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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

$8.25B

Total funding

$6K

Median grant

33,000+ grants
$8.25B total
$6K median

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32,595 Results based on applied filters

Tourism Event Growth & Sustainability (TEGS) Program - Event Sponsorship (NM)

New Mexico Tourism Department
State/Local Government
New Mexico
Up to US $50,000
The Tourism Event Growth & Sustainability (TEGS) Program in New Mexico offers sponsorship up to $50,000 for qualifying tourism events. To secure funding, applicants must demonstrate a marketing plan, financial budget, and the potential for brand impressions equal to the sponsorship amount. Events are required to adhere to New Mexico True brand standards and must provide relevant economic impact data. This initiative aims to foster growth and sustainability within the state's tourism sector.
Tourism

Tourism Event Growth & Sustainability (TEGS) Program - Event Accelerator (NM)

New Mexico Tourism Department
State/Local Government
New Mexico
Up to US $5,000
The Tourism Event Growth & Sustainability (TEGS) Program aims to enhance and sustain tourism events in New Mexico by providing vital technical assistance, marketing support, and sponsorship. This initiative helps qualified events improve their operations and visibility, enabling them to secure funding for approved deliverables up to $5,000. By partnering with local government entities, eligible applicants can showcase their commitment and readiness to elevate their events, fostering long-term growth in the tourism sector.
Tourism

Cooperative Marketing & Advertising Grant Program​

New Mexico Tourism Department
State/Local Government
New Mexico
Unspecified amount
The Cooperative Marketing Grant Program (NM) fosters collaboration between the New Mexico Tourism Department and local entities to enhance tourism. By providing a co-funded, co-branded marketing platform, the program allows eligible organizations to achieve greater media buying power, extend the New Mexico True brand, and access tailored marketing strategies. Partners benefit from expert service, performance reporting, and additional digital advertising options, all aimed at optimizing their marketing efforts and boosting tourism in New Mexico.
Tourism

URAF Conference Funding

Harvard University
Private
Countries
US $500 - US $750
The URAF Conference Funding program at Harvard University provides support for undergraduate students presenting original research at academic conferences. With awards up to $500 for domestic conferences and $750 for international presentations, students must be enrolled and in good standing. The program encourages applications year-round, allowing for different iterations of the same presentation. However, funding cannot be applied retroactively, and group applications are not permitted.
Academic Success & Enrichment Education - Higher Education

Youth Sports Grant Program

Whitefish Community Foundation
Private
Flathead County, Montana
Up to US $5,000
The Youth Sports Grant Program, initiated by the Whitefish Community Foundation, aims to support youth sports organizations in Flathead Valley that do not engage in the Great Fish Community Challenge. This program fosters community involvement and provides essential funding to enhance youth sports opportunities. The grant is available annually, emphasizing the importance of nonprofit status and eligibility criteria for applicants to ensure that resources are directed effectively to benefit local youth.
Youth Services Sports & Athletics

Title II Formula Grant (AZ)

Arizona Governor's Office of Youth, Faith and Family
State/Local Government
Arizona
US $40,000 - US $100,000
The Title II Formula Grant (AZ) supports initiatives under the Juvenile Justice and Delinquency Prevention Act by funding programs that address challenges faced by youth within the juvenile justice system. Administered by the Arizona Governor's Office of Youth, Faith and Family, the grant allows eligible Arizona entities, including local governments and non-profits, to apply for funding up to $100,000. This initiative aims to ensure compliance with core juvenile justice requirements while enhancing community support for at-risk youth.
Juvenile Justice

Harvard University- Marshall Scholarship

Harvard University
Private
United Kingdom
Unspecified amount
The Marshall Scholarship offers talented Americans the opportunity to pursue postgraduate studies in the United Kingdom, fostering future leaders through a deep engagement with British society. Each year, up to fifty scholars are awarded funding for one to two years, covering tuition and living expenses. The program aims to enhance academic achievement while promoting cultural exchange and understanding between the USA and the UK, enriching the scholars' personal and professional lives.
Academic Success & Enrichment Academic Scholarship Programs

STOP Violence Against Women Grant (AZ)

Arizona Governor's Office of Youth, Faith and Family
State/Local Government
Arizona
Up to US $150,000
The STOP Violence Against Women Grant (AZ) empowers Arizona entities to combat violence against women through funding and support for law enforcement, prosecution, and victim services. With approximately $3.3 million available annually, the grant prioritizes programs that enhance victim safety and hold offenders accountable, while requiring a 25% non-federal match. Eligible applicants include non-profits, tribal entities, and government agencies, ensuring a broad coalition to address these critical issues.
Women & Girl Services Crime Victim Services

Disaster Resilience Program Fellowship

Equal Justice Works
Private
United States
More than US $7,000
The Disaster Resilience Program Fellowship supports low-income communities affected by disasters by mobilizing lawyers and law students to provide free civil legal aid. This initiative ensures access to essential legal services, helping families navigate recovery barriers. Attorney Fellows receive a salary while Student Fellows earn a stipend for their service. Participants engage in outreach, build community relationships, and receive comprehensive training to enhance their legal skills, contributing to the resilience of affected communities.
Legal Services Disaster Relief / Humanitarian Aid

