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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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32,471 Results based on applied filters

Ho'ākoakoa Lāhui Event Sponsorship Program

Office of Hawaiian Affairs
State/Local Government
Hawaii
Up to US $15,000
The Hoʻākoakoa Lāhui Event Sponsorship Program aims to support nonprofit organizations in Hawaiʻi by providing funding for events that benefit the Native Hawaiian community. With a maximum budget request of $15,000, the program encourages events that promote cultural practices, community engagement, and public resources. Eligible events include award ceremonies, community gatherings, and fundraisers, ensuring they align with the mission of enhancing the lifestyle and entitlements of Native Hawaiians.
Community Culture & Heritage Community Services

Legal Services Advisory Committee (LSAC) Grant

Minnesota Judicial Branch
State/Local Government
Minnesota
Unspecified amount
The Legal Services Advisory Committee (LSAC) Grant provides essential funding for legal services and alternative dispute resolution programs aimed at low-income clients across Minnesota. With support from state legislature appropriations and attorney fees, LSAC ensures access to legal support, serving nearly 50,000 clients annually. The FY24-25 cycle will focus on general operating grants in various categories, including staff legal services and private attorney involvement, thereby enhancing the availability of justice for vulnerable populations.
Legal Services Law

PLTW Engineering- Program Expansion ( Indiana)

Project Lead the Way inc.
Private
Indiana
US $15,000
The PLTW Engineering Program Expansion in Indiana aims to enhance educational opportunities through the Step Up Indiana STEM Grant. Schools can utilize a total award of $15,000 to implement new PLTW programs or expand existing ones for the 2026-2027 academic year. Eligible uses include additional courses, class periods, and teacher training, while ensuring that funds are allocated effectively to support STEM education initiatives.
Engineering Teacher Development & Training Curriculum Development

Equal Justice Scholarship

William Wayne Justice Center for Public Interest Law
Private
Texas
Unspecified amount
The Equal Justice Scholarship, offered by the William Wayne Justice Center for Public Interest Law, fully funds tuition and fees for three years and provides summer stipends for public interest work. Awarded to students with strong academic records and a commitment to public service, recipients engage with the Justice Center and serve as ambassadors for public interest law. This scholarship supports legal professionals dedicated to assisting low-income individuals and communities, fostering a vibrant community at Texas Law.
Law Legal Services

Monona Fund Grant

Madison Community Foundation
Private
Dane County, Wisconsin
Up to US $4,000

About Madison Community FoundationSince 1942, Madison Community Foundation (MCF) has been building a stronger, more generous community and helping people like you make a lasting impact through charitable giving. Mission : MCF will engage Greater Madison in philanthropy to advance a more vibrant and equitable community.About Monona Fund GrantThe Monona Fund embodies a collective passion for the vibrant community of Monona. Donors to the Fund share a commitment to pay it forward, fostering a culture of generosity that encourages others to contribute for the enduring benefit of the Monona community. The Monona Fund is an endowment fund designed to provide on-going resources to enhance the quality of life in Monona.The Monona Fund endeavors to encourage civic involvement through:

  • Enhancing the quality of life
  • Promoting citizen involvement
  • Enriching public gathering spaces
  • Supporting community values and a civic agenda
Civic Engagement & Education Community Services

Dream Big Technology Grant

Kindcause Inc.
Private
United States
Unspecified amount
The Dream Big Technology Grant by KindCause.org aims to empower registered 501(c)(3) organizations by funding the implementation of Salesforce CRM. This initiative enhances nonprofit operations, enabling better donor management and campaign efficiency. With automated workflows and integrated tools, nonprofits can improve fundraising efforts and save valuable resources. Successful applicants will receive tailored technology roadmaps and potential funding for essential packages, ensuring they maximize their impact in the community.
Emerging Technology Development Cyberinfrastructure

John and Eunice Davidson Scholarship

Greater Kansas City Community Foundation
Private
Yolo County, California
US $3,000

Our Mission

The Community Foundation’s mission is to improve the quality of life in Greater Kansas City by increasing charitable giving, educating and connecting donors to community needs they care about, and leading on critical community issues.

