Not for Profit Grants: How to Find, Qualify for, and Win Funding in 2026

Key Takeaways

• Not for profit grants are competitive, mission-specific funds from government agencies, foundations, and corporations. Most require 501(c)(3) status and align funding with specific program areas

• Major 2025 opportunities include federal grants via Grants.gov, Google Ad Grants (up to $10,000/month in ad credits), Walmart Foundation Community Grants, and PRIME microenterprise support for nonprofit organizations

• Eligibility hinges on legal status, geographic focus, and program alignment with funder priorities. Always verify before investing time in an application

• Successful applications pair clear impact metrics, realistic budgets, and demonstrated capacity to manage compliance and reporting

• Nonprofits should build a diversified strategy combining grants with individual donations, corporate sponsorships, and events to reduce vulnerability

What Are Not for Profit Grants?

Not for profit grants are non-repayable funds awarded to charitable and mission-driven organizations. Unlike loans, these awards don’t require repayment, but they do come with strings attached in the form of specific purposes, reporting obligations, and compliance requirements.

The distinction between grants and other income streams matters for your financial planning. A food bank receiving a USDA community grant operates under strict program guidelines, while the same organization running a thrift store has complete flexibility over that revenue. Program fees, social enterprise income, and individual donations offer operational freedom that most grants simply don’t provide.

Grants typically come with restrictions that determine how you can spend the money:

• Program-only grants fund specific services or activities

• Capital grants cover buildings, vehicles, or major equipment

• Research grants support academic or field-based investigations

• Operating grants (less common) help with general organizational expenses

Key grantmakers fall into several categories:

Grantmaker Type

Examples

Typical Focus

Federal agencies

USDA, HHS, DOE

Large-scale programs, research

State/local government

State arts councils, community development

Regional priorities

Private foundations

Ford Foundation, W.K. Kellogg Foundation

Social change, education, health

Corporate givers

Bank of America, Coca-Cola

Community development, workforce

Community foundations

Local community foundations

Geographic-specific needs

Typical grant uses include staffing for specific programs, equipment purchases, facility rent, community outreach, technology upgrades, and program evaluation activities.

Who Is Eligible for Not for Profit Grants?

Before you invest weeks preparing a grant application, verify your eligibility. Nothing wastes more time than discovering you don’t qualify after drafting a 20-page proposal.

Many funders require U.S. IRS 501(c)(3) status or equivalent charitable status in other countries. Some programs also fund fiscally sponsored projects, where a smaller group operates under the legal umbrella of an established nonprofit.

Common eligible organizations include:

• Public charities with 501(c)(3) designation

• Certain educational institutions (K-12 and higher education)

• Community-based organizations with documented nonprofit status

• Faith based organizations meeting specific program criteria

• Some mission-driven social enterprises via targeted programs

(See fundraising campaign essentials for tips on maximizing your impact.)

Eligibility often depends on multiple factors beyond legal status:

Factor

Examples

Program area

Health, arts, veterans services, education

Geography

City, county, state, or national focus

Organizational size

Some programs cap budgets (e.g., under $350,000 for Ben & Jerry’s Foundation)

Years in operation

Many funders prefer 1-2 years minimum

Individuals usually cannot apply for nonprofit grants directly, but may access separate artist, teacher, or researcher grants through different programs.

Government and Public Sector Organizations

Federal, state, county, city, and special district governments often act as both grant applicants and re-granters for community nonprofits. A city community development block grant program, for example, might award funds to local housing nonprofits for resident services.

Key public sector entities that interact with nonprofits:

• Federally recognized Native American tribal governments can receive federal grants that may be sub-awarded to tribal nonprofits

• Public housing authorities apply for HUD funds that support resident services delivered by community organizations

• State agencies often distribute federal pass-through grants to local eligible organizations

• County health departments frequently partner with nonprofits for public health initiatives

Educational and Community Organizations

Independent school districts, public and private colleges, and universities are often eligible for education, workforce, and research grants that benefit nonprofit partners through collaborative arrangements.

