The Ultimate Nonprofit Grants Guide of 2026 & Where To Apply

Did you know that over 103,000+ public charities in the U.S. received more than $267 billion in government grants? That’s massive, right! This highlights how crucial nonprofit grants are in helping organizations tackle pressing funding challenges.

Let’s break down everything you need to know about nonprofit grants, including eligibility criteria, where to apply, and the top opportunities available in 2025.

Let’s get into it.

What are nonprofit grants?

Nonprofit grants are non-repayable financial aid offered by governments, foundations, and local bodies to help nonprofits achieve their mission.

Unlike standard donations, often unrestricted and used for various expenses, grants are typically designated for specific programs, projects, or operational needs and come with clear guidelines on fund usage.

How do nonprofits get grants?

Nonprofit grants can be secured through a structured application process. Since these grants are large enough to be considered major gifts, funders typically require organizations to submit a detailed proposal outlining:

• The nonprofit’s mission and goals
• The purpose of the grant funding
• A budget breakdown
• The expected impact of the grant
• A plan for measuring success

Before you can apply, you need to find the right opportunities. The most reliable starting points are Candid’s Foundation Directory (formerly the Foundation Center), GrantStation for smaller foundation grants, and Grants.gov for federal funding. Most foundations also publish annual reports listing their past grantees, which are a better guide to fit than the official grant guidelines.

One practical step before submitting: if the funder lists a program officer, a brief email to confirm your organization fits the eligibility criteria is worth doing. It saves hours of proposal writing on an application your organization doesn’t qualify for.

Successful grant applications are well-written and make a compelling case for funding.

SFMOMA’s Grant for ‘Ruth Asawa: Retrospective’

The San Francisco Museum of Modern Art (SFMOMA) successfully secured a $1.5 million grant from Google.org to support the “Ruth Asawa: Retrospective” exhibition.  This grant, the largest corporate grant in SFMOMA’s history for a single exhibition, was awarded based on a detailed proposal that highlighted two things:  • Exhibition’s significance  • Potential impact on the community.  The funding enabled SFMOMA to enhance community initiatives, including free community days, educational programs, and collaborations with local organizations.

What is the average nonprofit grant?

The size of nonprofit grants varies widely based on factors such as:

• Grantor’s capacity
• Project’s scope
• Organization’s size.

While some micro-grants may offer amounts as modest as $100 – $500, substantial grants can exceed millions. On average, many foundation grants range between $5,000 and $10,000. However, it’s crucial for nonprofits to research and align with grantmakers whose funding capacities and priorities match their needs.

Funding Tip: Foundations often stick to funding patterns. Their past giving is the best predictor of future giving.

For instance, if a foundation typically grants between $15,000 and $20,000, it’s unlikely they’ll suddenly award $100,000.

Grant eligibility criteria

Before applying for any grant, it helps to know where your organization stands. Most grantmakers use a short checklist to screen applicants, not to exclude organizations, but to confirm the basics are in place before reviewing your proposal.

The baseline requirement for most foundation and government grants is 501(c)(3) tax-exempt status. If you don’t have it yet, obtaining it is the first step. You apply through the IRS using Form 1023 (standard) or Form 1023-EZ (for organizations with projected annual gross receipts under $50,000). Processing times vary from two to six months.

Once you have 501(c)(3) status, most grants require:

• State registration: Your organization must be registered to operate as a nonprofit in your state. Most states require a separate charitable solicitation registration, which is distinct from your IRS status.
• Charitable purpose alignment: Your programs must serve a public benefit that matches the grantmaker’s focus areas. A grant for environmental work won’t fund direct service programs, even if both are valid nonprofit activities.
• Active operating history: Many funders require at least one or two years of documented program activity before you can apply. Government grants, in particular, often require audited financials.

Every funder adds their own requirements on top of these. Before spending time on an application, review the eligibility criteria on the funder’s website. Look specifically for: Geographic restrictions, budget minimums, staff size requirements, and whether the funder accepts unsolicited proposals. Some grantmakers, like the Gates Foundation and Wells Fargo, operate by invitation only.

If you’re a newer organization, focus on community foundations, United Way affiliates, and local government grants first. These are more likely to fund early-stage nonprofits than national foundations with competitive application processes.

