Every nonprofit has a story worth telling—but too often, limited marketing budgets silence those voices. Whether you’re advocating for human rights, protecting the environment, or feeding families in need, spreading your message is key to driving support and growing your impact. That’s where nonprofit marketing grants come in.
Designed specifically for mission-driven organizations, these grants offer funding and resources to help nonprofits amplify their voices. From digital ad credits to media strategy support, the right grant can transform your outreach. Here’s what we’ll explore:
- Top Nonprofit Marketing Grants
- Tips to Write A Winning Grant Proposal
- FAQs About Marketing Grants for Nonprofits
Smart marketing allows you to spread awareness, recruit volunteers, and boost donations, making it essential to your long-term success. Let’s explore several grants that are designed to level the marketing playing field against other well-funded campaigns.
Make the most of your $10,000 Google Ad Grant each month with Cornershop Creative.
Top Nonprofit Marketing Grants
Marketing often takes a backseat to mission-driven work due to limited resources. Luckily, there are numerous grants available that can be used to alleviate those financial constraints, allowing organizations to amplify their reach and engage with their target audience.
The following nonprofit marketing grants can help you execute your nonprofit marketing plan and fuel your promotional initiatives:
1. Google Ad Grant
The Google Ad Grants program provides eligible nonprofits with up to $10,000 per month in free advertising credits for Google Ads, reducing traditionally costly advertising prices. With the Google Ad Grant, you can promote key pages on your website, such as your donation form or upcoming events. You’ll bid on cause-related keywords and create ads that align with what searchers are actively looking for. If you win the bidding auction, your ads will appear in relevant Google searches.
From Google’s perspective, the goal of the program is to propel worthwhile missions forward by driving meaningful actions, such as donations, volunteer sign-ups, and event registrations.
How to apply for the Google Ad Grant
Before applying, check your nonprofit’s eligibility. You must hold valid 501(c)(3) status or the equivalent in your respective country. You must also have a functional, high-quality website with substantial content about your mission and a secure sockets layer (SSL) certificate. You’ll also need to agree to the program’s policies and register for Google for Nonprofits later on.
Note that some organizations are automatically ineligible regardless of whether they meet these requirements, including governmental organizations, hospitals, healthcare organizations, and schools.
After confirming your eligibility, take these steps:
- Register for a Google for Nonprofits account. This will give you access to the Google Ad Grant application and other free tools, such as the YouTube Nonprofit Program and Google Workspace applications.
- Fill out the Google Ad Grant application. Through your Google for Nonprofits account, you can access the application, where you’ll fill out information about your nonprofit and its marketing goals for the grant.
- Wait for approval. The Google Ad Grants team will email you to let you know when you’re approved. From there, start creating your nonprofit’s ads!
Unlike other nonprofit marketing grants, the Google Ad Grant automatically renews each month. As long as you comply with the program’s rules, you’ll continue receiving the grant indefinitely!
Making the most of the Google Ad Grant
While incredibly impactful, this nonprofit marketing grant requires hands-on work. There are several compliance rules, and between keyword research and ongoing performance monitoring, ads require frequent adjustments to maximize results. That’s where a professional Google Ad Grants manager comes in handy!
At Cornershop Creative, we empower nonprofits to make the most of this marketing grant through these key services:
- Google Ad Grant application assistance: We’ll help you set up your account in accordance with Google’s policies.
- Account audit: Our marketing experts will recommend improvements to your existing account based on Google’s guidelines and what’s worked for other nonprofits.
- Campaign optimization: We’ll keep an eye on Google Analytics, pay attention to your ads’ performance, and make adjustments to factors like keywords and ad assets to drive better results.
- Landing page creation and optimization: We thrive with nonprofit web design! We’ll help you pick, create, and optimize landing pages to promote with your ads. Beyond following best practices for conversions, we’ll also perform A/B testing to maximize actions.
- Paid Google Ads management: If you want to tap into paid ads not covered by the Ad Grant, our team can help create and implement remarketing campaigns and Display Ads.
With our team on your side, you can drive meaningful traffic to your site with Google Ads. We’ll take a hands-on approach so you can focus on other aspects of your mission. Alternatively, we also offer short-term projects to get your team up and running. Then, we’ll ultimately turn over the reins to your team.
Curious about promoting your mission to your target audience with the Google Ad Grant?
2. AWS IMAGINE Grant Program
The Amazon Web Services IMAGINE Grant is an annual initiative designed to empower nonprofits to leverage cloud technology. Since its launch in 2018, the grant program has awarded over $14 million in unrestricted funding, AWS Promotional Credits, and technical expertise to more than 130 nonprofit organizations. Grants range from $20,000 in AWS Promotional Credit to $200,000 of unrestricted financial support. Only 501(c)(3) nonprofits based in the United States are eligible.
