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Best Grants for 501(c)(3)

Explore grants specifically for 501(c)(3) nonprofits supporting diverse missions in education, health, environment, and social justice.

33,000+

Available grants

$9.00B

Total funding

$6K

Median grant

33,000+ grants
$9.00B total
$6K median

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32,545 Results based on applied filters

Community Charitable Grants

Morgan Hill Community Foundation
State/Local Government
Santa Clara County, California
Unspecified amount
The Morgan Hill Community Foundation is offering Community Charitable Grants totaling $32,000 for local nonprofits and public schools. This initiative aims to fund 10-15 unique projects that enrich the Morgan Hill community. Eligible organizations must be registered 501(c)(3) nonprofits or schools within the district. Grants support specific community projects in areas such as recreation, education, and health, fostering immediate benefits for residents in need.
Recreation Art & Culture Agriculture +10 more

NPS Project Implementation Grant

Montana Department of Natural Resources & Conservation
State/Local Government
Montana
Up to US $50,000
The NPS Project Implementation Grant, offered by the Montana Department of Natural Resources & Conservation, provides funding up to $50,000 for projects aimed at reducing nonpoint source pollution. Eligible applicants include government and non-government entities, with a 50% cost-share required for non-government entities. The grant supports initiatives that enhance water quality and improve natural water systems, ensuring the preservation of Montana's valuable water resources.
Freshwater Conservation Sanitation & Clean Drinking Water Environmental Conservation +2 more

Grand Forks: Community Foundation Grant Program

Community Foundation of Grand Forks, East Grand Forks, and Region
Private
Grand Forks County, North Dakota, Polk County, North Carolina
Up to US $10,000
The Grand Forks Community Opportunity Grant Program aims to enhance community life through projects in arts, culture, environmental sustainability, and human rights. Eligible applicants include 501(c)(3) nonprofits and public entities serving Grand Forks, Walsh, or Polk County. Projects must start after October 1, 2024, and conclude by September 30, 2025. Preference may be given to new initiatives and applicants, fostering innovation and community engagement.
Art & Culture Arts / Culture Access & Participation Human & Social Services +7 more

Water and Sewer Infrastructure Grant Program

Kansas Department of Commerce
State/Local Government
Allen County, Kansas, Anderson County, Kansas +102 more
Up to US $800,000
The Water and Sewer Infrastructure Grant Program, administered by the Kansas Department of Commerce, allocates $1 million in 2024 to support essential water and sewer projects in communities with populations over 5,000. Each eligible project can receive up to $800,000, with a required 25% cash match. Funding is intended for infrastructure improvements, engineering costs, and administrative expenses, making it vital for enhancing community water systems.
Engineering Sanitation & Clean Drinking Water Water Resource Management

Tom Melbert Annual Award in Humanities

Middlesex Community College Foundation
Association/Society
Middlesex County, Connecticut
Unspecified amount

About the Foundation

The MxCC Foundation Supports CT State Middlesex and Meriden Campuses

The purpose of the Middlesex Community College Foundation, Inc., a nonprofit, 501(c)(3) public charity incorporated in Connecticut, is twofold:

  • To support the college and its students by receiving, managing, and distributing funds for scholarships and other educational purposes, and
  • To generate and strengthen communication and collaboration between the college and the Foundation and business, industry, professional, civic, and educational leaders in the communities served by the college—all of Middlesex County, Meriden and Wallingford in New Haven County, and Rocky Hill in Hartford County.

Removing financial obstacles that bar or inhibit student access to education is the Foundation’s driving force. Scholarships address not only the growing need for financial assistance, but also our perennial wish to celebrate student achievement.

The MxCC Foundation’s charge is to develop external resources that contribute support to student and academic programs, as well as efforts that foster student success.

Tom Melbert Annual Award in Humanities

Recipient must be enrolled in English studies or another humanities area and have an interest/love of literature, painting, the arts or travel.

