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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

Elmer Alberston Scholarship Fund

Community Foundation of Mendocino County Inc.
Private
Mendocino County, California
Unspecified amount
The Elmer Alberston Scholarship Fund, established by the Elmer Albertson Trust, aims to support the future workforce of Mendocino County. This fund provides scholarships for students attending community colleges outside of Mendocino County or vocational programs. Eligible candidates must demonstrate community commitment and maintain a GPA. The Community Foundation of Mendocino County administers this fund, ensuring local students can achieve their educational aspirations and contribute to their communities.
Academic Scholarship Programs Vocational & Trade Education

Edward and Hannah Wingaris Scholarship

Center for Scholarship Administration (CSA)
Private
United States
Unspecified amount
The Edward and Hannah Wingaris Scholarship, administered by the Center for Scholarship Administration, supports students who have resided in Schuylkill County, Pennsylvania, for at least one year. Eligible applicants must demonstrate financial need, maintain a minimum GPA of 2.0, and plan to attend an accredited institution full-time. This scholarship is renewable for up to four years, allowing recipients to continue their educational journey with financial assistance.
Education - Higher Education Academic Scholarship Programs

Fenton Gregory Williams Scholarship

Center for Scholarship Administration (CSA)
Private
United States
Unspecified amount
The Fenton Gregory Williams Scholarship, administered by the Center for Scholarship Administration, supports deserving students from Mecklenburg and Lunenburg Counties, Virginia. Eligible candidates must be enrolled full-time in an accredited U.S. college or university and maintain a minimum GPA of 2.0. This scholarship can cover tuition, fees, books, and supplies. It is renewable for up to four years, provided recipients remain in good standing and continue to demonstrate financial need.
Education - Higher Education Academic Scholarship Programs

Cardiac Arrest Research Team (CART) Network RFP

American Heart Association
Association/Society
Canada, United States
Up to US $1,700,000
The Cardiac Arrest Research Team (CART) Network RFP invites U.S.-based researchers to apply for funding from the American Heart Association. With a commitment of $3.4 million USD, the initiative aims to establish a cross-border research network to address critical gaps in cardiac arrest research. Teams will focus on improving detection, survival rates, and health outcomes through collaboration. This funding opportunity emphasizes team-based approaches in three priority research areas, with awards up to $1.7 million USD for competitive projects.
Cardiovascular Diseases & Systems

Rhode Island Supreme Court Historical Society Fund Grant

The Rhode Island Community Foundation
Private
Rhode Island
Unspecified amount
The Rhode Island Supreme Court Historical Society Fund Grant supports nonprofit organizations aiming to preserve the history and artifacts of the Rhode Island judicial system. Established in 1998, this fund encourages projects that promote public understanding of Rhode Island's legal history through programs and publications. Organizations are required to provide matching resources, and grants cannot be used for equipment purchases. Applicants are also urged to explore the Joseph O’Neill Ott Fund for similar opportunities.
Historical Records & Archives Historic Preservation

Harry and Kathern Lovejoy Scholarship

Community Foundation of North Central Washington
Private
Whitman County, Washington
Unspecified amount
The Harry and Kathern Lovejoy Scholarship, managed by the Community Foundation of North Central Washington, supports WSU students in agriculture-related studies who demonstrate financial need and academic commitment. Ideal candidates are third-year or graduate students from Central Washington, particularly those from Chelan, Douglas, Okanogan, Ferry, and Grant counties. This scholarship honors Jane Lovejoy's dedication to education and her father's legacy, aiming to empower students striving for agricultural advancements.
Academic Scholarship Programs Education - Higher Education

Human, Civil Rights and Social Justice Grant

Maine Education Association
Private
Maine
Up to US $1,000
The Human, Civil Rights and Social Justice Grant, offered by the Maine Education Association, provides up to $1,000 to support local associations in fostering leadership in human, civil rights, and social justice. This initiative aims to empower educators and students, ensuring equity and enhancing educational opportunities. Eligible activities include funding for speakers, materials, and equipment, all aligned with MEA's goals to improve public education in Maine.
Education Civil Rights Social Justice / Human Rights

Edith Bishel Fund for the Blind and Visually Impaired

Three Rivers Community Foundation
Private
Benton County, Washington, Columbia County, Washington +2 more
Unspecified amount
The Edith Bishel Fund for the Blind and Visually Impaired, managed by the Three Rivers Community Foundation, aims to enhance the lives of individuals with visual impairments in Southeastern Washington. Established in 1994, this fund provides essential resources and support through an application process. Applicants must have their visual impairment verified by a physician and demonstrate financial need. This initiative ensures continued access to critical services for the visually impaired community.
Children’s Health & Pediatrics Health Care Access & Delivery