Community organizations such as community development corporations, neighborhood associations, and youth clubs can qualify if they hold recognized nonprofit status. A common model involves a community college partnering with a local nonprofit for a Department of Education grant to improve adult literacy, where the college serves as lead applicant while the nonprofit delivers services.

Sub-granting arrangements between schools and nonprofits typically require:

• Formal memoranda of understanding (MOUs)

• Clear budget allocation between partners

• Defined roles for program delivery and reporting

• Shared evaluation frameworks

Nonprofit, For-Profit, and Individual Applicants

Classic nonprofit grant eligibility centers on 501(c)(3) public charities, but eligibility is more nuanced than most realize.

• 501(c)(4) and 501(c)(6) organizations qualify for some programs, particularly advocacy-related funding

• Unincorporated community groups can access grants via fiscal sponsorship under an established nonprofit’s umbrella

• Small businesses and for-profit organizations sometimes access grant-like programs (e.g., SBA innovation grants) when their work meets specific public-benefit criteria

• Individuals (artists, researchers, social entrepreneurs) may access dedicated grant programs separate from nonprofit operating grants

Always check the “Eligibility” section on each funder’s website or on aggregators like Grants.gov before preparing a proposal.

What Are the Major Types of Not for Profit Grants?

Understanding grant types helps you match funding opportunities to your actual needs, whether that’s covering payroll, building a new facility, or launching a technology initiative.

Grant Type

Purpose

Flexibility

Example

Operating grants

General organizational expenses

High

Community foundation general support

Project grants

Specific programs or services

Low

Youth arts program funding

Capital grants

Buildings, vehicles, equipment

Low

Food bank refrigeration system

Capacity-building grants

Organizational development

Medium

Board governance training

In-kind grants

Non-cash contributions

Varies

Google Ad credits

Some grants are one-time awards while others are multi-year commitments. Multi-year funding (like 2-year Ben & Jerry’s Foundation grants) can stabilize budgets and reduce the constant cycle of reapplication.

Trust-based philanthropy trends are leading some funders toward simpler applications, lighter reporting, and more flexible funding, a welcome shift for resource-strapped nonprofits.

Operating and Program Grants

General operating support grants provide flexible funds for core expenses: salaries, rent, utilities, and administrative costs. These are the holy grail of nonprofit funding because they let you allocate resources where they’re needed most. Community foundations and family foundations are more likely to offer this type of support.

Program or project grants are restricted to specific services with defined start and end dates. A health clinic’s vaccination campaign or youth arts programs would fall into this category. These are the most common types of grants available, but they require careful tracking to ensure funds are spent only on approved activities.

Most nonprofits run a mix of grant-funded programs and partially self-funded initiatives. This diversification matters. When one grant ends, you need other resources to maintain operations.

Corporate and bank foundations like Walmart and Bank of America may offer both project and limited operating support depending on the grant cycle and your relationship with them.

Capital, Capacity-Building, and Technology Grants

Capital grants fund major infrastructure investments:

• Building construction or renovation

• Vehicle purchases (like refrigerated trucks for food banks)

• Major equipment acquisitions

• Facility accessibility improvements

Capacity-building grants target organizational development rather than direct services. These funds might cover strategic planning, technology upgrades, evaluation systems, staff training, or board governance development. An executive director seeking to strengthen their organization’s infrastructure should explore these opportunities.

Technology-focused grants like AWS IMAGINE Grants combine cash awards ($50,000 to $200,000) with up to $100,000 in cloud credits for 501(c) nonprofits using technology for social impact. These programs often require detailed implementation timelines, matching funds, and sustainability plans showing how you’ll maintain the technology after the grant period.

In-Kind and Credit-Based Grants

In-kind grants provide non-cash contributions rather than direct financial assistance:

• Software licenses and subscriptions

• Advertising credits

• Consulting hours

• Donated equipment

• Professional services

Google Ad Grants represents one of the most valuable in-kind programs available. Eligible nonprofits receive up to $10,000 per month in Google Ads credits to promote their services, events, and donation pages through search advertising.

The Big Sea Wavemakers Grant offers up to $30,000 in marketing services, giving organizations access to professional branding and digital marketing expertise they couldn’t otherwise afford.

