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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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32,382 Results based on applied filters

Scholarship for Engineering Education (SEE)

Georgia Student Finance Commission (GSFC)
State/Local Government
Bibb County, Georgia
More than US $3,500
The Scholarship for Engineering Education (SEE) offers financial assistance of up to $17,500 for Georgia residents pursuing an ABET-approved engineering program at Mercer University. Applicants must be full-time students, have a minimum GPA of 2.5, and agree to work in Georgia post-graduation or repay the loan. This initiative aims to increase the number of qualified engineers in Georgia and support students in achieving their educational goals.
Engineering Education - Higher Education

Judge Paul Rosenblatt 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.

Judge Paul Rosenblatt Scholarship

The Judge Paul Rosenblatt Scholarship is open to any law student at the University of Arizona from Yavapai County.

Education - Higher Education Law

Graduate Student Conference Support Fund

American Society for Eighteenth-Century Studies
Association/Society
United States
Unspecified amount
The Graduate Student Conference Support Fund, provided by the American Society for Eighteenth-Century Studies, aims to assist ABDs and recent PhDs in attending the Annual Meeting. This fund offers free or reduced registration for eligible students. Each year, the number of awards depends on contributions to the fund. Membership in ASECS is required for eligibility, and only one award can be granted to each recipient, ensuring broad access to this valuable support.
Humanities & Social Science Writing & Literature

Nassau Boces Educational Foundation Grant

Nassau Boces Educational Foundation Inc
Private
Nassau County, New York
US $150 - US $13,000
The Nassau BOCES Educational Foundation Grant aims to enhance educational experiences for Nassau BOCES students by funding innovative projects that extend beyond standard operating budgets. Educators are encouraged to submit creative proposals that align with best practices in teaching and learning. The foundation prioritizes initiatives that can positively impact a broad student base, fostering a culture of excellence and lifelong learning within the community.
Academic Success & Enrichment

Robert J. Glaser Distinguished Teacher Award

Alpha Omega Alpha Honor Medical Society
Private
United States
More than US $7,500

Alpha Omega Alpha Honor Medical Society

Alpha Omega Alpha, founded in 1902, is the national medical honor society. Its mission is:

Alpha Omega Alpha — dedicated to the belief that in the profession of medicine we will improve care for all by:

  • recognizing high educational achievement;
  • honoring gifted teaching;
  • encouraging the development of leaders in academia and the community;
  • supporting the ideals of humanism; and
  • promoting service to others.

Robert J. Glaser Distinguished Teacher Award

The Alpha Omega Alpha (AΩA) Robert J. Glaser Distinguished Teacher Awards were established by the AΩA Honor Medical Society in partnership with the Association of American Medical Colleges (AAMC) in 1988 to provide national recognition to medical school faculty who have distinguished themselves in medical student education.

The award annually recognizes four faculty members -basic science and preclinical and clinical disciplines- at LCME-accredited medical schools. Each year, in collaboration with the Association of American Medical Colleges, AΩA presents this award to four outstanding teachers nominated from medical schools in the United States and Canada. 

Past recipients of the award have developed medical education programs and materials widely adopted in medical school curricula. 

The recipients are recognized at an annual virtual AAMC Awards Recognition Event.

The Award

Recipients each receive a $7,500 award. Each recipient’s nominating institution will receive $2,500 for teaching activities. If a school has an AΩA Chapter, $1,000 will be awarded to the Chapter.

Medical Education & Professional Training

Christopher Day Memorial Scholarship

Crown Point Community Foundation
Private
United States
Unspecified amount
The Christopher Day Memorial Scholarship is offered by the Crown Point Community Foundation to support graduating high school seniors pursuing a degree in Culinary Arts. Applicants must be accepted into an accredited program. This non-renewable scholarship aims to assist students with financial needs while encouraging involvement in the ProStart program. The foundation manages over 80 scholarship funds, ensuring that community-driven financial support is directed to those who meet specific criteria.
Education - Higher Education Culinary Arts

Barlow Enterprises Charitable and Educational Fund

Community Foundation of Central Wisconsin
Private
Portage County, Wisconsin
Unspecified amount

The Community Foundation proudly supports students in Portage and Waushara counties with over $325,000 in scholarships annually, thanks to the generosity of local individuals and families. Award amounts range from $500 to $40,000, opening doors to educational opportunities.

The Community Foundation provides scholarships for a wide range of students, including high school seniors, college students, non-traditional learners, and those pursuing specific fields of study.

