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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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32,629 Results based on applied filters

NBA Foundation Grants

National Basketball Association Foundation
Private
Canada, United States
More than US $25,000
The NBA Foundation Grants aim to empower Black youth by providing economic opportunities through skills training, mentorship, and career advancement programs. Established by all 30 NBA teams, the foundation focuses on organizations aligned with its mission, specifically those serving Black youth in NBA markets. Applications for 2024 grants are now open, with a review process taking 12-14 weeks. This initiative is crucial for promoting sustainable economic and racial justice in communities.
Career / College Preparation Black American Services Youth Services +2 more

Dr George & Jeanne Tiller Fund

Wichita Community Foundation
Private
Kansas
Up to US $25,000
The George R. Tiller, M.D. Memorial Fund for the Advancement of Women’s Health supports Kansas nonprofits focused on reproductive health. The Fund aims to empower women through comprehensive health services and compassionate support. Grants are available for medical education, testing, research, and social programs that enhance women’s reproductive health. Eligible organizations must be IRS 501(c)(3) certified and in good standing with state regulations, ensuring funds reach those in need.
Women's Health Reproductive Education Reproductive Health +1 more

PERF: Career Development Grants - CNS Elterman Research Grant

Pediatric Epilepsy Research Foundation
Private
Canada, United States
US $150,000
The PERF: Career Development Grants - CNS Elterman Research Grant, established by the Pediatric Epilepsy Research Foundation in partnership with the Child Neurology Society, supports early-stage investigators in pediatric neurology. Eligible candidates can receive $150,000 over two years to conduct clinical or basic science research. This initiative aims to foster the development of researchers focused on pediatric epilepsy and related conditions, enhancing the field through innovative studies and collaboration.
Children’s Health & Pediatrics Epilepsy Neurological Diseases & Disorders +1 more

Mobilize Power Fund Grant

Third Wave Fund
Private
American Samoa, Guam +4 more
Up to US $20,000
The Mobilize Power Fund Grant, offered by the Third Wave Fund, supports youth-led gender justice activism. This rapid response fund targets organizations led by young women of color and LGBTQ+ youth, providing up to $10,000 for urgent needs. It prioritizes groups addressing recent incidents that threaten their work, fostering community power and leadership. Organizations with budgets under $500,000 can apply, aiming for impactful, time-sensitive initiatives that promote social change.
Sexuality & LGBTQIA+ Rights Women's Rights & Equality Reproductive Rights +1 more

PERF: Career Development Grants - CNS Shields Research Grant

Pediatric Epilepsy Research Foundation
Private
Canada, United States
Up to US $150,000
The PERF: Career Development Grants - CNS Shields Research Grant supports early-stage investigators in pediatric neurology research. Offered by the Pediatric Epilepsy Research Foundation and the Child Neurology Society, this grant provides $150,000 over two years. Eligible applicants must be within 10 years of completing their terminal degree and have not received independent funding. The grant emphasizes clinical research, fostering advancements in the treatment of pediatric neurological conditions.
Neuroscience Neurological Diseases & Disorders Children’s Health & Pediatrics +1 more

Cabot Family Charitable Trust Grants

Cabot Family Charitable Trust
Private
Massachusetts
US $5,000 - US $50,000
The Cabot Family Charitable Trust, established in 1942, provides grants to nonprofit organizations in Boston and surrounding areas, focusing on youth and community development. The Trust supports initiatives in arts, education, environment, and health, prioritizing programs that enhance the growth of young children. While most grants are for one year, multi-year funding may be available for capital campaigns. Eligible organizations must have 501(c)(3) status and align with the Trust's philanthropic interests.
Environmental Conservation Human & Social Services Art & Culture +7 more

Mexican Scholarship

Central Indiana Community Foundation
Private
United States
Unspecified amount
The Mexican Scholarship, established by the former Consulate of Mexico in Indianapolis, aims to support students of Mexican descent in pursuing higher education. Funded by the Central Indiana Community Foundation, this scholarship is open to Indiana residents enrolled in accredited colleges or vocational schools. Applicants must demonstrate financial need, maintain a GPA of 3.0 or higher, and preference is given to those of Mexican heritage. Award funds can be utilized for tuition, fees, and essential educational expenses.
Education - Higher Education Education - High School Academic Scholarship Programs +3 more

Title III, Part A Web-based Resource Initiative Grant

Texas Education Agency
State/Local Government
Texas
US $913,095
The Title III, Part A Web-based Resource Initiative Grant, administered by the Texas Education Agency, aims to enhance resources for emergent bilingual and immigrant students. This initiative will support professional development for local educational agency staff by providing interactive web-based guidance and resource tools. It is designed to strengthen program implementation and improve language development, ensuring better educational outcomes for over 5 million students in Texas.
Rural Development Academic Success & Enrichment Career / College Preparation +2 more

