Running a nonprofit organization can be challenging, especially when it comes to securing nonprofit funding for your important work. Fortunately, there are many grants available that can provide the financial support you need to make a difference in your community and beyond. In this article, we’ll dive into what nonprofit grants are and share a list of the best grants for nonprofits this year.
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What are Nonprofit Grants?
Nonprofit grants are sums of money given to nonprofit organizations to support their missions and projects. The best part about grants is that the organizations don’t have to pay the money back – it’s essentially free funding. Grants can come from a variety of sources, including government agencies, corporations, and private foundations.
Grants can be used for a wide range of purposes, such as starting new programs, expanding existing services, purchasing equipment, or hiring staff. Some grants are restricted to specific uses, while others provide more flexibility in how the funds can be spent.
Top Grants for Nonprofits in 2024
Grants remain a crucial funding source for nonprofits striving to make a positive impact. Spanning a wide range of focus areas, these top grant opportunities can provide the financial support needed to bring an organization’s vision to life and drive meaningful change, whether the nonprofit is well-established or just starting out.
1. AWS for Nonprofits IMAGINE Grants
Funding Amount: Up to $200,000 in unrestricted financial support and up to $100,000 in AWS promotional credits
The AWS IMAGINE Grant program is designed to help nonprofits use technology to solve big problems. The grants provide access to AWS services like cloud computing, storage, and database management.
By leveraging the power of technology, nonprofits can scale their impact and reach more people in need. The IMAGINE Grant program aims to empower nonprofits to dream big and use technology in innovative ways.
Eligibility Criteria
To be eligible for an AWS IMAGINE Grant, your nonprofit must be a registered 501(c) organization in good standing. Your organization should be using cloud technology to accelerate its mission.
Application Process
To apply for an AWS IMAGINE Grant, you’ll need to fill out an online application form on the AWS website. The application will ask for information about your nonprofit, including your mission statement, programs, and impact metrics.
2. Google Ad Grants
Funding Amount: Up to $10,000 per month in Google search ads
The Google Ad Grants program aims to help nonprofits spread their message and reach a wider audience online. By providing free advertising on Google’s search results pages, nonprofits can attract more supporters, volunteers, and donors.
With the Google Ad Grant, your nonprofit can create text-based ads that appear when people search for keywords related to your mission. This can help you raise awareness about your cause, drive traffic to your website, and ultimately increase your impact.
Eligibility Criteria
To be eligible for a Google Ad Grant, your nonprofit must be registered as a 501(c)(3) organization and have a website that meets Google’s standards. Your organization must also be verified by one of Google for Nonprofits’ verification partners.
Application Process
To apply for a Google Ad Grant, you’ll need to sign up for a Google for Nonprofits account and submit an application online. You’ll need to provide information about your nonprofit, including your mission statement, website, and budget.
Once your application is approved, you’ll need to set up a Google Ads account and create your first campaign. Google provides resources and support to help nonprofits make the most of their grant.
3. Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation Grants
Funding Amount: Varies per nonprofit organization
The Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation is one of the largest private foundations in the world, and they support projects that address some of the biggest challenges facing humanity. Their main areas of focus include global health, education, and poverty alleviation.
The Foundation believes that every life has equal value, and they partner with organizations around the world to help create a more equitable society. They fund innovative projects that have the potential to make a significant impact on a large scale.
Eligibility Criteria
To be eligible for a grant from the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation, your nonprofit must be a US-based 501(c)(3) organization, operating in one of the foundation’s key areas of interest.
Application Process
To apply for a grant from the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation, you’ll need to submit an online application through their website for an open grant opportunity. The application process can be quite competitive, so it’s important to have a well-developed project plan and a compelling case for why your work is important.
You’ll need to provide detailed information about your nonprofit, including your mission, programs, and financial history. You’ll also need to clearly outline the project you’re seeking funding for, including the goals, timeline, and budget.