Education - Higher Education Adult Education Academic Success & Enrichment +6 more

Rural Community Endowments: Wheatland County Community Foundation Grant

Central Montana Foundation
Private
Wheatland County, Montana
Unspecified amount
The Wheatland County Community Foundation Grant, provided by the Central Montana Foundation, supports non-profit and tax-exempt organizations located in Central Montana. Funded projects must enhance educational, medical, essential services, civic, and cultural initiatives. Each year, grant requests are reviewed, ensuring that projects benefit the community significantly. This grant program is part of a larger effort, involving numerous rural endowment committees dedicated to improving the quality of life in the region.
Community Services Health & Medicine Education +4 more

Fifth Third Foundation Grants: Chicago, IL Foundation

Fifth Third Foundation
Corporate
Cook County, Illinois
Unspecified amount
The Fifth Third Foundation in Chicago, IL, supports nonprofit organizations focused on education, arts, community development, and health services. Eligible applicants must be 501(c)(3) organizations operating in the region. The Foundation prioritizes funding for initiatives that serve the blind, public television, or Catholic charities, and gives preference to organizations that have not received recent funding. Certain entities, such as individuals and public schools, are ineligible for grants.
Volunteerism & Philanthropy Education Religion & Spirituality +5 more

Ezra M. Cutting Trust Grant

Ezra M. Cutting Trust
Private
Middlesex County, Massachusetts
US $2,500 - US $10,000
The Ezra M. Cutting Trust Grant, established in 1965, supports charitable organizations in Marlborough, Massachusetts, with a focus on youth services and programs that enhance the community's quality of life. Grants typically range from $2,500 to $10,000 and are directed towards special projects that benefit Marlborough residents. Eligible organizations must be located in Marlborough or serve its residents, aiming to foster economic growth, health, education, and cultural activities.
Youth Services Humanities & Social Science Human & Social Services +8 more

Tyson Foods: Sponsorships

Tyson Foods, Inc.
Corporate
United States
Unspecified amount
Tyson Foods invites sponsorship proposals that reflect its core values and contribute to community welfare, particularly in Springdale, Arkansas, and Dakota Dunes, South Dakota. Proposals should demonstrate clear community benefits, visibility of the event, and outline how funds will be utilized effectively. Organizations are encouraged to apply if they align with Tyson's mission of integrity and stewardship, ensuring that funding can support primary objectives while considering tax-deductible options.
Community Services Food Access & Hunger Human & Social Services +4 more

Inspire Olympia Comprehensive Funding

City of Olympia
State/Local Government
Thurston County, Washington
Up to US $85,000

Inspire Olympia's Mission

Providing a reliable source of public funding that sustains a healthy, visible, welcoming, and inclusive nonprofit cultural and science sector, making creative cultural experiences accessible for everyone in Olympia.Impact Funding

Inspire Olympia is a voter-approved initiative to increase access to quality arts, sciences, heritage, and cultural experiences across Olympia by expanding offerings and lowering barriers to participation, especially for youth and underserved populations. This multi-year public investment seeks to strengthen our community’s nonprofit cultural organizations so they can extend inspiring, creative cultural programs to everyone.

Funding is distributed to local cultural organizations through contracts for services with the City of Olympia. Following the application process, contracts are awarded to those who best demonstrate how their arts, culture, heritage, and/or science programs benefit people and communities in Olympia. 

Primary Funding Goals

All applicants for Inspire Olympia funding are encouraged to focus on the way their work supports Inspire Olympia’s funding goals:

  • Support public programs in arts, culture, heritage, or science.
  • Increase access to these programs and reduce barriers to participation, especially for historically underserved populations.
  • Support programming by and for culturally or ethnically specific communities and underrepresented groups.
  • Expand access to youth education programs in arts, culture, heritage, and science.
  • Support the sustainability of and collaboration among cultural sector organizations.

Comprehensive Funding

Comprehensive Funding is open to eligible Olympia-based non-profit cultural organizations that demonstrate an organizational commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion, and who provide a variety of public and youth programming throughout the year.

Funding Range: Funding Range: Applicants in this category may request up to 20% of the organization’s total annual budget, based on the average of actual income over the last two completed fiscal years, up to a maximum of $85,000 per year for two years. This funding is meant to help organizations sustain and expand programming aligned with Inspire Olympia funding priorities. Inspire Olympia funds are expected to cover a portion of key cultural services listed in funding contracts.