Three best sources of nonprofit grants

Nonprofit organizations can secure funding from various sources. Understanding these sources helps in aligning your organization’s mission with potential funders.

1. Government grants

Government grants are financial awards provided by federal, state, or local government agencies to support nonprofit initiatives that serve the public interest. About 30% of nonprofits in the U.S. rely on government grants, making them a primary revenue source for many organizations.

2. Foundation grants

Foundations, both private and public, allocate funds to nonprofits that align with their mission and values. These nonprofit grants can be project-specific or general operating support, with a focus on areas like education, health, or community development. Foundations collectively give billions annually, with giving patterns guided by their stated focus areas and annual reports.

3. Corporate grants

Many corporations provide grants as part of their corporate social responsibility (CSR) initiatives. These nonprofit grants focus on areas like education, community development, and environmental sustainability. Corporate grants can be a valuable funding source for nonprofits.

Did You Know?

CallHub offers grants that provide free calls and text messages to organizations supporting individuals affected by crises. This initiative aids nonprofits in reaching out to affected communities without the financial burden of communication costs.

For more details on types of grants available, check out our blog: Different Types Of Nonprofit Grants You Can Apply For

Top nonprofit grants to apply for in 2026

Securing grants is essential for nonprofits aiming to further their missions. Below is a curated list of notable grants available in 2025, categorized by their funding source:

Type of nonprofit grants: Government Grants

1. Community Development Block Grant (CDBG)

The Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) is a flexible federal assistance program that supports community development activities to build stronger and more resilient communities, primarily for low and moderate-income people.

Highlights of the CDBG Grant:

• Supports and improves development of housing for safe and affordable living.
• Enhances community facilities and services
• Promotes job creation and retention for low and moderate-income individuals.

Eligibility: To be eligible for CDBG nonprofit grants, a community must typically be a “principal city” within a Metropolitan Statistical Area (MSA), a metropolitan city with a population of at least 50,000, or a qualified urban county with a population of at least 200,000

Where to apply: To apply for a Community Development Block Grant (CDBG), you need to contact your local municipal, or HUD field office that serves your area as they administer the funds. You can also visit the official HUD website.

Want to learn more about securing funding for your nonprofit? Check out our guide to nonprofit fundraising strategies.

2. National Endowment for the Arts (NEA) Grants

TThe National Endowment for the Arts (NEA), a federal agency, provides art nonprofit grants.

Highlights of NEA:

• Supports projects in disciplines such as artist communities, education, dance, design, Film & Media Arts, and many more.
• Typically funds can range from $10,000 to $100,000
• For fiscal year 2026 (July cycle): Grants.gov Part 1 deadline July 9, 2026; NEA portal Part 2 deadline July 21, 2026. For fiscal year 2027 (February cycle): Part 1 February 12, 2026; Part 2 February 25, 2026.

Eligibility: Applicant organizations must have completed at least five years of arts programming before the application deadline. Tax-exempt 501(c)(3), U.S. organization. If the program was suspended due to the pandemic, add examples from 2018 or 2019 to meet this requirement.

Where to apply: Applications can be submitted through the NEA’s Grants for Arts Projects page.

Read Also: 16 Common Fundraising Challenges and How to Overcome Them 

3. Economic Development Administration (EDA) Grants

EEDA is a federal agency that aims to provide nonprofit grants for improving economic conditions, creating jobs, and fostering innovative strategies in economically distressed communities.

Highlights of the EDA Grant:

• Supports projects in economically distressed regions (high unemployment/low income).
• Requires non-federal cost share. EDA typically covers up to 50% of project costs.
• Rolling applications with no quarterly deadlines for faster decisions.

“Non-federal cost share” refers to the portion of a project’s cost not funded by the federal government, meaning it is paid for by a non-federal entity like a state, local government, or private organization.

Eligibility: Eligible applicants must be a state, a political subdivision of a state, district organization, Indian tribe, institution of higher education, or a non-profit acting in coordination with a political subdivision of a state.

 Where to apply: Proposals and applications must be submitted through Grants.gov or directly to the appropriate EDA regional office.