Greater Rochester Health Foundation: Community Event Fund

Greater Rochester Health Foundation
Private
Genesee County, New York, Livingston County, New York +7 more
Up to US $5,000
The Greater Rochester Health Foundation's Community Event Fund supports health equity initiatives in a nine-county region. Events eligible for funding include health fairs, athletic fundraisers, and educational community gatherings. Nonprofits with 501(c)(3) status can apply for grants up to $5,000. Applications are reviewed quarterly, and funding is limited for events occurring in Q3. Early applications are encouraged to enhance chances of receiving support.
Health Care Access & Delivery Community Health Education Nonprofit Growth & Development

Public Art Learning Fund

New England Foundation For The Arts
Private
United States
US $500 - US $3,000

New England Foundation For The Arts

Our work at NEFA is simple: to cultivate and promote the arts in New England and beyond. Our programs support artists across many forms of expression and many geographies, connecting them with collaborators and communities, fueling creative exchange and public discourse, and strengthening the arts and culture ecosystem.

Each program and project brought to life at NEFA builds a stronger and more dynamic infrastructure for the arts. Through grants, convenings, and online tools, NEFA continues an almost 50 year history of pioneering partnerships and programs supporting the arts.

Public Art Learning Fund

The Public Art Learning Fund aims to strengthen the field of public art in New England by providing professional development support directly to artists.

The Public Art Learning Fund provides grants to support professional development opportunities for New England artists to strengthen their public art practices. Through the Public Art Learning Fund, NEFA intends to foster the continued development of more equitable, inclusive, and vibrant public spaces and public life throughout New England.

Artists may utilize the Public Art Learning Fund to: pursue a specific professional development opportunity to strengthen their own public art practice in New England and beyond. Examples may include but are not limited to attending a conference, workshop, training, or discussion related to building creative or administrative skills related to their public art practice. 

Program Values & Goals

NEFA’s Public Art programs acknowledge the necessity of addressing the intersectionality of spatial justice and racial justice in cultivating a more vibrant and equitable public art ecosystem.  

The Public Art Learning Fund aims to strengthen the public art field in the region by supporting artists in further developing the skills, resources, and connections they need to build a more vibrant and equitable community of practice in the region. Learning in partnership with grantees, NEFA strives to learn how we may be able to better support a more equitable and sustainable public art ecosystem throughout the region. 

Funding Priorities

Public Art Learning Fund equips artists with skills, resources, and connections to strengthen public art practices that contribute to more equitable, inclusive, and vibrant public spaces and public life throughout New England. 

The Public Art Learning Fund gives priority to timely opportunities that are: 

  • Specifically expanding an artist’s public art practice. NEFA will look for clarity on desired learnings and application to artist’s public art practice.
  • Equitably contributing to more just and inclusive public artmaking in the region. Artists at various stages in their public artmaking practice from urban, suburban, and rural communities across all six states in New England are welcome to apply.

NEFA values diverse cultural and artistic expressions as essential to more equitable and vibrant public spaces and recognizes that some artists may experience barriers to accessing professional development opportunities due to race, gender, disability, sexual orientation, class, age, and geography. The Public Art Learning Fund intends to prioritize equity in funding opportunities.

Public / Community Art Artist Training & Development

Developmental Synaptopathies Consortium - Pilot Projects RFA

Rare Diseases Clinical Research Network (RDCRN)
Federal Government
United States
Approximately US $100,000

Rare Diseases Clinical Research Network

The RDCRN was established by Congress under the Rare Diseases Act in 2002. The network is an initiative of the National Institutes of Health (NIH), led by the National Center for Advancing Translational Sciences through is Division of Rare Diseases Research Innovation (formerly the Office of Rare Diseases Research). It is funded by collaborating NIH institutes, centers, and offices.

Now in its fifth funding cycle, RDCRN supports 20 rare disease research groups (consortia) that partner with 127 affiliated patient advocacy groups. In total, 180 diseases are currently being studied at 273 active clinical sites, both in the United States and internationally.

Developmental Synaptopathies Consortium - Request For Pilot Project Applications

The pilot feasibility core of the Developmental Synaptopathies Consortium (DSC) is pleased to announce that it will fund an estimated $100,000 total costs for a pilot project to stimulate additional research through the DSC NIH grant for one/all of the following disorders: Tuberous Sclerosis Complex (TSC), PTEN Hamartoma Syndrome (PHTS), Phelan-McDermid Syndrome (PMS) and SYNGAP 1-related disorders. The funding will be coordinated, dispersed and evaluated for progress through the DSC infrastructure. This project will be a two-year project with half of the funds ($50,000) allocated in each year, starting in October 2026. 

