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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+

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$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

ESC Perkins Statewide Initiative Grant

Texas Education Agency
State/Local Government
Texas
US $100,000
The ESC Perkins Statewide Initiative Grant, administered by the Texas Education Agency, aims to enhance the capacity of Education Service Centers (ESCs) through approved training on federal grant compliance. This initiative will support ESC staff in conducting comprehensive local needs assessments and implementing technical assistance for local educational agencies (LEAs) in various regulatory areas. The program is set to play a key role in the planning of a joint program conference in Fall 2026, with potential for continued funding in subsequent years.
Education Teacher Development & Training

Chula Vista Community Foundation Grant Cycle

The San Diego Foundation
Private
San Diego County, California
US $10,000 - US $30,000
The Chula Vista Community Foundation Grant Cycle aims to enhance the quality of life in Chula Vista through effective philanthropy and community support. For the 2025-2026 cycle, proposals focusing on animal welfare, particularly adoption initiatives and spay-neuter programs, are encouraged. Grants range from $10,000 to $30,000, providing essential funding for impactful projects that benefit both animals and the community.
Animal Welfare - General Animal Welfare - Domestic Animals & Pets

Peterson Foundation Grant

Hal And Charlie Peterson Foundation And Fd Mgmt Trust
Private
United States
Unspecified amount
The Peterson Foundation Grant, established in 1944 by Hal and Charlie Peterson, supports charitable organizations within Kerr, Bandera, Edwards, Gillespie, Kendall, Kimble, and Real Counties. The Foundation primarily funds health care and education initiatives, and applications are accepted year-round from §501(c)(3) organizations in the service area. Notably, grants are not available for religious purposes, political actions, or individuals, ensuring a focus on community enrichment.
Health Care Access & Delivery Education

Wisconsin Garden Club Federation Della H. Balousek Scholarship

Community Foundation for the Fox Valley Region
Private
Wisconsin
US $3,000
The Wisconsin Garden Club Federation Della H. Balousek Scholarship honors a dedicated garden club member, providing three $3,000 non-renewable scholarships for tuition to full-time students at Wisconsin schools. This fund ensures Della Balousek's legacy of education and community spirit continues, supporting students in their academic pursuits. Eligible candidates must demonstrate commitment to their studies and maintain an acceptable major. The scholarship aims to empower the next generation of leaders in the gardening community.
Horticulture & Gardening Academic Scholarship Programs

Computer Science Teacher Equipment and Community​ Grant

Georgia Department of Education
State/Local Government
Georgia (US state)
Up to US $10,000
The Computer Science Teacher Equipment and Community Grant aims to enhance computer science education for all students by providing up to $200,000 in funding for Georgia LEAs. This grant offers support for professional development, including physical computing resources and attending conferences. By fostering a collaborative community among educators, the initiative seeks to engage students effectively in learning computer science, ensuring they gain valuable skills and experiences in this critical field.
Computer Science & Engineering Teacher Development & Training

California Advanced Services Fund: Broadband Infrastructure Grant Project

California Public Utilities Commission Foundation
Private
California
Up to US $15,000,000
The California Advanced Services Fund's Broadband Infrastructure Grant Project aims to provide free broadband service to residents of low-income communities through grants and loans. With a funding allocation of $15 million for the fiscal year, eligible applicants can request up to $150,000 to build broadband networks in public housing and mobile home parks. This initiative seeks to bridge the digital divide by ensuring access to high-speed internet for underserved populations.
Technology Access & Digital Literacy Cyberinfrastructure

Wisconsin Garden Club Federation Irene Straus Scholarship

Community Foundation for the Fox Valley Region
Private
Wisconsin
US $1,000
The Wisconsin Garden Club Federation Irene Straus Scholarship offers a $1,000 non-renewable award for tuition expenses to a full-time student at a Wisconsin institution. This scholarship honors Irene Straus, a dedicated member of the garden community, recognized for her long-standing contributions to enhancing Madison's beauty through horticulture. Applicants must maintain an acceptable major to remain eligible. This scholarship aims to support students who are passionate about gardening and landscape design.
Horticulture & Gardening Academic Scholarship Programs