4. Bloomberg Philanthropies Grants
Funding Amount: Varies depending on the needs and scope of the project
Bloomberg Philanthropies supports projects that address major global challenges, such as climate change, public health, education, and government innovation. They believe in the power of data and evidence to drive social change and aim to help organizations scale their impact.
Bloomberg Philanthropies takes a venture philanthropy approach, providing not just funding but also strategic support and resources to help organizations succeed. They often make multi-year investments in promising projects and work closely with grantees to help them achieve their goals.
Eligibility Criteria
To be eligible for a grant from Bloomberg Philanthropies, your nonprofit should be working on a project that aligns with one of their key focus areas. Your organization must also be located in Canada, Mexico, or the United States.
Application Process
Bloomberg Philanthropies does not accept unsolicited grant proposals. Instead, they proactively seek out organizations that are doing innovative and impactful work in their focus areas.
If your nonprofit is invited to apply for a grant, you’ll need to submit a detailed proposal outlining your project goals, strategies, and budget. You may also be asked to participate in interviews or site visits as part of the application process.
5. National Endowment for the Arts (NEA) Grants
Funding Amount: $10,000 to $100,000
The NEA is a federal agency that supports arts and creativity across the United States. They provide grants to nonprofit organizations, schools, and individual artists to help bring the arts to more communities and make them accessible to all.
NEA grants can be used for a wide range of arts projects, including exhibitions, performances, workshops, and education programs. They also provide funding for research and professional development in the arts.
Eligibility Criteria
To be eligible for an NEA grant, your nonprofit must be a 501(c)(3) organization or a government entity, such as a school or library, registered with Login.gov, the System for Award Management (SAM.gov), and Grants.gov. Your project must also have a strong artistic or cultural focus and demonstrate the potential to benefit the community.
Application Process
To apply, you will first need to submit an Application for Federal Domestic Assistance/Short Organization Form through Grants.gov. Then, applicants are prompted to complete their application through the NEA applicant portal. You must include details about your nonprofit’s mission, history, and financial capacity as well as planned project activities, key personnel, and more.
6. Ford Foundation Grants
Funding Amount: Varies depending on size and scope of project
The Ford Foundation is a global philanthropic organization that works to reduce poverty and injustice, strengthen democratic values, promote international cooperation, and advance human achievement. They support projects in a wide range of areas, including education, human rights, economic development, and creativity and free expression.
The Ford Foundation takes a long-term, strategic approach to grantmaking, often providing multi-year funding to help organizations build their capacity and achieve systemic change. They also prioritize supporting organizations led by people from the communities they serve.
Eligibility Criteria
To be eligible for a grant from the Ford Foundation, your nonprofit should be working on a project that aligns with one of their key focus areas and has the potential to create lasting, transformative change. Your organization should also have a strong track record of success and a commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion.
Application Process
Majority of the grants offered by this foundation are invitation-only. However, some applications for The Ford Foundation grants are accepted at various times throughout the year depending on the grant opportunity.
If your nonprofit is invited to apply for a grant, you’ll need to submit a detailed proposal that outlines your project goals, strategies, and budget. You may also be asked to participate in site visits or interviews as part of the application process.
7. Walmart Foundation Community Grants
Funding Amount: $250 to $5,000
The Walmart Foundation‘s community grant program aims to support local nonprofits that are making a difference in their communities. They focus on projects that create opportunities, enhance sustainability, and strengthen community resilience.
Walmart Foundation grants can be used for a wide range of projects, such as hunger relief, workforce development, disaster preparedness, and community engagement. They prioritize projects that benefit underserved populations and have a measurable impact.
Eligibility Criteria
To be eligible for a Walmart Foundation community grant, your nonprofit must be a 501(c)(3) focused on creating opportunity, advancing sustainability, strengthening community, or working toward racial equity.
Application Process
The foundation offers three application options: Request for Proposals (RFPs), open applications, and invitation only with a majority of grant applications by invitation only.
To apply for a Walmart Foundation community grant, you’ll need to submit an online application through their website. The application will ask for information about your nonprofit, including your mission statement, programs, and impact metrics.
