List Of 50 Foundations That Give Grants To Nonprofit Organizations

Fundraising for nonprofits - There can’t be a bigger challenge than this!

For nonprofits, trying to secure funds is like a never-ending mission. They have to look at multiple streams to fund their causes. From setting up an online donation page to seeking personal meetings with corporate houses, from implementing fundraising ideas to holding events, there are thousands of ways in which nonprofits can raise money. 

One way is by seeking funds from entities that provide financial and in-kind support for charitable initiatives. 

In this blog, we list the different types of organizations that fund nonprofits. 

Top funding sources for nonprofit organizations

In the United States, various types of entities are always ready to provide support to nonprofit organizations. Here are some common types of funding sources for nonprofits.

Government agencies

The governmental agencies at the federal, state, and local levels provide funds for initiatives in education, research, community development, and social services.

Federal government

The U.S. federal government provides funding, especially, for projects like scientific research, infrastructure, healthcare, and more.

State agencies

In addition to the federal grants, the state also supports priorities such as education, economic development, and environmental conservation. 

Local communities

There are many local entities that actively support nonprofits for causes such as education, economic development, and environmental conservation.

Corporate foundations

These are foundations established and funded by corporations to support charitable causes and community development efforts.

Corporate giving programs

Some corporations have giving programs that provide grants and donations to nonprofit organizations as part of their corporate social responsibility initiatives.

Donor-Advised Funds (DAFs)

DAFs are charitable accounts managed by public charities. Donors contribute to these funds and can recommend grants to specific nonprofits.

Community Development Financial Institutions (CDFIs)

CDFIs provide financial services and funding to support community development projects, including nonprofits that work to revitalize underserved areas.    

Charitable trusts

Charitable trusts are legal entities established to hold and manage assets for charitable purposes, including funding nonprofits.

Religious organizations

Some religious institutions and organizations provide grants and funding support to nonprofits that align with their religious and philanthropic missions.

Social impact investors

These are individuals or organizations that invest capital in projects and initiatives with the intention of generating social and environmental impact, often supporting nonprofit social enterprises.

Service clubs

Organizations like Rotary Clubs, Lions Clubs, and Kiwanis often engage in charitable activities and provide grants to local nonprofits.

Professional associations and guilds

Some professional organizations and guilds offer grants and scholarships to support members and their communities, including nonprofit initiatives.

Social venture philanthropists

Social venture philanthropists are those who invest in nonprofit organizations and social enterprises to create positive social change and achieve specific outcomes.

International development organizations

These organizations fund and support nonprofits working on international development projects and initiatives in various countries.

As you can see, there are several types of funding sources for nonprofit organizations. All you need is to research these entities and see if their mission aligns with your nonprofit’s causes. The best way forward would be to first set up your donation page on the custom fundraising software GivingX to bring credibility to your nonprofit. Now, you can approach individual entities to raise funds for your mission and causes.   

Popular online resources to search for grants for nonprofit organizations

Okay, how do you proceed further and get important information on the entities and the funding sources? The internet is a huge treasure trove of information. There are various websites dedicated to listing the names of entities that provide funding for nonprofit organizations. Here are some of the popular online resources where you can search for grants for your nonprofit organization. 

Foundation Center (now Candid)

Candid (formerly known as Foundation Center and GuideStar) is a leading source for information on grants, philanthropy, and nonprofits. Their database provides access to thousands of grant opportunities from various funders worldwide.

Website: https://candid.org/

GrantWatch

GrantWatch is a comprehensive grant search engine that covers grants for nonprofits, small businesses, and individuals. It allows users to search for grants by category, location, and keywords.

Website: https://www.grantwatch.com/ 

Grants.gov

This is the official website for finding and applying for federal grants in the United States. It provides a centralized database of over 1,000 grant programs offered by all federal grant-making agencies.

Website: https://www.grants.gov/ 

GrantSpace

Another resource from Candid, GrantSpace offers a wealth of knowledge on grant-seeking and fundraising, including webinars, articles, and tutorials, to help nonprofits navigate the grant process effectively.

Website: https://grantspace.org/ 

The Chronicle of Philanthropy

While it requires a subscription for full access, The Chronicle of Philanthropy's website provides news, resources, and a list of the latest grants awarded by various foundations.

Website: https://www.philanthropy.com/ 

The Grantsmanship Center

This center offers training and resources for grant seekers. Their website includes a database of grant opportunities, as well as educational resources on writing successful grant proposals.

Website: https://www.tgci.com/ 

FundsforNGOs

Primarily focused on international grants, FundsforNGOs provides a curated list of grant opportunities for nonprofit organizations worldwide.

