Best Large Grants for Nonprofit Organizations

Nonprofits eligible for large grants typically have a proven track record of success and are ready to take on big projects with a lot of financial backing. Organizations with solid programs, strong financial management, and the ability to show long-term impact tend to receive these types of grants. Nonprofits working on large-scale initiatives in areas like healthcare, education, the environment, or economic growth are often prioritized. It’s important to show that your organization can handle the size of the project and funds required.

Based on Instrumentl’s live grant database for large grants, grant deadlines are most common in Q1, accounting for 29.8% of all submission dates. The slowest period for new grant opportunities in this category falls in Q4, making it a less competitive time for preparation and strategic planning.

Large grants exist to support projects that need significant financial resources. Funders want to invest in initiatives that lead to long-term impact, often focusing on areas like public health, education, climate action, and economic growth. The goal is to support projects that have the potential for wide reach, solve big problems, and continue making a difference long after initial funding runs out. Large grants focus on creating long-lasting, sustainable solutions.

Funding for large grants 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.

Large grants are most commonly funded by government agencies, major foundations, and large corporate programs. Government agencies provide funding for public service projects in areas like healthcare, education, and infrastructure. Major foundations like the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation and the Ford Foundation offer grants for projects focused on systemic change and social impact. Corporations also support large initiatives, especially those aligned with their corporate social responsibility (CSR) goals.

To improve the chances of receiving large grants, nonprofits should:

• Create a detailed proposal – Make sure your proposal clearly outlines the project plan, timeline, and measurable results you expect to achieve.
• Highlight past achievements – Give examples of how your organization has managed similar projects in the past and made a lasting difference.
• Build partnerships – Collaborate with organizations or businesses that can help boost your project’s success and impact.
• Have a clear long-term funding plan – Prove how you’ll sustain the project after initial grant funds run out, whether through partnerships, revenue, or other sources.

Need help writing a strong funding request? Follow our step-by-step guide to crafting compelling grant proposals.