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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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32,410 Results based on applied filters

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

UC Underrepresented Faculty Mentorship Fellowship

University of California Humanities Research Institute (UCHRI)
Association/Society
California
More than US $1,500

About

The University of California Humanities Research Institute facilitates experimental, interdisciplinary humanities scholarship through partnerships, research initiatives, and competitive grants.

UC Underrepresented Faculty Mentorship Fellowship, 2026-27

The UC Underrepresented Faculty Mentorship Fellowship is an intercampus faculty mentoring program serving the ten campuses of the University of California. Our fellowship program pairs junior and mid-career applicants from the humanities and qualitative social sciences with their desired senior mentors from other UC campuses. The aim is to build spaces of support, to share best practices and challenges, and to respond to unspoken expectations in the academy. In addition to providing mentorship training, the program facilitates monthly one-on-one meetings, provides quarterly professionalization workshops based on the needs and preferences of the group, and brings mentors and mentees together for at least one in-person event at UCHRI. Mentors and mentees each receive $1,500 in research funds as well as travel costs for meetings at UCHRI on the UC Irvine campus.

Open to all faculty at the University of California, this program aims to enhance campus climate, retention, and faculty success by connecting scholars across the system who are attuned to the needs, interests, and experiences of underrepresented and underserved communities and their contributions to the university. Applicants will be selected based on their ability to demonstrate one or more of the following:

  • Navigation of one or more barriers, on behalf of themselves or others, such as being a first-generation college student, growing up in an underserved geographic area or community, and overcoming linguistic, cultural, or ableist challenges
  • Demonstrated research regarding or service in underserved and systems-impacted communities
Humanities & Social Science Teacher Development & Training

Abby's Legendary Pizza Fundraiser

Abby’s Legendary Pizza Foundation
Corporate
Chelan County, Washington, Clackamas County, Oregon +17 more
Unspecified amount
Abby's Legendary Pizza Fundraiser aims to create a positive impact in local communities by supporting various nonprofit organizations and schools. Through their $2/$1 Fundraiser Coupon program, nonprofits can raise funds by distributing coupons that offer discounts on pizzas. For every redeemed coupon, Abby's donates $1 to the participating organization. This initiative not only helps local causes but also fosters community engagement, ensuring that every dollar raised makes a difference.
Community Services Environment

SC Bar Foundation Grant Program

South Carolina Bar Foundation
Private
South Carolina
Unspecified amount
The SC Bar Foundation Grant Program aims to enhance justice in South Carolina by funding legal access and education initiatives. Eligible non-profit organizations can apply for grants to provide civil legal services, law-related education, or improve justice administration. Priority is given to programs demonstrating effective client representation and innovative service delivery. Applicants must be 501(c)(3) organizations and comply with specific guidelines. The program emphasizes collaboration and leveraging additional funding sources for maximum impact.
Legal Services Law

Expand Massachusetts Stories- Open Track

Massachusetts Foundation for the Humanities (Mass Humanities)
Private
Massachusetts
Up to US $20,000
The Expand Massachusetts Stories-Open Track grant offers up to $20,000 for projects that collect, interpret, and share narratives about Massachusetts, focusing on voices often overlooked. Eligible projects range from oral histories to community exhibitions and documentary films. The program prioritizes underrepresented experiences and aims to engage local communities in meaningful dialogue. Applicants must be compliant with regulations ensuring accessibility and equity, while funding cannot support individuals or profit-driven projects.
Community Culture & Heritage Humanities & Social Science

Grant Requests for $3,500 or less

San Juan Island Community Foundation
Private
San Juan County, Washington
Up to US $3,500
The San Juan Island Community Foundation offers grants up to $3,500 to support local nonprofit organizations, government agencies, and non-profit schools. This initiative emphasizes addressing community needs, fostering resilience, and promoting innovative projects. Eligible applicants include tax-exempt organizations and those serving the San Juan Island community. The streamlined application process facilitates access to funding for impactful programs, ensuring that grants align with the foundation's mission of enhancing community vitality.
Community Services Health Care Access & Delivery

Grant Requests >$3,500

San Juan Island Community Foundation
Private
San Juan County, Washington
More than US $3,500
The San Juan Island Community Foundation is dedicated to enhancing community well-being through strategic grants over $3,500. They focus on projects that address emerging needs, strengthen resilience, and support underserved groups. Applicants must discuss their projects beforehand, ensuring alignment with the foundation's mission. The foundation does not fund projects benefiting individuals directly or those that are political or religious in nature. Collaboration and sustainability are key priorities for successful applications.
Community Services Health Care Access & Delivery

