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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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32,499 Results based on applied filters

Jack E. Leisch Fellowship

American Society Of Civil Engineers Inc
Private
United States
Approximately US $5,000
The Jack E. Leisch Fellowship, established by the American Society of Civil Engineers, supports full-time graduate students in transportation planning and traffic operations. This fellowship honors Jack E. Leisch's contributions to civil engineering and offers approximately $5,000 to deserving candidates. Selection criteria include academic performance, leadership potential, and financial need, ensuring support for future leaders in the field.
Education - Higher Education Civil Engineering

Freeman Fellowship

American Society Of Civil Engineers Inc
Private
United States
Unspecified amount
The Freeman Fellowship, established by the American Society of Civil Engineers in 1924, supports young engineers pursuing graduate studies in hydraulic engineering. Awarded annually to up to three deserving students, it covers tuition, research, and living expenses. This fellowship encourages the next generation of civil engineers to excel in their education and contributes to the advancement of the field, reflecting ASCE's commitment to fostering talent within the profession.
Education - Higher Education Civil Engineering

Edward and Wanda Jordan Family Foundation Grant

Edward & Wanda Jordan Foundation
Private
United States
Unspecified amount
The Edward and Wanda Jordan Family Foundation Grant aims to support education, scientific research, and spiritual ministries through voluntary grants. Focused on enhancing the welfare and quality of life for children and youth, this foundation perpetuates the charitable intentions of the Jordan family. Eligible applicants include 501(c)(3) non-profit organizations that align with these values and objectives, ensuring impactful contributions to the community.
Education Youth Services

Fred and Tana Moses Bridge Engineering Fellowship

American Society Of Civil Engineers Inc
Private
United States
Unspecified amount
The Fred and Tana Moses Bridge Engineering Fellowship, established by the American Society of Civil Engineers (ASCE), aims to advance the field of bridge engineering. This annual fellowship is awarded to a graduate student pursuing an advanced degree in the discipline, providing vital support for their studies. ASCE, representing over 160,000 civil engineers worldwide, is committed to fostering professional excellence and innovation in the civil engineering community.
Education - Higher Education Civil Engineering

PennDOT Behavioral Highway Safety Grants: Distracted Driving Outreach

Pennsylvania Department of Transportation (PennDOT)
State/Local Government
Pennsylvania
Unspecified amount

PennDOT provides traffic safety grants to local governments, PA state-related universities and PA State System of Higher Education universities, and nonprofit organizations to improve highway safety and reduce deaths and serious injuries due to crashes. First-time applicants must be pre approved by first submitting a letter of interest to RA-PDSHSO_GRANTS@pa.gov. Letters must be written on agency letterhead and include the organization’s FEIN, a summary of the proposed project, a budget estimate, and the specific local grant opportunity listed below that the agency intends to pursue.Distracted Driving Outreach provides education and outreach to change dangerous driving behaviors across PA, especially among teen drivers.

Community / Public Safety Automotive Safety

Arthur S. Tuttle Fellowship

American Society Of Civil Engineers Inc
Private
United States
Unspecified amount
The Arthur S. Tuttle Fellowship, established in 1983 through the generosity of ASCE President Arthur S. Tuttle, supports graduate students in civil engineering. Up to four students may receive this annual fellowship, which is intended for their first year of graduate studies. Candidates must be members of the American Society of Civil Engineers and demonstrate financial need and educational merit. This fellowship promotes the development of future civil engineering professionals.
Education - Higher Education Civil Engineering

FWAC: School Arts Project Grants

The Five Wings Arts Council
Private
Cass County, Minnesota, Crow Wing County, Minnesota +3 more
Up to US $5,000
The Five Wings Art Council offers the School Arts Project Grants to enhance arts education in public schools across Todd, Morrison, Wadena, Cass, and Crow Wing Counties, Minnesota. Grants up to $5,000 are available to support initiatives like artist residencies and arts education field trips, helping to enrich students' artistic experiences. These grants aim to supplement existing programs and foster creativity among young learners without requiring a matching contribution.
Art & Culture Art Education