Track in-kind support in your budgets and audits. These contributions have real value and demonstrate organizational resources to other funders.

Ensure you have staff capacity to fully use in-kind credits or services. Unused Google Ad Grant credits don’t roll over, and marketing services require staff time to coordinate.

What Are the Top Not for Profit Grant Opportunities in 2025?

Funding in 2025 spans federal, foundation, and corporate grants, each with specific timelines, eligibility requirements, and award sizes. The following examples provide a starting point. Always verify current deadlines, grants portal access, and guidelines on funder websites.

Google Ad Grants (Ongoing in 2025)

Google Ad Grants provide up to $10,000 per month in in-kind Google Ads credit to eligible 501(c)(3) nonprofit organizations worldwide, including many small local charities. This represents up to $120,000 annually in advertising value.

Key exclusions:

For more on how AI tools can and cannot support your nonprofit’s grant writing process, see AI-Powered Grant Writing: What’s Possible Today (and What Isn’t).

• Government entity or government agencies

• Hospitals and medical groups

• Schools, academic institutions, and universities

• Some healthcare organizations

Program requirements:

• Maintain active campaigns with minimum click-through rates

• Comply with Google’s program policies

• Use funds for keyword-based search ads only (not display or video)

Use the grant for search ads promoting donations, volunteer signups, events, or services that advance your mission.

AWS IMAGINE Grants for Nonprofits

AWS IMAGINE Grants are competitive grant awards offering approximately $50,000 to $200,000 in cash plus up to $100,000 in AWS credits to tech-forward nonprofits addressing social and environmental injustice.

Applicants must be 501(c) organizations using cloud technology for measurable social impact, such as data-driven health initiatives, education platforms, or climate projects working toward healthy communities.

Strong proposals include:

• Clear technical architecture documentation

• Specific impact metrics and evaluation plans

• Sustainability strategy beyond the grant period

• Evidence of organizational capacity to implement technology solutions

Applications typically open once per year with mid-year deadlines. Check the AWS IMAGINE website for 2025 dates and the full application process.

Community and Corporate Foundation Grants (Examples)

Walmart Foundation Community Grants

Local awards ranging from approximately $250 to $5,000 for nonprofits within the service area of Walmart or Sam’s Club stores. These grants support hunger relief, community development, and local needs with relatively straightforward online application processes.

Bank of America Charitable Foundation Grants

Typical ranges of $2,500 to $25,000 in smaller markets and $5,000 to $50,000 in larger markets. Focus areas include financial stability, workforce development, economic opportunity, and basic needs. The foundation emphasizes building pathways from poverty to economic mobility.

Coca-Cola Foundation Grants

Global grants supporting water stewardship, women’s empowerment, community wellbeing, and environmental sustainability. The foundation has awarded over $1.6 billion by 2023, making it one of the most significant corporate funders.

Each grant program has distinct cycles and application windows. Expect to provide detailed narratives, budgets, and evidence of community impact.

Major Private Foundations Supporting Nonprofits

Large private foundations like Ford Foundation, Rockefeller Foundation, W.K. Kellogg Foundation, Kresge Foundation, and Robert Wood Johnson Foundation offer substantial grants aligned to specific themes:

Foundation

Primary Focus Areas

Ford Foundation

Inequality, democratic rights, human dignity

Rockefeller Foundation

Health, food systems, economic opportunity

W.K. Kellogg Foundation

Children, families, communities

Kresge Foundation

Low-income urban communities

Robert Wood Johnson Foundation

Health equity, healthy communities

Many of these funders operate mainly via Requests for Proposals (RFPs) or invitation-only processes. Monitor their websites, sign up for email alerts, and review their lists of past grant recipients to understand priorities, award sizes, and typical project scales before investing effort in proposals.

Microenterprise and Entrepreneurship-Focused Nonprofit Grants

SBA’s Program for Investors in Microentrepreneurs (PRIME) is an annual competitive grant (subject to appropriations) for nonprofit microenterprise development organizations, faith based organizations, and certain intermediary institutions.

