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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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32,483 Results based on applied filters

Ann E. Myers Scholarship

The Columbus Foundation
Private
United States
Up to US $10,000

Ann E. Myers Scholarship

Ann E. Myers was born in Tiffin, Ohio in 1951. She held a Bachelor’s Degree from The Ohio State University and a Master’s Degree in Education from Ashland University, and was a National Board Certified Teacher. Teaching elementary school was Ann’s true calling and joy. She began her teaching career in Lancaster, Ohio in 1973. She taught in Lancaster until 1984, at which time she began teaching in the Dublin, Ohio school system. From 1984 until her retirement in 2012, Ann taught at various elementary grade levels at Olde Sawmill, Wyandot, Scottish Corners, and Indian Run. During her teaching career, Ann gave freely of her time to mentor younger teachers. Above all, she loved her students and would do anything for them. After retirement, Ann volunteered her time at Habitat for Humanity, Franklin County Food Bank, Franklin Park Conservatory, and Upper Arlington Library. Ann battled cancer for many years until her death in 2018. Courage and optimism were her best traits. Ann’s husband established the scholarship to ensure that her legacy of teaching young students the wonders of learning would live on. The scholarship establishes that goal by encouraging Dublin High School students to pursue a career in education.

Award Amount:

  • $10,000 payable over four years at $2,500 per academic year.
Education Education - Higher Education

ArtsActivate Program - Group A

City of Dallas
State/Local Government
Dallas County, Texas
Up to US $12,000
The ArtsActivate Program - Group A seeks to enrich the cultural landscape of Dallas by fostering artistic engagement within communities. Informed by the Dallas Cultural Plan 2018, this initiative encourages local arts and culture organizations, social service entities, and individual artists to propose creative projects. The goal is to enhance equitable access to art and foster a diverse, supportive ecosystem that resonates with the unique needs of Dallas residents.
Art & Culture Arts / Culture Access & Participation

Early to Definitive Clinical Trials (R61/R33 Clinical Trial Required)

US Dept. of Health & Human Services: National Institutes of Health (NIH)
Federal Government
American Samoa, Guam +4 more
Unspecified amount
The NIH is set to release a Notice of Funding Opportunity for early to definitive clinical trials across various biomedical fields. This initiative focuses on trials evaluating drugs, devices, and interventions that align with NIH's mission. Utilizing the R61/R33 funding mechanism, projects can span up to 7 years, supporting both planning and trial phases. Interested investigators are encouraged to prepare collaborative proposals, although applications are not currently being solicited.
Health & Medicine Health Care Access & Delivery

Barbara McDowell and Gerald S. Hartman Foundation Grant

Barbara Mcdowell And Gerald S Hartman Foundation Inc
Private
United States
Unspecified amount
The Barbara McDowell and Gerald S. Hartman Foundation Grant supports social justice litigation in the U.S. by providing funding to organizations involved in systemic legal cases. Since 2009, the foundation has awarded over $1.4 million to 49 organizations, enhancing the lives of disadvantaged groups through impactful legal advocacy. The foundation prioritizes cases that align with its focus areas, including children's rights, discrimination, and homelessness, ensuring comprehensive support for societal improvement.
Legal Services Social Justice / Human Rights

ASCFG Research Foundation Grant

Association Of Specialty Cut Flower Growers Inc
Association/Society
United States
US $30,000
The ASCFG Research Foundation Grant, offered by the Association of Specialty Cut Flower Growers, aims to support innovative research projects that benefit specialty cut flower growers. The program, open to academia, government, and industry researchers, will distribute up to $30,000 in grants in 2026. Proposed research should last one year or less and can include multi-year projects. Recipients are expected to present their findings at ASCFG meetings, fostering collaboration and advancement in the cut flower industry.
Horticulture & Gardening Plant Science

Designated Legislative (DL) Grants

Alaska Department of Commerce, Community, and Economic Development
State/Local Government
Alaska
Unspecified amount
The Designated Legislative (DL) Grants program allows communities and organizations in Alaska to seek funding through their state senators and representatives for capital projects. Funding is appropriated at the legislature's discretion and requires gubernatorial approval. Eligible projects include feasibility studies, construction, building improvements, design, land acquisition, and equipment repairs. For more information, contact your state legislator to initiate the funding process.
Economic Services & Development Community Development & Revitalization

Tolleson Community Grant

City of Tolleson
State/Local Government
Maricopa County, Arizona
Up to US $5,000
The Tolleson Community Grant Program offers financial assistance to nonprofit organizations with 501(c)(3) status to support projects that enhance health and human services for residents. This initiative aims to improve the overall quality of life in Tolleson by funding impactful community services and activities. Eligible organizations must operate within the designated service area as outlined in the provided boundary map.
Health Care Access & Delivery Human & Social Services

Stella Ledbetter Rising Stars Memorial Grants

Davie Community Foundation
Private
Davie County, North Carolina
Up to US $250

Davie Community Foundation

Founded in 1988, Davie Community Foundation is a nonprofit corporation dedicated to improving the lives of Davie County residents, today and for generations to come.