Barlow Enterprises Charitable and Educational Fund

Criteria for Selection:

  • Be a student employee at the Bill’s Pizza division of Barlow Enterprises.
Education - Higher Education

Women’s and Girls’ Fund Grant

Kern Community Foundation
Private
Kern County, California
Up to US $25,000
The Women’s and Girls’ Fund Grant, supported by Kern Community Foundation, aims to empower women and girls in Kern County through educational initiatives. With at least $80,000 allocated for 2024, the fund prioritizes requests that enhance educational attainment and address critical needs. The focus for 2021-2025 is Education, promoting awareness and advocacy among women to foster positive social change. This grant encourages long-term solutions to societal challenges faced by women and girls in the community.
Women & Girl Services

Harry W. Clarke Memorial Scholarship Programs – Harry W. Clarke Award

The Community Foundation of Western North Carolina
Private
Alexander County, North Carolina, Alleghany County, North Carolina +27 more
Up to US $6,000
The Harry W. Clarke Award honors the legacy of Harry Wilson Clarke, a pivotal figure in educational advancement in Western North Carolina. Established in 1987, this scholarship supports graduating seniors from 29 counties, including the Qualla Boundary, who aspire to attend a four-year college in North Carolina. With a commitment to fostering local talent, the Community Foundation of Western North Carolina has awarded over $456 million in scholarships, reflecting its dedication to educational opportunities in the region.
Academic Scholarship Programs

Senior Living Initiative Grant Program

Community Foundation of St. Joseph County
Private
St. Joseph County, Indiana
Unspecified amount
The Senior Living Initiative Grant Program aims to enhance the well-being of seniors in St. Joseph County by funding essential services and housing initiatives. This program focuses on fostering independence, safety, and community engagement, prioritizing vulnerable seniors in need. Grants will support innovative ideas and effective resource use to address current and future needs in senior care, making St. Joseph County a leader in meeting its aging population's demands.
Senior Services

San Diego Kiwanis Club Foundation - Community Impact Grant

San Diego Kiwanis Club Foundation Inc
Private
Mexico, San Diego County, California
US $5,000 - US $50,000

San Diego Kiwanis Club Foundation, Inc.

Mission

The Kiwanis Club of San Diego works in concert with the San Diego Kiwanis Club Foundation, Inc. (the ‘Foundation’). The Foundation is a 501(c)(3) foundation incorporated in California that annually provides more than $250,000 to projects and organizations in the community.

The primary purpose of the San Diego Kiwanis Club Foundation is to provide a means for members and others to provide charitable contributions and to ensure those contributions are utilized in accordance with the Foundation’s guidelines as well as state and federal law.

The Kiwanis San Diego and San Diego Kiwanis Club Foundation are providing Community Impact Grants ranging from $5,000 to $50,000 for nonprofit organizations in the San Diego region with specific projects and programs focused on youth.

Youth Services Nonprofit Growth & Development

Paraprofessional to Teacher Reimbursement Grant- Round 4

Georgia Department of Education
State/Local Government
Georgia (US state)
Up to US $5,000
The Paraprofessional to Teacher Reimbursement Grant, Round 3, offered by the Georgia Department of Education, aims to recruit teachers within local educational agencies and GNETS programs in Georgia. This initiative provides financial assistance to paraprofessionals who are pursuing their teaching certification through the Georgia Teacher Academy for Preparation Pedagogy Program (GaTAPP), thereby enhancing the workforce of qualified educators in the state.
Teacher Development & Training

Delta Dental of Oklahoma Grants

Delta Dental of Oklahoma Foundation
Private
Oklahoma
Unspecified amount
The Delta Dental of Oklahoma Foundation aims to enhance the oral health of Oklahomans by providing grants for dental care access, education, and research. Funding is focused on nonprofit organizations, educational institutions, and government agencies that develop programs for underserved populations. The Foundation prioritizes projects that are free or low-cost, support volunteer dental professionals, and demonstrate significant community impact. Notably, grants cannot be used to compensate dental professionals or fund new clinic operatories unless under exceptional circumstances.
Dental Health

General Fund Scholarships

The SPC Cares Foundation
Association/Society
North Carolina, South Carolina
US $1,000

The SPC Cares Foundation

The SPC Cares Foundation was established in 2024 as a way for SPC Credit Union to strategically support four key development issues identified within our community: Hunger, Housing, Employment, & Education. The Foundation supports our local communities through monetary donations, in-kind donation drives, and volunteerism.

General Fund Scholarships

These funds are provided by the Carolinas Credit Union Foundation. Scholarships are available to Members of any credit union in North and South Carolina. Both academic and need-based scholarships for all levels of higher education are awarded, including technical and community college scholarships.