Website: https://www2.fundsforngos.org/ 

Corporate Giving Connection

For those looking for corporate grants, the Corporate Giving Connection website offers a comprehensive database of grants from corporations and businesses.

Website: http://corporate.mcdonalds.com/mcdonalds-corporate-giving-guidelines.html

Instrumentl

Instrumentl is an online grant search and management platform that helps nonprofits find relevant funding opportunities and manage their grant applications.

Website: https://www.instrumentl.com/ 

Grantli

Grantli is a grant search database that connects nonprofits with various funding opportunities based on their specific needs and interests.

Website: https://grantli.com/

Google.org

Google.org is the philanthropic arm of Google that supports nonprofits with grants and resources to address pressing global challenges.

Website: https://www.google.org/ 

Google Ad Grants

This needs a special mention here. Google Ad Grants is a program offered by Google.org that provides eligible nonprofit organizations with free advertising credits to use on Google Ads. This program aims to help nonprofits reach a broader audience and increase their online visibility to drive more website traffic, donations, and volunteer sign-ups. Eligible nonprofits receive a monthly budget (up to $10,000 USD) to use on Google Ads, which includes text ads that appear on Google search results pages.

Website: https://www.google.com/grants/

Set up your fundraising strategies for a successful fundraiser using Google Ad Grants to raise awareness about your mission, events, or campaigns and drive traffic to your donation page to engage potential supporters.  

Popular community foundations in the U.S. that provide grants to nonprofit organizations

In the United States, there are some popular community foundations doing wonderful work for their communities as well as helping deserving nonprofit organizations work on causes by granting funds for them. 

Here, we list some popular community foundations in the United States that you can explore for potential grant opportunities for your nonprofit.

The New York Community Trust

This is one of the largest community foundations in the U.S., supporting a wide range of charitable activities in the New York metropolitan area.

Website: https://www.nycommunitytrust.org/ 

The Chicago Community Trust

Serving the Chicago metropolitan area, this community foundation focuses on supporting initiatives that enhance the quality of life in the region.

Website: https://cct.org/ 

The San Francisco Foundation

This foundation addresses various community needs, including education, arts, and social justice in San Francisco Bay Area.

Website: https://sff.org/

The Boston Foundation

This foundation is dedicated to supporting the Greater Boston area through various grant programs and philanthropic initiatives.

Website: https://www.tbf.org/ 

The Seattle Foundation

This community foundation, serving the Puget Sound region, provides grants to nonprofits working in areas such as education, health, environment, and art.

Website: https://www.seattlefoundation.org/ 

The Greater Houston Community Foundation

Focused on the Houston area, this foundation supports initiatives related to education, health, economic development, and disaster recovery.

Website: https://www.ghcf.org/ 

The Miami Foundation

This foundation supports projects and organizations that benefit the Greater Miami area, covering areas like education, arts, environment, and social services.

Website: https://miamifoundation.org/ 

The Silicon Valley Community Foundation

Serving Silicon Valley and the surrounding region, this foundation supports projects related to education, economic security, and immigration.

Website: https://www.siliconvalleycf.org/ 

The Community Foundation of Greater Atlanta

This foundation provides grants for initiatives related to education, arts, health, and community development in the Atlanta area.

Website: https://cfgreateratlanta.org/ 

The Denver Foundation

This foundation actively works in the Denver metro area. It supports nonprofits and projects working to improve the community's well-being.

Website: https://www.denverfoundation.org/ 

Note that these are just a few of the community foundations. You can talk to the local communities to search for foundations that grant funds to nonprofits and charities.  

List of U.S. government grants for nonprofit organizations

The U.S. government actively supports nonprofits working for various causes for a better world. But these government grant application processes can be complex and competitive. 

Make sure to thoroughly review the eligibility requirements and guidelines for each grant opportunity and ensure that your nonprofit's mission aligns with the funding priorities of the respective government agency. 

U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS)

HHS offers grants to support health and human services programs, including healthcare, social services, and public health initiatives.

Website: https://www.hhs.gov/ 

U.S. Department of Education (ED)

The Department of Education provides grants to support educational programs, research, and initiatives to improve the quality of education in the U.S.

Website: https://www.ed.gov/ 

U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD)

HUD offers grants and funding opportunities related to housing and community development, with a focus on affordable housing and community revitalization.

Website: https://www.hud.gov/ 

U.S. Department of Justice (DOJ)

DOJ provides grants to support a wide range of criminal justice and public safety initiatives, victim services, and juvenile justice programs.

Website: https://www.justice.gov/ 

U.S. Department of Labor (DOL)

DOL offers grants to support workforce development, training programs, and initiatives to improve labor conditions.

