Grants for Nonprofits: How to Get Free Funding in 2025

Business grants can help fund your nonprofit’s growth without the need for repayment, unlike small-business loans. But, grants can be hard to find and qualify for, with lots of competition and time-consuming applications. Plus, nonprofits are often excluded from well-known business grant programs.

That said, the time and effort may be worth it if you can secure free funding. Start your search with these options from federal and state governments, charitable foundations and private companies.

What are grants for nonprofits?

A nonprofit grant is a sum of money awarded to a nonprofit organization that doesn’t need to be repaid.

Unlike standard small-business grants, nonprofit grants are often restricted. With a restricted grant, the awarding organization defines how it wants the money to be used, such as to fund research or support a particular project.

Some organizations may also require that your nonprofit meet certain conditions (e.g., following specific reporting procedures) before you can gain access to your funds.

Foundation grants for nonprofits

Foundations are nonprofit organizations that provide funding to other nonprofits. These organizations can be established by corporations, individuals or families, like the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation.

Walmart Foundation

• Amount: $250 to $5,000.

• Deadline: Quarterly; Dec. 31, 2025 for fourth quarter applications.

• Eligibility: 501(c)(3) nonprofits, schools, government entities and faith-based organizations serving their local communities.

• Apply: Via the Spark Good portal.

The Walmart Foundation supports local nonprofits focused on community improvement, education, diversity and inclusion, and public safety. Applicants must be verified through the Spark Good portal and Deed, and projects must directly benefit the community. Each organization can submit up to 25 applications per year.

W.K. Kellogg Foundation

• Amount: Based on project needs.

• Deadline: Rolling applications (most decisions within 60 business days).

• Eligibility: Nonprofits working toward thriving children, working families, and equitable communities.

• Apply: Register in Fluxx and submit a brief letter of inquiry (LOI). The foundation responds within 30 business days, and invited proposals are reviewed within about 60 days.

The W.K. Kellogg Foundation accepts applications year-round and funds programs that support children, families and communities, particularly in underserved areas.

Home Depot Foundation Veteran Housing Grants Program

• Amount: $100,000 to $500,000.

• Deadline: Rolling applications; final determinations made three times per year.

• Eligibility: U.S. 501(c)(3) nonprofits with at least five years of good-standing and a current operating budget of at least $300,000.

• Apply: Submit a proposal via The Home Depot Foundation’s online portal under the “Veteran Housing Grants” program.

The Home Depot Foundation administers a grant program specifically designed for nonprofits that work to create supportive housing for veterans. Eligible projects include new construction or rehabilitation of multifamily, permanent and supportive veteran housing facilities.

Although the foundation provides grants to nonprofits across the U.S. and Puerto Rico, it focuses on large cities (populations with over 300,000 people), including Los Angeles, New York City, Chicago, Houston and Detroit, among others.

» MORE: Business grants and loans for veterans

Ford Foundation

• Amount: Varies.

• Deadline: Varies by program.

• Eligibility: Nonprofits addressing the underlying drivers of inequality.

• Apply: Through the Ford Foundation’s current funding opportunities page.

The Ford Foundation supports organizations worldwide that challenge inequality and promote social justice. Applicants can browse open opportunities on the website.

Robert Wood Johnson Foundation

• Amount: Varies.

• Deadline: Varies by program.

• Eligibility: Nonprofits focused on achieving health equity.

• Apply: Via the foundation’s website.

If your nonprofit focuses on initiatives around achieving health equity, you may be eligible for a grant from the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation. The foundation posts open calls for proposal submissions on its website. Some have specific deadlines; while others are accepted on a rolling basis.

» MORE: Business loans and grants for people with disabilities

Her Village Grants

• Amount: Up to $100,000.

• Deadline: Next grantee will be selected in 2026.

• Eligibility: U.S. 501(c)(3) nonprofits supporting female entrepreneurs.

• Apply: Via the Boundless Futures Foundation Submittable portal.

Awarded by the Boundless Futures Foundation, this grant supports nonprofits that advance and strengthen women’s entrepreneurial resources, networks, access to capital and educational opportunities.

Bank of America Charitable Foundation

• Amount: Varies by proposal.

• Deadline: Closed June 2025. Dates for 2026 haven’t been announced.

• Eligibility: Nonprofits advancing economic mobility through workforce development, education and community development.

