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Even in the best of times, funding can be a constant source of stress for Non-Profit organizations. The past few years have been especially hard with world-wide closures and no final curtain in sight.
To help organizations transition into 2022 and to assist in their recovery, we're compiling a list of exciting grant opportunities for Non-Profits. Whether you're looking for a recurring grant specific to your mission, or for Covid-19 relief funds, here are five amazing grant opportunities for Non-Profits that you won't want to miss…
The Coca-Cola Foundation
Since its creation in 1984, The Coca-Cola Foundation has awarded more than $1 billion in grants to support sustainable community initiatives around the world, with a special emphasis on initiatives that empower women, protect the environment, and educate children. To apply, simply visit the application portal and pass the eligibility quiz. The Foundation has made generous donations to Non-Profits ranging from $45,000 to $500,000+ to past grantees.
In addition to its regular smattering of grant opportunities for Non-Profits, The Foundation is providing funding to communities and organizations in response to Covid-19. To date, over $55M has been provided to support local organizations and vulnerable communities during these times.
AWS "Imagine Grant"
Now in its third year, the Amazon Web Services (AWS) provides vital grant opportunities to Non-Profit organizations who are looking to deploy cloud technology as a central tool to achieve mission goals. As part of the program, AWS is seeking proposals for new concepts on how to leverage technology and accelerate impact in local and global communities. Their esteemed "Imagine" grant program offers up to $100,000 in financial support and AWS promotional credit.
To apply, download the AWS Image Grant guidelines and begin by checking your eligibility.
Google for Non-Profits
Unlike a traditional grant in which a sum of money is awarded to a Non-Profit organization, Google for Non-Profits offers free or discounted access to their products and tools to help Non-Profit organizations grow, scale and run their operations. The grant includes free tools like G Suite for Non-Profits; Google AD Grants for Non-Profits, in which an organization receives $10,000 of in-kind advertising; YouTube for Non-Profits that provides access to paid YouTube features for free; and Google Earth and Maps, which allows you to share your organization's impact on specific locations around the globe.
To apply for Google for Non-Profits, check out their mission-oriented website.
Bank of America
With their special emphasis on hunger relief, homelessness relief, stable housing, environmental sustainability, and economic self-sufficiency, the Bank of America's grant opportunities for Non-Profits are both wide-ranging and generous. In their own words, "We have partnered on projects focused on economic development, revitalization initiatives, weather preparedness, arts and cultural installations and greening projects.
Over the last 10 years, the Bank of America's grants for Non-Profits have totaled over $2 billion US.
In 2022, the Bank of America is encouraging interested Non-Profits and other organizations to learn about their grants, eligibility criteria and apply.
The Ford Foundation Grants
Since it's inception in the mid-twentieth century, the Ford Foundation have championed Non-Profit organizations with a special focus on justice and inequality. The Foundation supports organizations that address the underlying drivers of inequality – both systemic and overt – and that align with their programmatic work.
Until recently, the foundation's grants were spread across 30 initiatives – to explore past grant applications and winners, you can visit the Ford Foundation Grants Database or simply visit the Grants Opportunities Page to learn about exciting grant opportunities for Non-Profits in 2022.
The Carnegie Foundation
A mainstay of American funding organizations, The Carnegie Foundation is governed by a self-perpetuating board of trustees composed of leaders in education, business and government. Unsurprisingly, they offer grant opportunities for Non-Profits that focus on state-based work, as well as those bringing higher education and resources to African scholars.
To get started, you'll first need to submit a letter of inquiry to begin the application process. Once validated, you can then use their cloud-based grants management system to coordinate your applications.
Implementation Strategy for Grant Success
Phase 1: Research and Preparation (Weeks 1-2)
- Identify grants that align with your organization's mission and current programs
- Review eligibility requirements thoroughly for each opportunity
- Gather necessary documentation and organizational information
- Create a grant application timeline with key deadlines
Phase 2: Application Development (Weeks 3-6)
- Craft compelling narrative statements that demonstrate impact
- Develop detailed budgets with clear cost justifications
- Collect supporting materials including letters of recommendation
- Have applications reviewed by colleagues or grant writing professionals
Phase 3: Submission and Follow-up (Weeks 7-8)
- Submit applications well before deadlines
- Maintain organized records of all submissions
- Follow up with funders as appropriate
- Begin stewardship activities for successful grants
Maximizing Grant Application Success
Essential Application Components
Successful grant applications consistently demonstrate several key elements that funders prioritize:
- Clear Mission Alignment: Explicitly connect your project to the funder's priorities and giving guidelines
- Measurable Impact: Define specific, quantifiable outcomes that demonstrate program effectiveness
- Organizational Capacity: Showcase your team's expertise and track record of successful program delivery
- Sustainability Planning: Explain how programs will continue beyond the grant period
Common Application Mistakes to Avoid
- Submitting generic proposals that don't address specific funder interests
- Failing to follow application guidelines and formatting requirements
- Requesting funding amounts that don't align with typical grant ranges
- Providing vague or unmeasurable program outcomes
- Missing critical deadlines or submission requirements
Building Long-term Funder Relationships
Stewardship Best Practices
Grant funding represents the beginning of a relationship, not just a transaction. Effective stewardship practices help secure future funding and build lasting partnerships:
- Regular Communication: Provide updates on program progress and achievements beyond required reports
- Impact Documentation: Share stories, photos, and data that demonstrate grant impact
- Transparency: Communicate challenges honestly and explain how issues are being addressed
- Recognition: Acknowledge funders appropriately in communications and events
Diversification Strategy
Successful nonprofits maintain diverse funding portfolios that reduce dependence on any single source. Consider pursuing multiple grant types:
- Operating support grants for general organizational needs
- Program-specific grants for targeted initiatives
- Capacity building grants for infrastructure improvements
- Emergency relief grants for crisis response
- Multi-year grants for sustained program development
Digital Tools and Grant Management
Modern grant management requires efficient systems for tracking opportunities, deadlines, and requirements. Organizations benefit from:
- Grant Database Management: Maintain detailed records of all applications, awards, and reporting requirements
- Deadline Tracking: Use calendar systems to monitor application deadlines and reporting dates
- Document Libraries: Organize reusable content like organizational descriptions and financial statements
- Impact Measurement: Implement systems to track and report on grant-funded outcomes
Apply Today!
Whether your Non-Profit organization is in its first or fortieth year, there's never been a better time to secure funding for this year, and for years to come. GiveLife365 is an all-in-one solution for Non-Profits, designed to help Non-Profit organization with donor, volunteer and (you guessed it!) grant management features, among other useful features. Reach out to one of our experts today!