Type of nonprofit grants: Foundation Grants

1. Bank of America Charitable Foundation

This foundation provides nonprofit grants focused on economic mobility, workforce development, and community development.

Highlights of the Bank of America Charitable Foundation Grant:

• Funds basic needs, housing, and community empowerment.
• Grants: $250 for 50 volunteer hours, $500 for 100 hours.
• Supports projects boosting economic mobility.

Eligibility:

1. Must be a 501(c)(3) organization, not a private foundation.
2. Must serve communities in Bank of America’s operational areas.
3. Must align with Bank of America’s focus on basic needs.

For more details, visit Bank of America’s eligibility criteria.

Where to apply: Applications can be submitted through the Bank of America Charitable Foundation’s online portal.

Also read about 501(c)(3) donation adn fundraising rules

2. Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation

The Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation  is a leading philanthropic organization addressing critical global challenges by providing nonprofit grants.

Here are some highlights of its initiatives:

• Supports global health, poverty alleviation, and education with innovative solutions
• Grant proposals are primarily by invitation.
• Occasionally publishes RFPs for specific initiatives. Current RFPs view here. 

Eligibility: The foundation primarily awards grants to U.S. 501(c)(3) organizations and other tax-exempt entities identified by their staff.

Where to apply: Applications can be submitted through the Gates Foundation’s grants page.

Read Also: 2025 Nonprofit Trends: What To Expect This Year

3. Coca-Cola Foundation Grants

The Coca-Cola Foundation offers nonprofit grants to support environmental sustainability and community well-being initiatives.

Major highlights:

• Supports safe water access, climate resilience, disaster preparedness, circular economy, and community well-being
• The foundation funds creative solutions and impactful organizations
• It collaborates across organizations and geographies to drive large-scale change

Eligibility: Nonprofit organizations tax-exempt under Section 501(c)(3) of the U.S. Internal Revenue Code. 

Where to apply: The Coca-Cola Foundation does not accept unsolicited funding requests. You will be invited via email to apply. For more information, check out their online portal.

4. W.K. Kellogg Foundation Grants

The W.K. Kellogg Foundation provides nonprofit grants to support children and families and equitable access to opportunities for people of color and marginalized communities.

The main highlights:

• Early childhood education, family economic security, and racial equity.
• Makes 80% of funding decisions within 60 business days of receiving proposals.
• It supports initiatives such as Truth, Racial Healing & Transformation, etc.

Eligibility:

• Must be a 501(c)(3) tax-exempt nonprofit organization.
• Organization in regions of the U.S, Mexico, and the central/southwest Haiti

Where to apply: Organizations can register through their grants management system on their website. A step-by-step approach is given on the website.

Also read our Complete Guide to Fundraising for Nonprofit Organizations.

5. Walmart Foundation Grant

The Walmart Foundation provides nonprofit grants to support U.S. nonprofit organizations dedicated to community development and social impact.

Major highlights are

• Grants typically range from $250 to $5,000.
• Applications are accepted year-round and reviewed quarterly                                 
• You can apply for grants in areas like community development, education, diversity, environmental sustainability, and public safety. 

Eligibility:

• 501(c)(3) public charities, government entities, schools, and faith-based organizations.
• Must serve the same area as the Walmart store applying for the grant.
• Applicants need a verified ‘spark good’ account.

For further details, refer to the Spark Good Local Grants Guideline. 

Where to apply: Walmart has an open application process, through which organizations can apply.

Type of nonprofit grants: Corporate Grants

1. Amazon Web Services (AWS) Grants

The Amazon Web Services (AWS) IMAGINE provides nonprofit grants to support nonprofits leveraging technology to tackle critical social issues.

They offer three grants: 

• ‘Go Further, Faster Award’ grant supporting innovative projects leveraging cloud technology. Offering up to $150,000 in unrestricted financial support
• ‘Momentum to Modernize Award’ grant supporting foundational technology project. Offering up to $150,000 in unrestricted financial support.
• ‘Pathfinder – Generative AI Award’ supports mission-critical projects utilizing generative AI. Offering up to $200,000 in unrestricted financial support.

Eligibility: The AWS IMAGINE Grant is available to 501(c) nonprofit organizations in the U.S., offering support based on their goals and where they are in their technology journey.