Scholarships

We offer hundreds of different scholarships for students in and around Kansas City.

John and Eunice Davidson Scholarship

This fund was established in memory of John and Eunice Davidson by their family to provide academic scholarships to graduating seniors. John and Eunice Davidson were unable to complete college due to financial hardships imposed by the Great Depression of the 1930’s. However, they made sure that both their daughters completed college. John went on to have a very successful career in transportation and investments. In Woodland, Carole Pirruccello is the Co-Trustee of the fund.

Consideration will be given to financial need and the student’s community service record.

Scholarships will be awarded on an annual basis and disbursed in equal payments in August and January. An acknowledgment/thank you note should be sent to scholarship donor if selected, and is required to release the first payment.

These scholarships will be supplemental for students who have already earned athletic and/or academic scholarships. Annually $3,000 will be awarded and paid in two equal installments for up to four years. Each secondary installment will be released upon proof of good academic progress.

Education - Higher Education Science

Akima Grant Program

Akima Club Inc
Private
Tennessee
Unspecified amount
The Akima Grant Program, managed by Akima Club Inc, provides essential financial support to local nonprofit agencies. This year, over $86,000 was awarded to more than 50 diverse organizations, enhancing community services in the fields of arts, culture, science, and social support. The program's mission emphasizes compassion and respect for the community, aiming to assist agencies that directly impact clients. Funding is generated through community-driven events, showcasing a long-standing commitment to local betterment.
Art & Culture Science Human & Social Services

SSRC-JF Next Gen Japan Postdoctoral Fellowship

Social Science Research Council
Private
United States
Up to US $60,000

Mission

The Social Science Research Council (SSRC) is an independent, international, nonprofit organization founded in 1923. The Council fosters innovative research, nurtures new generations of social scientists, deepens how inquiry is practiced within and across disciplines, and mobilizes necessary knowledge on important public issues.

SSRC-JF Next Gen Japan Postdoctoral Fellowship

The SSRC-JF Next Generation Japan Studies Development Program invites US colleges and universities to apply for grants to support postdoctoral fellowships. This program provides grants of up to $60,000 as partial support for the hiring of recent PhD students specializing in Japan to both teach and conduct research on Japan, within any social science or humanities discipline, at the institution for one academic year. This program is supported by the Japan Foundation.

Background

The Next Gen Japan Postdoctoral Fellowship provides an opportunity for fellows to conduct essential research early in their careers while concurrently gaining valuable teaching experience and a greater understanding of the demands of professorship through this bridge from graduate school to tenure track positions.

Further, this fellowship provides host institutions with the means to enrich the offering of Japan-related courses, in particular, while enhancing the depth of a broad array of disciplines through the use of Japan in comparison or as a case study.

Priorities

  • Priority is given to applications from colleges and universities located in the US South and Midwest.
  • Priority is given to institutions planning Postdoctoral Fellow course assignments that allow for the enrollment of students from a variety of disciplines ranging from the humanities and social sciences to the natural sciences.

Humanities & Social Science Cross-Cultural Understanding & Exchanges

Marin County Bar Association Legal Education Scholarship

10000 DEGREES
Private
California
Up to US $5,000
The Marin County Bar Association Legal Education Scholarship is designed to assist Marin County residents pursuing a legal education. Sponsored by 10,000 Degrees, this scholarship aims to inspire future legal leaders who are committed to community service. Eligible applicants must be full-time law students in California, with a connection to Marin County and a demonstrated financial need. This initiative reflects a dedication to supporting students who aspire to make a positive impact in their communities.
Law Academic Scholarship Programs

AF: Grants - $5,001 and Above - Community Development, Religion & Other

Ashtabula Foundation
Private
Ashtabula County, Ohio
More than US $5,001
The Ashtabula Foundation offers grants of $5,001 and above to support community development, religious initiatives, and other charitable efforts in Ashtabula County. Eligible organizations must possess a 501(C)(3) status and serve the local community. This foundation prioritizes human services but considers various requests based on available funding and community impact. Applications are limited to one per organization annually, ensuring focused support for each initiative.
Community Development & Revitalization Religion & Spirituality Community Services

