15 best grants for nonprofits to apply for today

Each year, corporations donate $20B-$26B to nonprofits, and that number is only projected to continue rising. That’s a whole lot of money. 🤯

While corporate giving can come in many forms, corporate grants are often one of the most popular. But figuring out how to get your foot in the door—or even knowing which door to knock on first—can be tricky.

We’ll walk you through common types of grants for nonprofit organizations and share popular corporate grants you can apply for today. Plus, we’ve got additional resources for finding the right grant for your nonprofit and top tips for taking grant funding to the next level. 

Common types of grants for nonprofits

Each grantmaking institution and individual grant has its own requirements, stipulations, and deadlines, but most grants for nonprofits come from the following sources. Understanding what type of funding you’re applying for will help you better understand how to get grants for nonprofits.

Government grants 💼

Government grants come from your tax dollars and are handed out by federal, state, and local agencies. They typically offer larger funding amounts but require detailed applications and regular reporting to track your impact.

💛 Best for: All nonprofits addressing public needs and policy priorities

Foundation grants 🏛️

Foundation grants flow from generous individuals, families, or companies who've set aside money specifically to support causes they care about. Each foundation has unique priorities reflecting their passions, with application processes ranging from straightforward to complex. 

💛 Best for: Nonprofits with specific missions focused on diverse areas, including social services, healthcare, and the arts

Education grants 📚

Education grants fuel programs that help people learn and grow at every stage of life, from early childhood through adulthood. They focus on measurable learning outcomes and often value partnerships with educational institutions. 

💛 Best for: Organizations working on after-school programs, literacy initiatives, STEM education, and scholarships

Technology grants ⚡

Technology grants help you modernize your organization so you can focus more on your mission and less on outdated systems. They often include both funding and donated tech, sometimes with training to help your team adapt to new tools. 

💛 Best for: Organizations looking to upgrade software and hardware or implement new technologies to improve their efficiency and impact

Community grants 🏘️

Community grants for nonprofits support projects that directly improve neighborhoods and bring people together at the local level. They're often small grants for nonprofits, great for organizations where local knowledge and community involvement are valued as much as formal credentials. 

💛 Best for: Organizations involved in community development, neighborhood revitalization, social services, and cultural events

Operational grants 💪

Operational grants cover your essential day-to-day expenses like rent, utilities, and staff salaries so you can keep your doors open and your mission moving forward. With fewer restrictions than program-specific funding, they provide stability in your financial planning and allow you to focus on impact rather than constant fundraising. 

💛 Best for: Organizations in need of funding for staff salaries, rent, utilities, and other administrative costs

Unrestricted grants 💸

Unrestricted grants for nonprofits provide maximum flexibility, trusting you to decide where funds are most needed in your organization. Based on confidence in your leadership and proven impact, they allow you to respond quickly to emerging needs and try innovative approaches. 

💛 Best for: Organizations that require general support for their mission and the freedom to allocate funds where they are most needed

Corporate grants 🛍️

Corporate grants for nonprofits involve direct financial contributions or in-kind services from businesses, making them suitable for organizations looking to collaborate with corporations like Google, Microsoft, IBM, Coca-Cola, or Walmart for support in technology, community well-being, education, and more.

You’ve likely heard of a few of the big philanthropic institutions built on corporate fortunes like the Ford Foundation or the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation. Whether funds come directly or through the family foundation of its founder's heirs, the rise of corporate social responsibility means businesses of all kinds are giving back in big ways.

💛 Best for: Organizations whose missions align with company values or industry focus, nonprofits serving communities where the company operates, or organizations offering employee volunteer opportunities

Keep reading for popular corporate grants you can apply for today (and insight on the typical grant cycle for each). 

How to find the right grant for your organization

There are plenty of ways to find the right grant for your organization—even word of mouth can be helpful! But, if you want to supercharge your search, we recommend using some of these tools:

• Candid ⚒️ Formerly known as Foundation Directory Online, Candid is a popular grants database for nonprofits. Their powerful search tools allow you to filter potential funders by geographic focus, subject area, funding types, and recipient categories.
  