8. W.K. Kellogg Foundation Grants
Funding Amount: Varies depending on the needs and scope of the project
The W.K. Kellogg Foundation works to support children, families, and communities as they strengthen and create conditions that propel vulnerable children to achieve success as individuals and as contributors to the larger community and society. They focus on early childhood education, health equity, economic development, and racial equity.
The Kellogg Foundation grants aim to create systemic change by addressing the root causes of societal problems. They prioritize projects that engage communities in the process of identifying and implementing solutions.
Eligibility Criteria
To be eligible for a grant from the W.K. Kellogg Foundation, your nonprofit should be working on a project that aligns with their mission and values. Your organization should also have a strong commitment to racial equity and community engagement.
Application Process
The W.K. Kellogg Foundation accepts grant proposals throughout the year, with no fixed deadlines. To apply, you’ll need to submit an online application that includes a project description, budget, and evaluation plan.
Your application will be reviewed by the foundation’s program staff, who will assess its alignment with their strategic priorities and potential for impact. If your project is selected for further consideration, you may be invited to submit a full proposal and participate in a site visit or interview.
9. Bank of America Charitable Foundation Grants
Funding Amount: $5,000 to $50,000 in larger markets and $2,500 to $25,000 in smaller markets
The Bank of America Charitable Foundation supports nonprofits that are working to advance economic mobility and social progress in the communities where the bank operates. They focus on projects related to workforce development and education, community development, and basic needs.
The Foundation aims to help individuals and families build pathways to economic success through education, job training, and affordable housing. They also support projects that strengthen communities by addressing issues like hunger, homelessness, and disaster relief.
Eligibility Criteria
To be eligible for a grant from the Bank of America Charitable Foundation, your nonprofit must be a 501(c)(3) organization that serves communities where Bank of America has a business presence. Your project should align with one or more of the foundation’s focus areas and demonstrate the potential for measurable impact.
Application Process
The Bank of America Charitable Foundation accepts grant applications during specific timeframes. The foundation does not accept unsolicited applications. To apply, you’ll need to submit an online application that includes information about your nonprofit, your project, and your funding needs.
Your application will be reviewed by the foundation’s program staff, who will assess its alignment with their giving priorities and the potential impact on the community. If your project is selected for funding, you’ll need to sign a grant agreement and comply with the foundation’s reporting requirements.
10. The Rockefeller Foundation Grants
Funding Amount: Generally between $50,000 and $350,000
The Rockefeller Foundation is a global philanthropic organization that works to promote the well-being of humanity around the world. They focus on projects that address pressing challenges in health, food, power, and economic mobility.
The foundation takes a strategic, long-term approach to grantmaking, often providing multi-year funding to help organizations achieve systemic change. They also prioritize projects that have the potential to create scalable and sustainable solutions.
Eligibility Criteria
To be eligible for a grant from The Rockefeller Foundation, your nonprofit should be working on a project that aligns with one of their key focus areas and has the potential to create significant and lasting impact. Your organization should also have a strong track record of success and a commitment to innovation and collaboration.
Application Process
The Rockefeller Foundation does not accept unsolicited grant proposals. Instead, they proactively seek out organizations that are doing cutting-edge work in their focus areas and invite them to submit proposals.
If your nonprofit is invited to apply for a grant, you’ll need to submit a detailed proposal that outlines your project goals, strategies, and budget. You may also be asked to participate in site visits or interviews as part of the application process.
Conclusion
Nonprofit grants can provide a significant boost to your organization’s ability to make a positive impact in the world. By carefully researching and applying for grants that align with your mission and goals, you can secure the funding you need to expand your programs, reach more people, and create lasting change.
Remember, the grant application process can be competitive, so it’s important to put your best foot forward. Take the time to craft compelling proposals that clearly articulate your vision and demonstrate your ability to achieve measurable results. Don’t be discouraged if you don’t succeed on your first try — keep refining your approach and seeking out new opportunities. With persistence and dedication, you can find the right grants to support your important work and make a difference in the lives of those you serve.