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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.

32,000+

Available grants

$8.25B

Total funding

$6K

Median grant

32,000+ grants
$8.25B total
$6K median

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32,423 Results based on applied filters

Cigarette Litter Prevention Program (CLPP) Grants

Keep America Beautiful (KAB)
Private
United States
US $5,000 - US $20,000
The Cigarette Litter Prevention Program (CLPP) Grants, offered by Keep America Beautiful, aim to significantly reduce cigarette waste in public spaces across the U.S. since 2003. The program has successfully implemented strategies in over 1,800 communities, achieving an average 50% reduction in litter. Eligible applicants include KAB affiliates and local organizations focused on recycling and public education. Priority is given to partnerships and projects that expand the program's reach, especially those targeting clean water initiatives.
Recycling Waste Management Environmental Contamination & Pollution

Centinela Valley Medical & Community Funds - Integration, Collaboration, Advocacy Grants

California Community Foundation
Private
Los Angeles County, California
US $50,000 - US $500,000
The California Community Foundation invites letters of interest for grants aimed at enhancing healthcare access and disease prevention in South L.A.'s Centinela Valley. Established in 1999, the Centinela Medical and Community Funds support organizations that integrate medical and social services while addressing health disparities. With an emphasis on collaboration and advocacy, the funds seek to improve the health and quality of life for local residents, particularly those from economically disadvantaged backgrounds.
Health Care Access & Delivery Mental Health & Psychiatric Diseases Addiction & Substance Use Disorders +6 more

Water & Waste Disposal Grant Program in West Virginia

USDA: Rural Development (RD)
Federal Government
West Virginia
Unspecified amount
The Water & Waste Disposal Loan & Grant Program in West Virginia provides essential funding for rural communities to develop clean drinking water, sewage disposal, solid waste management, and stormwater systems. Eligible applicants, including state and local governments and nonprofits, can use these funds for construction, legal fees, and operational costs. This program aims to enhance public health and environmental quality in underserved areas, ensuring access to reliable water and waste services.
Waste Management Sanitation & Clean Drinking Water Water Resource Management

Water & Waste Disposal Grant Program in Washington

USDA: Rural Development (RD)
Federal Government
Washington
Unspecified amount
The Water & Waste Disposal Loan & Grant Program in Washington provides crucial funding for the development of clean drinking water systems, sewage disposal, solid waste management, and stormwater drainage in rural areas. This program supports eligible applicants, including government entities and tribes, who lack access to commercial credit. Funds can also cover related costs like legal fees and maintenance to ensure sustainable water infrastructure, enhancing community health and environmental resilience.
Sanitation & Clean Drinking Water Water Resource Management Waste Management

Fort Orange Garden Club Centennial Endowed Scholarship

The Community Foundation for the Greater Capital Region
Private
United States
Unspecified amount
The Fort Orange Garden Club Centennial Endowed Scholarship is designed for third- and fourth-year undergraduate or current graduate students majoring in plant sciences, conservation, environmental sciences, or landscape architecture. Scholarship recipients must demonstrate financial need and reside in specific counties in New York, including Albany and Schenectady, fostering academic growth while contributing to environmental stewardship.
Academic Scholarship Programs Landscape Architecture Education - Higher Education +5 more

Advanced Industries Collaborative Infrastructure Grant

Colorado Office of Economic Development & International Trade
State/Local Government
Colorado
US $50,000 - US $500,000
The Advanced Industries Collaborative Infrastructure Grant, offered by the Colorado Office of Economic Development & International Trade, aims to bolster collaborative projects across key advanced industries in Colorado. With funding up to $500,000, the grant seeks to enhance industry infrastructure, promote partnerships, and support innovation. Eligible applicants must engage multiple partners, provide matching funds, and demonstrate sustainability beyond the grant, ensuring impactful contributions to the state's economic landscape.
Energy Bioengineering Biomechanics +10 more

Birth Equity Innovation Seed Grants (IL)

