Securing funding is a critical aspect of running a nonprofit organization. Whether you’re focused on social impact, environmental causes, or community outreach, grants can provide the financial resources necessary to drive your mission forward.
Here’s a list of nonprofit grant resources to help you find funding for your projects.
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Grants.gov
Grants.gov is the go-to platform for federal grants. Managed by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, this website provides a central location for grant seekers to find and apply for federal funding opportunities. It’s a powerful resource for nonprofits looking to scale their impact on a national level.
• Type of Grants: Federal
• Application: Online portal for applications
• Best For: Nonprofits across all sectors looking for substantial government funding
Foundation Directory Online
The Foundation Directory Online (FDO) by Candid is one of the largest and most comprehensive databases of foundations and grantmakers in the U.S. FDO offers a detailed breakdown of funders, their giving priorities, and grant amounts, making it easier to find the right fit for your nonprofit.
• Type of Grants: Private foundation grants
• Application: Research-based, requires a subscription for full access
• Best For: Nonprofits seeking foundation grants from private and corporate sources
GrantStation
GrantStation helps nonprofits, educational institutions, and other organizations find funding opportunities through its extensive database of federal, state, and foundation grant programs. They also offer resources to help you write winning grant proposals.
• Type of Grants: Federal, state, and foundation grants
• Application: Online portal and database search
• Best For: Organizations needing a wide variety of funding sources and proposal-writing guidance
The Grantsmanship Center
The Grantsmanship Center offers training and resources for grant proposal writing, along with a comprehensive list of grant opportunities. They also provide nonprofit leaders with practical skills to improve their success rate with grant applications.
• Type of Grants: Private foundations, state and federal grants
• Application: Via workshops and training
• Best For: Nonprofits needing education on how to secure funding through grants
Instrumentl
Instrumentl is an all-in-one grant tool that simplifies the search for nonprofit grants. It curates a list of tailored funding opportunities and helps nonprofits manage their grant applications through an integrated platform. The site provides an excellent user interface for discovering new opportunities.
• Type of Grants: Foundation, federal, and corporate grants
• Application: Through their platform, including deadline tracking
• Best For: Nonprofits looking for a more user-friendly, organized approach to grant management
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The Wallace Foundation
The Wallace Foundation provides funding for nonprofits with a focus on education, arts, and youth development. They offer targeted grant opportunities and have a specific focus on scaling innovative approaches to help underserved communities.
• Type of Grants: Private foundation grants
• Application: Direct inquiries and formal applications
• Best For: Nonprofits in arts, education, and youth development
The Ford Foundation
One of the most well-known philanthropic foundations, The Ford Foundation supports organizations that promote social justice, poverty alleviation, and economic equality. They offer multi-year grants to organizations working in human rights, democracy, and sustainability.
• Type of Grants: Private foundation grants
• Application: Formal application process
• Best For: Social justice and sustainability-focused nonprofits
W.K. Kellogg Foundation
W.K. Kellogg Foundation focuses on children, families, and equitable communities. They are one of the largest philanthropic organizations in the U.S., funding a wide variety of initiatives that promote social justice, health, and education for marginalized groups.
• Type of Grants: Private foundation grants
• Application: Through their online portal
• Best For: Nonprofits working in community development and child welfare
The Global Innovation Fund
The Global Innovation Fund (GIF) provides grant funding for nonprofits and social enterprises that address global poverty. They focus on innovations that improve the lives of those in developing countries, particularly in areas such as healthcare, education, and sustainability.
• Type of Grants: Innovation and impact-focused grants
• Application: Online applications with a competitive review process
• Best For: Nonprofits with scalable projects in developing regions
Robert Wood Johnson Foundation
The Robert Wood Johnson Foundation (RWJF) is dedicated to improving health outcomes and promoting health equity in communities. They provide grant funding for programs and initiatives that focus on public health, community health, and healthcare access for underserved populations.
• Type of Grants: Private foundation grants
• Application: Online portal
• Best For: Nonprofits focused on health, healthcare access, and health equity
Google Ad Grants
Google Ad Grants is a unique program that offers in-kind grants in the form of free Google Ads advertising for eligible nonprofits. It provides nonprofits with up to $10,000 in free monthly advertising to help them reach a larger audience and boost their visibility.
• Type of Grants: In-kind advertising grants
• Application: Online application, followed by eligibility verification
• Best For: Nonprofits looking to raise awareness and drive traffic to their website
The Rockefeller Foundation
The Rockefeller Foundation provides grants to nonprofits working to advance global sustainability, social justice, and health initiatives. They focus on systemic change and large-scale impact, funding innovative solutions that address some of the world’s most pressing challenges.
• Type of Grants: Private foundation grants
• Application: Formal application process
• Best For: Nonprofits tackling large-scale global issues like climate change and poverty
The Kresge Foundation
The Kresge Foundation offers grants to nonprofits focused on urban development, health, and the environment. They support efforts to build vibrant, inclusive communities, improve health outcomes, and promote environmental stewardship.
• Type of Grants: Private foundation grants
• Application: Direct application through their website
• Best For: Nonprofits focused on community development, health, and sustainability