Website: https://www.dol.gov/ 

U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA)

USDA provides grants and funding opportunities for agricultural and rural development projects, nutrition programs, and conservation initiatives.

Website: https://www.usda.gov/ 

National Institutes of Health (NIH)

NIH offers research grants and funding opportunities for various health-related projects and scientific research.

Website: https://www.nih.gov/ 

National Endowment for the Arts (NEA)

NEA provides grants to support arts organizations and projects that promote creativity and cultural enrichment.

Website: https://www.arts.gov/ 

National Endowment for the Humanities (NEH)

NEH offers grants to support projects that advance the understanding and appreciation of history, literature, and cultural heritage.

Website: https://www.neh.gov/ 

State and Local Government Agencies

Many state governments and local municipalities also offer grants and funding opportunities for nonprofits within their respective regions. These opportunities may vary based on location and local priorities.

Fundraising for nonprofits through government grants is not easy, as there are thousands of applications vying for attention. So, make sure you fill in the form correctly and ensure that you meet the submission requirements and deadlines when applying for government grants.   

List of private foundations that provide grants for nonprofit organizations

As much as the U.S. government provides grants for nonprofit organizations, you can also try some popular private foundations that are actively involved in charitable causes. They encourage nonprofits by providing grants for causes that align with their values and mission. Let us take a look at some of the popular private foundation grants for nonprofits across various sectors.     

Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation

One of the largest private foundations in the world, it focuses on global health, poverty alleviation, education, and access to information technology.

Website: https://www.gatesfoundation.org/ 

Ford Foundation

This foundation works to advance social justice and promote equality by supporting organizations involved in civil rights, economic empowerment, and education.

Website: https://www.fordfoundation.org/ 

Carnegie Corporation of New York

Focused on education, democracy, and international peace, this foundation aims to create a more equitable and peaceful world.

Website: https://www.carnegie.org/ 

Robert Wood Johnson Foundation

This foundation concentrates on improving health and healthcare in the United States, supporting initiatives related to public health and healthcare systems.

Website: https://www.rwjf.org/ 

Open Society Foundations

This foundation by George Soros, supports projects worldwide that promote justice, democratic governance, human rights, and freedom of expression.

Website: https://www.opensocietyfoundations.org/ 

W.K. Kellogg Foundation

With a focus on children's well-being, this foundation supports programs in education, health, and racial equity.

Website: https://www.wkkf.org/ 

The Pew Charitable Trusts

This foundation works on issues related to the environment, public policy, and improving civic life.

Website: https://www.pewtrusts.org/ 

Rockefeller Foundation

Established by the Rockefeller family, this foundation focuses on initiatives related to health, resilience, sustainable development, and innovation.

Website: https://www.rockefellerfoundation.org/ 

Andrew W. Mellon Foundation

Supporting the arts, humanities, and higher education, this foundation aims to strengthen cultural institutions and promote research and learning.

Website: https://mellon.org/ 

Bloomberg Philanthropies

Founded by Michael Bloomberg, this foundation addresses issues such as public health, the environment, education, and government innovation.

Website: https://www.bloomberg.org/ 

These are just a few private foundations that help nonprofit organizations with grants. Read their rules and guidelines carefully before applying for grants. Make sure that you meet all their requirements to increase your chances of success.  

List of public charities in the United States that provide grants to nonprofit organizations

The good thing about applying for grants is that there are quite a lot of public charities in the U.S. that are involved in varied areas of development such as health, education, environment, and others. So, if your nonprofit wants grants to work for causes related to the environment, you can easily pick those public charities that support your cause. Set up your donation page on the custom fundraising software GivingX to help these charities understand your mission, values, and causes. 

United Way Worldwide

United Way is a prominent organization that works to improve communities by focusing on education, financial stability, and health. Local United Way chapters often provide grants to nonprofits in their respective regions.

Website: https://www.unitedway.org/ 

Community Foundation for Greater New Haven

Community foundations, like this one, serve specific geographic regions. They manage charitable funds and distribute grants to nonprofits and community projects in their areas.

Website: https://www.cfgnh.org/ 

The California Endowment

This organization focuses on improving health equity in California and provides grants to nonprofits addressing health-related issues and disparities.

Website: https://www.calendow.org/ 

Greater Kansas City Community Foundation

As another example of a community foundation, this organization supports nonprofits and philanthropic efforts in the Kansas City area.

Website: https://www.growyourgiving.org/ 

The Kresge Foundation

This foundation works to expand opportunities for vulnerable communities and provides grants to nonprofits in various fields, including health, education, and the environment.