Minnesota Snowmobile Trails Assistance Program (grants-in-aid)- Maintenance and Grooming Grants

Minnesota Department of Natural Resources
State/Local Government
Minnesota
Unspecified amount
The Minnesota Snowmobile Trails Assistance Program, administered by the Department of Natural Resources, supports the maintenance and grooming of over 21,000 miles of snowmobile trails. Established in 1973, this grants-in-aid program ensures that local governments maintain these trails throughout the year. Funding is primarily allocated for grooming services, helping to keep trails safe and accessible for users. Additionally, this program offers trail improvement grants, fostering better recreational opportunities for snowmobilers.
Trail Creation & Maintenance

Off-Highway Vehicle Grant-in-Aid Program

Minnesota Department of Natural Resources
State/Local Government
Minnesota
Unspecified amount
The Off-Highway Vehicle (OHV) Trails Assistance Program, known as Grant-in-Aid (GIA), supports the development and maintenance of trails for All-Terrain Vehicles (ATVs), Off-Highway Motorcycles (OHMs), and Off-Road Vehicles (ORVs). Established in 1984 by the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources, it funds projects through vehicle registration fees and gas tax contributions. Enthusiast groups and local governments collaborate to enhance trail systems, ensuring access and safety for outdoor enthusiasts.
Trail Creation & Maintenance

Florida Boating Improvement Program (FL)

Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission
State/Local Government
Florida
Unspecified amount
The Florida Boating Improvement Program offers competitive grants to enhance boating access projects for motorized vessels in Florida. Funded by the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission, eligible applicants include county governments and municipalities. The program supports various initiatives such as constructing boat ramps, piers, and educational projects that promote boating. This funding aims to improve recreational boating opportunities and stimulate local economic development related to water activities.
Recreational Water Use & Boating

Regional Trail Grant Program

Minnesota Department of Natural Resources
State/Local Government
Minnesota
US $5,000 - US $300,000
The Regional Trail Grant Program aims to enhance trail development outside the seven-county metropolitan area by providing grants to local governments. With funding from "In Lieu Of" lottery proceeds, it supports up to 75% of eligible project costs, requiring a 25% non-state cash match. The anticipated funding of $1.1 million will be allocated across three grant programs, subject to legislative appropriation. This initiative fosters connectivity and promotes regional significance in trail facilities.
Trail Creation & Maintenance

Outdoor Recreation Grant Program

Minnesota Department of Natural Resources
State/Local Government
Minnesota
US $50,000 - US $350,000
The Outdoor Recreation Grant Program offers matching grants to local governments for up to 50% of the costs related to acquiring, developing, or redeveloping local parks and recreation areas. Applicants can submit multiple proposals, but only one application per park is allowed. Funding sources include federal and state funds, with at least $2.5 million expected for FY 2026 from the Land and Water Conservation Fund and additional state funding subject to legislative approval.
Outdoor Recreation Parks & Public Spaces

Local Trail Connections Program

Minnesota Department of Natural Resources
State/Local Government
Minnesota
US $5,000 - US $250,000
The Local Trail Connections Program, funded by the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources, aims to enhance short trail connections between residential areas and key public resources. Grants of $5,000 to $250,000 are available, covering up to 75% of project costs. Eligible projects include trail development and acquisition, with a focus on public accessibility. Funding prioritizes significant connectivity and quality of trails, with a total budget of approximately $1.1 million from lottery proceeds.
Trail Creation & Maintenance

Traditional Arts Apprenticeships

Idaho Commission on the Arts
State/Local Government
Idaho
Up to US $3,000
The Traditional Arts Apprenticeships grant, provided by the Idaho Commission on the Arts, fosters mentorship by pairing experienced artists with apprentices to preserve cultural art forms. Eligible applicants must be practicing artists, at least 18 years old, and U.S. citizens or legal residents. The apprenticeships, lasting up to ten months, must culminate in a public demonstration. This initiative not only supports the continuation of artistic traditions but also strengthens community engagement through the arts.
Apprenticeship & Internship Programs Arts / Culture Access & Participation

Federal Recreational Trail Program

Minnesota Department of Natural Resources
State/Local Government
Minnesota
US $2,500 - US $150,000
The Federal Recreational Trail Program, managed by the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources, aims to enhance motorized and non-motorized trails through financial support. Eligible projects include trail maintenance, development, and educational programs. A 25% match is required for funding requests ranging from $2,500 to $150,000, with completion deadlines set for June 30, 2025. This initiative prioritizes projects involving local partnerships and environmental sustainability.
Trail Creation & Maintenance

College Prep Grants

Jack And Jill Of America Foundation Inc
Private
United States
Up to US $5,000
The Jack and Jill of America Foundation offers College Prep Grants aimed at enhancing college readiness for African American children. These grants are available to 501(c)(3) organizations dedicated to building a pipeline of talent. Eligible applicants include public agencies and organizations aligned with the Foundation's mission. The funding excludes scholarships, operational costs, and individual applicants, focusing solely on direct program implementation costs.
Career / College Preparation