Illinois Department of Public Health
State/Local Government
Illinois
Up to US $200,000
The Birth Equity Innovation Seed Grants in Illinois aim to support community organizations working to reduce disparities in maternal and infant health. Funding will be available for programs tied to communities most affected by these inequities, facilitating access to essential maternal care services. The Illinois Department of Public Health encourages innovative approaches that establish or maintain programs focused on improving birth equity, particularly for marginalized populations. Grants range from $0 to $1,000,000.
Maternal And Perinatal Health Obstetrics & Neonatal Care Health Disparities & Social Determinants of Health

Installation and/or Replacement of Utilities Grant

Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity (DCEO)
State/Local Government
Illinois
US $1,000,000
The Installation and/or Replacement of Utilities Grant by the Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity (DCEO) aims to enhance the quality of life in Illinois through funding for permanent capital improvements. This includes installation or replacement of utilities like water and electrical systems, fire hydrants, and drainage improvements. Eligible entities can apply for bondable costs associated with these projects, contributing to a cleaner environment and improved infrastructure.
Public Infrastructure Water Resource Management Green Infrastructure

Tennessee Arts Commission: Individual Artist Fellowship

Tennessee Arts Commission
State/Local Government
Tennessee
US $5,000

About Us

Our Mission

The Tennessee Arts Commission was created in 1967 by the Tennessee General Assembly with the special mandate to stimulate and encourage the presentation of the visual, literary, music and performing arts and to encourage public interest in the cultural heritage of Tennessee. TN Arts Commission Governing Policies can be found here.

The mission of the Tennessee Arts Commission is to cultivate the arts for the benefit of all Tennesseans and their communities. Our vision is a Tennessee where the arts inspire, connect and enhance everyday lives.

The Commission is supported by in part by the National Endowment for the Arts.

Individual Artist Fellowship

Recognition and acknowledgement of outstanding professional Tennessee artists who, through their work add to the cultural vitality of the state.

Fellowships provide those individuals who by education, experience, or natural talent engage in a particular art form or discipline, and live and work in Tennessee. To qualify, an artist must be financially compensated for his or her work, and this compensation must be a significant source of support for their livelihood.

Accepted categories for FY 2028:

  • Visual Art:
    • Two-Dimensional Work
    • Mural Arts
    • Craft
  • Media:
    • Film
    • Photography
  • Dance:
    • Solo Dance, Choreography, or Movement-based Work
  • Music:
  • Performance-based Work
  • Composition-based Work
  • Theatre:
  • Acting or Directing
  • Playwriting
  • Production Design (set, lighting, or costume)
  • Literary Arts:
  • Creative Non-fiction
  • Fiction
  • Children’s Literature/Young Adult Literature
  • Poetry
Artist Training & Development Arts / Culture Access & Participation Writing & Literature +8 more

AllOne Charities Grant

Allone Charities
Private
Bedford County, Pennsylvania, Carbon County, Pennsylvania +11 more
US $5,000 - US $25,000
The AllOne Charities Grant aims to enhance healthcare delivery in Northeastern and North Central Pennsylvania by funding innovative and collaborative projects. Grants typically range from $5,000 to $25,000 and prioritize programs that address pressing health challenges, improve access to care, and support vulnerable populations, including women, children, and the under-insured. Organizations must demonstrate tax-exempt status and employ at least one staff member to be eligible for funding.
Senior Services Food Access & Hunger Diseases & Conditions +8 more

Water Quality Improvement Project (WQIP): Wastewater Treatment Improvement

New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC)
State/Local Government
New York
US $1,000,000 - US $15,000,000

New York State Department of Environmental Conservation

The New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) was created on July 1, 1970 to combine all state programs designed to protect and enhance the environment into a single agency.

DEC's Mission: "To conserve, improve and protect New York's natural resources and environment and to prevent, abate and control water, land and air pollution, in order to enhance the health, safety and welfare of the people of the state and their overall economic and social well-being."

DEC's goal is to achieve this mission through the simultaneous pursuit of environmental quality, public health, economic prosperity and social well-being, including environmental justice and the empowerment of individuals to participate in environmental decisions that affect their lives.

Water Quality Improvement Project (WQIP) 

Grant Description

The Water Quality Improvement Project (WQIP) program is a competitive, statewide reimbursement grant program open to local governments and not-for-profit corporations to implement projects that directly improve water quality or habitat, promote flood risk reduction, restoration, and enhanced flood and climate resiliency, or protect a drinking water source. This funding is for construction/implementation projects, not projects that are exclusively for planning.