Within the program, there are three distinct award categories:
- The Pathfinder – Generative AI Award: Supports innovative projects that leverage generative AI to accelerate mission achievement
- The Go Further, Faster Award: Assists with projects using cloud technology to create scalable, repeatable solutions
- The Momentum to Modernize Award: Offers funding for foundational technology projects aimed at enhancing core mission operations
While these grants aren’t specific to marketing, recipients often leverage the technological advancements gained through the grant to enhance their marketing efforts.
Visit the AWS website to find recent grant winners (including The Nature Conservancy, the American Diabetes Association, and Volunteers of America) and see how they spent the grant.
3. NBCUniversal Local Impact Grants
The NBCUniversal Local Impact Grants program is an annual initiative that awards unrestricted funding to nonprofits across various markets served by NBC- and Telemundo-owned stations. It aims to award a total of $2.5 million in unrestricted funds to eligible nonprofits.
Grant categories include:
- Youth Education and Empowerment: Supports in-school and community-based programs that equip youth with tools for success, including through programs focused on STEM/STEAM education and fostering youth entrepreneurship
- Next Generation Storytellers: Aims to create pathways for young, aspiring talent looking for careers in communications, arts, news, sports, and entertainment
- Community Engagement: Promotes initiatives that bring communities together by encouraging volunteerism
Some eligibility requirements include being a 501(c)(3) organization that has operated for at least one year with total expenses between $10,000 and $1 million. Visit their website for the latest application deadlines and processes.
4. MBA for a Day
This nonprofit marketing grant program is currently providing up to $25,000 to nonprofits. It offers executive-level marketing assistance with the goal of expanding your reach and changing your organization’s trajectory.
The MBA for a Day Grant is open to all eligible nonprofit organizations, regardless of their size or focus area. In addition to professional marketing support, your nonprofit can receive free resources like an e-book, content calendar template, and marketing plan template.
5. The Awesome Foundation Grant
The Awesome Foundation is a global network of chapters that attempts to advance “awesome” projects through monthly micro-grants around $1,000. Each chapter interprets which initiatives it deems as “awesome,” whether that’s projects in the arts, technology, community development, or something else. These grants come with no strings attached, meaning funds can be used to advance your mission’s marketing efforts.
Founded in 2009, the foundation now has 64 chapters in 7 countries. Funds come from each chapter’s self-organizing micro-trustees who pool their money together.
6. The Lou Knight Foundation Grants
The Knight Foundation is a prominent philanthropic organization dedicated to fostering informed communities. Established in 1950, the foundation focuses its grantmaking efforts in areas such as journalism, arts and culture, and research in areas of media in democracy. It focuses primarily on U.S. cities where the Knight brothers once published newspapers.
The Knight Foundation issues open challenges or calls for proposals focused on specific funding priorities throughout the year. To stay informed about upcoming opportunities, you can subscribe to their newsletter or follow them on social media.
7. McGuffin Grant
The McGuffin Grant is an annual initiative by McGuffin Creative Group, offering $30,000 worth of creative services to a nonprofit that supports causes benefiting people or the planet. The selected recipient collaborates with McGuffin’s team for six months to develop and execute a tailored communications project, such as a branding overhaul or a fundraising direct mail campaign.
Applications for the McGuffin Grant are typically open from March 24 to April 25 each year. Applicants must be U.S.-based, tax-exempt 501(c)(3) organizations or have a fiscal agent with that status.
8. Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation Community Grants
The Gates Foundation is known for its dedication to enhancing healthcare, reducing poverty, and expanding educational opportunities. While the foundation primarily focuses its grantmaking efforts on large-scale initiatives, it’s still a good option for smaller organizations working in specific areas. The foundation’s program strategies vary from water hygiene to women in leadership.
Occasionally, the foundation issues requests for proposals (RFPs) for specific projects or initiatives. If this sounds like a good fit for your nonprofit’s marketing efforts, review the funding priorities and monitor the grant opportunities page.
9. Walmart Foundation Spark Good Local Grants
The Walmart Foundation Spark Good Local Grants program offers cash grants ranging from $250 to $5,000 to U.S.-based nonprofits. These grants aim to support local initiatives that address community needs in areas where Walmart operates.
While the grants aim to address various community needs, they do not specifically designate funds exclusively for marketing purposes. However, if a marketing initiative aligns with broader community benefits—such as promoting educational programs, health services, or public safety—it may be considered for funding. Applications are accepted and reviewed on a quarterly basis.