PRIME supports:

• Training and technical assistance for low-income entrepreneurs

• Capacity building for microenterprise development organizations

• Financial literacy and micro-loan readiness programs

• Services for very small businesses and self-employment initiatives

A community nonprofit might receive PRIME funding to run financial literacy workshops preparing low-income individuals for small business loans in the calendar year ahead. Check the SBA website for current PRIME notices, eligibility, and application deadlines for the applicable fiscal year.

How Do You Find Not for Profit Grants?

Effective grant search combines online tools, local relationships, and systematic tracking. Random browsing wastes time. Strategic prospecting yields results.

Key U.S. federal resources include:

• Grants.gov: Primary portal for government grant opportunities

• USA.gov: Broader assistance information including non-grant programs

• SAM.gov: Required registration for federal awards

Commercial and subscription-based databases like GrantWatch and foundation directories list thousands of verified grants for nonprofits, small businesses, and individuals.

Build a “funding calendar” spreadsheet tracking funder name, focus area, typical award size, location, deadlines, and required documents.

Engage local community foundations, United Ways, and corporate CSR departments to learn about smaller, less advertised grant cycles. Some of the best funding opportunities never make it to national databases.

Using Grant Databases and Directories

Tools like GrantWatch and Foundation Directory let users filter opportunities by:

• Sector (education, health, arts programs)

• Location (city, state, national)

• Eligible applicant type (nonprofit, business, individual)

• Typical grant amount

Some platforms provide access to IRS Form 990 data for millions of grants, allowing you to see how much funders give and to whom. This research helps you determine alignment and avoid applying to funders that clearly focus on different missions or geographies.

Several services offer paid add-ons including expert consultations, training, or matchmaking with professional grant writers for more complex proposals.

Tapping Networks and Local Resources

Connect with local nonprofit associations, community foundations, chambers of commerce, and Small Business Development Centers (SBDCs) to learn about regional grant opportunities.

Examples of locally-focused programs:

• SBA-supported community development programs

• Veterans’ entrepreneurship training grants (SDVETP, WVETP)

• State-funded arts councils offering small project grants

• Corporate giving programs tied to local store or facility locations

• National grassroots organizing program grants from social justice funders

Build relationships with program officers before deadlines approach. Attend information webinars, participate in community listening sessions hosted by funders, and introduce your organization even when you’re not actively applying.

Set up Google Alerts for key funding terms and subscribe to newsletters from relevant agencies and foundations for timely updates on new grant opportunities.

How Do You Apply for Not for Profit Grants?

The typical grant application lifecycle follows a predictable pattern:

1. Eligibility check

2. Concept note (if required)

3. Full proposal development

4. Budget preparation

5. Attachments and supporting documents

6. Submission via grants portal or online application

7. Funder review and site visits (if applicable)

8. Award or declination notification

Successful applications are tailored to each funder, answer every question directly, and show a logical link between needs, activities, outcomes, and evaluation. Generic proposals rarely win competitive grants.

Practical planning example: If a grant cycle opens November 1, 2024 for 2025 funding with a January 15 deadline, your internal timeline should include:

• November 1-15: Review full guidelines, confirm eligibility

• November 15-December 15: Draft narrative and budget

• December 15-January 1: Internal review and revisions

• January 1-10: Final edits and document assembly

• January 10-12: Submit and confirm receipt

Submit early rather than close to deadlines to avoid technical issues and allow time for corrections.

Preparing a Strong Proposal

Essential narrative components include:

• Executive summary: Concise overview of request and expected impact

• Organizational background: Your history, mission, and capacity

• Statement of need: Data-driven problem description

• Goals and objectives: Specific, measurable outcomes

• Activities and timeline: What you’ll do and when

• Evaluation plan: How you’ll measure success

• Sustainability: How work continues after grant ends

Proposals should include specific, measurable outcomes: “serve 300 families with financial coaching by December 2025” rather than “help community members gain access to resources.”

Demonstrate community involvement, partnerships, and leadership by those most affected by the issue, especially when applying to justice- and equity-focused funders addressing environmental injustice or economic inequality.