Technology Initiative Grant

Legal Services Corporation
Private
United States
More than US $40,000
The Technology Initiative Grant (TIG) program by the Legal Services Corporation aims to enhance legal services for low-income populations through innovative technology. It encourages partnerships with justice organizations and supports projects that improve service delivery and efficiency. With a minimum funding request of $40,000, the program seeks to implement new strategies or enhance existing technologies to provide high-quality legal assistance. The initiative fosters replication of successful methodologies from previous projects and other sectors.
Legal Services Emerging Technology Development

Rising Stars in Aerospace

Aiaa Foundation
Private
United States
Unspecified amount
The AIAA Rising Stars program empowers underrepresented undergraduate students interested in aerospace by providing scholarships to attend key AIAA events like the AVIATION Forum or ASCEND. Participants receive support for travel, conference registration, and unique networking opportunities with industry leaders. This initiative not only fosters professional growth but also helps build lasting relationships in the aerospace community, celebrating the achievements and potential of future innovators in the field.
Aerospace Engineering Aviation

Bloomfield Greater Together Community Fund Grant

Greater Hartford Gives Foundation
Private
Hartford County, Connecticut
US $500 - US $10,000
The Bloomfield Greater Together Community Fund Grant, established by the Hartford Foundation for Public Giving, aims to empower local organizations by providing financial support for projects that benefit Bloomfield residents. Eligible organizations must be classified as 501c3 or have a fiscal sponsor. The fund seeks to foster community ownership, encourage civic engagement, and strengthen the Hartford Foundation's presence in the town. This initiative is vital for building inclusive and vibrant communities in Greater Hartford.
Civic Engagement & Education Community Services

Streicker Fund for Student Research

Yale University
Private
Asia, Australia and New Zealand +26 more
US $1,600 - US $4,000
The Streicker Fund for Student Research at Yale University offers financial support for academic projects requiring international travel, primarily aimed at students conducting research under faculty supervision. These projects may include field research and interviews, and must occur during school breaks. The fund targets various destinations based on expense levels, ensuring accessibility for a broad range of students. This initiative emphasizes the importance of educational travel while maintaining academic commitments.
Law Academic Success & Enrichment

Collaborative Program Grant for Multidisciplinary Teams

US Dept. of Health & Human Services: National Institutes of Health (NIH)
Federal Government
American Samoa, Guam +4 more
Unspecified amount
The Collaborative Program Grant for Multidisciplinary Teams, funded by the US Dept. of Health & Human Services: National Institutes of Health (NIH), supports integrated teams of researchers tackling ambitious projects that individual efforts cannot achieve. This program promotes collaboration among experts with complementary skills, aiming for significant advancements in their fields. Teams are encouraged to pursue innovative objectives that have the potential to transform research landscapes.
Science Biology Health & Medicine

Special Attorneys Program

US Department of Justice: Bureau of Justice Assistance
Federal Government
American Samoa, Guam +4 more
Up to US $300,000,000

Bureau of Justice Assistance

The Bureau of Justice Assistance (BJA) was created in 1984 to reduce violent crime, create safer communities, and reform our Nation’s criminal justice system.

BJA strengthens the Nation’s criminal justice system and helps America’s state, local, and tribal jurisdictions reduce and prevent crime, reduce recidivism, and promote a fair and safe criminal justice system. BJA focuses its programmatic and policy efforts on providing a wide range of resources, including training and technical assistance, to law enforcement, courts, corrections, treatment, reentry, justice information sharing, and community-based partners to address chronic and emerging criminal justice challenges nationwide. 

Special Attorneys Program

This program will support state, local, Tribal, and territorial prosecuting agencies in assigning or hiring qualified prosecutors to serve full time as Special Attorneys within the National Fraud Enforcement Division or the Criminal Division or as Special Assistant United States Attorneys (SAUSAs) within a United States Attorney’s Office. These cross-designated prosecutors will investigate and prosecute fraud and other crimes committed by aliens within the United States (hereafter referred to as “criminal aliens”) and will investigate and prosecute crimes involving drug or human trafficking committed within the United States.