Maximum funding awards vary by project type. Program priorities and requirements are also subject to change from year to year. The typical annual funding available for the WQIP program is at least $75 million.

Grant funds are available for up to 75% of the application budget. Applicants must provide the remaining 25% in match funds. Additional information regarding eligible forms of match (eligible costs) is provided under each project type. 

Eligible Project Types

Funding is available for the following project types: 1) Wastewater Treatment Improvement; 2) Nonagricultural Nonpoint Source Abatement and Control; 3) Vacuum Trucks in Municipal Separate Storm Sewer System (MS4) Areas; 4) Land Acquisition for Source Water Protection; 5) Salt Storage and Road Salt Reduction; 6) Dam Safety Repair/Rehabilitation and Removal; 7) Aquatic Connectivity; 8) Marine District Habitat Restoration; 9) Fish and Wildlife Habitat Restoration and Enhancement; 10) Landfill Leachate Treatment

Wastewater Treatment Improvement 

Project Type Description

Funding is available for wastewater treatment improvements to municipal wastewater systems. 

Priority Projects

  • Wastewater effluent disinfection for facilities that currently do not have any disinfection.
  • Upgrades to municipal systems to meet a DEC-approved watershed implementation plan’s (i.e., Total Maximum Daily Load plan, Nine Element Watershed Management Plan, Harmful Algal Bloom Action Plan, or DEC Action Agenda) nutrient requirements (primarily phosphorus).
  • Combined sewer overflow/sanitary sewer overflow (CSO/SSO) projects to upgrade systems to meet CSO or SSO discharge requirements.
  • Municipal systems to serve multiple properties with inadequate on-site septic systems

General Wastewater Treatment Improvement

  • All other wastewater treatment projects
Sanitation & Clean Drinking Water Waste Management Water Resource Management

Heinz Endowment Grants

The Heinz Endowments
Private
Pennsylvania
Unspecified amount
The Heinz Endowments, established in 2007, is a prominent philanthropic organization in the U.S. with a focus on southwestern Pennsylvania. It provides approximately $90 million in annual grants across various sectors, including arts, civic participation, and environmental health. Organizations classified as tax-exempt under Section 501(c)(3) are encouraged to apply, while for-profit entities and individuals are ineligible. The Endowments seeks transformative ideas that benefit local communities.
Military & Veterans Services Economic Services & Development Environmental Health +4 more

Stillbirth Awareness Campaign NOFA

State of New Jersey Department of Health
State/Local Government
New Jersey
Unspecified amount

The Department awards grants from State appropriations, federal awards, and other funding sources. Since the award and appropriation of these funds do not always conform to the State Fiscal Year, the information included in this directory is based on anticipated grant awards that will begin in the period from July 1 through June 30 of each State Fiscal Year. The ability of the Department to make grant awards is expressly dependent upon the availability of funds appropriated by the State Legislature from State and/or federal revenue or such other funding sources as may be applicable.

Stillbirth Awareness Campaign NOFA

The grant will be used to develop and maintain a state-wide, evidence-based, stillbirth prevention public health campaign that increases awareness of stillbirth prevention measures and decrease New Jersey's high stillborn rate.

Estimate amount of money in the grant program

  • $99,700
Obstetrics & Neonatal Care Maternal And Perinatal Health Reproductive Education

Pathways to Recovery

New Jersey Department of Labor and Workforce Development
State/Local Government
New Jersey
Up to US $1,000,000
The Pathway to Recovery grant, funded by the New Jersey Department of Labor and Workforce Development, aims to combat the opioid epidemic by providing workforce development and training services to individuals affected by opioid use. With an estimated funding of $5 million for FY25, the program seeks to enhance employability through skills training, career services, and supportive resources. This initiative is essential for fostering recovery and promoting economic stability within communities impacted by the opioid crisis.
Workforce Preparation & Job Readiness Drug Use Disorder Employment Services