Oil and Gas Research Program Grant

North Dakota Industrial Commission
State/Local Government
North Dakota
Unspecified amount

Oil and Gas Research Program Grant 

North Dakota's Oil and Gas Research Program (OGRP) is a state/industry program designed to demonstrate to the general public the importance of the state oil and gas exploration and production industry, to encourage and promote the wise and efficient use of energy, to promote environmentally sound exploration and production methods and technologies, to develop the state's oil and gas resources, and to support research and educational activities concerning the oil and natural gas exploration and production industry. The Oil and Gas Research Council (OGRC), among other powers, has the authority to make grants or loans and enter into contracts for the purpose of promoting the growth of the oil and gas industry through research and education. 

North Dakota's Oil and Gas Research Program (OGRP), established by the Legislature in 2003, is a state/industry program designed to demonstrate to the general public the importance of the state oil and gas exploration and production industry, to encourage and promote the wise and efficient use of energy, to promote environmentally sound exploration and production methods and technologies, to develop the state's oil and gas resources, and to support research and educational activities concerning the oil and natural gas exploration and production industry. The Program is funded from the state's share of the oil and gas production tax and oil extraction tax. Two percent of the state's share of the oil and gas gross production tax and oil extraction tax revenues, up to $10 million, is available to the OGRP each biennium.

Energy Efficiency & Conservation Petroleum Engineering

Wisconsin Garden Club Federation Myrtle B. Ogilvie Scholarship

Community Foundation for the Fox Valley Region
Private
Wisconsin
US $1,500
The Wisconsin Garden Club Federation Myrtle B. Ogilvie Scholarship offers a $1,500 non-renewable award for students pursuing higher education at Wisconsin colleges or universities. Inspired by Myrtle B. Ogilvie's legacy in gardening and education, the scholarship supports full-time students with acceptable majors, emphasizing the importance of academic commitment. The award is payable in the fall semester and aims to encourage students to engage with their communities through horticultural interests.
Horticulture & Gardening Academic Scholarship Programs

Entre Nous Scholarship

Cumberland Community Foundation, Inc.
Private
Cumberland County, North Carolina
Unspecified amount

Cumberland Community Foundation ("CCF") manages more than 60 scholarship endowment funds created by local individuals, families, civic organizations, and corporations who want to provide a path to higher education for future generations. 

Each year, Cumberland Community Foundation announces more than $1,000,000 in college scholarships to students from southeastern North Carolina.

Entre Nous Scholarship

Fayetteville State University student who has completed at least 2 semesters.

Education Education - Higher Education

Clemens-Clair Future Educators Scholarship Fund

Community Foundation of the Fox River Valley
Private
United States
Up to US $10,000

Community Foundation of the Fox River Valley

The Community Foundation of the Fox River Valley is a collection of individual funds and resources given by local citizens to enhance and support the quality of life in the Fox River Valley of Illinois.

We are a tax-exempt public charity that allows individuals, businesses, and non-profit organizations to establish permanent endowments and temporary funds within the confines of one large foundation.

Foundation funds are used to provide grants to non-profit organizations and scholarships to area students. The Foundation also hosts a Youth Engagement in Philanthropy (YEP) program, which helps high school students learn more about philanthropy and empowers them to make a difference in the community.

The Community Foundation of the Fox River Valley serves the City of Aurora, Kane County, and Kendall County within the State of Illinois.

Clemens-Clair Future Educators Scholarship Fund

This scholarship is named for Clemens J. Rosen and Clair J. Hemphill – two fathers who encouraged and paid for their daughters to pursue college educations. Both believed an educated woman had more opportunities and would be better able to take care of herself and her family.

