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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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32,369 Results based on applied filters

Sustainable Jersey-PSE&G Partnership Grant Program

Sustainable Jersey
Private
New Jersey
US $2,500 - US $25,000
The Sustainable Jersey-PSE&G Partnership Program aims to enhance energy efficiency across New Jersey by providing support to municipalities, schools, and small businesses. This initiative, backed by the New Jersey Clean Energy Act, offers valuable resources and funding options to help eligible entities implement cost-effective energy solutions. By focusing on local needs, the program seeks to maximize both economic and environmental benefits, making energy efficiency accessible to all communities.
Renewable/Sustainable Energy Sustainability Energy Efficiency & Conservation

Lifetime Achievement Award

National Council of Teachers of Mathematics
Association/Society
United States
Unspecified amount in in-kind support
The Lifetime Achievement Award, presented by the National Council of Teachers of Mathematics (NCTM), recognizes individuals for their exceptional contributions to mathematics education over a lifetime. Established in 1994, this prestigious honor celebrates those who have demonstrated outstanding leadership, teaching, and service in the field. Eligible nominees must have at least 25 years of distinguished service and may receive the award posthumously, reflecting their lasting impact on the profession.
Mathematics STEM / STEAM Education

Kevin P. Rimmell Memorial Scholarship Fund

Pittsburgh Foundation
Private
Pennsylvania
Unspecified amount

The Pittsburgh Foundation

Established in 1945, The Pittsburgh Foundation is one of the nation’s oldest community foundations and as of 2022 is the 18th largest of more than 750 similar foundations across the United States.

As a community foundation, its resources comprise endowment funds established by individuals, businesses and organizations with a passion for charitable giving and fulfilling the Foundation’s mission of improving quality of life for all in the region. The Foundation currently manages about 2,500 individual donor funds and, together with its supporting organizations and its affiliate, The Community Foundation of Westmoreland County, has assets of $1.386 billion (2022). Grantmaking benefits a broad spectrum of basic needs and development opportunities within Pittsburgh and beyond.

Scholarships

The Pittsburgh Foundation and The Community Foundation of Westmoreland County provide scholarship opportunities for local students to pursue their educational goals. Scholarships are available for graduating high school seniors, undergraduates, graduate, medical and professional school students who are attending community colleges, four-year universities and career/technical schools.

Kevin P. Rimmell Memorial Scholarship Fund

The Kevin P. Rimmell Memorial Scholarship Fund of The Pittsburgh Foundation was created to honor the memory of Kevin Rimmell who died tragically at the age of 34. He loved his work in the field of electronics and always credited his education at Pittsburgh Technical College as having prepared him to achieve great things. This scholarship is intended to provide financial support for a student of high academic achievement who has financial need.

Award Type: Renewable Award (subject to committee recommendation). 

Education - Higher Education Engineering

Technical Support Service Grant

The Massachusetts Clean Energy Center (MassCEC)
State/Local Government
Massachusetts
Unspecified amount

About MassCEC

The Massachusetts Clean Energy Technology Center (MassCEC) is a quasi-state economic development agency dedicated to accelerating the growth of the clean energy sector across the Commonwealth to spur job creation, deliver statewide environmental benefits and to secure long-term economic growth for the people of Massachusetts. MassCEC works to increase the adoption of clean energy while driving down costs and delivering financial, environmental, and economic development benefits to energy users and utility customers across the state.

Our Mission

MassCEC’s mission is to accelerate the clean energy and climate solution innovation that is critical to meeting the Commonwealth’s climate goals, advancing Massachusetts’ position as an international climate leader while growing the state’s clean energy economy. MassCEC is committed to creating a diverse, equitable, and inclusive organization where everyone is welcomed, supported, respected, and valued.

Technical Support Service

The Massachusetts Clean Energy Technology Center (MassCEC) is issuing this Request for Proposals (RFP) to solicit bids from qualified vendors to provide Level 1 technical support services and limited Microsoft 365 operational support. MassCEC is transitioning to a governance-led hybrid IT operating model, where MassCEC retains internal IT leadership and employs its own on-site support technician. Under this model, the selected vendor will provide remote Level 1 ticket handling and Microsoft 365 support limited to user access, permissions, and service availability. This RFP does not seek full managed Microsoft 365 services or deep platform configuration.

Computer Science & Engineering Data Science & Digital Information Systems Technology Access & Digital Literacy

Medical Scientist Training Program (MSTP) (T32)

US Dept. of Health & Human Services: National Institutes of Health (NIH)
Federal Government
American Samoa, Guam +4 more
Unspecified amount
The Medical Scientist Training Program (MSTP) aims to cultivate a diverse group of physician-scientist leaders to address the nation's biomedical research needs. This program supports institutions in creating integrated dual-degree training that results in both medical and research doctorate degrees. By combining clinical practice with scientific research, MSTP graduates will advance health-related research, focusing on improving training effectiveness, alumni retention in research careers, and workforce diversity. NIGMS emphasizes comprehensive training elements for impactful careers.
Medical Education & Professional Training Science

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

AKN Family Scholarship

Arizona Community Foundation
Private
Arizona
Unspecified amount

Arizona Community Foundation

For more than four decades, the Arizona Community Foundation has worked in tandem with generous individuals, families, and organizations to address some of the biggest challenges facing our state.