Education - Higher Education

Small Grants

Community Foundation of Howard County
Private
Carroll County, Indiana, Clinton County, Indiana +1 more
Up to US $5,000
The Small Grants program, administered by the Community Foundation of Howard County, offers funding for one-time opportunities and short-term crises. Grants up to $5,000 are available on a rolling basis, emphasizing emergency requests. Organizations may receive only one grant per year, ensuring that funds support projects with high community visibility and responsible financial management. This initiative aims to address immediate needs while promoting sustainability in local nonprofits.
Disaster Relief / Humanitarian Aid

A.C. “Kate” & Leo Joseph Merlone Teaching Scholarship

Saginaw Community Foundation
Private
Michigan
Unspecified amount

Scholarships

Since awarding our first $500 scholarship in 1987, the Saginaw Community Foundation has awarded college scholarships to area students totaling more than $13.7 million, thanks to our generous donors. Each year, over 500 college-bound or career and technical education students benefit from our scholarship awards.

Our single application process makes it easy to potentially qualify for one or more of our 260+ scholarships.

A.C. “Kate” & Leo Joseph Merlone Teaching Scholarship

Kate and Leo Merlone understood the value of education, both in formal academia and through any media that would expand a person’s mental horizons.

Commitments to family obligations in their youth did not allow them to continue their formal education to the extent that they had desired. Instead, throughout their lives, they chose self education through books, travel, museums, volunteer involvement in the community and always good conversations.

They passed on this message of self education to their children, even as they encouraged them to pursue a higher education. Their strong work ethic and efforts to constantly improve themselves have been a wonderful example for their children and grandchildren.

The A.C. “Kate” & Leo Joseph Merlone Scholarship is a way to continue their desire for education and for being educators to their family and to the community in which they spent their lives.

Education - Higher Education

Dog Field Trips/Short-Term Fostering Grant

Petfinder Foundation
Private
Canada, United States
US $500 - US $1,000
The Dog Field Trips/Short-Term Fostering Grant from the Petfinder Foundation aims to support organizations in purchasing essential supplies for short-term foster and dog field-trip programs. Grants ranging from $500 to $1000 are awarded monthly until funds are depleted. Eligible organizations must be Petfinder members in good standing, provide contact information, and submit a grant report post-funding. This initiative helps ensure that adoptable pets do not face euthanasia due to a lack of resources.
Animal Welfare - Domestic Animals & Pets

William H. Young and Dorothy Young Mixer Field of Interest Fund

Grand Haven Area Community Foundation
Private
Ottawa County, Michigan
Unspecified amount
The William H. Young and Dorothy Young Mixer Field of Interest Fund, managed by the Grand Haven Area Community Foundation, aims to enhance the natural beauty of the Grand Haven area. Grants support projects focused on improving public natural settings and facilities. Eligible applicants include 501(c)(3) organizations, government units, and educational institutions serving Northwest Ottawa County and greater West Michigan, provided they address the foundation’s sustainability priorities.
Greening & Beautification

Heritage Barn Grants

Department of Archaeology & Historic Preservation
State/Local Government
Washington
Up to US $75,000

Established in 2007 with the enactment of Substitute House Bill 2115, the Initiative is aimed at recognizing and preserving significant historic resources related to the agricultural heritage of Washington. These goals are achieved in two ways: through the creation of the Washington State Heritage Barn Register and the appropriation of matching funds to assist with the emergency stabilization and rehabilitation of barns and associated significant agricultural buildings.

Historic Preservation

L. George Pauze Scholarship

Grays Harbor Community Foundation
Private
United States
Unspecified amount

Grays Harbor Community Foundation

Established in 1994, Grays Harbor Community Foundation is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit that is known in our community for giving grants to other nonprofits in Grays Harbor County and for scholarships for Grays Harbor youth, but that is not our business.

Our real business is helping people, families, groups, and businesses be philanthropic or charitable. We provide the administrative and investment management services that make it easy for donors to be involved at whatever level they wish, and to accomplish their charitable goals with their tax deductible donations that improve the quality of life in Grays Harbor.

Scholarships

The Grays Harbor Community Foundation awards scholarships to local students for education after high school. The emphasis is on undergraduate studies at any two or four year college or university and vocational/technical programs leading to a license or certification.

Students submit only one application. When selected, the recipient is matched to the criteria of an individual scholarship by the scholarship review committee.

L. George Pauze Scholarship

The L. George Pauze Scholarship is new to the Community Foundation, but has been in existence since the 1970s. In January of 1970, Pauze announced the L. George Pauze Scholarship for a graduate of Hoquiam High School he had established with the help of his friends and attorneys, Omar Parker and George G. Wandel. Mr. Pauze came from Montreal to Grays Harbor in 1907. After years of hard work and ingenuity, he was able to maneuver himself into the ownership of a thriving lumber mill. George said: “You know, I didn’t have a chance to go to college, and I always missed it…I might have done even better if I’d had the opportunity to go. Actually, education is much more important now than in my day.” The law firm of Parker, Johnson, Parker (now Parker, Winkelman) has administered the Trust established that day, awarding at least one scholarship each year. The Gray Harbor Community Foundation is proud to now administer the scholarship to continue this tradition in perpetuity, and honor this “true gentleman.”