Single-County Grants

United Way Of The Bluegrass Inc
Private
Anderson County, Kentucky, Bourbon County, Kentucky +8 more
Up to US $20,000

Safety Net Grants

The safety net grant funding threshold will be $20,000 and will continue to provide essential support to individuals and families facing an immediate crisis. (The single county basic needs grant threshold was $10,000 previously.) The focus on safety net services is a more refined approach from the wide lens of basic needs. By eliminating regional basic need grants, funding becomes more targeted, ensuring equitable grant distribution across counties. (Six-month Single County Safety Net grant application available now)

Single-County Grants 

  • Go to programs that expect to serve exclusively or primarily residents of a single county.
  • Have a grant request ceiling of $20,000 per program.
  • Be scored by volunteers. Volunteers will not score program applications for organizations that provide services in the county where they reside or with which they are affiliated. Funding requests and scores are reviewed by the Community.
Community Services Basic Human Needs

Chris Marshall Endowed Presidential Scholarship

William Wayne Justice Center for Public Interest Law
Private
Texas
US $3,000 - US $6,000
The Chris Marshall Endowed Presidential Scholarship, established by the William Wayne Justice Center for Public Interest Law, supports outstanding third-year law students committed to public service in Texas. Eligible applicants must have a GPA of 3.44 or higher and demonstrate a strong intent to work in nonprofit, government, or legislative positions post-graduation. This scholarship not only aids students financially but also fosters a commitment to increasing access to justice through public interest lawyering.
Law Legal Services

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

The Study Group Scholarship for Women in Law

The Denver Foundation
Private
Colorado
US $10,000

The Denver Foundation

For 100 years, The Denver Foundation has been building a stronger, thriving Metro Denver, Colorado, and beyond. We’ve received $2.1 billion from generous donors and given $1.6 billion in grants to support community initiatives. We’re the foundation of Denver, connecting and collaborating to address the current and future challenges of our community.  

The Study Group Scholarship for Women in Law

The Study Group Scholarship for Women in Law is a three-year, renewable scholarship for women students attending the University of Denver’s (DU) Sturm College of Law.

The Study Group Scholarship invests in women who will be equipped to shape a more just and equitable legal system – amplifying the voices and impact of women who continue to face inequalities in the practice of law. By supporting women in law today, we are strengthening advocacy, leadership, and systemic equity for generations to come.

Recipients of The Study Group Scholarship for Women in Law will be known as the Study Group Scholars.

This scholarship was created in 2026 by Debra Lappin, Rosemary Collyer, and Kris Hoeltgren, with a philosophy and commitment to women in law driven by their experience with their own “study group” at the DU Sturm College of Law.

Award amounts may be used toward the recipient’s tuition, fees, books, and supplies. Award must be used for the upcoming academic year.

Education - Higher Education Law

Martha Trescott Prize: Odd-Numbered Years

Society for the History of Technology
Association/Society
Luxembourg
US $500
The Martha Trescott Prize, awarded by the Society for the History of Technology, honors outstanding published essays on the social responsibility of engineers in history during odd-numbered years. Established in 2020, it includes a $500 award and a certificate. Nominations are open to essays published in the four years prior, and submissions must be made through the SHOT website. This prize recognizes the contributions of Martha Trescott to Women in Technological History.
History Of Science Engineering

G. Rollie White Public Service Scholarship

William Wayne Justice Center for Public Interest Law
Private
Texas
Unspecified amount
The G. Rollie White Public Service Scholarship, established by the William Wayne Justice Center for Public Interest Law, offers full tuition coverage for three years alongside summer stipends for public interest work. It aims to support students with strong academic backgrounds and a commitment to public service, preparing them for careers in legal aid for underserved communities. Scholars are expected to engage actively in the Justice Center's initiatives and serve as ambassadors for public interest law.
Law Legal Services

