Marketing grants are a game-changer for nonprofits seeking to amplify their message and impact. These specialized funding opportunities provide the financial strength and expertise needed to launch powerful outreach campaigns, often without straining limited resources.
In today's digital-first world, effective marketing can mean the difference between a thriving nonprofit and one that struggles to be heard. Marketing grants offer a lifeline, enabling organizations to invest in professional strategies, tools, and talent that might otherwise be out of reach.
This guide explores nine standout marketing grants available to nonprofits in 2024. We'll delve into their unique offerings, eligibility requirements, and application processes.
Top 9 marketing grants for nonprofits
- Google Ad Grants
- Big Sea’s Wavemakers Grant
- The Awesome Foundation Grant
- GlobalGiving Accelerator Program
- Bonterra's Jumpstart Program
- John S and James L Knight Foundation
- The Unless Project
- Weingart Foundation Unrestricted Grant
- NBCUniversal Local Impact Grants
What are marketing grants for nonprofits?
Marketing grants provide nonprofits with financial support for promotional activities. These grants may come as direct funding, advertising credits, or free marketing services and tools. Foundations, corporations, and sometimes government agencies offer these grants to nonprofits.
You can use these funds for several activities, such as:
- Social media marketing
- Website development and search engine optimization (SEO)
- Public relations and advertising
- Branding and graphic design
- Email marketing and direct mail
- Conferences, seminars, and other in-person events
Advantages of marketing grants for nonprofits
Marketing grants offer transformative advantages beyond just increased visibility:
- Capacity building: Invest in long-term strategies to enhance your brand and online presence
- Access to expertise: Tap into valuable consulting services and partnerships with marketing professionals
- Cost efficiency: Access professional tools and services without straining your budget, freeing up funds for core programs
- Long-term alliance: Build relationships with grantmaking organizations, potentially leading to future opportunities and collaborations
1. Google Ad Grants
The Google Ad Grants program provides eligible nonprofits with up to $10,000 monthly in advertising credits on Google Ads. This enables organizations to create targeted online campaigns, potentially increasing visibility and website traffic. Nonprofits can use these credits to promote their mission, events, and fundraising initiatives across Google's search network.
Key features of the grant
- Create targeted online campaigns based on location, keywords, and demographics to ensure your message connects with those likely to engage
- Boost your nonprofit's impact by driving more people to key pages, such as fundraising campaigns, donation forms, events, or sign-ups
- Analyze and watch performance to optimize campaigns and create a stronger online presence
- Reach out to more supporters by appearing at the top of the search results page
Eligibility requirements
To qualify, your nonprofit must meet the eligibility criteria set by your country for nonprofit organizations. After confirming your eligibility, you need to create a Google for Nonprofits account and get verified. Then, you can activate your Google Ad account to receive funds.
Note: Some kinds of organizations are not eligible for this program, including:
- Government entity
- Hospital or healthcare organization
- School, academic institution, or university
2. Big Sea’s Wavemakers Grant
The Big Sea Wavemakers Grant offers free marketing services worth up to $30,000 to transform your unique ideas into powerful digital campaigns. When you get a Wavemakers Grant, you unlock custom expertise and vital tools. These resources help you amplify your voice and make a lasting impact online.
Key features of the grant
- Brand refinement and building
- Message clarification
- Website development
- Marketing material design
- Donor community growth strategies
Beyond financial aid, grantees also gain access to valuable networking and mentorship opportunities.
Eligibility requirements
Big Sea's grant focuses on mission-driven nonprofits who want to boost their impact through marketing.
Ideal candidates are organizations that have already invested in dedicated marketing resources. It could be an individual or a team. This setup helps Big Sea work with your in-house talent to put plans into action.
3. The Awesome Foundation Grant
The Awesome Foundation is a worldwide network of many local chapters that award $1,000 micro-grants each month. Most chapters are based in specific areas, with a few focusing on particular themes.
