Top marketing grants for nonprofit organizations

Whether you’re just getting started or trying to grow, the right grant can help you reach new supporters, raise awareness, and attract more donors. But we know searching for grants, applying, and figuring out what’s actually worth your time can be overwhelming.

That’s why we put together this guide, to help you find the right opportunities and feel confident going after them. We’ve seen firsthand how a little outside funding can unlock big growth for small teams. And we’re here to walk with you through it.

At Harness, we do more than just talk about impact, we build it with you. Whether it’s smarter fundraising tools or expert support, we’re here to help your organization thrive.

What are marketing grants for nonprofit organizations?

Marketing grants are funds given to nonprofits specifically to help them promote their mission, connect with more people, and grow their impact. Unlike general funding that might go toward operations or programs, marketing grants are all about visibility, helping you tell your story louder and better.

Think of it like this: you already know how powerful your work is. A marketing grant gives you the tools and resources to make sure everyone else knows too. That might mean running ads, building a new website, creating videos, or even hiring some temporary help to launch a campaign.

These grants are usually offered by foundations, companies, or government programs that want to support causes like yours. They know that when nonprofits are seen and heard, more good gets done. And the best part? You don’t have to pay the money back.

Who qualifies: Eligibility criteria for nonprofit grant opportunities

Not every grant is open to every nonprofit, so knowing if you're eligible can save you a lot of time. Most marketing grants are meant for registered 501(c)(3) organizations, which means your nonprofit is officially recognized by the IRS. If you’re not sure, it’s worth checking your status before you start applying.

Some grants focus on specific causes, like education, health, or the environment, so even if you’re a nonprofit, you’ll want to double-check that your mission lines up with the funder’s goals. Others may require you to be based in the United States or serve a certain kind of community.

Grant funders also look at whether your organization has a clear plan for how the money will be used. They want to know you’ll put it to good use, things like building a campaign, running digital ads, or creating materials to attract donors.

If you're just starting out, don’t worry. There are grant programs designed for smaller or newer organizations too. You just have to know where to look.

Where to find nonprofit grant opportunities

Finding the right grant can feel like digging for treasure, but once you know where to look, it gets a lot easier. There are a few solid places to start your search.

First, check out grant databases like Grants.gov or Foundation Directory Online. These are big search engines full of current grant opportunities. You can filter by category, location, or funding type to narrow it down.

Next, take a look at large foundations and corporate giving programs. Companies like Google, Amazon, and Bank of America all offer grant programs that include marketing support for nonprofits. These are great options if you’re looking to grow your digital presence or run a campaign.

Don’t forget about local opportunities. Community foundations and small family trusts often fund nonprofits right in your backyard. These might be smaller grants, but they’re sometimes easier to get and can still make a big impact.

Here’s a pro tip: sign up for newsletters from grant makers or nonprofit networks. They’ll send alerts when new funding opens up, so you don’t miss out.

How to apply for a nonprofit marketing grant

Once you’ve found a grant that fits, it’s time to apply, and yes, that part can feel intimidating. But with a little prep and a solid plan, it’s totally doable.

Start by reading the application instructions carefully. Every grant has its own requirements, so don’t skip the fine print. Make sure your organization fits the criteria and that the grant actually supports marketing efforts, not all of them do.

Next, gather what you’ll need. Most applications ask for your nonprofit’s mission, proof of status, a budget, and a description of how you’ll use the money. This is your chance to tell your story, why your work matters and how marketing will help you grow your impact.

When writing your proposal, be clear and specific. Instead of saying “we’ll use this to get more donors,” explain that you’ll “run a social media campaign to reach 5,000 new people in our community.” The more details you give, the stronger your application will be.

And don’t be afraid to ask for help. Whether it’s someone on your team or a fundraising expert (like the ones at Harness), having another set of eyes on your proposal can make a big difference.

Once you submit, keep a copy of everything. If you don’t get it this time, you’ll have a strong base to build from for the next round.