Helen and Ritter Shumway Foundation Grant

Helen And Ritter Shumway Foundation
Private
Monroe County, New York
Unspecified amount
The Helen and Ritter Shumway Foundation Grant aims to support conservation and historic preservation in Rochester, New York, and nearby areas. This grant encourages charitable organizations to submit requests for general operating and program support, particularly focusing on traditionally underserved communities. The foundation, established by Helen S. Mayer, also honors the legacy of her brother, Ritter Shumway, by backing causes they valued. Applications for endowment campaigns or capital projects are typically not accepted.
Environment Community Development & Revitalization Nonprofit Growth & Development

AHC Education Trust Fund Grant (ETF)

Alabama Historical Commission (AHC)
State/Local Government
Alabama
Up to US $75,000

Alabama Historical Commission

The Commission is the agency designated to carry out the state’s responsibilities under the National Historic Preservation Act of 1966 as amended and operates under the provisions of the Code of Alabama 1975.

We work to accomplish our mission through two fields of endeavor: Preservation and promotion of state-owned historic sites as public attractions; and, statewide programs to assist people, groups, towns and cities with local preservation activities.

State law makes the Commission responsible for the acquisition and preservation of state-owned historic properties and education of the public on historic sites in Alabama. 

Historic Sites Education Trust Fund (ETF) Grant

The Alabama Historical Commission (AHC) will administer a $3,600,000 Historic Sites grant program with funds appropriated by the Alabama Legislature for improvements to and educational programming at historic sites in Alabama.

Preference will be given to:

  • any property listed in or eligible for the National Register of Historic Places that was built before 1840 and is publicly owned and accessible to the public;
  • any property built in or before 1943 that is listed in or eligible for the National Register of Historic Places;
  • any property built after 1943 that significantly contributed to the Civil Rights Movement.

History Historic Preservation

LRAC: Career Development Grants

Lake Region Arts Council
Private
Becker County, Minnesota, Clay County, Minnesota +7 more
US $3,000
The LRAC Career Development Grants offer $2,000 to individual artists in various disciplines within a nine-county region. These grants support projects that enhance artistic growth and career development. Eligible applicants include practicing artists aged 18 and older, who have resided in the region for at least six months. Projects must be focused on fine arts and cannot commence before the grant contract is signed. For more details, refer to the LRAC guidelines.
Art & Culture Artist Training & Development

NE-AIPG Angelo Tagliacozzo Memorial Geological Scholarship (ATMGS)

American Institute of Professional Geologists (AIPG)
Association/Society
Connecticut, Maine +6 more
US $1,000 - US $3,500
The NE-AIPG Angelo Tagliacozzo Memorial Geological Scholarship (ATMGS) supports junior and senior undergraduate geology students in the NE Section, honoring Angelo Tagliacozzo's legacy. Established in 1986, the scholarship aims to encourage young geologists to pursue careers in geological sciences. Eligible candidates must be enrolled in accredited programs, on track for required credit hours, and can only receive the scholarship once. This initiative fosters early engagement with AIPG, emphasizing professional affiliation and support for the next generation of geologists.
Geography Academic Scholarship Programs

MCF: Cycle 2- Grants for Education Economic Development

Middletown Community Foundation
Private
Butler County, Ohio, Warren County, Ohio
Unspecified amount
The Middletown Community Foundation offers grants aimed at education and economic development. Established in 1976, it has grown to manage over $41 million in assets. Eligible applicants include IRS-recognized 501(c)(3) nonprofits located in specific Ohio townships. The foundation encourages collaborative projects that meet community needs, fostering safe environments and responsible youth development. Notably, it does not fund individuals or for-profit entities. Applications are due by June 1st, focusing on impactful community projects.
Education Economic Services & Development

Community Health Assessments / Community Health Improvement Plans (CHA / CHIP) Development Support Grant

Partnership HealthPlan of California
State/Local Government
California
Up to US $100,000

CHA/CHIP Development Support Grant

About

The Community Health Assessments / Community Health Improvement Plans (CHA / CHIP) Development Support Grant Program is designed to provide financial and technical support for the completion of CHA and CHIP.