Rare Diseases

Programmatic Funding- Mobility Pillar Award

Honda USA Foundation
Private
Alabama, California +15 more
US $25,000 - US $100,000
The Honda USA Foundation's Mobility Pillar Award aims to empower individuals with disabilities by funding programs that enhance access and mobility. The foundation supports nonprofit organizations and schools that provide therapeutic, adaptive, and comprehensive care programs, as well as mobility modifications and assistive technology. Applications are accepted from U.S.-based organizations with 501(c)(3) status or fiscal sponsors, ensuring that the joy of mobility is accessible to all.
Disability Care & Services Medical Technology, Devices, and Equipment

William K. Gottschalk Scholarship

Community Foundation of North Central Wisconsin
Private
Wisconsin
Unspecified amount
The William K. Gottschalk Scholarship, offered by the Community Foundation of North Central Wisconsin, supports second-year or higher students at UWSP at Wausau or Northcentral Technical College pursuing degrees in accounting or engineering. Over 200 scholarships are awarded annually, totaling more than $300,000. Applicants must be Wisconsin residents with a strong commitment to their chosen field and plan to attend NTC or UWSP for at least two years.
Education - Higher Education Academic Scholarship Programs

RIF: Joseph O'Neill Ott Fund Grants

The Rhode Island Community Foundation
Private
Rhode Island
US $250 - US $750
The RIF: Joseph O'Neill Ott Fund Grants support the preservation of historical documents in Rhode Island, with grants ranging from $250 to $750. Established through a bequest in 1994, this fund focuses on conserving manuscripts and records created before 1900. Eligible applicants include historical societies from smaller cities and towns in Rhode Island. Proposals that address long-term storage and preservation efforts are particularly favored, ensuring that vital historical evidence is maintained for future generations.
Historic Preservation Historical Records & Archives

Bliss, Gross, Horowitz Fund Grants

The Rhode Island Community Foundation
Private
Providence County, Rhode Island
US $5,000 - US $10,000
The Bliss, Gross, Horowitz Fund Grants support Jewish community charitable organizations in the greater Providence area. The fund seeks proposals for projects that enhance connections within the Jewish community, deepen cultural understanding, provide essential human needs, or support organizational development. Grants typically range from $5,000 to $10,000, fostering engagement and capacity-building initiatives that align with the fund's mission.
Jewish Culture

Marilla W. and Harold A. Lund Scholarship Fund

Maine Community Foundation
Private
Washington County, Maine
Unspecified amount
The Marilla W. and Harold A. Lund Scholarship Fund, established by the Maine Community Foundation in 1983, offers renewable financial support to graduating seniors from Washington County high schools. This scholarship aims to assist students in pursuing post-secondary education at four-year colleges or universities. Priority is given to first-generation college students, ensuring accessibility and encouragement for those demonstrating academic achievement and financial need.
Education - Higher Education Academic Scholarship Programs

Dr. Charles and Phyllis Seward Scholarship

Amarillo Area Foundation
Corporate
Texas
Unspecified amount
The Dr. Charles and Phyllis Seward Scholarship, offered by the Amarillo Area Foundation, supports graduating high school seniors from the Texas Panhandle. This scholarship prioritizes Native American applicants and is available to those who will attend Amarillo College or West Texas A&M University, allowing them to major in any field of study. By addressing educational needs, this scholarship aims to empower local youth and foster community development.
Education - Higher Education Academic Scholarship Programs

Strater Downeast Scholarship Fund

Maine Community Foundation
Private
Hancock County, Maine, Washington County, Maine
Unspecified amount
The Strater Downeast Scholarship Fund, established by the Maine Community Foundation, supports graduating seniors from Washington County and Sumner Memorial High School in Sullivan. This fund aids students pursuing post-secondary education at select colleges, including the University of Maine and Maine Maritime Academy. Recipients must be enrolled full-time and can apply for renewal upon completing a two-year degree at Washington County Community College. The Maine Community Foundation has been enhancing education access since 1984.
Education - Higher Education Academic Scholarship Programs

Bob and Lanna Hatton Scholarship

Amarillo Area Foundation
Corporate
Texas
Unspecified amount
The Bob and Lanna Hatton Scholarship, offered by the Amarillo Area Foundation, supports graduating high school seniors from the top 26 counties in the Texas Panhandle who plan to pursue a degree in Education. Recipients can attend any college or university of their choice, provided they maintain a cumulative GPA of 3.2 or higher while in college. This scholarship aims to foster educational growth and community development in the region.
Education - Higher Education Academic Scholarship Programs

