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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

The American Society for Environmental History (ASEH) Fellowship

The Newberry Library
Association/Society
Cook County, Illinois
US $3,000
The American Society for Environmental History (ASEH) Fellowship, supported by The Newberry Library, offers scholars specializing in environmental history the opportunity to conduct research utilizing the Newberry's extensive collections. This short-term fellowship provides a stipend of $3,000 per month for a duration of one month. It is open to faculty members, postdoctoral scholars, and PhD candidates at the ABD stage, encouraging diverse applicants from around the world.
History Environment

Arts & Science Council: Arts Education Grants

Arts & Science Council
Private
Mecklenburg County, North Carolina
Unspecified amount
The Arts Education Grants by the Arts & Science Council support nonprofit education departments in Mecklenburg County, focusing on high-quality arts and heritage programs for school-age children, especially in Title I schools. These grants aim to enhance access to arts education, promote student achievement, and foster creativity. By aligning with the City of Charlotte's Arts & Culture Plan and Mecklenburg County's strategic priorities, the program seeks to build a more vibrant community through educational opportunities and partnerships.
Art & Culture Art Education

The Charles Montgomery Gray Fellowship

The Newberry Library
Association/Society
Cook County, Illinois
US $3,000
The Charles Montgomery Gray Fellowship at The Newberry Library supports scholars in need of specific collection items for their research. Open to postdoctoral scholars and PhD candidates, it prioritizes projects in early modern or Renaissance studies, English history, legal history, and European history. The fellowship offers a stipend of $3,000 per month for a duration of one month, welcoming applicants from all nationalities and encouraging local scholars from the Chicago metropolitan area.
European History History

Arts and Cultural Fund Grant

The Community Foundation Of The Dan River Region
Private
Danville City, Virginia, Pittsylvania County, Virginia
Unspecified amount
The Arts and Cultural Fund Grant invites applications from 501(c)3 organizations in Danville-Pittsylvania County for arts events occurring between August 2022 and August 2023. To qualify, applicants must submit a detailed event budget and show that at least 50% of expenses are either self-funded or generated from ticket sales. Note that funding excludes events with restricted attendance, promotional activities, and building costs.
Art & Culture Arts / Culture Access & Participation

B-INSPIRE: Research on Behavioral Interventions that Promote Careers in the Biomedical Research Enterprise (R01 - Clinical Trial Not Allowed)

US Dept. of Health & Human Services: National Institutes of Health (NIH)
Federal Government
American Samoa, Guam +4 more
Up to US $2,500,000
The B-INSPIRE program aims to foster behavioral interventions that enhance interest and preparedness for careers in biomedical research. It invites applications that propose innovative studies addressing motivation and persistence in research-oriented individuals. The initiative also encourages analyses of existing data to improve intervention methodologies. Successful projects should yield findings that support the implementation of diverse strategies across academic levels, ultimately enriching the biomedical research workforce.
Biology Medical Education & Professional Training

Fund for UU Social Responsibility Grant

Unitarian Universalist Association
Association/Society
Canada, Mexico +1 more
Up to US $20,000
The Fund for UU Social Responsibility Grant supports Unitarian Universalist organizations in the U.S., Canada, and Mexico, focusing on social justice, community engagement, and fostering generosity. With backing from the Unitarian Universalist Association, the program encourages innovative projects that promote the values of Unitarian Universalism while enhancing community involvement. Grants are typically for one year, with potential for renewal based on project success and community impact.
Social Justice / Human Rights Economic Rights, Justice, & Mobility

Waldon H. and Adele Orr Charitable Trust Grant

Waldon H. and Adele Orr Charitable Trust
Private
Brazos County, Texas
US $5,000 - US $10,000
The Waldon H. and Adele Orr Charitable Trust Grant focuses on supporting health, human services, and religious purposes in Brazos County, Texas. Established in 1996, the trust aims to aid organizations that qualify as exempt under Section 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code. Grants are exclusively available for initiatives that enhance the well-being of the community, demonstrating a commitment to charitable causes within the specified geographical limits.
Health & Medicine Human & Social Services Religion & Spirituality

Meggan Eiben Memorial Scholarship Fund

The Community Foundation of Marquette County
Private
United States
Unspecified amount

The Community Foundation of Marquette County distributes over $130,000 annually in scholarships to benefit aspiring students in Marquette County.

Meggan Eiben Memorial Scholarship Fund

Provides financial assistance to students of Marquette Area Public Schools entering a college educational program in the field of teaching. 