This program responds to the ongoing need for strengthened local public health infrastructure and planning capacity, especially among counties with limited resources. It also aligns with the California Department of Health Care Services (DHCS) expectations for Medi-Cal managed care plans to engage in meaningful collaboration with Local Health Jurisdictions.

Purpose

The program supports counties in assessing public health needs and developing responsive plans to address them by way of the CHA/CHIP process. This effort encourages joint planning between managed care and public health departments to reduce siloed systems, enhance population health outcomes, and align with the DHCS Quality Strategy and Bold Goals.

Epidemiology & Public Health Health & Medicine

Heather Hinkle Memorial Endowed Scholarship Fund

Amarillo Area Foundation
Corporate
Texas
More than US $2,000
The Heather Hinkle Memorial Endowed Scholarship Fund, established by the Amarillo Area Foundation, supports college students from the Texas Panhandle who have faced significant health challenges. Eligible applicants must have completed a quarter of their degree, maintain a minimum GPA of 3.0, and have received a cancer diagnosis before turning 18. This scholarship aims to empower students pursuing further education in the medical field, fostering resilience and academic success in the community.
Health & Medicine Academic Scholarship Programs

Institutional Support Grant Program

North Dakota Council on the Arts
State/Local Government
North Dakota
US $4,000 - US $11,000

North Dakota Council on the Arts

North Dakota Council on the Arts (NDCA) is a service and program agency of the state, established in 1967 by State Legislature “to ensure that the role of the arts in the life of our communities will continue to grow and will play an evermore significant part in the welfare and educational experience of our citizens.” Our purpose is to bring that commitment to life. NDCA operates with an annual budget of over $2 million through the support of the National Endowment for the Arts and an appropriation from the North Dakota State Legislature. The majority of NDCA’s budget is awarded to organizations and individuals through various grant programs.

We strengthen the creative capacity of North Dakota for all who live and visit here, honoring our cultural traditions, empowering excellence and innovation, inspiring arts and culture opportunities for all.

Institutional Support Grant Program

Institutional Support (IS) is a three-year grant program that provides general operating support for arts nonprofits with an established record of high-quality programmatic service and administrative stability. This includes arts organizations that produce, present, or exhibit works of art, artist service organizations, art councils, and community art schools, as well as cultural arts organizations.

Art & Culture Arts / Culture Access & Participation

Fulton County Arts & Culture Grant

Fulton County Department of Arts & Culture
State/Local Government
Fulton County, Georgia
US $1,000 - US $50,000
The Fulton County Arts & Culture Grant offers funding from $1,000 to $50,000 to nonprofit organizations and artists in Fulton County for arts programming in 2026. This initiative aims to enhance access to diverse arts experiences for residents, fostering community growth and economic development. Eligible applicants include cultural nonprofits, public schools, and municipalities. The program supports ongoing public arts activities, ensuring a vibrant cultural landscape in Fulton County.
Art & Culture Art Education

Paul and Deanna Virciglio Scholarship

Saginaw Community Foundation
Private
Michigan
Unspecified amount

Paul and Deanna Virciglio Scholarship

Paul Virciglio, along with his wife, Deanna, has established the Paul & Deanna Virciglio Education Fund, which will be used to award scholarships to students pursuing graduate studies in math or science.

“I noted the dramatic structural changes taking place in the business world as we prepared for the new information society. There’s a demand for higher-skilled employees, which places an emphasis on education, especially in math and science,” said Paul Virciglio.

Mathematics Education - Higher Education Science

Henry Len DeFoor Charitable Trust Grant

Henry Len Defoor Charitable Tr
Private
Cherokee County, Georgia, Clayton County, Georgia +7 more
US $12,000
The Henry Len DeFoor Charitable Trust Grant offers funding to qualified 501(c)(3) organizations for enhancing small parks, playgrounds, and recreational centers in the metropolitan Atlanta area. Applications are accepted year-round, but must be submitted by May 30 for consideration at the annual meeting. The foundation prioritizes projects in Atlanta and Fulton County, while ensuring funds are used only for equipping facilities, not for salaries or replacing previously funded equipment.
Recreation Parks & Public Spaces Outdoor Equity

Visual Arts & Education Grant

Helen Frankenthaler Foundation Inc
Private
United States
US $5,000 - US $100,000

Helen Frankenthaler Foundation Inc

The Helen Frankenthaler Foundation supports the artist’s legacy through a variety of initiatives, including exhibitions, loans of artworks, research and publications, conservation, grants, educational programs for the public and the scholarly community, and the publishing of a catalogue raisonné. It is dedicated to promoting greater public interest in and understanding of the visual arts.

