Corporate grants provide vital funding that enables nonprofits to expand their reach and create meaningful impact in their communities. They empower organizations to scale groundbreaking projects, launch innovative programs, and address pressing community needs head-on.
More than mere financial support, these grants open doors to strategic partnerships, expertise, and networks that can amplify your mission.
This guide presents nine corporate grant programs for 2024, offering a comprehensive overview of each. We'll break down the application processes, eligibility criteria, and focus areas, equipping you with the knowledge to identify and pursue the most suitable funding opportunities for your nonprofit's mission and goals.
9 best corporate grants for nonprofits in 2024
- Wells Fargo Nonprofit Grants
- Bloomberg Philanthropies Grants
- NBCUniversal Local Impact Grants
- Zendesk Tech for Good Impact Awards
- State Farm Good Neighbor Citizenship Company Grants
- The Unless Project
- Google Ad Grants
- Costco Wholesale Grant
- Big Sea Wavemakers Grant
What are corporate grants for nonprofits?
Corporate grants are funding opportunities provided by corporations and businesses to support nonprofit organizations. While these grants often fall under a company's Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) initiatives—programs designed to give back to communities and demonstrate social accountability—they serve various additional purposes. These can include:
- Promoting business development in local communities
- Enhancing employee engagement through charitable activities
- Supporting industries related to the company's field
- Building strategic partnerships with nonprofit organizations
By offering these grants, companies not only contribute to social causes but also strengthen their relationships with communities and stakeholders. They can come in direct monetary contributions, sponsorships of specific events or projects, or in-kind donations.
Unlike government grants, these grants for nonprofits can lead to long-term partnerships that go beyond just financial support. These include mentorship, skill-sharing, volunteer engagement, and access to corporate networks.
Companies are often more willing to fund innovative or riskier projects that may not meet the strict criteria of government grants. With simpler paperwork, flexibility, and more opportunities, corporate grants are an attractive option for nonprofits.
Top 9 corporate grants for nonprofits
1. Wells Fargo Nonprofit Grants
Wells Fargo offers grants to national and local nonprofit organizations to support their programs and projects, though the funds are not unrestricted and must be used for specific initiatives. A limited amount of sponsorships are available to support fundraising events, with applications required at least 90 days before the event.
Your nonprofit must align with Wells Fargo funding priorities to be eligible for any financial support, which include:
- Housing affordability
- Financial health
- Small business growth and sustainability
What’s the application process?
Wells Fargo accepts grant applications through an invitation process. If you meet their criteria, you can submit a request through their grant interest form.
Your answers must be concise and adhere to the form section guidelines. Focus on presenting a compelling narrative of the problem or opportunity and how funding will help you address needs effectively. Once the proposal is approved, you will receive payment within four months.
Do I qualify?
To receive funding from Wells Fargo for any grant, you must meet the following requirements:
- Have tax-exempt status under IRS Code 501(c)(3)
- Be a qualified governmental agency, public school or school system, or tribal entity
- Deliver services addressing critical community needs
- Show fiscal and administrative stability
2. Bloomberg Philanthropies Grants
Bloomberg Philanthropies awards grants to nonprofits in the US, Canada, and Mexico. The organization looks for nonprofits that support five key areas:
- Public health: Addressing critical health issues such as tobacco control, obesity prevention, and road safety
- Environment: Combating climate change through clean energy initiatives, ocean conservation, and sustainable urban development
- Arts and culture: Increasing access to the arts, enhancing cultural organization management, and supporting community-strengthening public art initiatives
- Education: Improving public schools in underserved areas, enhancing leadership and teaching quality, and supporting student success
- Government innovation: Driving innovation in city governments to improve efficiency, data-driven decision-making, and public service delivery
What’s the application process?
Bloomberg Philanthropies awards grants by invitation only. If an organization receives an invite, it must submit a proposal outlining the project, its goals, target outcomes, and how it will use the money.
Consider attending relevant industry events or webinars where Bloomberg Philanthropies representatives may be present. Building professional relationships within the philanthropic community can provide valuable insights into their funding priorities and application processes.
Do I qualify?
Nonprofits that align with Bloomberg Philanthropies' strategic focus areas are eligible for funding. Each boomerang philanthropies program has specific eligibility criteria to meet.
For instance, the Digital Accelerator for Arts & Culture supports nonprofit cultural organizations in the U.S. that have existed for at least three years and have a budget of at least $500,000.
3. NBCUniversal Local Impact Grants
The NBCUniversal Local Impact Grants award nearly $2.5 million to nonprofits in 11 markets served by NBC and Telemundo-owned television stations. To qualify for these unrestricted funds, your organization should focus on one of the following three areas:
- Youth education and empowerment
- Next generation storytellers
- Community engagement
What’s the application process?