This grant program, authorized under Public Law 119-21, Title X, Subtitle A, Part II, Section 100055 (codified at 34 U.S.C. § 61101), is intended to strengthen investigative and prosecutorial capacity, expand intergovernmental coordination, and enhance the ability of jurisdictions to investigate and prosecute fraud and other crimes committed by aliens within the United States and drug and human trafficking crimes. The program is also intended to increase the availability of cross-designated prosecutorial personnel who can pursue these matters in coordination with federal authorities and contribute to the effective enforcement of applicable criminal laws.

Law Crime & Justice

Court Reporter Equipment Grant

Iowa Department of Education
State/Local Government
Iowa
Up to US $2,000

Court Reporter Equipment Grant

Students enrolled in a court reporter training program in Iowa. The maximum award is up to $2,000 to reimburse students for the purchase of court reporter equipment and software for the court reporter training program.

Law Legal Services

Professional Formation of Engineers

National Science Foundation (NSF)
Federal Government
American Samoa, Guam +4 more
Unspecified amount
The Professional Formation of Engineers (PFE) initiative aims to enhance the engineering workforce through integrated research and education. It focuses on developing ethical engineers who can adapt to a changing technical landscape. PFE supports diverse training contexts, including formal education, internships, and community experiences, ensuring clear pathways into the profession. This initiative fosters collaboration among engineers, technical workers, and communities, enhancing the skills needed for global competition and technological advancement.
Engineering STEM / STEAM Education

Organizational Change in the Professional Formation of Engineers

National Science Foundation (NSF)
Federal Government
American Samoa, Guam +4 more
Unspecified amount
The Organizational Change in the Professional Formation of Engineers (ENGINEER:OC) initiative promotes innovative research and activities aimed at transforming engineering education and workforce development. Supported by the National Science Foundation (NSF), it seeks to enhance access to quality engineering programs across diverse institutions. Projects may involve implementing new curricular innovations or adapting existing models to different contexts, ultimately advancing the professional formation of engineers and fostering inclusive educational pathways.
Engineering STEM / STEAM Education

Sarasota County Bar Association Richard R. Garland Scholarship

Community Foundation of Sarasota County
Private
Sarasota County, Florida
US $10,000
The Sarasota County Bar Association Richard R. Garland Scholarship aims to support second-year law students from underrepresented backgrounds, providing them with opportunities in the Sarasota County legal community. This $10,000 scholarship includes a required summer internship, fostering professional development through mentorship. The program encourages applicants from Florida and out-of-state law schools with ties to Sarasota County, promoting diversity and inclusion within the legal profession.
Law Academic Scholarship Programs

Crommelin-Armiger Scholarship Fund

The Columbus Foundation
Private
Worcester County, Massachusetts
More than US $3,000

Crommelin-Armiger Scholarship Fund

The scholarship honors the work of Philip Crommelin, Jr., and William J. Armiger Jr. Both men worked to improve air quality through the 1970s, helping companies comply with the new clean air act. They continued working in the field of air pollution control mainly in power generation until their death. Philip Crommelin Jr. was born in Orange, New Jersey, and graduated from West Orange High School in 1948. He earned a degree in chemical engineering from Worcester Polytechnic Institute in 1952. He was an Army sergeant first class with the 160th Regiment during the Korean War. In 1967, he moved to Stanton, New Jersey where he worked for Research-Cottrell. In 1974 Phil opened a consulting practice in electrostatic precipitation and worked closely until his death with EPSCO. He held four patents on air pollution control devices and wrote many articles and technical publications on industrial air pollution control. In 1998, he was recognized as an International Fellow by the International Society for Electrostatic Precipitation (ISESP). Phil Crommelin died on January 31, 2002. William Armiger was born in 1931. He graduated from Baltimore Polytechnic and Johns Hopkins University. After leaving Johns Hopkins in 1952, Bill worked as an engineer with Koppers Company in Baltimore, MD. In 1961 he moved to Princeton, NJ where he worked for Research-Cottrell, eventually becoming Director and Vice President of their air pollution control business. In 1971 Bill started EMA closely followed by EPSCO, a global consulting air pollution control (APC) company. Twenty years later he created EPSCON, which complimented EPSCO by installing the APC equipment. In 1997 he co-founded the Worldwide Pollution Association (WPCA). William Armiger died on October 29, 2007.