Clemens Rosen (1919-2016) did not finish grade school as he was needed on the farm. However, nobody could beat him in Scrabble. He served in WWII on a B24, was shot down twice and was held in a Nazi POW camp until the end of the war. He then took employment in Peoria, IL, first working for Western Electric and then as a foreman for Caterpillar Tractor Company.

Clair Hemphill (1912-1979) finished high school and was a life-long farmer in Elwood, Illinois. Clair’s father was a farmer as was his grandfather and others before him. Clair’s mother was a teacher until she married. He had a strong belief in women pursuing education and was proud that his daughter did just that.

This scholarship is a $10,000 scholarship, awarding $5,000 for two consecutive years providing that students maintain their enrollment status. 

Education Education - Higher Education

Joseph W. Tripiano Charitable Fund (Grant for Interest of Horses)

Community Foundation of San Benito County
Private
California
Unspecified amount
The Joseph W. Tripiano Charitable Fund supports nonprofits dedicated to the care and promotion of horses. Established in memory of Joe Tripiano, it aims to enhance the quality of life for horses through various initiatives. Grant requests are accepted year-round, with a decision anticipated within four weeks of application submission. Eligible organizations must be located in Northern California, hold 501(c)(3) status, and have maintained accurate financial records. This fund prioritizes urgent needs related to equestrian support.
Animal Welfare - Domestic Animals & Pets Animal Welfare - General

Kiesling Family Scholarship

Montana State University
State/Local Government
Gallatin County, Montana
Unspecified amount
The Kiesling Family Scholarship at Montana State University provides financial support to students pursuing a degree in Elementary Education, particularly those involved in the Rural Student Teaching Program. This scholarship highlights the university's commitment to fostering educational excellence and accessibility. With varying award amounts, it aims to empower students with strong academic backgrounds and the potential for success, ensuring that quality education remains within reach for aspiring educators.
Education Academic Scholarship Programs

Marshall and Betty Bjork Rural Student Teacher Scholarship

Montana State University
State/Local Government
Gallatin County, Montana
Unspecified amount
The Marshall and Betty Bjork Rural Student Teacher Scholarship, offered by Montana State University, supports aspiring educators from rural backgrounds pursuing a degree in Elementary Education. This scholarship, which varies in amount, is aimed at students who are graduates of Montana high schools and are participating in the Rural Student Teaching Program. It exemplifies the university's commitment to fostering educational excellence and accessibility for future teachers.
Education Academic Scholarship Programs

Career and Technical Education Nontraditional Support Grant

Texas Education Agency
State/Local Government
Texas
US $105,000

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 Texas Education Agency (TEA) administers federal and state grant awards to its subgrantees to carry out a program. Such entities include primarily school systems (referred to as local educational agencies [LEAs] in statutes), including independent school districts and charter schools; education service centers (ESCs); and, to a lesser degree, institutions of higher education (IHEs), nonprofit organizations (NPOs), and other statutorily allowable organizations.

Career and Technical Education Nontraditional Support Grant

Program Description

The Career and Technical Education Nontraditional Support Grant is to provide services, resources, and professional development to CTE programs across the state to address the promotion and understanding of non-traditional fields and employment activities for students (as defined by Perkins V) as written into the Perkins V State Plan.

Education Vocational & Trade Education

Dr. Lee Maria Kleiss Chemistry Scholarship

Cumberland Community Foundation, Inc.
Private
Cumberland County, North Carolina
Unspecified amount

Cumberland Community Foundation ("CCF") manages more than 60 scholarship endowment funds created by local individuals, families, civic organizations, and corporations who want to provide a path to higher education for future generations. 

Each year, Cumberland Community Foundation announces more than $1,000,000 in college scholarships to students from southeastern North Carolina.

Dr. Lee Maria Kleiss Chemistry Scholarship

Any student majoring in Chemistry who is currently enrolled at Fayetteville State University.