When applying, look for the chapter where your organization has its roots, as this connection can boost your chances of success.
Key features of the grant
- $1,000 grants for various projects
- Funds can be used for marketing campaigns
- Open to local and community-driven projects
Eligibility requirements
Most chapters prefer organizations or projects that support the growth of their communities. Some occasionally will consider applications from further locations.
The only way to be sure is to apply through the Awesome Foundation website. Some kinds of projects with limited community scope are generally not supported.
4. GlobalGiving Accelerator Program
The GlobalGiving Accelerator Program is a virtual training course combined with a crowdfunding campaign. It offers opportunities to develop skills, access marketing tools, and enhance your supporter base.
The program begins with an optional week-long training curriculum, followed by the Accelerator Campaign phase. To graduate, organizations must raise at least $5,000 from 40 or more unique donors.
Key features of the grant
- GlobalGiving community membership
- A custom media kit to help you promote your organization
- Promotional opportunities through the GlobalGiving website or social media
- Offers participating organizations $30,000 in matching funding and bonus rewards
Eligibility requirements
Any registered nonprofit organization in the world is eligible to apply.
5. Bonterra's Jumpstart Program
Bonterra's Jumpstart Program empowers nonprofits through technology-driven capacity building. It provides you with fundraising training and tools to boost both your finances and mission awareness.
The journey begins with an intensive data boot camp, where participants select a personal coach and meet their dedicated support team. This initial phase sets the foundation for your growth.
Key features of the grant
- Personalized fundraising coaching and data-driven training
- Access to Bonterra’s suite of fundraising tools and software
- Intensive boot camp to establish strong fundraising foundations
- Ongoing support through technical assistance and dedicated staff
Eligibility requirements
Nonprofits must be within Bonterra’s service regions and demonstrate a proven history of fundraising. Applicants are required to commit at least five hours weekly to fundraising activities and use the provided software. Completion of an initial assessment is mandatory for grant consideration.
6. John S and James L Knight Foundation
The Knight Foundation Marketing Grants are available in 26 cities and towns that share a unique connection: They are places where James L. Knight and John S. Knight once ran newspapers. Grants are given by invitation and span across three key areas: journalism, arts, and community development.
Key features of the grant
- Supports projects that build strong communities through local journalism, public arts, and civic engagement
- Funds innovative initiatives that advance freedom of expression, democratic engagement, and access to quality information
Eligibility requirements
Any registered charitable organization in the US in the field of arts, journalism, or community development can apply.
The Knight Foundation does not support:
- Request for fundraising events
- Charities that service clubs operate
- Medical research and hospitals
- Healthcare organizations with the mission to prevent, reduce, or eradicate the effects of certain diseases
- Memorials and scholarships for individuals
- Group travel
- Religious activities or programs limited to a specific faith or denomination
- Guest speaker fees and group travel expenses, unless specified in foundation initiatives
7. The Unless Project
The Unless Project provides significant support to nonprofits tackling critical global challenges in health, environment, and social advocacy. Each year, four nonprofits are selected for comprehensive support.
Key features of the grant
- Offers up to $150,000 in services, including branding, marketing, and PR, to boost nonprofit impact
- Provides an additional $2,500 to cover unplanned expenses
- Recipients go through a six-step process, covering strategy, operations, branding, marketing, and more
Eligibility requirements
Nonprofits with an annual operating budget of less than $3 million, based in the U.S., and focused on health, sustainability, or social advocacy can apply.
8. Weingart Foundation Unrestricted Grant
The Weingart Foundation offers unrestricted financial support to nonprofits, particularly organizations that drive racial, social, and economic equity. These funds allow organizations to allocate resources where they are needed most, including marketing and outreach.
Key features of the grant
- Grants ranging from $50,000 to $200,000 with full flexibility to use the funds for operations, marketing, or other essential needs
- Prioritizes nonprofits advancing racial, social, and economic justice within underserved communities
- Supports organizations working in Los Angeles, Orange, Riverside, San Bernardino, and Ventura counties
Eligibility requirements
Nonprofits that build community power and demonstrate a commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion in their staffing and governance can apply. Applications are by invitation only.