Community Culture & Heritage Science Art Education +4 more

Chowan Community Funds Foundation Unrestricted Endowment Grant Program

North Carolina Community Foundation Inc
Private
Beaufort County, North Carolina, Bertie County, North Carolina +21 more
US $1,000 - US $5,000
The Chowan Community Funds Foundation offers the Unrestricted Endowment Grant Program to support local causes in Chowan County. Established in 2006, this foundation enables nonprofits to address changing community needs through grants ranging from $500 to $5,000. Eligible organizations include tax-exempt charities and local government units. Notably, the program prioritizes initiatives that enhance community life, promote social equity, and support diverse populations without discrimination.
Community Services Historic Preservation Supportive Housing & Shelters +3 more

Regional Water Implementation Grant

Kansas Department of Commerce
State/Local Government
Allen County, Kansas, Anderson County, Kansas +96 more
Up to US $1,000,000
The Regional Water Implementation Grant aims to enhance collaboration among water systems in Kansas by providing funding for preliminary engineering studies. With a maximum funding amount of $1,000,000 for 2024, this grant encourages projects that consolidate systems, expand water supply districts, and connect previously unlinked public water supply systems. A 50% match can be sourced from local or KDHE funds, promoting effective water management across the state.
Engineering Sanitation & Clean Drinking Water Water Resource Management

J. Larry Landers Student Research Award

Gopher Tortoise Council
Private
Allendale County, South Carolina, Appling County, Georgia +117 more
Up to US $3,000
The J. Larry Landers Student Research Award, offered by the Gopher Tortoise Council, provides funding for undergraduate and graduate students conducting research on gopher tortoise biology or upland habitat conservation. With an average award of $1,000, applicants must submit a four-page proposal, including project details and a budget. This grant aims to support original student-led research within the southeastern U.S., where the gopher tortoise is native, thus promoting vital ecological studies.
Herpetology Herpetological Conservation

Jana Trust Fund Grant

Jana Trust Fund
Private
Eastern Africa, South Sudan +3 more
Up to €1,500
The Jana Trust Fund Grant supports early career biologists in sub-Saharan Africa with projects focused on the conservation of endangered mammals, particularly elephants. Grants of up to 1,500 euros are available for research and related expenses, including travel to conferences. Applications are accepted year-round, with funding awarded in three cycles each year. Successful applicants can reapply after 12 months. This initiative honors Jana's legacy by promoting vital conservation efforts.
Mammalogy Mammalian Conservation

Earth Rising Foundation Grants

Earth Rising Foundation
Private
United States
US $200 - US $20,000
The Earth Rising Foundation Grants provide financial support ranging from $200 to $20,000 for grassroots climate initiatives. The foundation emphasizes empowering Indigenous communities, advocating for sustainable agricultural practices, and addressing social justice issues linked to climate change. By fostering youth involvement and supporting innovative projects, the foundation aims to create a vision for a sustainable future that respects both people and the planet. Applications must be submitted through a US-based nonprofit organization.
Youth Services Climate Change Resilience & Equity Diversity, Equity & Inclusion +3 more

Perkins Reserve Grant

South Dakota Department of Education
State/Local Government
South Dakota
US $10,000 - US $50,000

South Dakota Department of Education

The South Dakota Department of Education is dedicated to enhancing learning through leadership and service. The South Dakota Department of Education's aspiration is for all students to leave the K-12 education system College, Career and Life Ready.

Perkins Reserve Grant

Applications may be submitted by public school districts with approved Career & Technical Education programs (or those wishing to add approved CTE program in the 2026-27 school year). Perkins Reserve Grants will provide funds to specifically target the following needs:

  • Special Populations:
    • How can you support and bridge the gap for: English learners, students on IEPs or 504 plans, economically disadvantaged, single parent or students caring for siblings, foster, homeless, and/or students with transportation concerns. Details how the grant will support student achievement and develop industry-related skills.
  • Industrial Alignment:
    • How can you enhance the current program with equipment industry or technical colleges are using right now? Selected equipment, curricula or professional development opportunities reflect current industry standards.
  • Innovative Delivery:
    • How the grant proposal fosters innovation in the CTE program. Examples: Work-based learning opportunities (summer, remote, etc.), solutions to overcome workforce desert challenges, remote CTE instruction, industry engagement, etc. 
Workforce Preparation & Job Readiness Vocational & Trade Education Academic Success & Enrichment +2 more