Scholarships

In partnership with our generous donors, we award millions of dollars annually to help students achieve their educational goals. Through our online system, students complete one application and are matched with available scholarships, based on their eligibility requirements.

AKN Family Scholarship

The AKN Family Scholarship is a merit-based scholarship intended to support seniors graduating either from BASIS Charter Schools or Brophy College Preparatory (preferred, but not exclusive) whose college major will be a Humanities-related field.

Education - Higher Education Humanities & Social Science

The Monticello College Foundation Fellowship for Women

The Newberry Library
Association/Society
Cook County, Illinois
US $20,000 - US $45,000
The Monticello College Foundation Fellowship for Women, offered by The Newberry Library, supports pre-tenure women scholars aiming for future scholarly productivity. This fellowship provides a unique opportunity for research within a rich collection, fostering innovative projects that focus on women's studies. Recipients will benefit from an immersive experience in a collaborative academic environment. By prioritizing projects that effectively utilize the Newberry's extensive resources, this fellowship contributes significantly to advancing scholarship in various fields.
Gender Studies Humanities & Social Science

Jean E. Thomson Foundation Grant

Jean E. Thomson Foundation
Private
Hennepin County, Minnesota, King County, Washington +1 more
Unspecified amount
The Jean E. Thomson Foundation Grant supports Non-Profit Organizations in Tacoma, Seattle, and Minneapolis, focusing on Religious, Charitable, Scientific, Literary, or Educational initiatives. Applications are accepted until October 1st each year, with grants typically awarded at year-end. Established in 1999, the foundation honors its founder, Jean E. Thomson, and contributes to enhancing community health and advancing humanity through targeted support and research in human disease treatments.
Community Services Diseases & Conditions

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

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

Unrestricted Community Grants

Hamilton Community Foundation (Ohio)
Private
Butler County, Ohio
Unspecified amount
The Unrestricted Community Grants, provided by the Hamilton Community Foundation, empower local organizations to address various community needs. Since 1951, generous donors have contributed to the foundation's funds, enabling grants that foster impactful projects within the greater Hamilton, Ohio area. These grants are vital for supporting tax-exempt organizations classified as 501(c)(3) charities. Applications are accepted annually, with a focus on significant community impact, ensuring that resources are allocated effectively to enhance local services.
Community Services Economic Services & Development

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

Michael J. Colligan Fund Grants

Hamilton Community Foundation (Ohio)
Private
Butler County, Ohio
Unspecified amount
The Michael J. Colligan Fund, established by the Hamilton Community Foundation, honors veterans by providing financial support for bands in Memorial Day, Veterans Day, and Fourth of July parades. It also funds speakers on military topics and preserves historical memorabilia. This initiative reflects a commitment to patriotism and community pride, ensuring that the sacrifices of veterans are recognized and celebrated, while fostering civic engagement and remembrance within the community.
Community Services Military & Veterans Services

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

BHW Women in STEM Academic Scholarship

The BHW Group
Corporate
United States
US $3,000
The BHW Women in STEM Academic Scholarship is a new initiative by The BHW Group, aimed at supporting women pursuing degrees in science, technology, engineering, or mathematics. Eligible candidates must be enrolled in undergraduate or master's programs at universities in the United States. This scholarship emphasizes the importance of female representation in STEM fields and provides financial assistance directly to the winner's educational institution.
Engineering Mathematics Science +1 more

ISF Judicial Internship Scholarship

Islamic Scholarship Fund
Association/Society
United States
US $3,000
The ISF Judicial Internship Scholarship provides a $3,000 stipend for law students interning with judges for a minimum of 8 weeks. It aims to prepare American Muslim students for careers in public interest law by offering real-world courtroom experience. Eligible applicants include first and second-year law students who have received internship offers from judges or are ISF Law Scholarship recipients. Preference may be given to applicants not receiving other funding.
Public Policy Law

David M. Dolan Scholarship

International Association for Great Lakes Research
Association/Society
Canada, Illinois +7 more
US $3,000
The David M. Dolan Scholarship, offered by the International Association for Great Lakes Research, supports master's and Ph.D. students engaged in applied environmental statistics and modeling related to the Great Lakes. The scholarship provides a $3,000 award, complimentary conference registration, and IAGLR membership. Recipients must present their research at the annual IAGLR conference. Eligibility is limited to those whose research aligns with Dr. Dolan's work, and previous awardees are not eligible.
Mathematics Limnology