• Apply: Through the Bank of America Charitable Foundation’s online application portal.

Each year, Bank of America issues requests for grant proposals that address economic mobility in low- and moderate-income communities. Nonprofits must complete an eligibility quiz in order to access the application portal.

Silicon Valley Community Foundation

• Amount: Varies.

• Deadline: Request for proposals opens once per year; 2026 dates have not yet been announced.

• Eligibility: Nonprofits that service the Silicon Valley community.

• Apply: Via the foundation’s website.

Founded in 2007, the Silicon Valley Community Foundation focuses on equity in the Silicon Valley region. The foundation offers Community Action Grants that focus on early childhood development; financial stability and housing; and community partnerships. Eligible nonprofits can apply for grants via an open request for proposals (RFPs).

Clif Family Foundation Open Call Grants Program

• Amount: $5,000 to $50,000.

• Deadline: Twice annually (March 1 and August 1).

• Eligibility: U.S. grassroots nonprofits aligning with the foundation’s strategic areas (food systems, climate justice, inclusive access to outdoors).

• Apply: Via the Clif Family Foundation’s submittable portal.

The Clif Family Foundation, created by the founders of Clif Bar & Company, offers nonprofit grants to support small-to-midsize grassroots groups in local communities. In addition to its open call program, the foundation also offers grants by invitation only. These grants are awarded to nonprofits focused on food systems transformation and climate justice.

Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation

• Amount: Varies.

• Deadline: Mostly by invitation only, but RFPs may be posted on the website.

• Eligibility: U.S. 501(c)(3) organizations.

• Apply: By invitation or by submitting an RFP through the foundation’s website.

The Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation awards grants to nonprofits that work within the foundation's funding priorities, namely fighting poverty, disease and inequity globally. The majority of grant proposals are made by invitation, but the foundation also occasionally publishes RFPs. You can check the website for current RFPs.

Carnegie Corporation

• Amount: Varies by project.

• Deadline: By invitation only.

• Eligibility: Nonprofits focused on education, democracy and international peace and security.

• Apply: By invitation only.

The Carnegie Corporation of New York does not accept grant applications; proposals are by invitation only. Corporation program officers identify organizations that can implement projects designed to help the foundation achieve its programmatic goals.

Coca‑Cola Foundation

• Amount: Varies.

• Deadline: By invitation only.

• Eligibility: Nonprofits working on clean water, economic empowerment, climate resilience or disaster preparedness.

• Apply: By invitation only.

The Coca-Cola Foundation funds community initiatives that help address pressing global challenges. The foundation awards over 200 grants per year.

» MORE: How to get farm grants for your agricultural business

Corporate grants for nonprofits

Many corporations and large companies, like Google and Amazon, issue grants for nonprofits. These programs may offer general financial support, fund individual projects or provide free access to nonprofit tools and services.

Intuit QuickBooks and Mailchimp Small Business Hero Program

• Amount: $20,000.

• Deadline: Four phases; phase two closes on Nov. 14, 2025.

• Eligibility: U.S.-based 501(c) (3) organizations that have been operating for at least one year and have no more than 99 employees.

• Apply: Nominations can be submitted through the Intuit website; must be nominated by someone other than the business owner.

This grant program awards funding to both for-profit and nonprofit businesses in local communities. Winners also receive free services and social media posts from Intuit and Mailchimp. Nominations must explain how the company shows courage, perserverance and integrity while making a positive impact in your community.

Yippity Doo Nonprofit Grant

• Amount: $1,000.

• Deadline: Rolling; grants awarded every other month.

• Eligibility: U.S.-based 501(c) (3) organizations that are at least 50% owned and run by women.

• Apply: Via the Yippity Doo website; $15 application fee.

Female-owned nonprofits can apply this microgrant and use it for any business purpose. Winners also receive access to expert coaching, networking opportunities and a free e-book.

» MORE: Small-business grants for women

Google Ad Grants

• Amount: Up to $10,000 per month in Google search ads credit.

• Deadline: Rolling applications.

• Eligibility: Registered nonprofit charitable organization in good standing.

• Apply: Via Google for Nonprofits portal.

Nonprofits can use Google search ads to support marketing efforts, attract donors and recruit volunteers. To apply, you must register for a Google for Nonprofits account. Google for Nonprofits offers access to Google products at no charge.