Enhancement Dam Removal Design and Implementation Block Grant

Watersheds United Vermont
Private
Vermont
Unspecified amount
The Enhancement Dam Removal Design and Implementation Block Grant, administered by Watersheds United Vermont, aims to support community-driven dam removal projects that enhance water quality and habitat. This funding initiative, backed by the Vermont Department of Environmental Conservation, encourages proposals for the design and implementation of effective dam removal strategies, fostering ecological resilience and community engagement across the state.
Water Resource Management Environmental Contamination & Pollution Freshwater Conservation +1 more

Water & Waste Disposal Grant Program in Vermont and New Hampshire

USDA: Rural Development (RD)
Federal Government
New Hampshire, Vermont
Unspecified amount
The Water & Waste Disposal Loan & Grant Program in Vermont provides essential funding for the development of clean drinking water systems, sewage disposal, and stormwater drainage in eligible rural areas. This program specifically targets households and businesses that struggle to secure commercial credit, aiming to enhance public health and environmental quality. Eligible applicants include state and local governments, private nonprofits, and federally-recognized tribes, ensuring that vital services are accessible to all. Projects funded must demonstrate financial sustainability.
Sanitation & Clean Drinking Water Water Resource Management Waste Management

Utah 21st Century Community Learning Center (CCLC) Grants

Utah Department of Health and Human Services
State/Local Government
Utah
Unspecified amount
The Utah 21st Century Community Learning Center (CCLC) Grants provide essential support to Local Education Agencies and Community-Based Organizations, focusing on students in high-poverty schools. These grants aim to enhance academic enrichment and offer a variety of services, including tutoring, youth development activities, and family literacy programs. With over 30 grants serving more than 6,000 students, this initiative plays a crucial role in improving educational outcomes in Utah.
Education - K through 12 Literacy Academic Success & Enrichment +7 more

Mayo Clinic Community Contributions Program in Florida: Access to Care

Mayo Clinic
Private
Clay County, Florida, Duval County, Florida +3 more
Unspecified amount
The Mayo Clinic Community Contributions Program in Florida aims to enhance community health through strategic partnerships and support for diverse, underserved populations. Focused on enhancing patient care, education, and community engagement, the program invites sponsorship requests for initiatives in human services, education, diversity, and cultural enrichment. By aligning with key health priorities such as access and mental health, Mayo Clinic strives to foster a welcoming and vibrant environment for all.
Workforce Preparation & Job Readiness Diversity, Equity & Inclusion Civic Engagement & Education +5 more

The James B. Boskey Memorial Foundation Grant

James B. Boskey Memorial Foundation
Private
New Jersey, New York
Unspecified amount
The Boskey Memorial Foundation Grant, established in 2000, honors James B. Boskey and promotes advocacy in children's rights, disability, LGBTQIA rights, and access to STEM education. With a focus on improving opportunities for the disadvantaged, the foundation supports research and education initiatives in New Jersey and New York. The foundation welcomes proposals related to mediation, reproductive justice, and housing justice, as well as co-funding opportunities with like-minded organizations.
Reproductive Health Child Welfare Services Medical Ethics +7 more

Water & Waste Disposal Grant Program in Wisconsin

USDA: Rural Development (RD)
Federal Government
Wisconsin
Unspecified amount
The Water & Waste Disposal Loan & Grant Program in Wisconsin provides essential funding for rural areas to develop clean drinking water systems and effective waste disposal. Eligible applicants include local governments, nonprofits, and tribes who struggle to secure commercial credit. Funds can be utilized for various projects, such as drinking water sourcing and storm water drainage, ensuring communities have reliable access to necessary services.
Sanitation & Clean Drinking Water Water Resource Management Waste Management

Water & Waste Disposal Grant Program in Pennsylvania

USDA: Rural Development (RD)
Federal Government
Pennsylvania
Unspecified amount
The Water & Waste Disposal Loan & Grant Program in Pennsylvania provides essential funding to ensure access to clean drinking water, proper sewage disposal, and efficient stormwater management in eligible rural areas. This program supports state and local governments, nonprofits, and federally-recognized tribes, making it crucial for communities that struggle to secure commercial credit. Eligible uses of funds include construction, improvements, and related legal and engineering costs, promoting sustainable infrastructure development.
Sanitation & Clean Drinking Water Water Resource Management Waste Management