Website: https://kresge.org/ 

The Knight Foundation

Focused on supporting journalism, the arts, and local communities, this foundation provides grants to nonprofits and projects that promote informed and engaged communities.

Website: https://knightfoundation.org/ 

The Conrad N. Hilton Foundation

This foundation supports projects in multiple areas, including improving the lives of disadvantaged and vulnerable populations, and provides grants to nonprofits with aligned missions.

Website: https://www.hiltonfoundation.org/ 

The Lumina Foundation

Concentrating on higher education, this foundation offers grants to nonprofits and initiatives that aim to increase college access and success for all students.

Website: https://www.luminafoundation.org/ 

Catholic Charities USA

This national organization, affiliated with the Catholic Church, provides grants and support to local Catholic Charities agencies that serve those in need.

Website: https://www.catholiccharitiesusa.org/ 

The Rockefeller Brothers Fund

This foundation works on social, economic, and environmental issues and provides grants to nonprofits working towards positive change.

Website: https://www.rbf.org/ 

Grants for nonprofit and charity from some foundations is not widely publicized. So, it is up to you to search for philanthropic organizations that have made impactful contributions to numerous causes aligned with your mission and values.    

Family foundations in the U.S. that actively provide grants to nonprofit organizations

The United States is home to numerous family foundations that provide grants to nonprofits and charities across various sectors. Family foundations are charitable organizations established and funded by families or individuals to support various philanthropic causes.

We have already mentioned some family foundations like The Ford Foundation, The Rockefeller Foundation, and the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation in the list of popular private foundations. Here is a list of some more popular family foundations known for their philanthropic efforts in supporting nonprofits. 

The Walton Family Foundation

Founded by the family behind Walmart, this foundation supports projects related to education, environmental conservation, and improving the quality of life in communities.

Website: https://www.waltonfamilyfoundation.org/ 

The William and Flora Hewlett Foundation

This family foundation focuses on education, the environment, global development, and the performing arts.

Website: https://hewlett.org/ 

The Gordon and Betty Moore Foundation

Established by Intel co-founder Gordon Moore and his wife Betty, this foundation concentrates on environmental conservation, science, and patient care.

Website: https://www.moore.org/ 

The David and Lucile Packard Foundation

Founded by the co-founder of Hewlett-Packard and his wife, this foundation supports projects in various fields, including children's health, education, and conservation.

Website: https://www.packard.org/ 

The Charles Koch Foundation

This foundation, associated with Charles Koch, supports educational initiatives, research, and programs promoting individual liberty and economic opportunity.

Website: https://www.charleskochfoundation.org/ 

The John D. and Catherine T. MacArthur Foundation

Focused on issues like justice, sustainability, and culture, this foundation supports nonprofits working towards positive social impact.

Website: https://www.macfound.org/

The Chan Zuckerberg Initiative (CZI)

This family foundation established by Mark Zuckerberg, co-founder and CEO of Facebook, and his wife, Priscilla Chan, focuses on several core areas of education, science and biomedicine, justice and opportunity, and technology and innovation.

Website: https://chanzuckerberg.com/ 

Musk Foundation

The Musk Foundation is a charitable organization founded by entrepreneur and CEO Elon Musk and his brother Kimbal. The foundation's primary focus is on supporting renewable energy, science education, and initiatives that address global issues.  

Website: https://www.muskfoundation.org/ 

Omidyar Network

Omidyar Network is founded by Pierre Omidyar, the founder of eBay, and his wife, Pam. It focuses on supporting innovative projects and organizations that aim to create social impact and improve people's lives.

Website: https://www.omidyar.com/ 

Bush Foundation

The Bush Foundation, established by the Bush family, supports initiatives that drive positive change in the Midwest region of the United States, with a focus on community engagement, leadership development, and equity.

Website: https://www.bushfoundation.org/ 

The McKnight Foundation

Created by William L. McKnight, the founder of 3M, The McKnight Foundation supports initiatives related to arts, community development, education, and the environment, with a focus on Minnesota.

Website: https://www.mcknight.org/ 

These are just a few names on the list of family foundations that offer grants to nonprofits and charities. You can search online for other family foundations that grant funds to nonprofits working on certain niche causes. 

Apart from grants, you can also explore other types of nonprofit donations, such as stocks, property, and volunteering.  

Wrapping Up

Nonprofits are always looking for potential donors who are willing to press the “Donate Now” button. While you have to continue with your online fundraising ideas by creating an online donation page on the custom fundraising software GivingX, don’t miss out on these grant opportunities. It takes a lot of effort to search for grant resources, apply for them, and then wait for approval. But it is worth trying!