Established and endowed by the artist during her lifetime (1928-2011), the Foundation became active in 2013, on the closing of Frankenthaler’s estate. As the principal beneficiary of Frankenthaler’s estate, the Foundation maintains an extensive collection of her work in a variety of mediums, as well as her collection of works by other artists and original papers and materials pertaining to her life and work.

Visual Arts & Education Grant

The Helen Frankenthaler Foundation supports public engagement with the visual arts through philanthropic, educational, curatorial, and research initiatives. It has expanded its grantmaking to sustain museums and visual arts institutions, supporting exhibitions, scholarship, and education across the field. The Foundation’s grantmaking priorities are currently organized across three areas:

  • Climate Action and Sustainability
  • Cultural Resilience
  • Visual Arts & Education
    • Project-based support for exhibitions, publications, public programs, and academic initiatives that advance the presentation, study, and interpretation of the visual arts.
    • The Foundation supports discrete, institutionally grounded projects that advance the presentation, study, and understanding of the visual arts. Competitive proposals typically include:
      • Exhibitions, publications, and public programs focused on modern and contemporary art
      • Projects that expand access to collections, archives, and curatorial research
      • Academic and institutional initiatives in art history, studio practice, visual studies, museum and curatorial studies, conservation, and related areas of scholarship and teaching—particularly those involving university museums, galleries, and special collections
      • Conferences, programs, or initiatives led by professional organizations whose missions address the visual arts
      • Exhibitions and scholarly or public programs related to the 2028 centennial of Helen Frankenthaler
      • Projects must be clearly defined in scope, duration, and outcomes, and supported by appropriate institutional capacity. Requests for Visual Arts & Education funds should not be framed as general operating support. 
Education Visual Arts

Rudolph Williams Charitable Trust Grant

Rudolph Williams Charitable Trust
Private
New Jersey
US $3,000
The Rudolph Williams Charitable Trust Grant aims to support charities dedicated to providing benefits to blind individuals. It primarily funds organizations within the United States, particularly in New Jersey, that qualify as 501(c)(3) exempt entities. Key program areas include education, health, human services, and public benefit. However, it does not support requests from private individuals or for political activities. This grant represents a valuable resource for organizations helping blind persons.
Education Health & Medicine Human & Social Services

The Medical Funds Grant

Seattle Foundation
Private
King County, Washington
Approximately US $40,000
The Medical Funds Grant, administered by the Seattle Foundation, aims to support medical research and address healthcare needs for low-income children. It prioritizes funding for specific equipment requests related to cancer, cardio-pulmonary diseases, and other significant health conditions. Additionally, it supports capital campaigns and facility renovations that enhance healthcare accessibility for underprivileged youth. Eligible applicants must be tax-exempt charities based in King County, with updated organizational profiles.
Health & Medicine Children’s Health & Pediatrics

Arts Fort Worth Community Impact Funds

Arts Council Of Fort Worth And Tarrant
Private
Tarrant County, Texas
US $5,000 - US $38,000

Grants: Powering Fort Worth’s Arts Organizations

Arts Fort Worth Community Impact Funds

The mission of Arts Fort Worth is to promote, nurture, and support the arts in Fort Worth. Arts Fort Worth’s competitive grants programs serve this mission by supporting local arts organizations and making the artistic programming they provide accessible to everyone in our city.

Apply for both operating and outreach project support in one application!

Community Impact Funds provide fundamental mission support through unrestricted funding to established nonprofit arts organizations for general operations, administration, and programming costs. This grant opportunity combines the intent of the two grant opportunities previously called CORE and CORE Plus into one unrestricted grant.