• Grants.gov ⚒️ This database serves as the centralized portal for all federal grant opportunities across government agencies. This free platform allows you to search, filter, and apply for thousands of federal funding opportunities.
  
• GrantStation ⚒️ GrantStation offers a curated approach to grant research, focusing on active grantmakers who are currently accepting applications. Their searchable database includes private foundations, corporate grantmakers, federal funding sources, and state-specific opportunities.
  
• Instrumentl ⚒️ Instrumentl’s comprehensive platform helps nonprofits discover grants, create proposals, and manage their grants—all in one place.
  

Get started

Win funds with our free grant proposal template →

15 popular organizations that give grants to nonprofits

1. Bank of America 🏦

The Bank of America Charitable Foundation focuses much of its grantmaking on programs related to housing, jobs, and ending hunger. 

In 2021, BofA announced a four-year, $1B initiative to fund economic mobility, healthcare, and racial equity. Since then, the company has been issuing requests for proposals twice a year. 

Check out the criteria and frequently asked questions to see if your nonprofit is a good fit.

2. Clif Bar 🏔️

Twice a year, the Clif Family Foundation awards grants to support the daily operating costs of grassroots organizations and specific projects. Applicants must meet two of their three funding priorities:

• Strengthen our food system
• Enhance equitable community health outcomes
• Safeguard our environment and natural resources

The deadlines to apply are March 1 and August 1.

3. Coca-Cola 🥤

The Coca-Cola Foundation offers community support through nonprofit grant opportunities and sponsorships for a wide variety of organizations, having donated $1.5B to charity since its inception. 

Just note that Coke does not fund initiatives focused heavily on nutrition and physical activity—at least they stay on brand!

4. Dick's Sporting Goods 🏀

It’s no surprise that Dick's Sporting Goods is a big supporter of youth sports programs. Dick's also helps cover the cost of athletic registration fees, equipment, and resources for teachers. 

Nonprofits and public schools can apply online for grants up to $25K, but eligibility requires a Dick's Sporting Goods store to be located in the local community.

5. GEICO 🐸

The GEICO Philanthropic Foundation awards grants to charities focused on education, community engagement, and diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI). Eligible nonprofits can request funding for the following year from October 1 through December 31.

6. Kroger 🥦

Kroger donates $300M every year through its charitable giving arms, including the Zero Hunger | Zero Waste Foundation. Its funding priorities include DEI, health, nutrition, hunger relief, and sustainability. 

You can read through their full guidelines and apply for a grant online.

7. State Farm 🏡

Jake from State Farm gives back! This insurance giant offers community-based grants through its Good Neighbor Citizenship program, supporting initiatives in safety, community development, and education. 

Currently, the grant application process is by invitation only, but you can submit your program for consideration on their website.

8. Walmart 😀

Three times a year, Walmart awards Spark Good Local Grants ranging from $250 - $5K to nonprofit initiatives that align with one of its four giving priorities:

• Creating opportunity
• Advancing sustainability
• Strengthening community
• Promoting racial equity

Organizations can submit up to 25 applications per year to fund various programs.

9. Wells Fargo 🏇

Wells Fargo offers grants to local and national nonprofits focused on financial health, housing affordability, small business growth, and sustainability, aiming to make a positive impact on these complex societal challenges. 

Even if you haven’t been invited to submit a proposal, your organization can submit a grant interest form.

10. Whole Foods 🥕

Whole Foods supports several charitable initiatives that fund community-based organizations working to expand access to healthy foods, provide nutrition and wellness programs for kids, and alleviate poverty in the United States and beyond.

Be sure to check out the Store Giving Program, which awards grants to local nonprofits through an application and voting process twice a year.

11. Apple 🍎

While this tech behemoth isn't fully transparent about its grant-making process, Apple has given hundreds of millions of dollars to local, national, and international nonprofit groups through programs like their Racial Equity and Justice Initiative.