G. Rollie White Trust Fellowship in Public Interest Law

William Wayne Justice Center for Public Interest Law
Private
United States
Up to US $75,000
The G. Rollie White Trust Fellowship promotes access to justice by funding a recent Texas Law graduate or judicial clerk to work with a public interest legal organization. This one-year fellowship, supported by the William Wayne Justice Center, encourages innovative projects aimed at assisting underrepresented communities. Candidates must identify a host organization and outline their proposed work, ensuring impactful legal service delivery. This fellowship exemplifies a commitment to public interest law and community support.
Law Legal Services

Julius Glickman Fellowship in Public Interest Law

William Wayne Justice Center for Public Interest Law
Private
Texas
Up to US $75,000
The Julius Glickman Fellowship in Public Interest Law, supported by the William Wayne Justice Center, aims to enhance access to justice by funding an exceptional Texas Law graduate or judicial clerk to work with a public interest organization. This one-year, full-time fellowship is designed to empower new attorneys to provide vital legal services to underrepresented individuals or groups, focusing on civil legal services, and fostering a commitment to public interest lawyering.
Law Legal Services

Mike A. Myers Fellowship in Public Interest Law

William Wayne Justice Center for Public Interest Law
Private
Texas
Up to US $75,000
The Mike A. Myers Fellowship in Public Interest Law, supported by the William Wayne Justice Center, aims to enhance access to justice for underserved communities. This one-year fellowship funds a Texas Law graduate or judicial clerk to work with a nonprofit focusing on legal services for victims of domestic violence or sexual assault. Preference is given to candidates proposing to work with Texas Advocacy Project. The fellowship emphasizes collaboration with host organizations to ensure effective project supervision.
Law Legal Services

Texas Law Postgraduate Public Interest Fellowships

William Wayne Justice Center for Public Interest Law
Private
Texas
Up to US $75,000
The Texas Law Postgraduate Public Interest Fellowships, established by the William Wayne Justice Center in 2023, support graduating students to engage in public interest legal work for 12 months post-graduation. This program aims to empower students committed to serving underrepresented communities through legal services. Up to two fellowships will be awarded for full-time positions with public interest organizations starting in Spring 2026, fostering hands-on legal experience and enhancing access to justice.
Law Legal Services

Mary Lowe Good Scholarship

Arkansas Community Foundation Inc
Private
Arkansas
Unspecified amount

The Community Foundation’s scholarships are for Arkansas students pursuing education at two- or four-year colleges or universities, vocational schools or technical training programs. Each scholarship has its own eligibility criteria. Some scholarships are designated for graduates of a particular high school or those who plan to attend a particular college. Others are based on extracurricular activities or intended college majors.  

The Foundation has a scholarship portal with a quiz to help applicants determine scholarship eligibility. 

“Since 1976, the Community Foundation has partnered with individuals and organizations who want to support our state’s students in their pursuit of higher education,” said Heather Larkin, Community Foundation president and CEO. “These generous people provide the funding and determine the size and eligibility criteria of each scholarship, while we oversee the application and awarding process on their behalf.”  

Mary Lowe Good Scholarship

Provides a scholarship to a graduating senior with a minimum of 100 hours of community service as part of their participation in an EAST program. 

Education - Higher Education Community Services

Family Support Services (FSS) Community Services Grant (CSG)

Texas Health and Human Services
State/Local Government
Austin County, Texas, Brazoria County, Texas +7 more
US $800,000 - US $1,500,000

Family Support Services (FSS) Community Services Grant (CSG)

This funding opportunity invites grant Applications requesting funding for the CSG program. The purpose of the CSG Project is to connect Participants in need with community crisis pregnancy services, foster care outreach services, and community supports. The CSG program is entirely voluntary and free-of-charge to enrolled Participants. This program is designed to enhance local coordination and navigation of services for children, youth, and families through capacity building and support for innovative and sustainable models for community and family navigation services. 

Community Services Family Services

East Student Scholarship

Arkansas Community Foundation Inc
Private
Arkansas
Unspecified amount

The Community Foundation’s scholarships are for Arkansas students pursuing education at two- or four-year colleges or universities, vocational schools or technical training programs. Each scholarship has its own eligibility criteria. Some scholarships are designated for graduates of a particular high school or those who plan to attend a particular college. Others are based on extracurricular activities or intended college majors.  

The Foundation has a scholarship portal with a quiz to help applicants determine scholarship eligibility. 