9. NBCUniversal Local Impact Grants
NBCUniversal's Local Impact Grants provide significant financial support to nonprofits working on youth education, community engagement, and developing pathways for emerging talent. The program focuses on empowering the next generation of storytellers from underrepresented communities, helping them explore careers in arts, news, sports, and entertainment.
Key features of the grant
- Grants range from $100,000 to $1,000,000, offering substantial financial resources for local initiatives
- Supports projects in three key areas—youth empowerment, community engagement, and next-generation storytelling
- Funds can be used for marketing, operations, or project implementation
Eligibility requirements
These grants are open to two types of organizations: nonprofits with a 501(c)(3) tax-exempt status and groups with fiscal sponsors.
They must meet specific criteria to qualify:
- Have total expenses between $100,000 and $1,000,000
- Be in operation for at least one full year
- Maintain a presence in one of the 11 NBC/Telemundo television markets
- Not have received any previous funding from:
- Comcast NBCUniversal
- A Telemundo-owned television station
- An NBC-owned television station
6 tips to find and secure marketing grants for your nonprofit
1. Find grants that align with your values
Working with organizations that share your values and mission is crucial for nonprofits to build lasting partnerships. A strong alignment helps maintain your reputation and strengthens relationships with donors and supporters. When researching potential grant opportunities, look beyond funding amounts to understand the funder's core values and community impact.
Grant funders similarly seek nonprofits that share their values. Before applying, thoroughly check the grant-funding organization's website, social media, and press coverage. This will help you ensure that you choose a funding organization with shared values.
Grant databases on platforms like GrantStation and Candid Foundation Directory are great for kickstarting your search.
2. Double-check its requirements
Carefully review each grant's specific requirements before applying, as criteria and eligibility can vary widely between funders
Ensure your nonprofit meets all stated conditions and that you have the resources to prepare a strong application. This initial review helps you focus on the most suitable opportunities, increasing your chances of success and avoiding wasted effort.
Use grant management software to organize the list of programs, applications, and deadlines.
3. Develop a clear marketing plan
Include a well-thought-out marketing plan in your grant proposal. This helps show your nonprofit has a clear vision and strategic approach. It justifies the need for funding, shows you're prepared, and gives funders clarity.
When creating your marketing plan, present a detailed strategy outlining how the grant funds will be used to achieve specific marketing goals.
4. Build relationships with foundations
Cultivate connections with potential funders through various channels. Engage with foundations via email or phone to discuss your organization's goals.
Attend relevant community events and conferences to network with prospective grantors. Follow funding organizations on social media and participate in meaningful interactions. Building these relationships can provide valuable insights and potentially uncover new funding opportunities.
5. Attend grant writing workshops or courses
Participate in grant writing workshops or courses to enhance your proposal skills. These sessions, available both locally and online, offer insights into funders' priorities and teach effective proposal writing techniques.
Beyond improving your grant applications, these workshops often provide networking opportunities and may introduce you to previously unknown grant sources.
Check our guide on 15 grant writing certifications for nonprofit
6. Hire a grant writer
Partnering with a grant writer can significantly increase your chances of securing nonprofit marketing grants. An experienced professional brings valuable expertise to your team.
They help you navigate the grant application process with ease. They know where to find marketing grants, what to look for, and how to write good proposals for the greatest impact.
Read our guide to learn about grant writing for nonprofits
Final words on marketing grants for nonprofits
Marketing grants can significantly amplify your nonprofit's outreach and impact. By aligning with like-minded funders, developing strong relationships, and crafting compelling proposals, you can increase your chances of securing these valuable resources.
As you apply for marketing grants, consider complementary tools to enhance your overall fundraising efforts. Zeffy offers a 100% free fundraising platform to support nonprofits' fundraising journey.