Edna E. Harrell Community Children’s Fund Grant

The Oregon Community Foundation
Private
Baker County, Oregon
US $1,000 - US $5,000
The Edna E. Harrell Community Children’s Fund Grant, managed by The Oregon Community Foundation, supports programs enhancing the lives of underserved youth in Baker County and North Powder. Established in 2014, it provides funding for various enrichment activities, including summer camps, after-school programs, and arts initiatives. Eligible applicants include nonprofit organizations, churches, and schools, ensuring that children from financially constrained families have access to vital development opportunities.
Child Welfare Services Youth Services Summer Camps +4 more

Mibor Realtor Foundation Grant

Mibor Foundation Inc
Private
Boone County, Indiana, Brown County, Indiana +10 more
Unspecified amount
The Mibor Realtor Foundation Grant, offered by the Mibor Foundation Inc, aims to combat homelessness in central Indiana by funding 501(c)(3) non-profits. Since its inception, the Foundation has allocated over $3 million to support organizations that provide permanent housing solutions. Eligible entities can request funding up to $20,000, with typical awards ranging from $5,000 to $15,000. The Foundation prioritizes proven housing-based solutions linked with comprehensive support services.
Disaster Relief / Humanitarian Aid Disaster Preparedness Homelessness Services +4 more

Women’s Fund of Hawaii Grants

Women's Fund of Hawaii
Private
Hawaii
Up to US $10,000
The Women’s Fund of Hawaii provides grants to programs that empower women and girls across the state. With a focus on financial security, leadership, and addressing barriers such as homelessness and health issues, the fund aims to uplift the community. Prioritizing projects that reflect its core values, the fund supports initiatives led by women for women, ensuring that diverse voices are heard and represented. This commitment fosters a supportive environment for growth and self-determination in Hawaii.
Women & Girl Services Domestic Violence LGBTQIA+ Services +4 more

WNAN Natural History Research Grant

Western North American Naturalist
Corporate
Alaska, Arizona +23 more
Up to US $2,500
The WNAN Natural History Research Grant supports research in biological natural history within western North America. Grants of up to $2,500 are available for five authors to assist with travel, supplies, and other research-related expenses. This initiative particularly encourages applicants from institutions where research is not the primary focus, aiming to foster diverse contributions to natural history.
Ecology Zoology Population Biology +6 more

Essex County Veterans Fund: Round 2 - Serving Those Who Served Us

Essex County Community Foundation
Private
Essex County, Massachusetts
Unspecified amount

Essex County Community Foundation

Since 1998, Essex County Community Foundation (ECCF) has proudly served the 34 unique cities and towns of Essex County. What started as an organization solely dedicated to strengthening our region’s nonprofits, has evolved – along with our communities – to an innovative and deeply connected Foundation inspiring system based social change.

Essex County Community Foundation inspires philanthropy that strengthens the communities of Essex County by managing charitable assets, strengthening and supporting nonprofits, and engaging in strategic community leadership initiatives. Our ultimate goal is to improve the quality of life in the 34 towns and cities of Essex County.

  • We help donors of all sizes elevate their giving by managing charitable assets, sharing our local expertise and providing philanthropic guidance and education.
  • Essex County’s 4000+ nonprofit organizations are doing smart, innovative work. We support their critical efforts with education, resources and funding.
  • To solve our region’s most complex social issues, we invest and engage in community leadership initiatives driven by our Systems Philanthropy approach to change.

Essex County Veterans Fund 

The Essex County Veterans Fund aims to build community and increase access to critical support services for the 30,000 veterans that call Essex County home. Through grant-making and capacity-building, the initiative will leverage collective funding to make a significant difference in the quality of life for these local heroes and their families.

Our investments will be focused on multiple areas across two different rounds of grantmaking in 2026: Honoring Our Veterans and Serving Those Who Served Us. 