9 grant programs supporting nonprofit marketing in 2025

1. Google Ad Grant

If you’ve never heard of the Google Ad Grant, think of it as free advertising for your nonprofit. Google gives eligible nonprofits up to $10,000 per month in search ads, so when people look for causes like yours, they find you faster.

You don’t need to be a marketing pro to use it, but it does take some setup. You’ll need to apply through Google for Nonprofits, build a few ad campaigns, and keep your account active by meeting some basic performance rules.

We’ve seen this grant open doors for smaller teams that had zero ad budget before. Whether you want to promote an upcoming event, drive traffic to a donation page, or simply get your name out there, this grant helps you do it without spending your own funds.

2. AWS IMAGINE Grant

Amazon Web Services (AWS) offers the IMAGINE Grant to help nonprofits use cloud technology in smart, strategic ways. But it’s not just about servers or storage, it’s also a great fit for marketing.

The grant comes in two tracks: “Go Further, Faster” and “Momentum to Modernize.” Both tracks can help you fund tools and systems that improve how you reach people, track engagement, or share your story online.

We’ve worked with organizations that used this grant to upgrade their websites, improve donor tracking, and even run data-driven campaigns. If your nonprofit wants to use tech to connect better with supporters, this grant is worth a close look.

Just know, it’s competitive. Make your case strong and clear, especially when it comes to how your project will boost engagement or growth.

3. NBCUniversal Local Impact Grants

These grants are all about helping nonprofits make a difference in their local communities, and that includes giving your message a stronger voice. NBCUniversal partners with local news stations to support organizations working on education, the environment, justice, and more.

If your nonprofit fits one of their focus areas, this grant can help you run local awareness campaigns, boost community outreach, or promote a new initiative. It's a great match for smaller organizations looking to connect with their neighborhoods in a big way.

What makes this one stand out? It’s not just about funding, it’s also about visibility. With a media company behind you, your story can reach more people in places that already trust the NBC name.

4. The Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation

The Gates Foundation is one of the biggest names in philanthropy, and while they focus on global health and education, they also support projects that include strong communications and outreach.

If your nonprofit works in areas like public health, education access, or economic mobility, this foundation could be a fit. They don’t offer a one-size-fits-all marketing grant, but many of their funding opportunities include budgets for spreading awareness, sharing impact, and engaging with the public.

You’ll usually need to apply through one of their open initiatives or partner networks. It takes some digging, but if your mission aligns with theirs, the potential support, both financial and strategic, is massive.

5. Bank of America Charitable Foundation

Bank of America is focused on building stronger communities, and their grant programs reflect that. They fund a wide range of causes, everything from workforce development to community revitalization, and marketing can play a key role in those efforts.

If your nonprofit is working locally and needs help getting the word out, this grant can help fund things like outreach campaigns, printed materials, or digital advertising. It’s especially helpful if your goal is to raise awareness around financial education, neighborhood programs, or economic mobility.

The foundation prioritizes partnerships with organizations that already have strong community ties, so if you’ve been serving your area for a while, that’s a plus. Just be sure to show how a marketing boost will help you expand your reach and deepen your impact.

6.  Coca-Cola Foundation

The Coca-Cola Foundation supports nonprofits working in areas like youth development, education, clean water, and environmental sustainability. While it's not a marketing-only grant, many funded projects include outreach and awareness efforts as key parts of the plan.

If your organization is running a campaign that ties into one of their focus areas, and you need help promoting it, this could be a strong fit. The foundation looks for programs that create real, measurable change and often supports efforts to get more people involved through education and communication.

In our experience, what helps in this application is being specific. Show how your marketing plan will help move the needle, whether that’s getting more volunteers, donors, or just raising awareness in your community.

7. Walmart Foundation

The Walmart Foundation offers community grants that support local nonprofits working to make a difference where their stores operate. These grants aren’t huge, usually up to $5,000, but they’re flexible, and marketing projects definitely qualify.