Where to apply: You can apply for the AWS IMAGINE Grant using the following link. First download the guidelines and then you can apply. 

Read Also: Financial Plan For Nonprofit Organizations: A Foolproof Guide 

2. Google Ad Grants

Google provides nonprofit grants that give U.S.-based nonprofits free advertising on Google search results to enhance visibility and engagement for their causes.

Their main highlights include:

• Free $10,000/month advertising budget.
• Free access to premium Google products like Gmail, Google Drive, Google Meet, and more.
• Nonprofit-specific tools like YouTube Nonprofit Program and Google Analytics for insights.

Eligibility:

• U.S.-based nonprofit organizations.
• Must be registered as a charity in Google for Nonprofits

For more detailed information click here

Where to apply: Apply through the Google nonprofit grants sign-up page 

3.  Wells Fargo Nonprofit Grants

The Wells Fargo Foundation collaborates with various national and local nonprofit organizations that align with our strategic funding priorities to provide nonprofit grants.

Key highlights: 

• Focus areas include financial health, housing affordability, small business growth and sustainability. 
• Nonprofit grants proposals are evaluated based on how nonprofits promote innovative and scalable solutions.
• Implemented invitation process for nonprofits. 

Eligibility criteria:

• Must have 501(c)(3) tax-exempt status 
• Demonstrate fiscal and administrative stability.
• Address critical community needs.

For more detail, visit their official page

Where to apply: Organizations can submit a ‘Grant Interest Form‘ if they align with Wells Fargo’s strategic focus. Invitations are also sent to eligible nonprofits.

Read Also: How to Get Funding for a Nonprofit: Strategies and Tips

4. ServiceNow.org Partnership for Good Grant

ServiceNow does partnership for good nonprofit grants and collaborates with organizations like Accenture, GlideFast Consulting, and Plat4mation to support nonprofits focused on social justice and humanitarian efforts.

They offer these nonprofit grants: 

• ‘Cause and cure grant’ supports health-focused initiatives.
• ‘Disaster and community support grant’ provides aid to communities affected by disasters app
• ‘Education and youth services grant’ funds programs dedicated to youth and education.
• The recipients will get a direct monetary grant of $100K to the nonprofit selected in each category

Eligibility: 

• Nonprofit must be a designated 501(c)(3) or equivalent for its headquartering country
• Nonprofits must be headquartered in the USA, Canada, or Europe. 

There are more eligibility criteria mentioned. Check them here.

Where to apply: They offer an open application. Nonprofits can use the ServiceNow website and submit their complete application with a letter of interest. 

Now that you know where to look for nonprofit grants in 2025, it’s time to focus on how to secure them.

Grants for advocacy nonprofits

Most grants listed above are designed for 501(c)(3) organizations running direct service programs. Advocacy nonprofits, organizations doing policy reform, voter registration, civic engagement, or legislative campaigns face a different challenge: many standard foundation grants restrict lobbying, which limits options for advocacy-focused work.

The following grants specifically fund organizations doing advocacy:

1. Democracy Fund

The Democracy Fund supports organizations strengthening U.S. democracy, including voter registration drives, election administration, civic technology, and nonpartisan policy advocacy.

Highlights:

• Supports 501(c)(3) organizations and fiscally sponsored projects doing civic and election-focused advocacy
• Grants typically range from $50,000 to $500,000+, depending on project scope
• Prioritizes nonpartisan work on election integrity and civic participation

Eligibility: U.S.-based 501(c)(3) organizations or fiscally sponsored projects focused on democracy, civic engagement, or election administration.

Where to apply: The Democracy Fund primarily works through relationships and published RFPs. Review their current priorities and contact information on their official grants page.

2. Open Society Foundations

The Open Society Foundations fund advocacy, civil liberties, criminal justice reform, and civic participation initiatives in the U.S. and globally.

Highlights:

• Wide scope: covers voting rights, immigration policy, public health advocacy, and transparent governance
• U.S. programs support organizations that advocate for open and accountable government
• Most grants are by invitation, but open solicitations are published for specific initiatives

Eligibility: Primarily 501(c)(3) organizations and international equivalents. Some programs also fund 501(c)(4) advocacy organizations through separate channels.