Grant Round 2 - Serving Those Who Served Us

Focus Areas

  • Health and Wellness – strengthening the capacity of organizations to effectively provide mental health, disability, and other health services to veterans with diverse experiences and needs.
  • Basic Needs and Economic Opportunity – increased access to food, clothing, supplies, and housing; career counseling and workforce training.
Military & Veterans Services Basic Human Needs Disability Care & Services +3 more

Equity Workforce Training Implementation Grants (MA)

Massachusetts Clean Energy Center (MassCEC)
State/Local Government
Massachusetts
Up to US $1,200,000
The Massachusetts Clean Energy Center (MassCEC) offers Equity Workforce Training Implementation Grants to enhance access to training for individuals from underrepresented communities. Grants of up to $1,200,000 are available over two to three years for projects that create career pathways in climate-critical occupations. Applicants can propose initiatives focused on employment training, pipeline preparedness for adult learners, or capacity planning for effective training programs, aiming to address existing barriers and foster employer engagement.
Workforce Preparation & Job Readiness Green Economy & Jobs Climate Change Resilience & Equity

MCH Strategic Initiatives Grant

Indiana Department of Health
State/Local Government
Indiana
Unspecified amount

Indiana Department of Health

The Indiana State Department of Health became the Indiana Department of Health (IDOH) in July 2021 after the Governor signed legislation updating the agency's statute. That same year the Department was also awarded accreditation by the Public Health Accreditation Board, joining the ranks of 36 other states and territories.

Mission: To promote, protect, and improve the health and safety of all Hoosiers.

MCH Strategic Inititatives Funding

The Indiana Department of Health Maternal and Child Health (MCH) Division is accepting applications to fund organizations to implement MCH programs focused on reducing infant mortality and improving outcomes for maternal, child, and adolescent health.

Purpose of MCH Strategic Initiatives Funding

This funding opportunity’s purpose is to support Indiana’s goal of improving Maternal and Child Health outcomes by funding competitive grants for community-driven projects that address their unique needs and the MCH Strategic Initiatives Priorities. This opportunity is a two-year, performancebased grant. At the end of the first two project years, a performance award opportunity (up to the original awarded amount) will be available for those recipients that demonstrate improvement in their selected outcomes. 

MCH Strategic Initiatives Priorities

  • Reduce Preventable Deaths and Advance Quality of Life
  • Focus on Upstream Opportunities and Strategies
  • Improve physical health and strengthen mental, social, and emotional well-being
  • Promote protective factors and uplift Hoosiers families
  • Foster Reciprocal Communication and Strategic and Sustainable Collaboration
  • Address Community Health Factors and Systems that Influence Health Status and Behaviors
  • Enhance Approaches to Operations, Data, and Evaluation

Applicants must submit a proposal for programs that aim to address infant mortality, birth outcomes, or other MCH priorities. This proposal must also identify the population and area they plan to impact. 

Maternal And Perinatal Health Community Health Education Preventative Healthcare +2 more

Wild Geese Foundation Grants

Wild Geese Foundation
Private
Connecticut, Maine +4 more
Unspecified amount
The Wild Geese Foundation supports organizations focused on human rights, food justice, youth empowerment, and climate resilience. With a commitment to marginalized communities, they prioritize reproductive justice and sustainable agriculture in New England. Grants are available to 501(c)3 organizations, excluding those with budgets over $5 million or involved in international projects. Their mission emphasizes the importance of fostering environments where youth can thrive, ensuring a just and equitable society for all.
Food Access & Hunger Sustainable Agriculture & Agroecology Youth Services +2 more

Health Care Foundation of the Oranges (HCFO) Grant

The Health Care Foundation Of The Oranges
Private
Essex County, New Jersey
Unspecified amount
The Health Care Foundation of the Oranges (HCFO) addresses critical public health challenges in East Orange, Orange, Irvington, and West Newark. By supporting local nonprofits focused on mental health, food security, and health education, HCFO aims to promote wellness and eliminate barriers to healthy living for vulnerable communities, including the elderly and those in financial distress. Their commitment ensures that everyone has the opportunity to thrive, regardless of their circumstances.
Disability Care & Services Mental Health & Psychiatric Diseases Poverty Alleviation & Services +2 more

Andersons Fund Supporting Organization

Toledo Community Foundation
Private
Defiance County, Ohio, Fulton County, Ohio +18 more
More than US $20,000
The Andersons Fund Supporting Organization aims to enhance the quality of life for individuals and families in northwest Ohio and southeast Michigan, particularly in the greater Toledo area. It supports nonprofit organizations with grants for programs in education, social services, mental health, urban affairs, natural resources, and the arts. The Fund prioritizes capital projects and evaluates the financial stability and operational issues of requesting organizations.
Education Human & Social Services Health & Medicine +6 more

Grants for 501(c)(3) Highlights

Grants for 501(c)(3) organizations provide essential funding to support nonprofit missions across various sectors. These grants empower tax-exempt entities to deliver impactful programs, grow operations, and address community needs.


Search Instrumentl's 501(c)(3) Grants Database


Discover 8,000+ active grants for 501(c)(3) organizations, with $3.34B available. Instrumentl streamlines the grant search process for nonprofits, offering tools for deadline tracking, customized searches, and access to funder insights.

Grant Insights : Grants for 501(c)(3)

Grant Availability

How common are grants in this category?

Quite common — grants in this category are more prevalent than in others.

8,000+ Grants for 501(c)(3) grants for nonprofits in the United States, from private foundations to corporations seeking to fund grants for nonprofits.

3,000+ Grants for 501(c)(3) over $25K in average grant size

3,000+ Grants for 501(c)(3) over $50K in average grant size

1,000+ Grants for 501(c)(3) supporting general operating expenses

7,000+ Grants for 501(c)(3) supporting programs / projects

600+ Grants on Instrumentl focused on Food Access & Hunger

1,000+ Grants on Instrumentl focused on Workforce Preparation & Job Readiness

Grant Deadline Distribution

Over the past year, when are grant deadlines typically due for grants for 501(c)(3)?

Most grants are due in the first quarter.

Q1
29.7%
Q2
24.7%
Q3
23.5%
Q4
22.1%

Typical Funding Amounts

What's the typical grant amount funded for Grants for 501(c)(3)?

Grants are most commonly $32,500.

$0 $0 Min.
$32,500 $32.5 K Median
$633,837 $633.8 K Average
$188,250,000 $188.3 M Max.

Frequently asked questions

In general, any organization that has a 501(c)(3) tax-exempt status will qualify for these grants.

Grants for 501(c)(3) organizations play a vital role in supporting nonprofit missions across diverse sectors. By providing essential funding, these grants enable tax-exempt organizations to implement meaningful programs, expand their operations, and effectively address pressing community needs.

In general, grants for 501(c)(3) organizations have the highest concentration of deadlines in Q1, with 29.7% of grant deadlines falling in this period. If you're planning to apply, consider prioritizing your applications around this time to maximize opportunities. Conversely, the least active period for grants in this category is Q4.

These grants are designed to help tax-exempt nonprofit organizations positively impact their communities. The funding can cover things like ongoing operations costs, program development needs, and capacity-building efforts.

Funding for all 501(c)(3) charitable organizations varies widely, with award amounts ranging from a minimum of $0 to a maximum of $188,250,000. Based on Instrumentl’s data, the median grant amount for this category is $32,500, while the average grant awarded is $633,837. Understanding these funding trends can help nonprofits set realistic expectations when applying.

501(c)(3) grants are awarded by all types of funders, including private foundations, corporations, government agencies, and donor-advised funds. The Ford Foundation and the Gates Foundation are two examples.

Federal, state, and local governments offer grants to support nonprofit operations and specific projects. Other private foundations like the Bank of America Charitable Foundation, the Walmart Foundation, the Coca-Cola Foundation, and numerous others provide a wide range of funding opportunities tailored to different charitable causes and sectors.

To increase their chances of securing grants, nonprofits should consider the following strategies:

  • Match Funder Goals – Ensure their proposals align with the funder's mission and priorities.
  • Show Measurable Results – Use data to demonstrate past achievements and future potential.
  • Form Key Partnerships – Collaborate with relevant organizations, such as healthcare providers and community groups, to enhance credibility.
  • Tell a Compelling Story – Use real-life examples and case studies to illustrate the impact of your program.

Learn more about how to conduct effective grant research.

Instrumentl helps nonprofits apply for 501(c)(3) grants more easily. It matches them with the right funding opportunities, analyzes what funders are looking for, and keeps track of deadlines in one place.

See how the Los Angeles LGBT Center cut down weekly admin time from 2-4 hours to less than 30 minutes.