Mission: The Davie Community Foundation inspires philanthropy to strengthen Davie County for present and future generations. Vision: We envision Davie County as a vibrant community where everyone can thrive!

Stella Ledbetter Rising Stars Memorial Grants

The Stella Ledbetter Rising Stars Memorial Fund was established by community members in loving memory of a beautiful little girl who touched countless lives with her strength and spirit. 

The purpose of this special grant is to support creative and engaging classroom projects that spark learning and imagination. 

Education Academic Success & Enrichment

Vermont Building Communities Grant Program : Human Services and Educational Facilities Grants Program

State of Vermont
State/Local Government
Vermont
Up to US $25,000

Vermont Building Communities Grant Program

Funded annually through the Capital Appropriations and State Bonding Act, to qualify for one of the Building Communities Grants, an applicant must be a non-profit organization, regional economic development organization, or municipality.

Human Services and Educational Facilities Grants Program

The Human Services and Educational Facilities Grants Program is administered by the Department of Buildings and General Services (BGS). The goal of the program is to provide competitive grants to Municipalities and to Non-Profit Organizations as defined in chapter 117 of Title 24 for capital costs associated with major maintenance, renovation, or for the development of facilities for the delivery of human services and health care or for the development of educational opportunities in Vermont communities.

This is a competitive grant program and not all grant applicants will receive funding nor will awarded grant applicants necessarily receive the full amount of funds requested. This program provides last gap funding for shovel-ready projects and does not support ongoing fundraising initiatives. It is the intent of the legislature that grant applicants applying for any of the BCG programs shall not apply for more than one grant as defined in Chapter 137 of Title 24 for the same project in the current calendar year, in any of the categories of the BCG programs. This does not prohibit organizations from requesting funding for a different project in an alternate location under any of the BCG programs.

Grants will be awarded by the BCG selection committee on a competitive basis. The BCG committee gives priority consideration to grant applicants demonstrating they have strong community support through the success of local fundraising campaigns. 

Health Care Access & Delivery Human & Social Services

Texas Instructional Leadership Discretionary Grant

Texas Education Agency
State/Local Government
Texas
US $145,000

Texas Education Agency

The Texas Education Agency is the state agency that oversees primary and secondary public education. It is headed by the commissioner of education. The Texas Education Agency improves outcomes for all public school students in the state by providing leadership, guidance, and support to school systems.

The Division of Governance Interventions supports TEA’s mission and vision by providing exceptional leadership, guidance, and support to school system leadership teams and governing boards. The division collaborates with external field support agents appointed by the TEA Commissioner of Education to build sustainable systems aligned to core TEA initiatives, so that the school system thrives after the release of agency intervention. 

Texas Instructional Leadership Discretionary Grant

Program Description

The Instructional Leadership Discretionary Grant seeks to provide ongoing support and skill building opportunities to regional Education Service Centers (ESCs) and school systems. This grant will allow ESC Region 13 to capture where school systems and ESCs are in their implementation of instructional leadership practices, determine what resources and supports are still needed, and respond to those needs through technical assistance and the creation of supplemental materials, as needed.

Education Academic Success & Enrichment

Next Wave Grant

City of Tempe
State/Local Government
Maricopa County, Arizona
Up to US $2,500
The Next Wave Grant, offered by the City of Tempe, supports innovative arts projects with funding up to $2,500 for newer nonprofits and small creative businesses. This initiative aims to foster growth in the local arts community by empowering first-time applicants to explore fresh ideas and approaches. By prioritizing grassroots efforts, it enhances cultural vibrancy and accessibility in Tempe, ensuring a dynamic artistic future that resonates with the community.
Art & Culture Public / Community Art

Legal Framework

Texas Education Agency
State/Local Government
Texas
Unspecified amount

The purpose of the 2026–2027 Legal Framework grant is to support statewide access to high quality technical assistance and training related to the legal framework of special education through the provision and maintenance of an updated, web based platform. The platform is designed to assist stakeholders—including school systems, advocates, and parents—in understanding and applying state and federal special education laws and regulations.

The program promotes consistent interpretation and implementation of the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) and related state requirements by providing comprehensive, accessible resources that explain the rights of students with disabilities and the obligations of school systems to provide a free appropriate public education (FAPE) in the least restrictive environment (LRE).

Program goals include increasing educator and administrator knowledge of applicable legal requirements, strengthening local implementation practices, and providing timely, accurate, and reliable guidance to support effective special education decision making statewide.