Where to apply: Monitor the Open Society Foundations’ grants page for open calls. Organizations can also inquire through their U.S. Programs contacts.

3. Robert Wood Johnson Foundation — Health Policy Advocacy

RWJF is one of the largest health-focused foundations in the U.S. and funds policy advocacy campaigns aimed at improving public health outcomes — from Medicaid access to mental health reform.

Highlights:

• Supports advocacy on health equity, Medicaid, mental health policy, and public health infrastructure
• Grants range from $100,000 to several million dollars for multi-year initiatives
• Accepts Letters of Inquiry (LOIs) through their online portal before inviting full proposals

Eligibility: 501(c)(3) organizations. Health-focused advocacy coalitions and policy research organizations are prioritized.

Where to apply: Submit a Letter of Inquiry through the RWJF grants portal.

What makes advocacy grants different: Unlike standard program grants, advocacy funders look for measurable policy wins — changes in legislation, regulations, or public systems — not just program outputs. When applying, be specific about the policy target, the advocacy strategy, and how you’ll track impact. CallHub’s phone banking and peer-to-peer texting tools are commonly used by advocacy nonprofits to run constituent outreach campaigns that funders can point to as evidence of grassroots engagement.

Now that you know where to look for nonprofit grants in 2025, it’s time to focus on how to secure them.

Found grant opportunities? Now you need to master grant writing

Finding the right grants is the starting line, not the finish line. Getting funded takes a proposal that speaks directly to what the funder is trying to accomplish and shows exactly how your work delivers it.

A grant-winning proposal has three parts every funder reads before anything else:

1. Clear problem statement. Describe the specific need your program addresses. Use data from credible sources. Funders fund problems they can verify, not feelings about problems.
2. Measurable outcomes. Tell the funder what success looks like in numbers: People served, programs completed, outcomes tracked. Vague goals get passed over; specific commitments get funded.
3. Organizational credibility. Attach your most recent annual report or program summary. Funders want evidence that your organization can execute, not just plan.

Once you’ve secured a grant, outreach is how you put it to work. Nonprofits running grant-funded programs need to mobilize volunteers, keep donors updated, and run advocacy campaigns to show funders their investment is landing. CallHub’s phone banking and peer-to-peer texting tools help nonprofit teams reach supporters at scale without adding headcount. That connection between grant funding and donor and volunteer engagement is what turns a single grant into a repeatable program.

Check out our complete guide to nonprofit grant writing for templates and examples to build proposals that get funded.

Frequently asked questions about nonprofit grants

How long does it take to get a grant?

The timeline for nonprofit grants varies significantly by funder. Government grants typically take three to 12 months from application to award, while foundation grants can take anywhere from 60 days to six months. Some corporate grants, like the Walmart Foundation’s local grants, are reviewed quarterly, so timing your application to a review cycle matters.

Can a new nonprofit apply for grants?

Yes, but your options are narrower. Most federal government grants and large foundation grants require at least two to five years of operating history and audited financials. Newer nonprofits should focus on community foundations, local United Way chapters, and smaller corporate grants, which are more likely to fund organizations in their early years.

What is the difference between a grant and a donation?

A donation is an unrestricted gift your organization can use for any purpose. A grant is a conditional award tied to a specific project, program, or outcome, and comes with reporting requirements. Grants also require a formal application process, while donations don’t. Both count as non-taxable income for a 501(c)(3) organization.

How much does it cost to apply for a grant?

Legitimate grants don’t charge application fees. If a funder asks for money to review your application, it’s a scam. The real cost of applying is staff time: Researching eligibility, writing the proposal, gathering attachments, and following up. Organizations with dedicated grant writers typically apply for more grants and win more consistently than those doing it ad hoc.

What is the grant success rate for nonprofits?

Success rates vary widely by funder and sector. Competitive federal grants can have acceptance rates below 5%, while local foundation and corporate grants often fund a higher share of applicants from their target geographic area. The most consistent predictor of success is alignment: Organizations whose work matches the funder’s stated priorities win more grants than organizations applying broadly..

Divyashree BR

A marketer passionate about sharing insights on nonprofits, politics, and advocacies, with a keen focus on how these domains can be effectively digitalized and communicated to reach broader audiences.