Distribution Process

  • CFMC scholarship recipients will be contacted in June requesting student enrollment verification
  • Scholarships can only be distributed once student’s information is received
  • Scholarships will be distributed to the college/school/university indicated by student
  • The scholarship must be used for tuition and fees required for the enrollment or attendance of the student at a qualifying educational institution; fees, books, supplies, and equipment required for courses of instruction at such an educational institution; and room and board, within the first semester of first year of students enrollment
  • That year’s recipient must claim the scholarship within that fiscal year to be distributed (by 12/31/xx)
Education - Higher Education Education

Rec for All Support, Engagement, and Events (See) Grant - Event and Travel Grant

DC Department of Parks and Recreation
State/Local Government
District of Columbia
US $10,000
The Rec for All Support, Engagement, and Events (See) Grant offers a $10,000 funding opportunity aimed at promoting inclusive recreational activities for youth. This grant, provided by the DC Department of Parks and Recreation, supports events, tournaments, and travel for athletic competitions, ensuring accessibility for all participants, regardless of their background or ability. The initiative reflects a commitment to enhancing community wellness and fostering engagement through diverse recreational opportunities.
Recreation Youth Services

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

NYS Community Development Block Grant (CDBG): Community Planning

New York State Homes and Community Renewal (HCR)
State/Local Government
New York
Up to US $50,000

New York State Homes and Community Renewal

HCR develops, preserves and protects affordable housing and invests in economically vibrant communities. We work with many private, public and nonprofit partners to create safe, healthy and affordable housing opportunities for all New Yorkers.

HCR is charged with carrying out Governor Hochul’s new $25 billion, five-year, comprehensive housing plan to increase housing supply by creating or preserving 100,000 affordable homes across New York including 10,000 with support services for vulnerable populations, plus the electrification of an additional 50,000 homes.

Community Development Block Grant

The NYS Community Development Block Grant or CDBG Program is a unique source of federal funding for Cities, Town, Villages, and Counties to assist low- and moderate-income communities, households, and people.

CDBG funding assistance can include everything from drinking water and sanitary sewer projects to grants for home repair, senior and community center improvements to grants to small business for start-up and expansion.

The NYS CDBG program provides financial assistance to eligible cities, towns, and villages with populations under 50,000 and counties with an area population under 200,000, in order to develop viable communities by providing decent, affordable housing, and suitable living environments, as well as expanding economic opportunities, principally for persons of low and moderate income. 

Expert technical assistance is always available to help your community apply for and administer CDBG funds, and to help direct assistance to where it is needed most.

Eligible Activities

CDBG funding may be used for eligible activities as outlined below. This is not intended to be an exhaustive list of eligible activities and applicants are encouraged to develop projects in response to local need that may not fit neatly in any one category. In these cases, applicants are encouraged to contact OCR for additional guidance prior to applying.

Funding is available for the following activities: 1) Public Facility; 2) Community Planning; 3) Economic Development - Stand-Alone Business Assistance; 4) Economic Development - Microenterprise Assistance; and 5) Imminent Threat.

Community Planning

CDBG Community Planning grants enable communities to conduct assessments and develop clearly articulated strategies for addressing local community development issues. The study, analysis and planning of any community planning activity should identify eligible projects for subsequent CBDG funding. There are two categories of planning grants:

  • Community Needs Assessments
  • Project Readiness Plans

Economic Services & Development Community Development & Revitalization

Red Boucher Scholarship Fund

The Alaska Community Foundation
Private
Alaska
Unspecified amount

Red Boucher Scholarship Fund

A scholarship fund created in honor of Henry Aristide "Red" Boucher to support post-secondary education for students studying technology. 

The Red Boucher Scholarship honors the late H.A. "Red" Boucher and was established by the Alaska Society for Technology in Education in 2008.

Red Boucher and his family came to Alaska after his service in the Navy. They settled in Fairbanks in 1958 after John F. Kennedy, whom he campaigned for, told him there was great potential in the far north territory. He founded the Fairbanks Goldpanners baseball team in the 1960s, setting up the roots of the Alaska Baseball League. He served on the Fairbanks City Council before becoming mayor in 1966. He was elected lieutenant governor of Alaska under the second administration of Governor William Allen Egan, serving from 1970 to 1974. Afterwards, he served in the Alaska House of Representatives and Anchorage Assembly. He also had an interest in telecommunications, sparked by the first Apple computers, and became known as a telecommunications whiz whose successes included a crusade to boost Internet access in remote Alaska villages.