Education Special Needs Education

PLTW Engineering - Program Expansion (Ardagh Group)

Project Lead The Way Inc
Private
Cook County, Illinois, DeSoto County, Mississippi +7 more
US $15,000
The PLTW Engineering program expansion, supported by Ardagh Group, aims to enhance educational opportunities for over 500,000 PreK-12 students in local communities. This initiative will not only add new PLTW Engineering courses but also provide training for more than 5,000 teachers across 2,000 schools over the next decade. By fostering access to quality education, Ardagh Group is committed to building vibrant communities and ensuring equal opportunities for all students.
Computer Science & Engineering Teacher Development & Training

Stanley C. Israel Regional Award for Advancing Diversity in the Chemical Sciences

American Chemical Society
Association/Society
United States
US $1,250 - US $2,750
The Stanley C. Israel Regional Award for Advancing Diversity in the Chemical Sciences recognizes individuals or institutions promoting inclusiveness in the chemical sciences. This award includes a medal, a $1,250 grant, and reimbursement for travel expenses up to $1,500 for attending the ACS regional meeting where the award is presented. Eligible nominees must foster programs that increase participation from diverse groups in the chemical enterprise.
Chemistry Diversity, Equity & Inclusion

Thomas and Richard Larrimer Scholarship Fund-Franklin County

The Columbus Foundation
Private
United States
Up to US $6,000

The Columbus Foundation

In 1943, during the darkness of World War II, a group of passionate citizens, led by Columbus businessman Harrison M. Sayre, envisioned a way to improve the well-being of the community and the quality of life in central Ohio. With little more than this sound idea and faith, The Columbus Foundation was established.

Our Mission

To assist donors and others in strengthening and improving our community for the benefit of all its residents.

Thomas and Richard Larrimer Scholarship Fund-Franklin County

This scholarship was established by Terrence Larrimer to honor his grandfather, Thomas Larrimer (1879-1915), and his father, Richard Larrimer (1903-1987). Both men grew up and were educated in Washington Court House. When Thomas Larrimer died in a work related accident, Richard assumed responsibility for his own education and that of his two younger brothers. Richard Larrimer graduated from The Ohio State University Law School in 1925 and founded Larrimer & Larrimer, a Columbus law firm specializing in Worker's Compensation. Through this scholarship Terrence wishes to recognize his father's commitment to education and by focusing the scholarship on science and engineering, to emphasize the importance of these disciplines in our nation's future.

Education - Higher Education Engineering Science

Socrates Foundation Grant

Socrates Foundation
Private
Wyoming
US $5,000 - US $50,000

Socrates Foundation Grant

The acorn in the Socrates Foundation logo symbolizes the Board’s vision for investing seed money in projects with growth potential, in projects showing strength/sustainability resulting from innovative, wise planning. That vision birthed the purpose of the Foundation: to fund grants primarily for seed money for capital appropriations that are used for education or humanitarian purposes.

  • One-time capital funding projects
  • Projects with matching gift programs in their plans
  • Proposals dealing with development of new intellectual skills
  • Youth projects
  • Projects in education or health
  • Projects being completed over 1-2 years (depending upon project addressed)
  • Innovative ideas that can be sustained following initial funding
  • Projects between $5,000 and $50,000
  • Projects supporting small non-profit organizations in Wyoming
Education Disaster Relief / Humanitarian Aid

CFCC: Carol Puckett Memorial Scholarship

Greater Salina Community Foundation
Private
United States
Unspecified amount

Our mission is to enhance quality of life, today and in the future, by:

  • Enabling donors to fulfill their charitable desires
  • Building a permanent endowment
  • Facilitating prudent management and care of funds
  • Meeting needs through grants, awards, and scholarships

CFCC: Carol Puckett Memorial Scholarship

This award is not renewable.

Amount

  • Varies
Education - Higher Education Education

Muskegon LEAD (Leading Efforts Against Discrimination) Grant

Community Foundation for Muskegon County
Private
Muskegon County, Michigan
US $5,000 - US $7,000
The Muskegon LEAD Grant supports initiatives focused on diversity, equity, inclusion, and justice in Muskegon County. This grant is awarded to nonprofit organizations, schools, and governmental units dedicated to fostering a vibrant and inclusive community. Applicants must submit a compelling summary detailing their mission, existing JEDI-related programs, and future plans for impact, with a funding request between $5,000 and $7,000 to enhance their efforts.
Diversity, Equity & Inclusion Social Justice / Human Rights

Seismic Rehabilitation Grant Program (OR)

Business Oregon
State/Local Government
Oregon
Up to US $2,500,000
The Seismic Rehabilitation Grant Program (SRGP) in Oregon supports funding for the seismic upgrades of critical public buildings, focusing on public schools and emergency service facilities. Eligible applicants include public K-12 school districts and first responder buildings like fire and police stations. The grant can provide up to $2.5 million for eligible projects, ensuring buildings remain safe and functional in the event of a seismic event.
Disaster Preparedness Civil Engineering