Education - Higher Education Chemistry

Infrastructure Innovation for Biological Research (347680)

National Science Foundation (NSF)
Federal Government
United States
US $300,000 - US $800,000
The Infrastructure Innovation for Biological Research Program by NSF aims to enhance contemporary biology through innovative research tools and methods. It focuses on developing or redesigning infrastructure in bioinformatics, instrumentation, and research methods. Projects should significantly advance biological understanding and be applicable to a wider research community. Proposals should aim at transforming biological research by either creating novel tools or adapting existing ones in meaningful ways, addressing fundamental questions in the biological sciences.
Biology Non-Medical Bioinformatics

PLTW Engineering - New Program (Ardagh Group)

Project Lead The Way Inc
Private
Cook County, Illinois, DeSoto County, Mississippi +7 more
US $25,000
The PLTW Engineering program, in partnership with Ardagh Group, aims to enhance education in local communities over the next decade, impacting over 500,000 PreK-12 students and training more than 5,000 teachers across 2,000 schools in the U.S. This initiative is supported by a $50,000 grant, distributed over three years, facilitating diverse engineering courses and improving educational equity. Ardagh Group, a global leader in sustainable packaging, emphasizes the importance of education in fostering vibrant communities.
Teacher Development & Training Computer Science & Engineering

Vonda and David Mason Scholarship

Montana State University
State/Local Government
Montana
Unspecified amount
The Vonda and David Mason Scholarship, offered by Montana State University, provides financial assistance to students pursuing a degree in Elementary Education. Award amounts vary, and eligibility includes being a senior status student in a rural/small school district, demonstrating financial need, and maintaining a minimum GPA of 2.75. This scholarship aims to support students dedicated to fostering education in Montana's communities.
Education Academic Scholarship Programs

SLEEP Travel Grant for Sleep Technologists and Advanced Practice Providers

American Academy Of Sleep Medicine Foundation
Private
United States
US $2,002
The SLEEP Travel Grant for Sleep Technologists and Advanced Practice Providers, funded by the American Academy of Sleep Medicine Foundation, offers a $2,000 grant to support first-time attendance at the SLEEP 2026 meeting. This initiative aims to enhance engagement among non-physician members of the sleep team, such as sleep technologists and advanced practice providers, while promoting networking opportunities within the sleep community.
Health & Medicine Sleep

Barr Foundation: Arts & Creativity Program

Barr Foundation
Private
Massachusetts
Unspecified amount

Arts and Creativity Program

The arts are essential for just, vibrant, and thriving communities. The power of creativity is a force for transformation, creating vitality and amplifying the voices of those who are often unheard.

Arts organizations, artists, creative workers, culture bearers (those who practice, share, and teach cultural traditions and art forms) help us envision and realize a shared future of equity, inclusion, and belonging.

Barr’s Arts + Creativity program seeks to invest in bold ideas and leaders, driving toward a future in which the arts are a living, breathing force, constantly evolving and igniting our collective imagination.

Arts & Creativity Strategies

To achieve our goal of elevating the arts and enabling creative expression to engage and inspire a dynamic, thriving Massachusetts, we pursue three strategies:

  • Elevating Arts Leadership
  • Cultivating Spaces of Belonging
  • Advocating for the Arts
Art & Culture Public / Community Art

Marsha Kivowitz Scholarship Fund of the DJCF

Dallas Jewish Community Foundation
Private
Collin County, Texas, Dallas County, Texas +1 more
US $1,000
The Marsha Kivowitz Scholarship Fund, established by Stacey and Donald Kivowitz in memory of Marsha Kivowitz, offers a $600 scholarship for local undergraduate students pursuing degrees in education. This fund, managed by the Dallas Jewish Community Foundation, aims to support students who demonstrate academic excellence and commitment to a career in education, contributing to the empowerment of the Greater Dallas Jewish community. The scholarship reflects the Foundation's dedication to fostering educational opportunities and community enhancement.
Education Education - Higher Education