The Christian Foundation Grants

New Early Christian Church Charities
Private
Colorado
US $2,000 - US $15,000
The Christian Foundation Grants support nonprofit organizations that embody Christian values, focusing on those with annual budgets under $1.5 million. They prioritize projects that provide essential services where public funding is lacking, assist vulnerable populations, and promote self-sufficiency among the disadvantaged. Preference is given to specific programs rather than general operating expenses, while applications are evaluated fairly without sectarian bias. However, they do not fund organizations outside the U.S. or requests for research and long-term support.
Christianity Senior Services Economic Services & Development +6 more

Grants for research on Baltic Sea Ecosystems

Walter and Andrée de Nottbeck Foundation
Private
Finland
Unspecified amount
The Walter and Andrée de Nottbeck Foundation offers grants for research on Baltic Sea ecosystems at the Tvärminne Zoological Station, Finland. Funding includes scholarships for MSc and PhD students, postdoctoral support, and project grants, totaling around 700,000 € annually. The foundation emphasizes research collaboration and scientific excellence while prioritizing researchers based at the station. Senior researchers are invited to apply for five-year positions with competitive salaries. Successful candidates are expected to reside at the station during their fellowship.
Ecology Marine / Ocean Conservation Marine Biology +2 more

The Steven Scott Quinn Scholarship Fund

Stark Community Foundation
Private
United States
More than US $500
The Steven Scott Quinn Scholarship Fund, established by the Stark Community Foundation, aims to support Stark County, Ohio residents pursuing higher education in fields such as culinary arts, hospitality, nursing, nutrition, physical therapy, and occupational therapy. This initiative reflects the Foundation's long-standing commitment to enhancing the community through philanthropy and addressing diverse educational needs since its inception in 1963.
Education - Higher Education Vocational & Trade Education Education - High School +5 more

Performance Excellence Grants

Asfari Foundation
Private
Jordan, Lebanon +2 more
Up to £7,000
The Performance Excellence Grants by the Asfari Foundation aim to empower organizations in the Levant by strengthening specific functions such as governance, human resources, and financial management. With a grant of £7,000 and expert technical support, eligible organizations can enhance their capacity for sustainable development and community impact. The grants are open year-round, emphasizing transparency and collaboration, and prioritize small to medium-sized organizations committed to social missions.
Governance & Democracy Civic Engagement & Education Civic Affairs +5 more

VCA Operating Support Small: Small Arts Organizations

Virginia Commission for the Arts
State/Local Government
Virginia
US $2,500
The VCA Operating Support Small grant aims to support small arts organizations in Virginia with annual cash income between $5,000 and $150,000. This funding helps enhance their artistic and operational excellence while fostering community engagement. Eligible applicants must meet specific criteria, including being exempt from federal income tax and having completed two years of programming. The grant focuses on providing operating funds to sustain and expand arts experiences that benefit Virginians.
Performing Arts Media Arts Visual Arts +5 more

Equitable & Inclusive Communities Grant

Centre County Community Foundation Inc.
Private
Centre County, Pennsylvania
Up to US $2,370
The Equitable & Inclusive Communities Grant, launched by Centre Foundation in 2024, aims to empower Centre County by promoting equity-centered leadership and capacity building. With $2,352 available, it supports programs addressing Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Belonging in areas like Arts, Education, and Health. Eligible applicants include IRS 501(c)(3) public charities, schools, and government entities, ensuring compliance with the Foundation’s Nondiscrimination Policy.
Art & Culture Workforce Preparation & Job Readiness Wellness & Healthy Living +3 more

Sidney R. Baer, Jr. Foundation: Social Support Grants

Sidney R Baer Jr Foundation
Private
United States
Unspecified amount
The Sidney R. Baer, Jr. Foundation offers Social Support Grants aimed at improving the lives of individuals living with schizophrenia and bipolar disorder. These grants focus on reducing stigma through education and advocacy, fostering a compassionate environment. The foundation prioritizes organizations that provide tangible support and resources, ensuring a meaningful impact on mental health. By addressing the challenges faced by those with mental illness, the foundation strives to create a more inclusive society that recognizes and supports their needs.
Mental Health & Psychiatric Diseases Schizophrenia Social Isolation +1 more

HOME Rental Housing Development

Tennessee Housing Development Agency
State/Local Government
Tennessee
US $300,000 - US $1,500,000

Tennessee Housing Development Agency

Since 1973, Tennessee Housing Development Agency (“THDA”)  has been at the forefront of creating housing opportunities in Tennessee. Our purpose: Promote the production of more affordable new housing units for very low-, low-, and moderate-income individuals and families in Tennessee; Promote the preservation and rehabilitation of existing housing units for very low-, low-, and moderate-income individuals and families; Bring greater stability to the residential construction industry and related industries so as to assure a steady flow of production of new housing units.