The most promising funding option for many organizations is Apple’s Employee Giving program, which matches employee donations and provides monetary contributions for every hour an employee volunteers at a nonprofit.

Dive deeper

Explore the 10 largest companies that match donations →

12. Costco 🛒

Costco's charitable giving is centered on nonprofit programs that support children, education, and health and human services in communities where the wholesale giant has locations. Organizations can submit one funding application per fiscal year (September to August) on a rolling basis.

13. Home Depot 🟧

Through national partnerships, the Home Depot Foundation funds efforts to build and repair homes for veterans, aid communities recovering from natural disasters, and promote skilled trade workforce development.

The Veteran Housing Grants program, for example, awards grants totaling between $100K and $500K during two or three cycles each year. Nonprofits can apply directly through the foundation's website.

14. Microsoft 💻

Unlike other corporations on this list, Microsoft primarily supports nonprofits in the form of technology grants and discounts. The company's widely used nonprofit ad grant program is currently "paused," but nonprofit organizations, along with publicly funded libraries and museums, can still apply online to offset the cost of various cloud-based software.

15. John Deere 🚜

The John Deere Foundation partners with organizations like Habitat for Humanity, United Way, and One Acre Fund to support community development, education, and hunger relief. Its website highlights a few grant initiatives, including a STEM-based youth LEGO program. 

Nonprofits in John Deere's "home communities" can reach out directly to explore additional funding opportunities.

Take grant funding for nonprofits to the next level

Smart fundraising strategies tap into multiple revenue sources instead of relying solely on grants. While you're navigating the grant proposal writing process, Givebutter provides hundreds of online fundraising tools designed specifically for nonprofits like yours—completely free to set up and use.

Sign up for your free account today and discover how Givebutter can elevate your fundraising efforts as your organization grows. 🚀

FAQs: Top questions on corporate grants for nonprofits

How do nonprofits get grants?

To secure grant opportunities for nonprofits, start by identifying suitable opportunities, crafting compelling proposals, and demonstrating impact. Many foundations, government agencies, and corporations offer grants, but competition is high.

Freebie alert!

Download our free grant funders email outreach templates →

How do corporate grant opportunities work?

Corporate grants are typically awarded through application processes where nonprofits must demonstrate alignment with the company’s philanthropic goals. Some corporations have dedicated foundations, while others give directly through sponsorships or employee giving programs.

What is a corporate grant?

A corporate grant is financial support given by a business to a nonprofit as part of its corporate social responsibility (CSR) efforts. Companies provide these grants to support causes that align with their values while enhancing their community impact.

What is a corporate-based grant?

A corporate foundation grant is a financial contribution from a company to a nonprofit for a specific cause. These grants are often competitive and prioritize organizations that have a direct connection to the corporation’s industry or mission.

What is an operational grant?

Operating grants for nonprofit organizations, also known as general support grants, provide funding for a nonprofit’s core functions. Unlike project-based grants, these help nonprofits cover essential costs like rent, staff salaries, and administrative expenses, maintaining long-term stability.

What is the average grant for a nonprofit organization?

Grant amounts vary widely based on the funder and the nonprofit's needs. Small or mini grants for nonprofits may range from $5K to $25K, while larger foundation or government grants can exceed $500K. The average nonprofit grant is often between $10K and $100K.

What defines an unrestricted grant?

An unrestricted grant provides full financial flexibility, allowing nonprofits to allocate the funds as needed—whether for operational costs, program expansion, or unexpected expenses. It differs from a restricted grant, which imposes limitations on how the funds can be used.

What is the benefit of unrestricted grants?

Unrestricted grants give nonprofit organizations the autonomy to address urgent needs, sustain operations, and invest in long-term growth. They reduce financial strain and help organizations adapt to changing circumstances without restrictive spending rules.

How to get free grant money?

Grant money is often thought of as “free money for nonprofits.” While grants don’t need to be repaid, they do require ongoing effort to obtain. Nonprofits should research available opportunities, maintain a solid track record, and submit well-prepared applications. Networking with funders and using grant databases like Grants.gov and GrantStation can also help.