Art & Culture Arts / Culture Access & Participation

Center for Effective Schools

Texas Education Agency
State/Local Government
Texas
Unspecified amount

The purpose of this project is to support the implementation of the Effective Schools Framework (ESF) and Effective District Framework (EDF) by campuses and school systems throughout the state. Support will include the development and implementation of training, tools, resources, and platforms to support the implementation of the ESF and EDF. This project will also provide support to low performing schools by providing resources and support for continuous improvement efforts to reduce the number of low-performing campuses in the state. This project will include logistics and operations for training, events, and School Improvement and District Strategic leadership touchpoints.

Education Education - K through 12

CFGA: Metropolitan Atlanta Arts

Community Foundation for Greater Atlanta
Private
Cherokee County, Georgia, Clayton County, Georgia +9 more
US $5,000 - US $7,500
The Metropolitan Atlanta Arts Fund, managed by the Community Foundation for Greater Atlanta, aims to bolster independent arts organizations with annual budgets under $2 million. The fund supports initiatives that enhance public access to diverse cultural programming, fostering community engagement in the arts. Eligible organizations must be arts-focused, financially stable, and based in specific Georgia counties, while prioritizing equitable access for marginalized groups, particularly BIPOC-led organizations.
Art & Culture Arts / Culture Access & Participation

MCF Community Investment Program (CIP)

Montana Community Foundation
Private
Custer County, Montana, Fallon County, Montana +1 more
Up to US $50,000
The MCF Community Investment Program (CIP) supports innovative projects that enhance the quality of life in Rosebud, Custer, and Fallon County, Montana. Established by Grid United, this program aims to partner with local communities, encouraging projects that address community needs and leverage additional support. Eligible applicants include 501(c)(3) nonprofits and government entities, while ineligible projects include one-time events and general operating expenses. Grants must benefit the specified counties.
Economic Services & Development Community Development & Revitalization

J.P. Williams Empowerment Award

Williams-Daniels Family Foundation
Association/Society
Kings County, New York
Unspecified amount

Williams-Daniels Family Foundation

Headquartered in Brooklyn, New York, The Williams-Daniels Family Foundation is an 501c3 non profit organization started by the late James P. Williams in 2015. The Williams-Daniels Family Foundation is dedicated to empowering individuals and strengthening communities through education, economic opportunity, and meaningful community engagement. Through charitable contributions, partnerships, and volunteer initiatives, the Foundation works to inspire growth, promote self-sufficiency, and cultivate a spirit of service and environmental responsibility. The Foundation fulfills its mission through the following core pillars:

  • Education – Providing scholarships, mentorship, and educational support to aspiring students pursuing higher education.
  • Economic Empowerment – Equipping individuals and families with resources for financial growth and career advancement through educational, employment encouragement, and financial literacy.
  • Community Enrichment – Encouraging volunteerism, environmental awareness, and community involvement by providing programs, information, and outreach initiatives that strengthen and uplift the communities we serve.

Every year, The Williams-Daniels Family foundation honors people in the inner city community to recognize their dedication and hard work.  

J.P. Williams Empowerment Award

The J.P. Williams Empowerment Award honors an individual who has dedicated themselves to empowering others through education, mentorship, leadership, advocacy, or personal example. 

Recipients are catalysts for positive change, investing their time, knowledge, and resources to help others overcome barriers and achieve success. This award celebrates leaders whose influence extends beyond their own accomplishments by equipping others to thrive and lead with purpose.

Community Development & Revitalization Civic Leadership Development

John S. Stiff Governmental Services Scholarship

Amarillo Area Foundation
Corporate
Texas
More than US $2,000
The John S. Stiff Governmental Services Scholarship, offered by the Amarillo Area Foundation, supports City of Amarillo employees pursuing a college degree in municipal government. Eligible applicants must maintain a minimum GPA of 2.5 and complete the Foundation's General Scholarship Application. This scholarship aims to enhance career advancement opportunities within local government, thereby contributing to the overall quality of life in the Texas Panhandle.
Academic Scholarship Programs Civic Affairs

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.

Last updated: October 5, 2026. Next update: November 1, 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

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.