: Howard Gilman Foundation Inc Amount: US $10,000 Last Updated: December 29, 2025 Summary The GO Queens Grant, funded by the Howard Gilman Foundation, aims to…
Golden Pear Grant Program Status: ACTIVE Funder: American Fundraising Foundation Inc Amount: US $1,000 - US $25,000 Last Updated: February 10, 2026 Summary Overview Mission To empower worthy…
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
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