Education - Higher Education Computer Science & Engineering

ESC Texas Tutoring Support Grant

Texas Education Agency
State/Local Government
Texas
US $350,000
The ESC Texas Tutoring Support Grant, managed by the Texas Education Agency, aims to establish a central tutoring hub to enhance educational outcomes. This initiative includes hosting an annual summit focused on best practices, providing technical assistance, and developing resources to ensure sustainable implementation across Texas school systems. By fostering collaboration and sharing effective strategies, the grant seeks to build capacity and improve tutoring services statewide, ultimately benefiting students and educational institutions.
Education Academic Success & Enrichment

Excellence in Earth Science Writing and Editing: James H. Shea Award

National Association of Geoscience Teachers (NAGT)
Association/Society
United States
Unspecified amount
The James H. Shea Award, presented annually by the National Association of Geoscience Teachers (NAGT), recognizes outstanding contributions in writing and editing Earth science materials aimed at the public and educators. Established in 1991, this prestigious award honors the legacy of James H. Shea, a dedicated advocate for quality geoscience education. Nominations require a detailed letter outlining the nominee's exceptional contributions, reinforcing NAGT's commitment to fostering excellence in Earth science education.
Earth Science Teacher Development & Training

Arthur F. and Alice E. Adams Charitable Foundation Grant

Arthur F And Alice E Adams Supporting Foundation
Private
Florida, New York +1 more
Up to US $50,000
The Arthur F. and Alice E. Adams Charitable Foundation, established in 1985, supports various charitable initiatives focusing on arts, culture, humanities, and education. It primarily benefits organizations in Memphis, Miami, and New York City. Eligible applicants must be 501(c)(3) exempt organizations and seek project sponsorships. The foundation does not fund general operating costs or capital campaigns, and requests over $50,000 are generally discouraged. Proposals must be for projects commencing at least a year after submission.
Art & Culture Human & Social Services Education

Excellence in JEDI Award

National Association of Geoscience Teachers (NAGT)
Association/Society
United States
Unspecified amount
The Excellence in JEDI Award, presented by the National Association of Geoscience Teachers (NAGT), honors individuals who promote justice, equity, diversity, and inclusion (JEDI) in geoscience education. This prestigious award recognizes significant contributions, including mentorship and advocacy for marginalized groups. Awardees receive a one-year NAGT membership and an opportunity to present their work at a DEI event. Nominations are accepted online, and selections are made by the NAGT DEI Committee.
Earth Science Teacher Development & Training

Outstanding Teaching Assistant Awards

National Association of Geoscience Teachers (NAGT)
Association/Society
United States
Unspecified amount
The Outstanding Teaching Assistant Awards, presented by the National Association of Geoscience Teachers (NAGT), honor exemplary teaching assistants in geoscience education. With up to 30 awards given annually, both undergraduate and graduate TAs are eligible. Winners receive a one-year NAGT membership, including a subscription to the Journal of Geoscience Education. This award aims to recognize the contributions of TAs in enhancing Earth education, regardless of their formal titles.
Earth Science Teacher Development & Training

Stimulation of Interest in the Earth Sciences: Neil Miner Award

National Association of Geoscience Teachers (NAGT)
Association/Society
United States
Unspecified amount
The Neil Miner Award, presented annually by the National Association of Geoscience Teachers, honors outstanding contributions to stimulating interest in Earth sciences. Established in 1953, this prestigious award recognizes educators who embody personal excellence and effective teaching, inspired by Neil Miner's philosophy. Nominations are open to NAGT members, who may submit a letter of nomination, letters of support, and the nominee's curriculum vitae. This award promotes excellence in geoscience education and celebrates dedicated educators.
Earth Science Teacher Development & Training

The JGE Outstanding Paper Award

National Association of Geoscience Teachers (NAGT)
Association/Society
United States
US $500
The JGE Outstanding Paper Award, presented by the National Association of Geoscience Teachers, recognizes exceptional contributions to geoscience education. Nominations are open to JGE readers, authors, and Editorial Board members, and must include a discussion of how the nominated paper enhances student learning, advances the discipline, or demonstrates significant societal impact. This prestigious award has been celebrating excellence in education since 1938.
Earth Science Teacher Development & Training

The JGE Outstanding Reviewer Award

National Association of Geoscience Teachers (NAGT)
Association/Society
United States
US $500
The JGE Outstanding Reviewer Award, presented by the National Association of Geoscience Teachers, recognizes exceptional reviewers for their quality and quantity of contributions to the Journal of Geoscience Education. Eligible nominators include JGE authors and Editorial Board members, who must describe the nominee's outstanding peer-review contributions. This prestigious award aims to honor those who enhance the journal's integrity and effectiveness in geoscience education.
Earth Science Teacher Development & Training

Center for Strategic Compensation Grant

Texas Education Agency
State/Local Government
Texas
US $6,300,000

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. 