The THDA administers the federally funded HOME Investment Partnership Program (“HOME”) to promote the production, preservation, and rehabilitation of single-family housing for low-income households. The purpose of this Program Description is to explain the requirements and the application process of THDA’s HOME Homeowner Rehabilitation Program. 

HOME Rental Housing Development

THDA will provide HOME funding under its HOME Rental Housing Development Program for the new construction and/or acquisition and rehabilitation of rental housing projects: being developed in urban areas, as defined in Section 6 of this document, may not consist of more than 11 units of housing total. The funding may be combined with other resources, except Low-Income Housing Tax Credits (“LIHTC”); being developed in rural areas, as defined in Section 7 of this document, must not have more than 11 HOME-Funded units, but the total number of units in the project is not limited. The funding may be combined with other resources, including LIHTC. 

Basic Human Needs Equitable & Affordable Housing Supportive Housing & Shelters

Bioavailability and Transformation of Dissolved Organic Nitrogen and Phosphorus Across WRRFs RFP

Water Research Foundation
Private
North America
Up to US $275,000

About Us

advancing the science of water ®

Who We Are

The Water Research Foundation (WRF) is the leading research organization advancing the science of all water to meet the evolving needs of its subscribers and the water sector. WRF is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit, educational organization that funds, manages, and publishes research on the technology, operation, and management of drinking water, wastewater, reuse, and stormwater systems—all in pursuit of ensuring water quality and improving water services to the public.

5429 - Bioavailability and Transformation of Dissolved Organic Nitrogen and Phosphorus Across WRRFs

Project Objectives

  • Survey and characterize dissolved organic nitrogen and phosphorus (DON/DOP) concentrations and speciation across North American wastewater facilities, including but not limited to influent, secondary effluent, tertiary effluent, digester supernatant, thermal hydrolysis process (THP) centrate, autothermal thermophilic digestion (ATAD) sidestreams, and dewatering recycle streams.
  • Understand the dynamics of DON/DOP in effluent, including quantifying the bioavailable fraction of DON/DOP in different relevant process streams, evaluating their transformation into nitrogenous disinfection by-product (N-DBP) precursors, determining bio-uptake rates representative of receiving water conditions, and measuring the timescale for biodegradation in receiving waters.
Water Resource Management Hydrology

Ag Health and Safety Grants

CHS Foundation
Corporate
United States
Unspecified amount
The Ag Health and Safety Grants, awarded by CHS and the CHS Foundation, aim to enhance agricultural safety and foster community well-being. These grants focus on educating youth and farmers about agricultural hazards, providing training for rural professionals, and developing essential safety guidelines. With a commitment to improving safety standards, the program has benefitted over 32,000 youth and supported more than 450 communities through safety initiatives and equipment, ensuring a safer future for all involved in agriculture.
Agriculture Agricultural Education Farms & Farming +2 more

K12 Strong Workforce Program Grant

Foundation For California Community Colleges
Private
California
Up to US $2,000,000
The K12 Strong Workforce Program Grant, initiated by California's legislature in 2018, aims to enhance career technical education (CTE) for K-12 local education agencies (LEAs). It fosters collaborations between K-12 schools and community colleges to create effective CTE pathways, ensuring students gain essential skills for successful transitions into higher education and the workforce. The initiative allocates $150 million annually to support innovative CTE programs, driving regional workforce development and addressing labor market demands.
Education - K through 12 Workforce Preparation & Job Readiness Vocational & Trade Education +2 more

Adult Basic Education Direct Services

Pennsylvania Department of Education
State/Local Government
Pennsylvania
Unspecified amount
The Adult Basic Education Direct Services program aims to enhance adult literacy and education, assisting individuals in gaining essential skills for employment and self-sufficiency. Funded through WIOA Title II, it addresses the needs of diverse adult learners, including those seeking high school equivalency and English language improvement. Emphasizing partnerships with local agencies, the program fosters community engagement while providing year-round, real-time instructional support to help participants achieve their educational and career goals.
Adult Education Literacy English for Speakers of Other Languages (ESOL) Education +2 more

Community Charter Network Scholarship

Central Indiana Community Foundation
Private
United States
Unspecified amount
The Community Charter Network Scholarship, provided by the Central Indiana Community Foundation, assists students from Fall Creek Academy or University Heights Preparatory Academy in covering post-secondary educational expenses. This scholarship aims to support those who demonstrate financial need and excel academically. Eligible applicants include former students of these institutions or residents within the IPS district. Awards vary based on available funds and may cover tuition, fees, and other educational costs.
Education - Higher Education Vocational & Trade Education Academic Scholarship Programs +3 more

