Search Through Small Grants for Nonprofits in the U.S.

Small Grants for Nonprofits in the United States

7,000+

Available grants

$3612.8M

Total funding amount

$30K

Median grant amount

Small grants for nonprofits provide funding to support community-driven projects, pilot initiatives, and operational needs. The following grants empower organizations to address localized challenges, foster innovation, and create meaningful impact with limited resources.


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Discover 7,000+ funding opportunities for small nonprofits, with $3612.8M available. Instrumentl streamlines the funding process with deadline tracking, grant search tools, and funder intelligence to support impactful community initiatives.

Last updated: August 4, 2025. Next update: October 5, 2025.

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Grant Insights : Small Grants for Nonprofits

Grant Availability

How common are grants in this category?

Quite common — grants in this category are more prevalent than in others.

7,000+ Small grants for nonprofits grants for nonprofits in the United States, from private foundations to corporations seeking to fund grants for nonprofits.

3,000+ Small grants for nonprofits over $25K in average grant size

2,000+ Small grants for nonprofits over $50K in average grant size

1,000+ Small grants for nonprofits supporting general operating expenses

5,000+ Small grants for nonprofits supporting programs / projects

2,000+ Grants on Instrumentl focused on Education

2,000+ Grants on Instrumentl focused on Youth Services

Grant Deadline Distribution

Over the past year, when are grant deadlines typically due for Small grants for Nonprofits?

Most grants are due in the first quarter.

Q1
29.6%
Q2
23.4%
Q3
23.0%
Q4
24.0%

Typical Funding Amounts

What's the typical grant amount funded for Small Grants for Nonprofits?

Grants are most commonly $30,000.

Min.
Median
Average
Max.

Frequently Asked Questions

What types of nonprofits can qualify for Small for Nonprofits grants?

Small grants are ideal for small and mid-sized nonprofits, community groups, and local initiatives. These grants usually support short-term projects, specific programs, or capacity-building efforts. Since smaller grants are more accessible than large-scale funding, they can be great for organizations that may not have extensive grant-writing experience or a long funding history.

Small grants typically have the highest concentration of deadlines in Q1, with 29.6% 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 Q3.

Why are Small for Nonprofits grants offered, and what do they aim to achieve?

The purpose of small grants is to provide support to nonprofits for specific projects. By helping smaller organizations grow their impact, small grants are seen as a stepping stone by funders, setting the stage for groups to secure larger funding in the future.

On average, small grants provide funding between $25 and $400,000,000, with typical awards falling around $30,000 (median) and $755,647 (average). These insights can help nonprofits align their funding requests with what grantmakers typically offer in this space.

Who typically funds Small for Nonprofits grants?

Small grants typically come from local community foundations, corporate giving programs, and government agencies that offer microgrants for specific initiatives. Community foundations often support projects that address local needs, while corporate programs may fund social impact efforts aligned with their brand. Government agencies also provide small-scale funding, especially for projects related to public health, education, and community development.

What strategies can nonprofits use to improve their success rate for Small for Nonprofits grants?

To improve the chances of getting small grants, applicants should:

  • Clearly define the problem and expected impact – Funders want to see exactly what challenge you’re tackling and how a short-term project can lead to immediate results.
  • Set realistic goals – Be reasonable about what you cane expect to achieve with your limited funding and align with the specific grant amount.
  • Build solid funder relationships – Connect with funders before and after applying to increase your application’s chances of success and open doors for future funding.
  • Apply for multiple small grants – Combining several small grants can create a funding stream that will allow for a larger overall impact.

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

How can Instrumentl simplify the grant application process for Small for Nonprofits grants?

Instrumentl simplifies the process of applying for small grants by offering an intuitive platform that helps nonprofits discover relevant funding opportunities, track deadlines, and analyze funder-giving patterns. The platform's automated alerts ensure users never miss a deadline, while detailed funder insights help organizations tailor their applications to align with grantor priorities.

See how Instrumentl helps you discover grants, cultivate relationships, and apply for funding.