Award Amount:

  • $3,000 per year for the remainder of the recipient's current graduate degree, up to three years
Engineering Environmental Engineering

Center for Rural Ministry Rural Impact Fund Grant

Bridge Builders Community Foundations Fka Venango Area Comm Foundation
Private
Venango County, Pennsylvania
US $2,500 - US $4,000
The Center for Rural Ministry Rural Impact Fund Grant, offered by Bridge Builders Community Foundations, provides $2,500 micro-grants to Christian congregations in rural areas. This initiative supports churches as community hubs, enhancing outreach and collaboration with nonprofits. Projects in partnership with separate organizations may receive up to $4,000. The grants are intended for one-time use over two years, aiming to strengthen community engagement and sustainability in underserved regions.
Christianity Community Services

Vermillion Area Community Foundation Grant

South Dakota Community Foundation
Private
Clay County, South Dakota
US $2,000 - US $4,000

South Dakota Community Foundation

As a statewide community foundation, we work with donors, nonprofits and community leaders to strengthen philanthropy in South Dakota every day.

Grants

The South Dakota Community Foundation offers an array of grants to help state nonprofits realize their dreams and continue investing in their communities. 

Vermillion Area Community Foundation Grant

The Vermillion Area Community Foundation was established in 2000 for the sole purpose of creating an endowed fund to build financial resources, that aren’t depleted each year and are forever and perpetual, to assist with capital projects that address community needs and that impact and enhance the quality of community life for residents of all ages.

South Dakota Community Foundation rules require VACF to fund tangible items rather than ongoing operating costs or salaries.

Community Services Human & Social Services Community Development & Revitalization

Community Planning Technical Assistance Program (C-TAP)

Pennsylvania Department of Community and Economic Development
State/Local Government
Pennsylvania
Unspecified amount

Community Planning Technical Assistance Program (C-TAP)

Overview The Community Planning Technical Assistance Program (C-TAP) helps local and county governments, along with municipal partner organizations, plan, prepare, and implement strategies that support long-term growth and development. 

The Community Planning Technical Assistance Program (C-TAP) helps local and county governments, along with municipal partner organizations, plan, prepare, and implement strategies that support long-term growth and development. Whether updating ordinances, scoping a larger study, or moving a completed plan into action, eligible applicants receive hands-on, tailored support from experienced planners. C-TAP helps communities move confidently from idea to implementation, with up to 400 hours of technical assistance available per project.

Funding

This program does not provide funding. C-TAP helps communities move confidently from idea to implementation, with up to 400 hours of technical assistance available per project.

Urban Planning Emerging Technology Development

University of Wisconsin Publishing Subvention

University of Wisconsin - Madison
State/Local Government
Dane County, Wisconsin
Unspecified amount
The University of Wisconsin Publishing Subvention program, overseen by the Office of the Vice Chancellor for Research, aims to support tenure-track faculty by subsidizing the publication costs of peer-reviewed scholarly monographs. This initiative seeks to lower book prices, enhance the dissemination of research, and bolster the open-access publishing ecosystem in the humanities and social sciences. Funding is directly provided to publishers, ensuring the authors can effectively share their work with a broader audience.
Writing & Literature Humanities & Social Science

Cost Share for Federal Funding Opportunities Industrial Decarbonization and Improvement of Grid Operations (INDIGO) Program and Food Production Investment Program (FPIP)

CA Energy Commission
State/Local Government
California
US $500,000 - US $5,000,000
The INDIGO Program and FPIP are initiatives designed to support industrial decarbonization and improve grid operations while ensuring food production sustainability. These programs focus on funding projects that enhance electrical grid reliability, reduce greenhouse gas emissions, and comply with state energy goals. They specifically target eligible industrial and food production facilities, promoting innovative solutions for environmental impact and operational efficiency.
Energy Renewable/Sustainable Energy Energy Efficiency & Conservation +1 more

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.