Griffin Charitable Foundation Grant

Griffin Charitable Foundation Inc
Private
Herkimer County, New York, Jefferson County, New York +5 more
Unspecified amount
The Griffin Charitable Foundation Grant aims to enhance the quality of life in Rome and its surrounding areas by supporting initiatives that benefit the community. With a focus on health, wellness, and overall improvement of daily lives, the foundation seeks organizations dedicated to these goals. Interested applicants should be located in the Rome area and align with the foundation's mission. A brief introductory call will provide further insight into the application process.
Wellness & Healthy Living Human & Social Services

Lena Orlando Orski Education Scholarship

Scranton Area Foundation Inc
Private
United States
Unspecified amount

Who We Are

Buiding a stronger, More Vibrant Community

For over 70 years, the Scranton Area Community Foundation has served Northeastern Pennsylvania as a steward of charitable resources, a grantmaker, and a catalyst for positive change. Guided by our core values of collaboration, trust, integrity, innovation, and inclusivity, we work to ensure that our communities thrive with opportunities for all.

This scholarship is awarded to a graduating senior from a high school in Lackawanna County who is matriculating to a college or university to study in the field of education.

Education Education - Higher Education

HRE USA- Edmonds Summer Fellowship

Center for Transformative Action (CTA)
Private
United States
US $1,500
The HRE USA 2025 Edmonds Summer Fellowship honors the legacy of Kirby Edmonds by offering young leaders hands-on experience in human rights education. This fellowship provides mentorship and learning opportunities to engage youth in creating human rights-friendly schools and communities. Supported by the Dorothy Cotton Institute, it aims to nurture future leaders committed to human rights advocacy. Eligible candidates must be 18 or older, reside in the U.S., and commit to 100 hours of work between June and August 2025.
Social Justice / Human Rights Civic Leadership Development

West Bancorporation Foundation Grant

West Bancorporation Foundation Inc
Corporate
Johnson County, Iowa, Olmsted County, Minnesota +2 more
Unspecified amount
The West Bancorporation Foundation Grant supports charitable programs in Central and Eastern Iowa and Minnesota, focusing on low- and moderate-income individuals. Eligible nonprofit organizations must hold a 501(c)(3) IRS Exemption Letter. The foundation prioritizes contributions to human services, education, and arts and culture, while excluding requests from certain organizations and activities, including endowments, fellowships, and political groups. This ensures targeted support to effective community initiatives.
Human & Social Services Art & Culture Education

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

Professional Development Opportunity Grant

Maryland State Arts Council
State/Local Government
Maryland
Up to US $2,000
The Maryland State Arts Council offers the Professional Development Opportunity Grant to support artists and arts organizations in Maryland. This rolling grant program encourages relevant professional development, ensuring that applicants can enhance their skills and community engagement. With monthly reviews, the program aims to allocate funding throughout the fiscal year, allowing for diverse artistic growth and learning opportunities. Eligible applicants include independent artists and arts organizations seeking to better serve their communities through accessible arts programming.
Art & Culture Artist Training & Development

CFEM Margaret Dulaney Arts Grant

Community Foundation of East Mississippi Inc.
Private
Clarke County, Mississippi, Kemper County, Mississippi +3 more
Unspecified amount

CFEM Margaret Dulaney Arts Grant

Margaret Dulaney was a leader in the Meridian arts community who understood the value of the arts and worked tirelessly to share that passion with others.

Through the Margaret Dulaney Art Endowment, the Community Foundation of East Mississippi honors and celebrates the long-standing contributions Mrs. Dulaney made to our community through the arts.

Proposals will be accepted from nonprofit organizations and schools. Projects awarded are focused on enhancing new or existing art programs and activities in East Mississippi.

Art & Culture Arts / Culture Access & Participation

2026-2028 Governance Interventions Field Service Support

Texas Education Agency
State/Local Government
Texas
US $650,000

Texas Education Agency

The Texas Education Agency is the state agency that oversees primary and secondary public education. It is headed by the commissioner of education. The Texas Education Agency improves outcomes for all public school students in the state by providing leadership, guidance, and support to school systems.

The Division of Governance Interventions supports TEA’s mission and vision by providing exceptional leadership, guidance, and support to school system leadership teams and governing boards. The division collaborates with external field support agents appointed by the TEA Commissioner of Education to build sustainable systems aligned to core TEA initiatives, so that the school system thrives after the release of agency intervention. 

Governance Interventions Field Service Support

Program Description

This project supports Commissioner-initiated interventions and the delivery of intensive educational assistance aimed at ensuring students perform at grade level by reimbursing school systems for costs associated with an appointed external field agent. 

Education Academic Success & Enrichment

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.