If your nonprofit is running a local event, awareness campaign, or educational program, and you require help with things like flyers, ads, or social media promotion, this grant can help cover those costs.

One thing to know: you apply through individual Walmart stores, and decisions are made at the local level. So if you already have a relationship with a nearby store, or are open to building one, this can be a quick win that supports your outreach goals.

8. Amazon Web Services Nonprofit Credit Program

If your nonprofit relies on digital tools to run campaigns, store data, or engage with supporters online, this program is a game changer. Amazon Web Services (AWS) offers promotional credits that nonprofits can use for cloud services, which includes a lot of helpful marketing tech.

Think of things like email automation, website hosting, data dashboards, or media storage. With AWS credits, you can build smarter systems that help your marketing run smoother and reach farther.

This isn’t a cash grant, it’s more like getting a free toolkit you’d otherwise have to pay for. But for organizations ready to grow their digital presence, the value is real. And if you're already using cloud tools but need help scaling, this program helps stretch your budget even more.

9. The Unless Project

The Unless Project is a unique grant program focused on nonprofits tackling the climate crisis. It’s designed for organizations that are small but bold, those doing innovative work and looking to grow their visibility and reach.

If your nonprofit is working on sustainability, conservation, or climate justice, this grant can help fund both your programs and the storytelling that goes with them. That includes marketing efforts like videos, branding, community outreach, or social media campaigns.

What makes The Unless Project stand out is that they want to support groups that are often overlooked. So if you’re a newer or under-resourced organization with a clear mission and big ideas, this could be a powerful opportunity to get both financial backing and a platform for your message.

Beyond grants: Free tools and discount programs to boost your marketing

Grants are great, but sometimes, free tools and discounts can be just as helpful, especially when budgets are tight. Luckily, a lot of big companies offer programs built just for nonprofits.

YouTube Nonprofit Program gives you access to special features like donation buttons and call-to-action cards in your videos. It’s a simple way to turn your storytelling into support.

HubSpot for Nonprofits offers a big discount on its powerful CRM and marketing tools. If you’re managing donor outreach or email campaigns, this can save you time and keep everything organized.

Mailchimp gives a discount to nonprofits for email marketing. It’s perfect for sending newsletters, event invites, and donation appeals, all from one place.

Canva for Nonprofits unlocks their premium design tools for free. It’s super easy to use and lets your team create professional-looking flyers, social posts, and presentations in minutes.

And of course, there’s Harness, where we combine fundraising tools with personalized donor engagement. With features like SmartAsk™, impact posts, and mobile-friendly donation forms, we help you build stronger relationships and raise more without burning out your team.

These tools may not come with big checks attached, but they can go a long way toward helping your nonprofit stand out and grow your community.

How to maximize your marketing funding and grant success

Getting the grant is just step one. The real impact comes from how you use that support to build momentum, connect with donors, and grow your nonprofit over time.

Start by thinking long-term. Instead of using all the funding on a single campaign, look for ways to stretch it, like creating reusable content, setting up automated outreach, or investing in tools that save time down the road.

Next, keep track of your results. Funders want to know their support made a difference, and having real numbers, like how many people saw your message, donated, or signed up, can help you tell that story. It also puts you in a stronger position for the next round of funding.

Most importantly, use your marketing to build relationships, not just raise money. When supporters see your impact, feel connected to your mission, and hear from you regularly, they’re more likely to stick around and give again.

Next steps

Marketing doesn’t have to be a luxury, it can be a powerful tool that helps you raise more, reach more people, and grow your impact. And thanks to the wide range of grant programs and free tools out there, you don’t have to do it alone or stretch your budget thin.

Whether you’re applying for your first grant or looking for new ways to scale your outreach, there’s real support available. The key is knowing where to look, how to apply, and how to use what you get to create lasting results.

We’ve seen small teams turn one-time grants into long-term success, and we know you can too.

If you’re ready to go beyond just funding and build a system that actually works, Harness is here to help. With personalized support and powerful fundraising tools, we’re your partner in sustainable growth.

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