ISF Law Scholarship Program

Islamic Scholarship Fund
Association/Society
United States
US $5,000 - US $10,000
The ISF Law Scholarship Program, established by the Islamic Scholarship Fund, aims to improve access to justice for Muslims in America. Since 2009, it has provided scholarships ranging from $5,000 to $10,000 to support students in law and public interest fields. The program seeks to enhance American Muslim representation in policy-making and media, ensuring their voices are heard. Eligible applicants include full-time students or part-time students working in ISF-supported fields, maintaining a minimum GPA of 3.0.
Public Policy Law

Dr. C. D. Rao Memorial Scholarship

Austin Community Foundation
Private
United States
US $1,300

Dr. C. D. Rao Memorial Scholarship

Students pursuing engineering studies.

Awards

  • (2) $1,300.00
Engineering Education - Higher Education

South Georgia Legacy Fund Grant

Community Foundation of South Georgia
Private
Atkinson County, Georgia, Bacon County, Georgia +30 more
US $2,000 - US $5,000
The South Georgia Legacy Fund Grant, offered by the Community Foundation of South Georgia, aims to empower local nonprofits addressing community needs. Annually, it allocates $30,000 across grants ranging from $1,000 to $5,000. The fund prioritizes proposals that demonstrate a solid operational plan, community support, and leadership commitment. Eligible organizations must be 501(c)(3) tax-exempt entities based in the service area, excluding initiatives reliant on ongoing financial support from the Foundation.
Community Services Human & Social Services Community Development & Revitalization

Regional Impact Grants: Preston Community Fund

Community Foundation of Eastern Connecticut
Private
New London County, Connecticut
Unspecified amount
The Preston Community Fund, part of the Community Foundation of Eastern Connecticut, provides grants to support arts, culture, and social needs of Preston residents. It prioritizes projects that promote equity and social justice, encouraging collaboration with 501(c)(3) organizations and governmental agencies. Applicants must be charitable organizations or schools, and grants are not available for individuals or for-profit endeavors. The fund aims to foster innovative programs that benefit the community.
Art & Culture Human & Social Services Community Services

Wessington Springs Area Community Foundation Grant

South Dakota Community Foundation
Private
Jerauld County, South Dakota
Unspecified amount

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. 

Wessington Springs Area Community Foundation Grant

The WSACF is a donor supported organization dedicated to supporting and enriching the future of the Wessington Springs Community by providing financial support to community oriented organizations and projects.

Community Services Human & Social Services Community Development & Revitalization

Cholish Engineering Scholarship

Rochester Area Community Foundation
Private
Monroe County, New York
US $3,000

Cholish Engineering Scholarship

To provide financial aid to students pursuing engineering at Rochester Institute of Technology.

Number and Size of Awards

One award of $3,000; paid in one lump sum in the Fall and divided equally between the Fall and Spring semesters.

Allowed Use of Award

Awards may be used for tuition, fees, books, and other expenses associated with higher education. 

Engineering Education - Higher Education

ASEEES Dissertation Research Grant: Maya K. Peterson Dissertation Research Grant in Environmental Studies

Association for Slavic, East European, and Eurasian Studies (ASEEES)
Private
Albania, Armenia +27 more
Up to US $6,000
The ASEEES Dissertation Research Grant, named after Maya K. Peterson, supports doctoral research in Eastern Europe and Eurasia across various disciplines, with a maximum stipend of $6,000. This grant is available to graduate students who have achieved PhD candidacy and are ASEEES members. Applications are encouraged to explore diverse environmental studies topics and must commence research travel by January 31 of the following year. Note that funding excludes tuition and fees.
Humanities & Social Science Environment

Kimball Area Foundation Grant

South Dakota Community Foundation
Private
Brule County, South Dakota
Unspecified amount

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. 

Kimball Area Foundation Grant

The Kimball Area Foundation accepts charitable gifts and funds local nonprofits and community projects. Our volunteer board ensures every dollar goes where it's needed most right here!

The Kimball Area Foundation operates as a Community Savings Account (CSA) — a perpetual gift to this community. Funds are invested through the South Dakota Community Foundation, and 4.5% of the average value is granted back to local nonprofits each year. As the fund grows, so does our ability to make a lasting impact right here in the Kimball Area.

Community Services Human & Social Services Community Development & Revitalization

James W. Cooper Fellows

Connecticut Bar Foundation
Private
Connecticut
Unspecified amount
The James W. Cooper Fellows program, established by the Connecticut Bar Foundation, invites nominations for outstanding Connecticut lawyers, judges, and law educators to enhance understanding of the legal profession and justice administration. Selected nominees commit to a $2,500 pledge over ten years. The program aims to improve civil justice through various grants and initiatives, reinforcing the foundation's mission of equitable legal access and education in Connecticut.
Law Legal Services

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.