Through this product, your organization can use Google Workspace for Nonprofits (which includes Gmail, Google Docs, Google Calendar and Google Meet), Google Ad Grants, YouTube Nonprofit Program and the Google Maps Platform.

» MORE: Best small-business apps

The Audacious Project

• Amount: Varies.

• Deadline: Rolling applications.

• Eligibility: Nonprofits that propose transformative ideas with clear outcomes and established support; must have an annual operating budget of $2 million or more.

• Apply: Complete the brief survey on the Audacious Project site; selected candidates invited to full application.

The Audacious Project, an initiative of TED, helps connect a variety of nonprofit organizations with donors and supporters, who offer grant funding on an annual basis.

To qualify for this program, your nonprofit organization must propose an idea that both inspires and convinces. Eligible ideas should show a transformative vision, help create a better world and have clear outcomes, as well as established support.

Amazon Web Services (AWS) Imagine Grants

• Amount:

  • Go Further, Faster Award: Up to $150,000 and up to $100,000 in AWS credits.

  • Momentum to Modernize Award: Up to $50,000 and up to $20,000 in AWS credits.

  • Pathfinder – Generative AI Award: Up to $200,000 and up to $100,000 in AWS credits.

• Deadline: Currently closed; 2026 dates have not yet been announced.

• Eligibility: U.S.-based 501(c) nonprofits who are using cloud technology to accelerate their missions.

• Apply: Via the AWS Imagine Grants portal.

Amazon offers three annual technology grants for nonprofits through its AWS Amazon Imagine Grant program.The first grant — the Go Further, Faster Award — is given to innovative nonprofit projects that leverage the cloud. The second grant — the Momentum to Modernize Award — offers funding to help nonprofit organizations enhance their operations through technology. The third grant — the Pathfinder – Generative AI Award — provides support to innovative projects that leverage generative AI.

In addition to the unrestricted funds and AWS credits, each winner also receives project implementation guidance from AWS technical specialists, access to AWS training and support and an opportunity for AWS marketing promotion.

Zendesk Tech for Good Impact Awards

• Amount: $5,000 to $50,000.

• Deadline: Closed on Aug. 15, 2025; 2026 dates have not yet been announced.

• Eligibility: U.S. nonprofit organizations whose mission or project helps foster community, promote resilience in a time of crisis or create career pathways into technology.

• Apply: Via the Zendesk Tech for Good portal.

The software company Zendesk provides free software and multiple nonprofit grants through its Tech for Good Impact Awards program. Current Zendesk customers are not eligible and nonprofits must be able to show how the Zendesk software will support their external project goals.

NBCUniversal Local Impact Grants

• Amount: Varies based on organization’s expenses.

• Deadline: Closed April 11, 2025; 2026 dates have not yet been announced.

• Eligibility: 501(c)(3) nonprofits in operation at least one year, expenses between $100,000 and $1 million, revenue above $100,000; focus on youth education and empowerment, next generation storytellers or community engagement.

• Apply: Via Local Impact Grants website.

In 2025, NBCUniversal awarded $2.5 million to nonprofit organizations in 11 NBC- and Telemundo-owned television station markets. To qualify, nonprofits must have expenses between $100,000 and $1 million. Grant awards are not more than 30% of an organization’s total expenses.

Kubota Hometown Proud Grant Program

• Amount: $50,000 ($25,000 in cash and $25,000 in Kubota equipment).

• Deadline: Currently closed; 2026 dates have not yet been announced.

• Eligibility: 501(c)(3) nonprofits; project must be within 50-mile radius of an authorized Kubota dealer.

• Apply: Via the Kubota Hometown Proud website.

The Kubota Hometown Proud grant program provides business grants to nonprofits that need funding for community projects. Eligible projects include building agricultural education centers, revitalizing community gardens and creating all-access parks, among other ideas.

Big Sea Wavemakers Grant

• Amount: $30,000 worth of marketing services.

• Deadline: Currently closed; 2026 dates have not yet been announced.

• Eligibility: Purpose-driven nonprofits seeking marketing and branding support.

• Apply: Via the Big Sea website.

The Big Sea Wavemakers Grant provides free marketing services to help nonprofits develop or refine a website, messaging, collateral, branding, or simply to grow your organization's reach. You can sign up on the Big Sea website to be notified when applications open for 2026.