Tailor language to match funder priorities. Use plain, non-jargon wording that reviewers from different backgrounds can understand.

Building a Clear and Compliant Budget

Budgets must align precisely with your narrative. If your proposal describes three staff positions, the budget should show those positions with accurate salaries and benefits.

Common budget categories:

Category

Includes

Personnel

Salaries, wages, fringe benefits

Supplies

Office supplies, program materials

Equipment

Items over funder’s threshold (often $5,000+)

Travel

Staff travel, participant transportation

Contractual

Consultants, subcontracts

Other direct costs

Rent, utilities, communications

Indirect costs

Administrative overhead (often capped)

Many public and foundation funders set caps on indirect costs or exclude certain items like lobbying, major capital expenses, or debt service. Read guidelines carefully.

Include matching funds and in-kind contributions where required. Use simple tables or templates provided by the funder, and double-check all arithmetic before submission.

Registration, Portals, and Submission Timelines

Most funders require online account creation. Federal awards additionally require:

• SAM.gov registration: Can take 2-4 weeks for new registrants

• Unique Entity Identifier (UEI): Replaced DUNS numbers

• Grants.gov account: For submission and tracking

Some registrations take days or weeks. Start 4-6 weeks before deadlines if you’re a first-time federal applicant. Nonprofits can also streamline their application process and operations with the right nonprofit software.

Account management best practices:

• Keep login credentials secure and documented

• Maintain shared internal records accessible to multiple staff

• Assign backup personnel in case of turnover or absence

• Test portal access before submission day

Build internal timelines with draft deadlines at least one week before official closing dates to ensure quality review time.

Common Restrictions and Compliance Requirements

Every grant comes with conditions on eligible costs, reporting, branding, and sometimes political activity limits. Understanding restrictions upfront prevents compliance problems later.

Common prohibitions across funders:

• Lobbying or legislative advocacy (especially for federal grants)

• Partisan political activity or campaign contributions

• Fundraising costs charged to the grant

• Personal benefits to staff, board members, or families

• Entertainment or alcohol expenses

• Construction (unless specifically a capital grant)

Many competitive grants require minimum record-keeping standards, evaluation requirements, and potential site or financial monitoring visits. Review “areas not funded” sections on funder websites before applying.

Keep compliance in mind from project design through completion. Ensure your accounting systems and internal controls can meet funder expectations before you accept an award.

Reporting, Monitoring, and Accountability

Most grants require at least annual narrative and financial reports. Larger government awards often need quarterly updates with detailed invoices and supporting documentation.

Typical report elements:

For nonprofits seeking to enhance their technology infrastructure, be sure to check out our complete guide to top technology grants for nonprofit organizations.

• Progress against stated objectives

• Success stories and program highlights

• Challenges encountered and adaptations made

• Budget vs. actual spending comparison

• Requests to modify activities or timelines (if needed)

Funders may audit grantees or request supporting documentation such as time sheets, receipts, and client data, especially for public funds. Set up systems to track grant-funded activities, outcomes, and expenses continuously rather than scrambling before report deadlines.

Consider grant management software or detailed spreadsheets that capture:

• Staff time allocated to grant activities

• Participant data and demographics

• Expense documentation and receipts

• Outcome measurements and evaluations

Strategic Tips to Improve Your Chances of Winning Grants

Grants are highly competitive. Federal grants often receive hundreds of applications for limited awards. Foundation grant programs may fund only 5-10% of applicants. A strategic, relationship-oriented approach proves essential for long-term success.

Prioritize alignment over volume. Better to submit a few well-matched, high-quality applications than many generic ones. Research funders thoroughly before deciding where to focus your efforts.

Build multi-year funding relationships. Communicate regularly with program officers and share impact updates beyond required reports. Many foundations prefer to continue funding organizations they trust rather than constantly reviewing new applicants.

Diversify revenue sources. Don’t rely on a single large grant. Combine grant funding with individual donations, corporate sponsorships, earned revenue, and special events to reduce vulnerability when any one source ends.