“Since 1976, the Community Foundation has partnered with individuals and organizations who want to support our state’s students in their pursuit of higher education,” said Heather Larkin, Community Foundation president and CEO. “These generous people provide the funding and determine the size and eligibility criteria of each scholarship, while we oversee the application and awarding process on their behalf.”  

East Student Scholarship

Provides a scholarship to a graduating senior with a minimum of 100 hours of community service as part of their participation in an EAST program. 

Education - Higher Education Community Services

Mary J. Mullarkey Scholarship

The Denver Foundation
Private
United States
US $1,000 - US $10,000
The Mary J. Mullarkey Scholarship, funded by The Denver Foundation, supports students of color, women, and LGBTQ+ individuals pursuing law degrees at accredited U.S. law schools. Eligible candidates must be graduating with an undergraduate degree from an accredited Colorado college or St. Norbert College, demonstrate financial need, and show academic excellence along with community contributions. One scholarship of up to $10,000 is awarded annually based on these criteria, promoting diversity in legal education.
Law Education - Higher Education

PLTW Engineering - Program Expansion (PPG Industries)

Project Lead The Way Inc
Private
Cuyahoga County, Ohio, Guilford County, North Carolina +1 more
US $10,000
The PLTW Engineering grant, funded by PPG Industries, supports schools in enhancing their existing PLTW Engineering programs for the 2025-2026 academic year. Eligible institutions, including public and charter schools in specified cities, can use funds for course expansions, teacher training, and necessary equipment. The initiative aims to maintain high-quality engineering education while ensuring compliance with reporting requirements. Unallowable expenses include salaries and infrastructure costs.
STEM / STEAM Education Engineering

Community Enrichment Grants

Outer Banks Community Foundation
Private
Carteret County, North Carolina, Currituck County, North Carolina +2 more
Up to US $10,000
The Community Enrichment Grants, offered by the Outer Banks Community Foundation, support nonprofit organizations in various charitable projects benefiting the Outer Banks community. Eligible organizations can apply for funding to enhance areas such as education, health, and the environment, fostering innovative solutions and collaboration. These grants aim to address urgent community needs and promote inclusivity, diversity, and equity while enhancing the capacity of organizations to serve effectively.
Community Services Environment

PLTW Engineering - New Program (PPG Industries)

Project Lead The Way Inc
Private
Cuyahoga County, Ohio, Guilford County, North Carolina +1 more
US $15,000
The PLTW Engineering grant, funded by PPG Industries, aims to support schools in implementing PLTW Engineering programs for the 2025-2026 academic year. Eligible schools in Huntsville, AL, Greensboro, NC, and Cleveland, OH can apply for a total award of $20,000, distributed over two years. Schools must offer one PLTW course in the first year and another in the following year, ensuring a commitment to enhancing STEM education in their communities.
Engineering STEM / STEAM Education

Emergency Readiness Grants

Louisiana Endowment for the Humanities
Private
Louisiana
Up to US $5,000
The Emergency Readiness Grants, offered by the Louisiana Endowment for the Humanities, aim to support cultural organizations in Louisiana in preparing for and responding to emergencies, such as hurricanes and floods. With funding up to $5,000 available, these grants help organizations develop strategies to mitigate the impact of future disasters, thereby strengthening the resilience of Louisiana's cultural infrastructure.
Disaster Preparedness Humanities & Social Science

Legacy Village Lyndhurst Community Fund

The Cleveland Foundation
Private
Cuyahoga County, Ohio
US $250 - US $5,000
The Legacy Village Lyndhurst Community Fund aims to support charitable initiatives within Lyndhurst and surrounding areas, primarily benefiting the South Euclid-Lyndhurst Public Schools. This fund is dedicated to enhancing community welfare by providing grants ranging from $250 to $5,000 to various programs and nonprofit organizations, fostering a positive impact on local residents and educational institutions.
Community Services Human & Social Services Education

A. Montgomery Ward Foundation Grant

A Montgomery Ward Foundation 32 48652 4
Private
Boone County, Illinois, Cook County, Illinois +10 more
Unspecified amount
The A. Montgomery Ward Foundation Grant supports nonprofit organizations that enhance educational and cultural programs in Chicago and surrounding areas. Established in 1959, it aims to empower local communities through quality programming. Eligible applicants must be 501(c)(3) organizations, focusing on arts, culture, and education. Grants typically last for one year, with a commitment to fostering community growth and development.
Education Art & Culture Humanities & Social 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.

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.