State Farm Good Neighbor Citizenship Company Grants

• Amount: Varies by grant type.

• Deadline: By invitation-only once per year.

• Eligibility: Nonprofits aligned with one of three areas: home/auto safety and disaster preparedness; community development (housing, job training, financial literacy); or education (K-12 academic performance, higher education access).

• Apply: By invitation-only. 

State Farm supports nonprofits that build safer and stronger communities through targeted, issue-area grants. Although applications are invitation-only, you can submit a funding request through a form on the State Farm website if you think your nonprofit has a qualifying project.

Wells Fargo nonprofit grants

• Amount: Varies.

• Deadline: By invitation-only.

• Eligibility: Nonprofits aligned with Wells Fargo’s funding priorities: financial health, housing affordability and small business growth.

• Apply: Via Wells Fargo online application portal.

Through its community giving initiative, Wells Fargo offers grants to both national and local nonprofit organizations. Although the company mostly accepts grant applications through an invitation process, nonprofits who think they fit the necessary criteria can also submit a grant interest form through Wells Fargo’s website.

Government grants for nonprofits

Nonprofits can receive grants from the government at the federal, state and local level. Here are some options to consider.

Grants.gov

Grants.gov is a database of federally sponsored grants operated and maintained by the U.S. Office of Management and Budget. You can use this database to browse grants issued by over 25 government agencies — and you can even filter specifically for nonprofit funding opportunities.

To get one of these nonprofit grants, you must create an account with Grants.gov, and complete and submit an application. These federal grants tend to have unique qualification requirements, so you’ll want to read through all of the information and confirm you’re eligible before applying.

National Endowment for the Arts

The National Endowment for the Arts (NEA) is an independent federal agency that offers arts grants for nonprofits. The organization funds nonprofit arts organizations across the country, providing approximately 2,300 grants annually.

There are a variety of NEA grant options, designed for both small and larger organizations. The Challenge America grant, for example, supports small nonprofits in their efforts to bring arts programs to underserved communities. Grants are set at $10,000 and require a match of cash or contributions.

You can review details about these arts grants on the NEA website and apply on Grants.gov.

Economic Development Administration

The Economic Development Administration provides grant resources and houses the Economic Development Directory to help you search for funding opportunities in your state or city.

In New York, for example, you can browse available nonprofit and small-business grants through the Economic Development District website that services your location (e.g., central New York, Hudson Valley, Capital District).

Grant databases

You can also use grant databases, like GrantWatch and GrantFinder, to identify federal, state and local opportunities for your nonprofit organization. These types of databases allow you to search and apply for grants all in one place. However, some options require a paid subscription to access everything its platform has to offer.

How to find grants for nonprofits

Finding nonprofit grants can be time-consuming — and applications are often competitive. However, if you devote the necessary time and effort, you may be able to secure free funds for your organization.

Use these five steps to get started.

1. Review your mission

Start by reviewing your nonprofit’s mission and what the organization hopes to achieve. Understanding your mission and goals will help you target the right grantmakers and create a compelling grant proposal.

2. Refine your search with keywords

Although there are many grants available for nonprofits, not all of them will apply to your organization. Streamline your research process by searching with the right keywords.

Focus your grant search using keywords that relate to your mission, goals and specific project.

For example, if you’re looking to fund a clean water project, you might include words like “environment,” “sustainability” or “sanitation” in your search.

3. Narrow down based on location

Location can also help you find suitable grants for your nonprofit. Many community groups offer nonprofit grants specifically to organizations within their state, city or local area.

Your state or local government may issue nonprofit grants as well. It can be helpful to add your location to your online search keywords or go directly to local government sites to see what opportunities may be listed.

4. Look for organizations with similar values

A foundation or company that has similar values to your nonprofit may offer grants that are well suited to your funding needs.

For example, if your nonprofit focuses on supporting youth in sports, you might look for other organizations that do the same. If one of these companies offers a grant program, you may be more likely to qualify.

5. Consider hiring a grant writer

Professional grant writers can provide expertise to help you through the search and application process. These writers maintain relationships with foundations and other companies in their area, which allows them to recommend grant options that are suitable for your nonprofit.

Grant writers draft and refine grant proposals, keep track of eligibility requirements and manage deadlines. Using a grant writer will also free up time for your staff and volunteers to work on other projects.