Erin Elizabeth Sperrey Memorial Scholarship Fund

Maine Community Foundation
Private
Aroostook County, Maine
Unspecified amount
The Erin Elizabeth Sperrey Memorial Scholarship Fund, established by the Maine Community Foundation, honors a promising young woman who tragically lost her life. This scholarship supports graduating seniors from Aroostook County high schools pursuing degrees in early childhood education or liberal arts. The Maine Community Foundation, founded in 1983, awards over $3 million annually through nearly 700 scholarship funds, aiding Maine residents in their educational pursuits.
Education - Higher Education Academic Scholarship Programs

Benjamin Gimp Raffkind Memorial Scholarship

Amarillo Area Foundation
Corporate
Texas
Unspecified amount
The Benjamin Gimp Raffkind Memorial Scholarship, offered by the Amarillo Area Foundation, provides financial support for graduating high school seniors in the top 26 counties of the Texas Panhandle. Eligible students must have a GPA of 80 or better and plan to attend Amarillo College or West Texas A&M University. This scholarship aims to empower local youth by facilitating their pursuit of higher education and addressing the educational needs of the community.
Education - Higher Education Academic Scholarship Programs

Amarillo Handgunners Association fbo The Bill Goodson Memorial Scholarship

Amarillo Area Foundation
Corporate
Texas
Unspecified amount
The Amarillo Handgunners Association offers the Bill Goodson Memorial Scholarship for graduating high school seniors in the northern Texas Panhandle. This scholarship encourages students involved in shooting sports to pursue higher education at any accredited institution in their chosen field of study. Recipients must maintain good standing while attending college, making this a valuable opportunity for aspiring scholars in the community.
Education - Higher Education Academic Scholarship Programs

Mental Health Awareness, Education and Outreach Mini-Grants Program

Ethel & James Flinn Foundation
Private
Macomb County, Michigan, Oakland County, Michigan +2 more
US $3,000 - US $5,000
The Ethel and James Flinn Foundation offers the Mental Health Awareness, Education and Outreach Mini-Grants Program to enhance mental health services in Michigan. This initiative focuses on improving treatment programs, promoting early intervention, and reducing stigma associated with mental health. By collaborating across sectors and prioritizing underserved populations, the foundation aims to increase access to quality mental health care and evaluate the impact of its efforts, ultimately fostering a healthier community.
Mental Health & Psychiatric Diseases

Burke/Tharp Legacy Scholarship

Brown County Community Foundation
Private
Delaware County, Indiana, Tippecanoe County, Indiana +1 more
US $500 - US $5,000
The Burke/Tharp Legacy Scholarship, managed by the Brown County Community Foundation, provides crucial tuition assistance to students accepted at Purdue, Ball State, or Michigan University. Since its inception, the foundation has focused on educational support, offering scholarships primarily to Brown County High School graduates. The scholarship aims to empower female students, minorities, and those facing financial hardships, ensuring they have access to higher education opportunities and can fulfill their academic ambitions.
Education - Higher Education Academic Scholarship Programs

Riding for Focus Grants

Outride
Private
North America
Unspecified amount
The Riding for Focus Grants program supports public middle schools serving low-income students, providing them with bicycles, helmets, and educational resources to promote cycling. Through this program, schools can enhance their students' cognitive, physical, and socio-emotional well-being. The curriculum consists of 14 lessons focused on rider safety and skills, designed to be delivered over 6-8 weeks. Eligible schools can apply for grants or purchase the program to access these invaluable resources.
Biking

Catalyzing Impact Grant Program

ArtsWave (Cincinnati Institute of Fine Arts)
Private
Boone County, Kentucky, Bracken County, Kentucky +13 more
Up to US $10,000
The Catalyzing Impact Grant Program by ArtsWave aims to enhance community connections and economic vitality in Greater Cincinnati through arts and cultural heritage projects. This program encourages diverse programming aligned with the goals outlined in the Blueprint for Collective Action. Eligible projects can be new or existing, focusing on expanding impact by reaching new audiences or deepening existing initiatives, ultimately fostering a more vibrant arts landscape in the region.
STEM / STEAM Education Art Education

Annette M. Brown Scholarship Fund

Maine Community Foundation
Private
Maine
Unspecified amount
The Annette M. Brown Scholarship Fund, established by the Maine Community Foundation, offers financial support to Androscoggin County residents pursuing post-secondary education. Founded in 1983, it honors Annette M. Brown, a teacher who bequeathed $16,000 for needy students in her will. Preference is given to first-generation college applicants and those attending accredited colleges in Androscoggin County. Each year, the fund helps numerous students achieve their educational goals.
Education - Higher Education Academic Scholarship Programs

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.

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