Education - Higher Education

Harry W. Clarke Memorial Scholarship Programs – William A. Hart Award

The Community Foundation of Western North Carolina
Private
Alexander County, North Carolina, Alleghany County, North Carolina +27 more
US $1,000
The Harry W. Clarke Memorial Scholarship Programs, established by friends to honor Harry Clarke's commitment to education, offers renewable scholarships for graduating seniors from public high schools in 29 westernmost counties of North Carolina. This initiative promotes access to accredited two-year community colleges for students, including those from specific academies and home schools. The Community Foundation of Western North Carolina, established in 1978, manages substantial assets to support educational opportunities and charitable endeavors in the region.
Academic Scholarship Programs

Survey and Planning Grants : Planning and Pre-Development Projects

Connecticut Department of Economic and Community Development
State/Local Government
Connecticut
US $5,000 - US $20,000
The Survey and Planning Grants program, managed by the Connecticut Department of Economic and Community Development, offers funding ranging from $1,000 to $20,000 for various historic preservation projects. Eligible activities include historic designation reports, municipal preservation planning, and pre-development studies. Applications can be submitted anytime, and grants are awarded during monthly meetings of the Historic Preservation Council. It is essential to contact the funder to discuss project eligibility and funding availability before applying.
Historic Preservation

Emma A. Sheafer Charitable Trust Grant

Emma A. Sheafer Charitable Trust
Private
Bronx County, New York, Kings County, New York +3 more
US $15,000 - US $30,000
The Emma A. Sheafer Charitable Trust supports capacity-building for performing arts organizations in New York City. In 2024, theater organizations are eligible to apply for grants ranging from $15,000 to $30,000 annually, aimed at enhancing operational efficiency and undertaking small-scale capital projects. Eligible applicants must be IRS-designated public charities with budgets under $1 million. This initiative fosters arts diversity, encouraging organizations to align their applications with the designated focus area each year.
Performing Arts

Maxine Sprague Lahti Foundation for the Performing Arts Grant (Michigan)

Maxine Sprague Lahti Foundation for the Performing Arts
Private
Monroe County, Michigan
Unspecified amount
The Maxine Sprague Lahti Foundation for the Performing Arts Grant supports organizations and individuals in Monroe County, Michigan, to enhance performing arts. The foundation prioritizes projects that provide year-round programming, reflect social missions, address community needs, and benefit underserved populations. Eligible applicants must be established for at least one year and demonstrate a public performance. The foundation does not support general operating costs, pilot programs, or for-profit entities.
Performing Arts

Otis Dreams of Books Scholarship

Community Foundation of East Mississippi Inc.
Private
United States
US $1,000

Community Foundation of East Mississippi

With over 40 years of dedicated service, the Community Foundation of East Mississippi (CFEM) is committed to fostering charitable giving that connects generous individuals, families, and businesses to meaningful causes.

Mission: A catalyst for charitable giving where civic-minded individuals, families, and businesses achieve philanthropic goals. We bridge resources and needs to enhance the dynamic communities we serve.

Otis Dreams of Books Scholarship

This scholarship was established to honor the memory of Otis Douglas, who had a lifelong love of reading and learning. Many nights, Otis would fall asleep reading his daughter’s schoolbooks. He was unable to finish his own high school education, and this gave him the deepest appreciation for learning. Our hope for this scholarship is to honor his legacy by fostering a love of learning and reading in students pursuing their college education. 

Education - Higher Education

Dianne E. H. Wilcox Scholarship Fund

Community Foundation Serving Western Virginia
Private
Virginia
More than US $1,000

Community Foundation Serving Western Virginia

Community Foundation Serving Western Virginia, the region’s community foundation, administers a variety of scholarships to reward and assist capable and deserving students based on the criteria established by the fund donors.

Dianne E. H. Wilcox Scholarship Fund

Fund provides higher education scholarship assistance to students pursuing an undergraduate, graduate, or doctoral degree

Academic Scholarship Programs

Detroit Economic Club Scholarship Program

Community Foundation for Southeast Michigan
Private
United States
US $2,000
The Detroit Economic Club Scholarship Program provides financial assistance to students from Detroit and surrounding counties pursuing undergraduate education. Each year, two renewable scholarships of $2,000 are awarded to incoming college freshmen. Recipients can reapply for up to three additional years. The program is supported by the Detroit Economic Club Education Endowment Fund, dedicated to helping local students achieve their educational goals. For more information, visit the FAQs on the Community Foundation for Southeast Michigan's website.
Academic Scholarship Programs

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.