Arts in Schools Impact Grants

Lexarts Inc
Private
Fayette County, Kentucky
Unspecified amount
The Arts in Schools Impact Grants, launched by LexArts, aim to enhance arts education in Fayette County Public Schools by subsidizing costs associated with engaging arts organizations. This initiative seeks to empower students and teachers through access to quality arts programming, bridging the opportunity gap for those who may otherwise lack exposure. Funded projects can include a variety of artistic disciplines, ensuring all pre-K-12 students benefit from enriched educational experiences.
Art Education Education - K through 12

Healthy and Connected Aging RFP

Cambia Health Foundation
Private
Idaho, Oregon +2 more
Up to US $50,000
Cambia Health Foundation is dedicated to enhancing healthcare experiences through its RFP, which aims to support older adult kinship and grand-family caregivers. By promoting strategies that strengthen social connections and improve access to mental health services, the foundation seeks to address the unique challenges faced by these caregivers. The initiative encourages tailored proposals that reflect the diverse needs of kinship families, ultimately fostering a more interconnected and supportive community for aging individuals.
Senior Services Wellness & Healthy Living

DCCF: Capital Project Grant

Decatur County Community Foundation Inc.
Private
Decatur County, Indiana
Unspecified amount
The DCCF: Capital Project Grant supports the construction or renovation of buildings and the acquisition of land or major equipment. It is open to 501(c)(3) nonprofit organizations, governmental agencies, and qualified educational institutions. There is no application deadline, and organizations can apply once every five years, with projects requiring a minimum budget of $250,000. Priority is given to projects demonstrating strong community need and stable management.
Architecture

FHCCF: Stitt Early Literacy Mentoring Grants

The Findlay-Hancock County Community Foundation
Private
Hancock County, Ohio
Unspecified amount
The FHCCF: Stitt Early Literacy Mentoring Grants aim to support literacy initiatives for children in Hancock County. Funded by The Findlay-Hancock County Community Foundation, these grants focus on projects that enhance reading skills and educational opportunities for local youth. Eligible projects should primarily target students in Findlay City Schools and Hancock County Schools, ensuring a lasting impact on the community's literacy landscape.
Education - Preschool / Early Learning Early Childhood Development

NSEDC: Large Infrastructure Fund

Norton Sound Economic Development Corporation
Private
Kusilvak Census Area, Alaska, Nome Census Area, Alaska
Up to US $300,000
The NSEDC's Large Infrastructure Fund supports essential civic projects in the Norton Sound region, providing up to $1 million per community for renovations and new constructions. Eligible applicants include municipal and tribal governments, as well as nonprofits within NSEDC's member communities. Projects must align with long-term strategic goals and be completed within two years of approval. This fund aims to enhance infrastructure for all community members, ensuring broad regional impact and sustainability.
Public Infrastructure

MVCF Scholarship Fund

Marthas Vineyard Community Foundation Inc
Private
Dukes County, Massachusetts
Unspecified amount
The MVCF Scholarship Fund provides financial assistance for adult learners and community members on Martha's Vineyard pursuing professional development or facing unexpected financial challenges. The fund is managed by the Martha's Vineyard Community Foundation, one of the largest scholarship providers on the island, supporting students of all ages to achieve their educational goals and secure brighter futures.
Vocational & Trade Education Adult Education

New Jersey Commission on Spinal Cord Research: Individual Research Grant

State of New Jersey Department of Health
State/Local Government
New Jersey
Up to US $600,000
The New Jersey Commission on Spinal Cord Research offers Individual Research Grants to foster innovative research aimed at developing interventions and cures for paralysis caused by spinal cord injuries. With funding up to $200,000 annually, the program encourages independent investigators and established scientists from other fields to contribute to spinal cord research. The initiative aims to support collaborative efforts and nurture upcoming researchers, ultimately advancing the knowledge and treatment of spinal cord conditions.
Spinal Cord Injuries

$250 Teacher's Grants

South Central Community Foundation
Private
Barber County, Kansas, Comanche County, Kansas +5 more
US $250
The $250 Teacher's Grants, offered by the South Central Community Foundation, support K-12 classroom teachers across seven counties. This grant provides $250 for classroom needs, requiring a budget of at least $250 with any additional costs covered by the school. Teachers may apply for only one grant, helping enhance educational resources and foster learning opportunities in local communities.
Education - K through 12 Academic Success & Enrichment

NJ Commission on Spinal Cord Research Postdoctoral & Graduate Student Fellowship

State of New Jersey Department of Health
State/Local Government
New Jersey
Unspecified amount
The New Jersey Commission on Spinal Cord Research offers a Postdoctoral & Graduate Student Fellowship aimed at supporting innovative research in spinal cord injury. Funded by the New Jersey Department of Health, this fellowship encourages promising researchers to contribute to advancements in treatment and rehabilitation for spinal cord injuries, ultimately improving patient outcomes and quality of life in the community.
Spinal Cord Injuries

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.

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