Eligible nonprofits can apply through their local impact grants website. They will be evaluated on their community impact, alignment with the chosen category, and measurable outcomes.
Top applicants advance to final rounds, where local NBC/Telemundo panels select 3-8 winners per market, based on organizational strength, demonstrated impact, and financial need.
Do I qualify?
501(c)(3) nonprofits working within NBCUniversal's focus area are eligible for grants. To qualify, nonprofits must also meet the following criteria:
- Have been operating for over a year with total expenses between $100,000 and $1,000,000
- Be within one of the 11 NBC and Telemundo-owned television markets (DMAs)
- Have annual revenue between $100,000 and $1,000,000
Visit the website to check out specific grant requirements.
4. Zendesk Tech for Good Impact Awards
The software company Zendesk offers various nonprofit grants ranging from $5,000 to $50,000 through its Tech for Good Impact Awards program. These are designed to support the external project goals of NPOs whose mission or projects align with Zendesk Foundation focus areas:
- Foster community
- Promote resilience in times of crisis
- Create career paths in tech
What’s the application process?
The application form is only available on its website, and requests through emails, or other sources will not be considered. Only applications written in English are accepted.
In the application, clearly show how new technology and grant funding will support your program goals and beneficiary communities. Zendesk Tech For Good has a full section on its website that provides details about its application evaluation process.
Do I qualify?
The Zendesk Impact Awards are open to verified charitable organizations, including U.S. 501(c)(3) public charities and international organizations. Eligible entities must operate in alignment with the Foundation's core focus areas. They must submit proof of nonprofit status with their application.
Current Zendesk customers or current and past Zendesk grantees are not eligible for the impact awards.
5. State Farm Good Neighbor Citizenship Company Grants
State Farm company is committed to helping build safer, stronger, and better-educated communities. With its Good Neighbor Citizenship program, the organization supports nonprofit initiatives in the following areas:
- Safety: Home and auto safety and disaster preparedness
- Community development: Affordable and sustainable housing, personal financial literacy, job training, small-business development, among other neighborhood-based needs
- Education: Higher education, K-12 academic performance, financial literacy, and college and career success
What’s the application process?
State Farm offers funding through an invitation-only process each year, but they also allow organizations to express interest in their grant program.
You can submit a questionnaire outlining your nonprofit's focus areas and proposed initiatives. This helps State Farm identify potential candidates for future funding cycles. If your organization aligns with their priorities, they may reach out to invite you to apply for a grant.
Do I qualify?
State Farm awards grants to the following eligible nonprofit organizations:
- 501(c)(3) charitable nonprofit organizations
- 501(c)(4) volunteer fire companies
- Educational institutions
- Programs conducted by federal or state government, municipal, and county entities that align with the State Farm charitable focus
Exceptions to grant funding include:
- Individuals seeking personal help or scholarships
- Religious programs
- Politically partisan programs
- Organizations outside the U.S.
6. The Unless Project
The Unless Project is a grant-meets accelerator program by A Little Better Co., or ALBC, a marketing and public relations firm. It supports nonprofits that have transformational solutions but limited resources. ALBC helps them find success in the digital sphere, enhancing the impact of their mission.
Each year, ALBC chooses only four nonprofits, with one organization chosen from each of the following focus areas:
- Environmental sustainability
- Social progress and advocacy
- Human health and wellness
- Artistic activism
The selected NPOs undergo a six-month intensive program worth up to $150,000 in resources and services. While the winner receives a small $2,500 cash grant prize, the program's true value lies in the expert guidance offered in branding, strategy, marketing, analysis, and related services.
What’s the application process?
The online application process begins with an eligibility questionnaire. Your application then goes through a series of reviews, and both in-house teams and external advisors vote on it. Besides sharing general details about your nonprofit, demonstrate the strength of your idea. List marketing platforms used and showcase successful past marketing efforts.
Do I qualify?
Qualifying nonprofits should have a mission aligned with the purpose ALBC supports. They must have an annual operating budget of under $3,000,000.
7. Google Ad Grants
Google supports charitable organizations through several resources, including financial grants, volunteer programs, and digital tools. Their ad grants give up to $10,000 a month in search ads, and this helps you find volunteers, attract donors, and boost awareness.
With a Google for Nonprofits account, you get free access to other tools, including Google Maps, Google Workspace, and YouTube's nonprofit program. A key benefit of the YouTube program is that it lets you directly link to your external campaign pages from your videos.
What’s the application process?
To begin, sign up for Google for Nonprofits and verify your nonprofit status through TechSoup or a similar partner. Once the verification is complete, you will receive an email notification within three to four days. You can then activate your Google Ad account to receive funds.
Do I qualify?
To qualify for Google Ad Grants, your organization must meet your country's nonprofit criteria and cannot be a governmental, healthcare, or educational entity. Additionally, you must have a high-quality website that complies with Ad Grants' website policy.
