These Foundations Are Giving Away Millions to Nonprofits

Foundations come in all sizes. Some are small and support local groups, while others are huge and give away millions of dollars every year. Only a small number of foundations give out more than $1 million annually. These big foundations have a huge impact on the nonprofit world and help bring about big changes over time.

Obtaining grant money from these large foundations can be competitive. Nonprofits need to show they are a good fit for the foundation’s goals and prove that their projects will have real results. The application and review processes are usually rigorous, reflecting the responsibility these funders have to manage large sums effectively. However, winning a large grant can be transformative. It allows nonprofits to build better programs, strengthen their capacity, and plan for the future. This support helps nonprofits do better work and reach more people.

Using GrantWatch’s Foundation Search Directory, we’ve listed 10 foundations that have awarded millions in grants to nonprofits in previous years.

10 Foundations with Budgets Over $1 Million

1. $60,000 Grants to Help Domestic Violence Survivors

Nonprofits in the U.S. can apply for grants up to $60,000 to support domestic violence survivors and their pets. Funding is available for organizations partnering to provide pet-friendly housing, foster care, temporary boarding, veterinary care, and pet-related expenses. Learn more here.

2. $50,000 Grants to Nonprofits Serving Underserved Communities

Nonprofits addressing social challenges in disadvantaged communities can apply for grants of up to $50,000. This grant also includes in-kind support such as software and tech services. The program aims to help organizations strengthen communities, build resilience, and create pathways to tech careers. Click here to learn more.

3. $30,000 Grants for Advancing Environmental and Social Justice

U.S. nonprofit grassroots organizations can apply for annual grants of up to $30,000 to support efforts promoting environmental and social justice. The funding aims to empower communities to build collective action and address the impacts of inequity and injustice at the local level. To learn more about this grant, click here.

4. $75,000 Grants to Support Urgent Social Issues

Nonprofits can apply for grants of up to $75,000 for projects addressing critical issues such as economic empowerment, education, climate impact, and crisis response. Funding supports initiatives that serve underserved communities and use technology to improve service delivery and impact. Click here to learn more.

5. $40,000 Grants for Medical Research

U.S. nonprofit organizations can apply for grants of up to $40,000 to support medical research across a range of topics. Applications are accepted year-round, though proposals are reviewed annually. To learn more about this grant, click here.

6. $35,000 Grants to Support Plays at Nonprofit Theaters

Small and mid-sized nonprofit theaters in the U.S. can apply for grants of up to $35,000 to produce daring, experimental new plays. The funding is designed to cover essential production costs that might otherwise prevent these works from being staged, empowering theaters to take creative risks and support ambitious, writer-driven projects. Learn more here.

7. $50,000 Grants for Programs Benefiting Children and Youth

Nonprofits, schools, government agencies, and churches across the U.S. can apply for grants of up to $50,000 to support programs that enrich the lives of children and youth. Funding priorities include education, youth development, arts and culture, safety, humanitarian services, and scientific or medical research. Read more here.

8. $40,000 Grants to Support Equity-Focused Projects

U.S. nonprofit organizations can apply for grants of up to $40,000 for initiatives that promote equity and address key social issues. Funding priorities include health equity, climate, arts and culture, and sustainability. Grants may be used for programs, general operations, capital needs, and capacity building. Learn more here.

9. $75,000 Grants to Promote American Art History

Nonprofit organizations and museums worldwide can apply for grants of up to $75,000 to support American art history. This funding is for projects that deepen public understanding and appreciation of American art history through the presentation of artistic collections. Read more here.

10. $60,000 Grants to Support Children’s Health Equity Advocacy

U.S. nonprofit organizations can apply for grants of up to $60,000 to fund public policy advocacy campaigns focused on children’s health equity. Eligible activities include coalition building, grassroots organizing, polling, and media outreach, especially during the critical final stages of a campaign. Learn more here.

Foundations Giving Millions Drive Impact in Philanthropy

Foundations that award millions annually are relatively rare but have a disproportionate influence on social progress. Their funding enables nonprofits to address major challenges with scale and longevity. By setting trends and encouraging others to follow, these foundations help drive innovation and lasting change across multiple sectors. For nonprofits aiming to make a significant impact, building relationships with large funders can open doors to valuable opportunities.

Large foundations are an essential part of the philanthropic ecosystem, but they don’t operate in isolation. Smaller and mid-sized funders provide critical support for local projects and specific initiatives. Together, these different types of funders create a diverse and dynamic system that supports nonprofits in various ways.

Millions of dollars in grant funding are available each year. According to GrantWatch.com, over 641,000 grant recipients have collectively been awarded $925 billion from more than 334,000 foundations. If your organization is interested in exploring more grant funding opportunities, start your search at GrantWatch.com.

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