Center for Strategic Compensation

Program Description

The 2026-2028 Center for Strategic Compensation (CSC) Grant will support School Systems in developing and implementing strategic compensation systems, talent systems support, and other related strategic planning while utilizing funds obtained through participation in the Teacher Incentive Allotment (TIA) as well as local district dollars. The Center for Strategic Compensation aims to support School Systems in obtaining an Enhanced TIA district designation and provide support to Education Service Centers (ESCs) to develop capacity in supporting School Systems to develop and implement strategic compensation systems.

Education Academic Success & Enrichment

NAGT Sponsorships

National Association of Geoscience Teachers (NAGT)
Association/Society
United States
Unspecified amount
The National Association of Geoscience Teachers (NAGT) has been promoting excellence in geoscience education since 1938. Through its sponsorships, NAGT aims to enhance visibility and impact within the geoscience community, fostering collaborations and expanding membership. Sponsorships support both long-term programs and single events, ensuring that NAGT is acknowledged and involved in all associated activities. This initiative aligns with NAGT's mission to provide effective Earth education to diverse audiences.
Earth Science Teacher Development & Training

Rock Strong Award

Westfield Education Foundation
Association/Society
Hamilton County, Indiana
US $50

Westfield Education Foundation

The Foundation was established in 1986 to assist with funding that would enrich the opportunities for our Westfield community. 

The mission of the Westfield Education Foundation is to work alongside Westfield Washington Schools and the Westfield community to empower and invest in our students and staff.

Rock Strong Award

The Westfield Education Foundation and Everwise Credit Union proudly announce a staff appreciation initiative: the Rock Strong Award! This is a quarterly award, given out at each school plus operations and student support programs, to recognize teachers, instructional assistants, instructional coaches, building secretaries, bus drivers, substitute teachers, food service staff, and operations staff for the great work they do for our children and our community!

Each quarter, all schools plus operations and student support programs (BAC/TOTS/All Aboard) will review nominations from staff, students, families, and the community and select someone representing its values and culture to receive the Rock Strong Award. Westfield Education Foundation and Everwise Credit Union will present the award winners with a commemorative plaque and a $50 Amazon gift card as a way to show appreciation for all that they do.

What it means to be Rock Strong can look different, but nominees should display dedication to students, staff and the Westfield community. 

If you would like to nominate someone for the Rock Strong award, please fill out the nomination form. 

Teacher Development & Training Education

Robotics Education Development Grants Request for Applications

New Hampshire Department of Education
State/Local Government
New Hampshire
US $2,000 - US $15,000
The New Hampshire Department of Education is offering Robotics Education Development Grants aimed at public and charter schools to establish robotics teams and participate in competitions. Grants will be awarded on a rolling basis until funds are exhausted, with budgets ranging from $2,000 to $15,000. Schools must demonstrate partnerships with sponsors and focus on expanding student participation in STEM fields. Proposals will be evaluated based on competitive priorities, including the percentage of eligible students served.
Robotics STEM / STEAM Education

Shelby County Foundation Grant

Omaha Community Foundation
Private
Shelby County, Iowa
Unspecified amount
The Shelby County Foundation Grant, managed by the Omaha Community Foundation, supports projects enhancing the quality of life in Shelby County. With two application cycles each year, this grant aims to fund initiatives in civic engagement, culture, health, education, and social services. It invites proposals for capital support and program support, ensuring a lasting impact on community needs. Applications are due by 11:59 p.m. CST on the specified deadlines.
Civic Affairs Education Human & Social Services

The Robert Christman Distinguished Service Award

National Association of Geoscience Teachers (NAGT)
Association/Society
United States
Unspecified amount
The Robert Christman Distinguished Service Award, established in 2008 by the National Association of Geoscience Teachers, honors individuals for their exceptional and long-term contributions to geoscience education. Named after Robert "Bob" Christman, who dedicated over thirty years of service, this award recognizes nominees who demonstrate significant impact at both national and section levels. Active NAGT members can submit nominations that detail the nominee's contributions, promoting excellence in the geoscience community.
Earth Science Teacher Development & Training

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.