Invest in capacity. Staff training in grant writing, board involvement in prospect research, and professional grant writers for complex proposals all strengthen your competitive position over time.

Strengthening Evidence and Storytelling

Combine local data with compelling personal stories to show both scale and human impact:

• Poverty rates and demographic statistics establish scope

• Graduation rates or health outcomes demonstrate need

• Individual stories make the problem real and urgent

• Before/after comparisons show what’s possible

Collect baseline data before a grant begins so results can be compared over time. If you want to demonstrate impact, you need to know where you started.

Use simple visuals like charts or infographics (when allowed) to explain program models, milestones, and outcomes. A clear logic model diagram can communicate more than paragraphs of text.

Strong storytelling respects client dignity and privacy. Obtain written consent before sharing personal stories or photos, and give individuals control over how their experiences are portrayed.

Collaborations, Partnerships, and Fiscal Sponsorship

Many funders increasingly favor collaborative proposals addressing complex issues through multiple partner organizations. A housing nonprofit, workforce development agency, and city government might jointly pursue multi-year funding for comprehensive support to families experiencing homelessness.

Smaller, emerging groups without 501(c)(3) status can sometimes gain access to grants through fiscal sponsorship under a larger nonprofit’s umbrella. The fiscal sponsor holds funds, ensures compliance, and provides administrative support while the smaller group delivers programs.

Partnership best practices:

• Define roles, responsibilities, and budget allocations in writing

• Create formal MOUs or partnership agreements before applying

• Establish clear communication channels and decision-making processes

• Plan for potential disagreements or partner withdrawal

Strong collaborative proposals show genuine coordination rather than partnerships assembled solely to submit a grant application. Funders can usually tell the difference.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long does it typically take for a nonprofit to receive a decision after submitting a grant application?

Timelines vary widely depending on the funder. Small local or corporate grants may announce decisions within a few weeks. Many federal and large foundation grants take 3-6 months from submission to award announcement. Funders usually list estimated review periods or award announcement dates in their guidance materials, so check these before planning your program timeline around expected funding and potential downtime.

Can a new nonprofit with no track record realistically win grants?

New nonprofits can secure smaller, local, or capacity-building grants if they demonstrate strong leadership, realistic plans, and established partnerships. However, most large funders prefer organizations with at least 1-2 years of operations and some evidence of impact. New organizations might consider fiscal sponsorship, collaborative applications with established partners, or focusing on community foundations that explicitly support emerging organizations.

Are there grants that cover 100% of a project’s costs, or is matching funding always required?

Some grants do cover full project costs, especially for pilot programs, small initiatives, or general operating support. However, many public and private programs require a match, either cash or in-kind contributions, ranging from 10% to 50% of the total project budget. Required matches must be documented in your budget and tracked separately throughout the grant period. Scottship Solutions helps nonprofits set up the accounting and tracking systems that keep match documentation and funder reporting organized.

Can one project be funded by multiple grants at the same time?

Co-funding from multiple sources is common and often encouraged. However, nonprofits must avoid double-counting expenses and ensure each funder understands exactly which project components their grant supports. Clear budget narratives showing how different funders contribute to different aspects of the work prevent compliance issues and maintain trust with all funders involved.

Do nonprofits outside the United States have access to similar grant opportunities?

Many international foundations and corporate programs fund nonprofits worldwide. U.S. funders like Gates Foundation, Ford Foundation, and Rockefeller Foundation often support global work across multiple countries. Eligibility rules, reporting requirements, and tax implications vary. International organizations may need a U.S. fiscal sponsor or equivalency determination to receive grants from U.S.-based private foundations.

Written by

Luiza Vilardo

Director of Consulting at Scottship Solutions

Luiza oversees technology assessments, strategic roadmap execution, and project delivery for nonprofit and small business clients. She translates CIO-level strategy into operational reality through structured delivery and measurable outcomes.

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PMP (Project Management Professional) • Lean Six Sigma Yellow Belt • Certified ScrumMaster (CSM)

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Human Services, Healthcare & Community Health, Arts & Culture, Foundations & Grantmakers, Education & Youth Development