8. Costco Wholesale Grant
Costco focuses on nonprofit programs supporting children, education, health, and human services. Through the Costco Wholesale Grant program, they focus on areas where they have stores.
Organizations may submit one funding application per fiscal year (September to August), with applications accepted year-round.
What’s the application process?
The application process is conducted online through a form, and you will need the following materials:
- W-9
- Cover letter
- Organization budgetary details (past and current year)
- Program budget information
- Measurable results/impact report (only required if your organization has secured funding in the past)
Do I qualify?
Only 501(c)(3) nonprofit organizations that align with Costco focus areas are eligible for grant programs. Some exceptions to eligibility include:
- Political organizations
- Government agencies
- Religious organizations
- Individual primary and secondary schools, PTOs and PTAs
9. Big Sea Wavemakers Grant
Big Sea Wavemakers offers free marketing services worth $30,000, providing nonprofits with an excellent opportunity to thrive online. Like The Unless Project, they boost your digital presence to better attract and engage donors. They can build or improve your website, brand, and messaging to expand your reach.
What’s the application process?
You will have to apply online through the Big Sea Wavemakers grant website.
Do I qualify?
Big Sea seeks nonprofits with purpose-driven missions. Their grants are best suited for organizations with dedicated marketing resources (a person or team) who can be their ally and partner in execution.
How to choose the right nonprofit corporate grants in 6 steps
1. Identify your needs and objectives
Before pursuing corporate grants, carefully assess your organization's needs, objectives, and unique strengths. Decide on the amount of funds you need and how you will use them, and have a clear understanding of what kind of impact you want to create in your local community.
Evaluate your organization's capacity to dedicate time and resources to the grant application process. This assessment helps identify grants that align with your capabilities and ensures you can effectively manage and implement the funded projects for maximum impact.
2. Research corporations with grant programs
Use online search engines to find grants by entering your location and the type of funding you're seeking.
For instance, if your nonprofit is an after-school program in New Jersey, you can try searching for "education nonprofit grants in New Jersey." There are also online grant databases that gather nonprofit grant funding information for you, including:
Connect with your local Chamber of Commerce, as they often have details on companies supporting local nonprofits. Explore the websites of companies known for supporting nonprofits and look for sections like "Philanthropy," "Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR)”, or Community Involvement."
3. Understand the grant requirements
Read through the grant guidelines and ask yourself the following questions to see if it's the right fit:
- Does the purpose of the grant align with your organization's mission?
- If awarded, what are the requirements for using the funds?
- Does the grant support only programs or projects, and not operating expenses?
- How much time will it take to receive the funds? Can your organization accommodate this timeline?
- Will the grant amount be enough to support your initiative?
- Can you meet its application and reporting requirements?
If you feel that the funding opportunity is good for you, take note of the application deadline and required documentation.
4. Prepare strong grant proposals
Most corporate grants require a proposal and an application form. Your proposal should tell your organization's story, making it personal and emotional while clearly stating your funding needs.
Explain why you're seeking the grant and show how the potential project fits your values and mission. You must also show how its impact will be measured.
Use research, facts, and statistics combined with emotional appeal to set your proposal apart from the rest. Consider using AI tools like ChatGPT to assist in crafting compelling grant proposals. These tools can help generate ideas, refine language, and ensure your application is clear and impactful.
5. Apply for the grant
Check the documents your organization will need for the grant application process. This may include tax returns, tax-exempt applications, and employee resumes.
While filing your grant application, double-check everything, as corporations receive many requests annually and may not offer a second chance for corrections. Incomplete or inaccurate applications risk immediate disqualification.
With a rigorous review process, you'll maximize your proposal's quality and competitiveness. This attention to detail demonstrates professionalism and increases your chances of securing funding in a highly competitive environment.
6. Follow up and build relationships
Many foundations offer online tracking for grant applications, while others provide updates via email, but final results typically arrive by mail. Regardless of the outcome, maintain open communication with the funding organization to nurture relationships for future opportunities.
Beyond grants, explore other charitable programs offered by corporations. These may include in-kind donations, matching gift initiatives, or employee volunteer programs that could benefit your organization.
Regularly network and diversify your funding sources as it helps secure financial support and builds crucial relationships within the philanthropic community.
Final thoughts on corporate funding for nonprofits
Securing corporate grants requires thorough research to identify opportunities that align with your nonprofit's existing mission and values. Focus on finding grants that support your organization's goals rather than altering your mission to fit corporate priorities.
These grants often provide the opportunity to fund your whole project, making them a valuable resource for nonprofits. By understanding the landscape of corporate grants and following a strategic approach, you can improve your nonprofit's chances of securing vital funding and amplify your impact in the communities you serve.
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