PLTW Computer Science - New Program (Ameren)

Project Lead the Way inc.
Private
Adair County, Missouri, Adams County, Illinois +143 more
US $20,000

PLTW Computer Science

Ameren has partnered with PLTW to inspire students and provide the hands-on STEM learning experiences necessary to thrive in life beyond the classroom. Ameren is a long-time supporter of K-12 STEM education in the region and is working with PLTW to provide grant support to high schools interested in implementing or expanding their PLTW Computer Science programs.

At a time when computer science affects how we work and live, PLTW Computer Science empowers students in grades 9-12 to become creators, instead of merely consumers, of the technology all around them. The program's interdisciplinary courses engage students in compelling, real-world challenges. As students work together to design solutions, they learn computational thinking – not just how to code – and become better thinkers and communicators. Students take from the courses in-demand knowledge and skills they will use in high school and for the rest of their lives, on any career path they take.

Through this partnership, Ameren has committed funds to support PLTW grants to schools interested in starting or expanding PLTW Computer Science programs beginning in the next academic year.

PLTW Program Status

New Program

Computer Science & Engineering STEM / STEAM Education

PLTW Computer Science - Program Expansion (Ameren)

Project Lead the Way inc.
Private
Adair County, Missouri, Adams County, Illinois +143 more
US $10,000

PLTW Computer Science

Ameren has partnered with PLTW to inspire students and provide the hands-on STEM learning experiences necessary to thrive in life beyond the classroom. Ameren is a long-time supporter of K-12 STEM education in the region and is working with PLTW to provide grant support to high schools interested in implementing or expanding their PLTW Computer Science programs.

At a time when computer science affects how we work and live, PLTW Computer Science empowers students in grades 9-12 to become creators, instead of merely consumers, of the technology all around them. The program's interdisciplinary courses engage students in compelling, real-world challenges. As students work together to design solutions, they learn computational thinking – not just how to code – and become better thinkers and communicators. Students take from the courses in-demand knowledge and skills they will use in high school and for the rest of their lives, on any career path they take.

Through this partnership, Ameren has committed funds to support PLTW grants to schools interested in starting or expanding PLTW Computer Science programs beginning in the next academic year.

PLTW Program Status

Program Expansion

Computer Science & Engineering STEM / STEAM Education

Vicky Harrison Memorial Scholarship

John Wood Community College Foundation
Association/Society
Adams County, Illinois
Unspecified amount

Vicky Harrison Memorial Scholarship

Amount:

  • Varies

The family and friends of Vicky Harrison established this endowed scholarship in 2020. Vicky worked at JWCC for 28 years and was Manager of Enterprise Applications in the Information Technology Department, when she lost her battle with cancer in 2019. The scholarship is awarded to a student with an interest in pursuing a career in computer science.

Education - Higher Education Computer Science & Engineering

Creative Innovation and Impact Grant

Pennsylvania Council on the Arts
State/Local Government
Pennsylvania
US $100,000 - US $150,000

Creative Innovation and Impact Grant Program

About the Creative Innovation & Impact Grant

The Creative Innovation and Impact Grant program supports new, multi-year strategies that empower, connect, and amplify creatives and creative industries and their contributions to Pennsylvania’s communities, economy, and workforce.

The Creative Innovation & Impact Grant program is designed to support initiatives that drive innovation and sector visibility. Applications to this program should feature creative sector projects that address either visibility, innovation, or both.

  • Visibility – Enhance public awareness of creatives and creative industries through marketing, branding, and outreach efforts.
  • Innovation – Support new ideas, models, and partnerships that expand the role of creativity in Pennsylvania’s communities, economy, and workforce.

Applications must describe projects that clearly extend beyond the applicant’s regular programming or services. 

Art & Culture Arts / Culture Access & Participation

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

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.