Tips to Write A Winning Grant Proposal
When you’ve found the perfect nonprofit marketing grant, one of your key next steps is to craft a proposal. Writing a compelling marketing proposal is essential for securing funding to support your initiatives, whether you want to invest in your email marketing approach or your search engine presence.
To create a proposal that stands out to potential funders, keep the following tips in mind:
- Don’t use a one-size-fits-all approach. Research each funder’s interests, priorities, and requirements. Tailor your proposal to show how your project aligns with their mission and supports their goals.
- Provide a detailed marketing plan. Outline the strategies, tactics, and activities you’ll use to achieve your objectives. Include timelines and responsibilities to present a clear and actionable approach.
- Include supporting data. Use relevant statistics, impact data, or case studies to demonstrate the need for your project and its potential results. Data strengthens your argument and shows funders the value of your proposal.
- Include a realistic budget. Present a detailed budget that aligns with your proposed marketing activities. Break down costs by category to reflect responsible financial planning.
- Explain evaluation methods. Explain how you’ll measure the effectiveness of your nonprofit’s marketing efforts. This should include the metrics and evaluation tools you’ll use to assess outcomes and report to funders.
Above all, aim for honesty and professionalism. Have multiple people review your proposal, whether that’s a few of your staff members or a consultant. A well-crafted, transparent proposal demonstrates your nonprofit’s ability to execute your marketing project successfully, making it easier for funders to see the value in supporting your efforts.
FAQs About Marketing Grants for Nonprofits
If you’re new to nonprofit marketing grants, you may have some questions about how they work and where to find them. To help clarify the process, let’s address some frequently asked questions about applying for and using nonprofit marketing grants.
What are marketing grants for nonprofits?
Nonprofit marketing grants are financial awards provided to nonprofit organizations to support their marketing activities, helping them increase visibility, raise awareness, and engage with their target audience.
Funds awarded through grants can be categorized into two different types:
- Restricted grants are allocated for a specific purpose, project, or program. This is the most common type of grant, often used to fund particular campaigns or projects with a defined scope and objectives.
- Unrestricted grants cover day-to-day operating costs and support the general work of an organization, including marketing activities. This type of funding offers flexibility.
Depending on the type of funding, grant money may be used to cover advertising costs, create promotional materials, or pay for technology such as a content management system (CMS) and email software.
Nonprofit marketing grants are typically awarded by government organizations, private foundations, and corporations. While some grants, like the Google Ad Grant, are open for nonprofits to apply to, many other grants are invitation-only, meaning organizations are invited to apply.
Unlock the power of the greatest nonprofit advertising grant: The Google Ad Grant.
Where can we find other communications grants for nonprofits?
You can find grants for nonprofit marketing and other projects through several resources, including:
- Candid – Owns both GuideStar and GrantStation, which provide essential tools for finding grants, managing proposals, and tracking funding sources
- GrantWatch – A comprehensive database of grant opportunities, including those for nonprofits in various sectors
- Grants.gov – A federal government portal for finding and applying for U.S. government grants
- Local Community Foundations – Many cities and regions have community foundations that provide grants to local nonprofits.
- Philanthropy News Digest – Provides a regularly updated list of grant opportunities and news for nonprofits
- The Grantsmanship Center – Offers grant resources, training, and funding databases for nonprofits
These resources consolidate plenty of funding opportunities. You can also simply look up grants for your specific cause area.
What mistakes do nonprofits make when applying for marketing grants?
Applying for grants can be tricky if you’re unfamiliar with the landscape. Commonly, nonprofits make mistakes such as:
- Not thoroughly researching grants and wasting time on applying to unhelpful ones
- Failing to follow a funder’s specific guidelines, including deadlines
- Not forming a relationship with the funder beforehand
- Not using impact data to support claims and instill trustworthiness
- Submitting unprofessional proposals with typos or grammatical errors
Winning funding requires a thorough understanding of the grant landscape, attention to detail, and proactive engagement with funders. By focusing on clear proposals and proactive engagement, your nonprofit can set itself up for success.
Can we apply for multiple communications grants for nonprofits?
Yes, there’s no limit on how many nonprofit marketing grants you can apply for simultaneously. However, ensure that the grants don’t overlap projects or purposes and that you can manage the requirements of each application effectively.
Wrapping Up
Securing grants for nonprofit marketing can transform your nonprofit’s visibility. With plenty of opportunities and foundational knowledge, your next step is to take action. Start by identifying the grants that align with your organization’s goals. Then, reach out to kickstart relationships and craft compelling proposals that position your nonprofit as the best choice for funding.
In the meantime, check out these resources to enhance your marketing efforts:
