Best Grants for Nonprofits: Top 7 Picks

Not long ago, I needed a good grant for my nonprofit and didn’t know where to start.

I spent days looking for the best options, and after countless hours of research, I finally managed to put together a list of the top ones.

In this article, I’ve done the legwork and compiled a list of the 7 Best Grants for Nonprofits.

Top 7 Best Grants for Nonprofits

These are the 7 Best Grants for Nonprofits:

1. Google Ads Grant

Google Ads Grant offers resources and tools to eligible nonprofit organizations, including premium access to platforms like Google Maps, YouTube Nonprofit Program, and Google Workspace for Nonprofits.

Additionally, nonprofits can receive up to $10,000 in Google Ads credit monthly to enhance their marketing efforts, attract donors, find volunteers, and raise awareness.

To be eligible, organizations must meet specific nonprofit criteria in their respective countries and not be government entities, hospitals, healthcare organizations, schools, or academic institutions.

if you or someone you know is a single Black mother seeking financial assistance, check out my guide on Grants for Single Black Mothers.

2. Walmart Foundation Grant

The Walmart Foundation grant provides local community grants ranging from $250 to $5,000 to nonprofit organizations that benefit the areas where local Sam’s Club or Walmart stores operate.

These grants can be used for various purposes, including community and economic development, diversity and inclusion, education, environmental sustainability, health and human services, hunger relief, public safety, and improving quality of life.

3. Amazon Web Services (AWS) IMAGINE Grant

AWS offers the IMAGINE grant to nonprofits that leverage cloud technology to address global challenges.

Grant packages can vary from $30,000 to $150,000 in unrestricted financial support and up to $100,000 in AWS promotional credits.

Eligible organizations must have 501(c) status and demonstrate the critical role of technology in their projects, products, or services.

4. Bank of America Charitable Foundation Grants

Bank of America’s nonprofit grants focuses on supporting local organizations to enhance financial well being, address community needs, and provide workforce development and education, food, housing, economic mobility, and community development.

Grant amounts range from $2,500 to $50,000, depending on the market size.

5. The Carnegie Foundation Grant

The Carnegie Foundation Grant offers grants for nonprofits that focus on state based initiatives to provide higher education opportunities and resources to African students.

Grant submissions and approvals occur on a rolling basis, with funding amounts varying from $100,000 to $975,000.

6. Coca Cola Foundation Grant

The Coca Cola Foundation provides grants to nonprofits that empower women, protect the environment, support education, and enhance communities in local areas.

The Foundation aims to invest 2% of Coca Cola’s operating income into grantmaking. In 2021, it awarded over 500 donation grants to eligible organizations.

7. Ford Foundation Grant

The Ford Foundation awards approximately 1,500 grants each year to nonprofits with scalable solutions to eliminate inequality.

These opportunities and open grants change over time, so organizations can regularly check the Ford Foundation’s Grant page or sign up for email updates to stay informed about available opportunities.

If you’re a single black mother with entrepreneurial dreams, check out my Grants for Single Black Mothers to Start a Business guide for valuable funding opportunities and support.

Best Nonprofit Grants Comparison Table

This table compares all the Best Grants for Nonprofits:

For single mothers seeking financial assistance and support, explore our detailed guide on Personal Grants for Single Mothers.

Top 5 Organizations Providing the Best Grants for Nonprofits

These are the top 5 organizations providing the Best Grants for Nonprofits:

1. Bank of America

The Bank of America Charitable Foundation focuses on programs related to housing, jobs, and ending hunger.

They issue requests for proposals twice a year, and nonprofit organizations can check their criteria, important dates, and frequently asked questions to determine if they are eligible.

2. Clif Bar

The Clif Bar Family Foundation provides grants to grassroots organizations to support their daily operating costs.

They have three application deadlines each year: February 1, June 1, and October 1.

To be eligible, organizations must align with two of Clif Bar’s three funding priorities: strengthening the food system, enhancing equitable community health outcomes, or safeguarding the environment.

3. Coca Cola

The Coca Cola Foundation offers grants and sponsorships to a wide range of organizations, contributing 2% of its operating income to charity.

However, they do not typically fund initiatives with a heavy focus on nutrition and physical activity.

Their charitable giving supports empowering women, protecting the environment, educating scholars, and enhancing communities.

4. Dick’s Sporting Goods

Dick’s Sporting Goods supports youth sports, helps cover athletic registration fees, and equipment costs, and provides resources for teachers.

Nonprofit programs and public schools can apply for grants of up to $25,000, but eligibility requires the presence of a Dick’s Sporting Goods store in the community.

5. GEICO Philanthropic Foundation

The GEICO Philanthropic Foundation awards grants to charities with a focus on education, community engagement, diversity, equity, and inclusion.

Eligible applicants can request funding between January 1 and November 30 each year.

Types of Grants for Nonprofits

These are the 4 types of Grants available for Nonprofits:

1. Competitive Grants

Competitive grants require nonprofits to submit detailed proposals or applications outlining their project or program. These proposals undergo review by a committee or panel of experts who assess them based on specific criteria set by the grantor.

Grants are then awarded to the proposals that receive the highest scores, demonstrating a strong alignment with the grantor’s goals and priorities. For example, Walmart provides local community grants that nonprofits can apply for through a competitive proposal process.

2. Continuation Grants

Continuation grants provide funding to nonprofits to renew a grant they have previously received. To qualify for these grants, nonprofits must maintain a positive relationship with the grantor by fulfilling all the terms and conditions of their initial grant.

This includes consistent communication with the funder, achieving proposed project outcomes, and meeting reporting deadlines. SAMHSA, for instance, offers continuation grants for projects that meet specific criteria and have previously received funding.

3. Pass Through Grants

Pass through grants originate from the federal government and are distributed to state or local governments for allocation. Nonprofits interested in securing these funds must apply through their respective state or municipal government agencies.

Information about available pass through grant opportunities is typically accessible on state government websites. These grants are competitive in nature and require nonprofits to meet specific state or local criteria for eligibility.

4. Formula Grants

Formula grants are non competitive awards distributed to organizations based on predetermined criteria. Unlike competitive grants, where proposals are evaluated for funding, formula grants allocate funds to organizations that meet specific benchmarks or criteria.

The funding amount may vary based on factors such as the number of people served or the size of the recipient’s community. The U.S. Department of Education provides an example of formula grants through the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA), where funding is based on established formulas and criteria.

You can also check out this guide on free government iPhone if you wish to get one for yourself.

How to Get the Best Grants for Nonprofits

Follow these steps to get the Best Grants for Nonprofits:

1. Determine the specific areas of your nonprofit that require funding.
2. Look for grant opportunities that match your nonprofit’s funding needs.
3. Once you have identified potential grants, review their requirements to ensure that your nonprofit meets the eligibility criteria.
4. Create a compelling grant proposal that clearly outlines your nonprofit’s mission, goals, and how the grant will be used to achieve them.
5. Submit your grant application before the deadline. Make sure to include all required documents and information.
6. After submitting your application, follow up with the grantor to ensure that they have received it and to inquire about the status of your application.
7. Keep track of all grants you have applied for, including their deadlines and requirements.

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Eligibility Criteria

These are the eligibility criteria for getting the Best Grants for Nonprofits:

1. Your organization must be a registered nonprofit with tax exempt status.
2. Your nonprofit’s mission must align with the grantmaker’s priorities.
3. Your projects must match the grant’s focus area.
4. You must be able to maintain sound financial practices and demonstrate fiscal responsibility.
5. You must have a strong, diverse board of directors.
6. You must meet reporting and compliance requirements.

Required Documents

These are the documents required for getting the Best Grants for Nonprofits:

1. IRS 501(c)(3) Determination Letter.
2. Project Proposal
3. A financial breakdown of how you intend to use the grant funds.
4. Financial Statements, including balance sheets and income statements.
5. Board of Directors List
6. 501(c)(3) Status Letter
7. Letters of Support
8. Resumes of key project staff members.
9. Bylaws or registration certificates.
10. Previous impact reports

How to Find Best Grants for Nonprofits?

Follow these steps to find the Best Grants for Nonprofits:

1. Begin by pinpointing the specific areas within your nonprofit that require financial support. Utilize online databases such as Grants.gov and Foundation Center to explore available grants.
2. Look for opportunities that match your nonprofit’s funding needs.
3. Thoroughly examine the eligibility requirements of potential grants.
4. Craft a persuasive grant proposal that clearly communicates your nonprofit’s mission, goals, and how the grant funds will be used to achieve them.
5. Attend nonprofit conferences, workshops, and events to connect with potential funders and collaborators.
6. Reach out to grantmaking organizations directly to inquire about upcoming grant opportunities and seek clarification on eligibility criteria.
7. Thoroughly review the grant guidelines and requirements to ensure your organization qualifies and can comply with the grantor’s expectations.

How to Choose the Best Grants for Nonprofits

Follow these steps to choose the Best Grants for Nonprofits:

1. Before seeking grants, define your nonprofit’s specific goals and funding needs.
2. Look for grants that align with your nonprofit’s mission and objectives.
3. Review the eligibility criteria of potential grants. Ensure your nonprofit meets the requirements, including geographic focus, target population, and project scope.
4. Consider the funding priorities of grantmakers.
5. Investigate the track record and reputation of grantmaking organizations. Assess their financial stability and history of funding nonprofits. Opt for reputable and reliable grantmakers.
6. Scrutinize the terms and conditions of grants.
7. Determine whether the grant size and duration align with your project’s needs.
8. Evaluate whether the funding period allows sufficient time to achieve your objectives.
9. Analyze the level of competition for each grant. Highly competitive grants may have lower chances of success, so consider a mix of competitive and less competitive opportunities.
10. Ensure the grant aligns with your nonprofit’s overall budget and financial sustainability.
11. Consult with grant writing professionals or advisors experienced in nonprofit funding.
12. Consider diversifying your funding sources by applying for a mix of grants from different grantmakers. This reduces dependency on a single source of funding.
13. Keep track of submitted grant applications and deadlines. Follow up on submitted proposals and communicate with grantmakers as needed.

Which Nonprofits Get the Most Money?

Nonprofits focused on poverty relief and healthcare get the most money.

What is the Most Popular Grant?

The Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) program is one of the most popular federal grant programs

FAQs on the Best Grants for Nonprofits

These are the most frequently asked questions on Best Grants for Nonprofits:

Conclusion

Securing grants for nonprofit organizations is a valuable and essential avenue for funding. Grants come in various types, from competitive to formula grants, and can be obtained from various sources, including government agencies, private foundations, and corporations.

To maximize your chances of success in obtaining the Best Grants for Nonprofits, it’s crucial to carefully identify your organization’s funding needs and research grant opportunities, meet eligibility criteria, prepare compelling grant proposals, and maintain a strong relationship with funders.