CTFS-ForestGEO Research Grants

Smithsonian Tropical Research Institute
Federal Government
Australia, Brazil +37 more
Up to US $15,000
The Smithsonian Forest Global Earth Observatory (ForestGEO) offers research grants for graduate students, postdoctoral fellows, and early-career researchers. These grants support projects utilizing Forest Dynamics Sites for fieldwork and data analysis, encouraging both natural and social science research. Proposals must integrate site data and can last from 3 months to 2 years. Funding covers research-related expenses, with priorities for projects enhancing educational and capacity-building efforts.
Forestry Ecology

Lynne Goldsborough Yowell Scholarship

Northern Piedmont Community Foundation
Private
United States
Unspecified amount
The Lynne Goldsborough Yowell Scholarship, managed by the Northern Piedmont Community Foundation, supports students from Madison and Culpeper County public high schools. It is awarded to high school graduates or current college students pursuing an Arts Major, defined as visual arts, music, theater, or culinary arts. Emphasizing academic merit and financial need, this scholarship honors the legacy of Lynne Goldsborough Yowell, a dedicated community advocate.
Education - Higher Education Educational Access & Equity Art Education +4 more

SSJHWF Grants

Sisters of St. Joseph Health & Wellness Foundation
Private
West Virginia
Unspecified amount
The Sisters of St. Joseph Health and Wellness Foundation employs a trust-based philanthropy model, fostering collaborative partnerships with organizations in West Virginia dedicated to supporting children's holistic health. This approach emphasizes primary and secondary prevention strategies while promoting systemic change through relationship building and mutual understanding. By prioritizing less restrictive funding and streamlined processes, the foundation seeks to empower organizations that align with its mission to create lasting impact in the community.
Maternal And Perinatal Health Children’s Health & Pediatrics Child Welfare Services +2 more

480-50-3708 Migrant and Seasonal Head Start

Illinois Department of Human Services: Division of Early Childhood
State/Local Government
Illinois
US $750,000 - US $1,800,000

Division of Early Childhood

The Department of Human Services Division of Early Childhood (DEC) was established as a standalone IDHS division in 2021 to help strengthen and centralize the state's existing child care, home visiting, and early intervention programs, as well as operationalize and create administrative capacity to establish sustainable infrastructure needs in order to streamline services.

Working hand-in-hand with local communities throughout Illinois, the Division of Early Childhood provides low-income, working families with access to quality, affordable child care; administers community-based prevention and intervention programs; and helps all children between the ages of birth to three with disabilities or delays, to learn and grow.

480-50-3708 Migrant and Seasonal Head Start

Description

Scope of Work

Provide a full-day, comprehensive Head Start child development program to children, ages six weeks to six years, from migrant and seasonal farm-worker families. Program includes early childhood education, school readiness, developmental assessment, mental health screening, field trips, project work, immunizations, nutritious meal service and medical and dental examinations, completion of dental and medical treatment for children who need it, social-service referrals and transportation services.

Announcement Type: Renewal

Early Childhood Development Education - Preschool / Early Learning Children’s Mental Health +2 more

Esther Edie Environmental Scholarship

South Dakota Community Foundation
Private
South Dakota
Unspecified amount

Esther Edie Environmental Scholarship

In 1972, Esther Edie brought together several small environmental protection groups from around the state to form the South Dakota Resources Coalition (SDRC). SDRC’s mission was to preserve and enhance our environment, protect our natural resources, and encourage citizens and businesses to adopt sound environmental practices. In its 40-year existence, SDRC fulfilled its mission through education, legislative advocacy, and litigation. Esther Edie was an effective leader in SDRC’s many projects until she died in 2006.

To provide financial support to students attending a college or university in South Dakota, who is pursuing a career in one of the following areas: Environmental Science, Environmental Geography, Environmental Sociology, Natural Resource Management, or Environmental Law.

Education - Higher Education Environmental Education Chemistry +3 more

Children's Services Fund of Clay County: Community Based Services Program

Greater Kansas City Community Foundation
Private
Clay County, Missouri
Unspecified amount
The Children's Services Fund of Clay County provides grants to organizations serving children under 19 in Clay County, Missouri. Funded by a voter-approved sales tax, it supports various services like counseling, crisis intervention, and mental health screenings. Organizations are encouraged to apply for one-time grants to enhance or start programs that benefit children's well-being. However, the fund does not support inpatient services, transportation, individual grants, capital expenditures, annual appeals, or endowments.
Child Welfare Services Children’s Health & Pediatrics Children’s Mental Health +2 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.

Last updated: November 2, 2026. Next update: December 6, 2026.

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.

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