Water & Waste Disposal Loan & Grant Program in Oregon

USDA: Rural Development (RD)
Federal Government
Oregon
Unspecified amount
The Water & Waste Disposal Loan & Grant Program in Oregon offers crucial funding for developing clean drinking water systems, sewage disposal, and storm water management in eligible rural areas. These funds can be utilized for the acquisition, construction, or enhancement of vital infrastructure, including drinking water sourcing and sewer systems. This program targets applicants unable to secure commercial credit, supporting local governments, nonprofits, and tribes to ensure reliable services in rural communities.
Waste Management Sanitation & Clean Drinking Water Water Resource Management

RFP- Health Care Workforce

Cambia Health Foundation
Private
Idaho, Oregon +2 more
US $30,000 - US $60,000
Cambia Health Foundation seeks to improve health care through focused investments in the health care workforce. They aim to expand, diversify, and train professionals to address behavioral health provider shortages. By enhancing both paid and unpaid workforce sectors, Cambia fosters wellness, reduces stigma, and promotes collaborative care models. Their commitment to health equity reflects in their strategic areas of investment, ensuring everyone has the opportunity for better health outcomes.
Medical Education & Professional Training Caregiver Support / Respite Care Children’s Mental Health +4 more

Wish Book Grant

San Jose Mercury News Wish Book Fund Inc
Private
San Francisco County, California, San Mateo County, California +2 more
Unspecified amount
The Wish Book Grant, initiated by the San Jose Mercury News, supports local nonprofits in the Bay Area by providing funding through a holiday fundraising campaign. Each year, approximately 20 grantees are selected based on their impactful initiatives that address community needs, including homelessness, food insecurity, and systemic racism. Since its inception, the program has raised over $12 million, connecting readers with opportunities to support meaningful causes during the holiday season.
Basic Human Needs Senior Services Homelessness Services +4 more

Water & Waste Disposal Grant Program in Ohio

USDA: Rural Development (RD)
Federal Government
Ohio
Unspecified amount
The Water & Waste Disposal Loan & Grant Program in Ohio provides essential funding for rural communities to develop clean drinking water systems and effective waste disposal solutions. This program supports various projects including the construction and improvement of water sourcing, sewer systems, and solid waste management. Eligible applicants include local governments, nonprofits, and tribes, ensuring that underserved areas receive the necessary resources for sustainable development.
Sanitation & Clean Drinking Water Water Resource Management Waste Management

Clean Vessel Act Grant

Georgia Department of Natural Resources
State/Local Government
Georgia (US state)
Unspecified amount
The Clean Vessel Act Grant Program, initiated by the Georgia Department of Natural Resources, provides essential funding for constructing and maintaining sewage pumpout stations for recreational boaters. With 75% of project costs covered, the program aims to improve environmental protection by preventing sewage discharge into waterways. Grant recipients must ensure facilities are accessible and operational during reasonable hours, promoting public awareness and use of these crucial waste management systems.
Recreational Water Use & Boating Water Resource Management Waste Management

Intermountain Community Care Foundation: Healthcare Access Grants

Intermountain Community Care Foundation Inc
Private
Colorado, Idaho +3 more
US $5,000 - US $50,000
The Intermountain Community Care Foundation aims to enhance healthcare access and promote healthy behaviors among low-income and underrepresented populations in Utah and Southeast Idaho. It funds innovative projects that yield measurable results, focusing on significant and lasting changes in community health. Successful applicants must demonstrate a clear need, include a financial audit, and adhere to specific eligibility criteria. The foundation specifically excludes funding for political campaigns, operational deficits, and large equipment purchases.
Health Care Access & Delivery Health Disparities & Social Determinants of Health Suicide Prevention +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 $3.43B 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

1,000+ Grants on Instrumentl focused on Environment

600+ Grants on Instrumentl focused on Food Access & Hunger

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
29.8%
Q2
23.8%
Q3
23.9%
Q4
22.6%

Typical Funding Amounts

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

Grants are most commonly $34,887.

$0 $0 Min.
$34,887 $34.9 K Median
$655,609 $655.6 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 29.8% 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 $34,887, while the average grant awarded is $655,609. 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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