7 Best Marketing Grants for Nonprofits [2025]

Marketing is crucial for nonprofits to raise awareness, engage supporters, and advance their missions. However, securing the necessary funding for marketing initiatives can be challenging for many nonprofit organizations. That’s where marketing grants for nonprofits come into play.

In this article, we’ll explore five valuable grants that can help your nonprofit boost its marketing efforts, adapt to nonprofit marketing trends, and make an even more significant impact on the causes you care about. If you’re searching for ways to amplify your nonprofit’s message and reach, you’re in the right place!

 1. Wavemakers Grant

Big Sea’s Wavemakers Grant is a competitive grant exclusively designed for nonprofit organizations with innovative marketing projects. It provides up to $30,000 in marketing services for nonprofits that aim to create groundbreaking ad campaigns. The grant usually runs from November to early December each year.

Wavemakers Grant recipients get access to Big Sea’s expertise in nonprofit content marketing. This includes helping you refine and define your brand, clarify your message, develop your website, design your marketing materials, and grow your donor community. In addition to financial support, Wavemakers grantees also benefit from networking and mentorship opportunities. This grant empowers nonprofits to turn their unique and impactful marketing ideas into reality.

 2. Google Ad Grants

Google Ad Grants is a transformative program that provides eligible nonprofits up to $10,000 per month in free advertising credits on Google Ads. This funding is designed to give nonprofits an unparalleled opportunity to increase their online presence and engage with a broader audience through Google’s powerful advertising platform.

By leveraging Google Ad Grants, your nonprofit can create highly targeted online campaigns that drive meaningful actions—attracting donors, recruiting volunteers, promoting programs, or raising awareness about your cause. These ads are displayed based on search intent, meaning they will reach people actively looking for services or support related to your mission. This ensures your message resonates with the right audience at the right time.

Maximizing the potential of Google Ad Grants requires strategic planning and ongoing management. Ad campaigns must follow specific compliance guidelines to maintain eligibility, such as maintaining a 5% click-through rate and adhering to Google’s quality standards. With a thoughtful approach, this grant can become a cost-free pillar of your nonprofit’s digital marketing strategy, enabling you to make a significant impact without straining your budget.

To help you make the most of this resource, Big Sea offers comprehensive guidance on applying for, optimizing, and managing Google Ad Grants. Our team can assist with everything from crafting compelling ad copy to ongoing monitoring and performance tracking, ensuring your campaigns achieve measurable results. Take the first step toward transforming your digital outreach with Google Ad Grants, and see how it can elevate your nonprofit’s mission to new heights. For more details and support, connect with Big Sea today and start unlocking opportunities with confidence!

 3. AWS IMAGINE Grant Program

The AWS IMAGINE Grant Program, funded by Amazon Web Services (AWS), offers two prestigious grant opportunities for nonprofit organizations that utilize cloud technologies to positively impact society: the Go Further, Faster award and the Momentum to Modernize award. Each award provides nonprofit organizations valuable resources and support to enhance their IT capabilities and advance their missions.

Go Further, Faster

For eligible nonprofits that need help with specific cloud-based projects, the Go Further, Faster award offers up to $150,000 in unrestricted funding, $100,000 in AWS promotional credit, technical support, AWS training, and opportunities for marketing promotion. Eligible projects must have the potential to advance big, repeatable solutions in your industry and use or integrate with advanced cloud services, such as artificial intelligence, machine learning, high-performance computing, or the Internet of Things.

Momentum to Modernize

If you don’t have a specific project in mind but want to enhance your tech capabilities or streamline operations, you can apply for the Momentum to Modernize award. Recipients of this award have access to $50,000 in unrestricted funds, $20,000 in AWS promotional credit, implementation guidance, training and support, and marketing opportunities. Eligible projects can include database migration, net-new application development, application migration and optimization, or infrastructure expansion.

 4. The Unless Project

The Unless Project is a grant program encouraging innovative marketing strategies for nonprofits addressing critical global issues. Four lucky nonprofits benefit from this grant each year, which offers financial support, marketing services, and mentorship to help them amplify their marketing efforts and make a real difference in the world.

As part of the grant program, The Unless Project walks recipients through a 6-step process that includes developing a strategy, building an infrastructure, creating a brand, marketing their mission, ensuring successful delivery to audiences, and analyzing opportunities for continued success.

If your organization is passionate about using marketing to promote sustainability and an equitable world, this grant could be a crucial resource for achieving your mission and creating a lasting impact.

 5. AWS Nonprofit Credit Program

The Amazon Nonprofit Credit Program helps nonprofit organizations harness the power of cloud computing and technology to achieve their advertising and marketing goals. Through this grant program, eligible nonprofits can access $1,000 in credits (valid for 12 months) for AWS on-demand cloud services, including computing, storage, databases, and machine learning. The grant also gives recipients access to technical support from AWS professionals.

The program benefits nonprofits’ innovation by providing access to cutting-edge technology, which can be used to enhance services and reach a wider audience. It also helps nonprofits to streamline operations, scale their infrastructure as their needs grow, and reduce operational costs.

 6. NBCUniversal Local Impact Grants

The NBCUniversal Local Impact Grants program prioritizes community foundations and nonprofits. With a focus on outreach and marketing inclusivity, this grant helps nonprofits share their missions creatively.

• Key Focus Areas: Storytelling, video campaigns, and email marketing to drive audience and community engagement.
• Eligibility: Nonprofits with innovative initiatives for local community development and transformation.
• Funding Details: Awards range from $10,000 to $50,000.

Grantees have successfully launched impactful visual media campaigns that resonate deeply with local communities.

 7. Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation Community Grants

The globally recognized Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation supports nonprofits dedicated to economic mobility and youth education. The focus extends beyond marketing to overall nonprofit growth, but funding can include marketing plan execution and outreach acceleration.

The website has an updated list of Requests for Proposal (RFPs) opportunities for you to choose from. Submit a proposal detailing your initiative’s scope, target audience engagement goals, and fundraising needs.

Countless grantees have used Melinda Gates Foundation grants to enhance their nonprofit marketing and deepen their connection with the communities they serve.

Free marketing and discount programs for nonprofits

If your nonprofit is looking for additional marketing opportunities, marketing discount programs can offer cost-effective marketing solutions and tools. These programs often provide nonprofits with reduced rates or free access to various marketing resources, such as advertising credits, email marketing services, CRM software, and website development. They help nonprofits optimize their marketing efforts while staying within budget constraints.

To get you started, here are three marketing discount programs your nonprofit can use to access valuable resources and tools, enhance your marketing strategy, and reach your audience more effectively.

1. YouTube Nonprofit Program

The YouTube Nonprofit Program is an initiative by YouTube that offers nonprofits access to premium features on the platform. It includes benefits like donation cards, live streaming, and increased visibility. You also get access to YouTube Creator Academy to help you build video content and technical support. These tools enable nonprofits to raise funds, engage their audience, and share their mission through compelling video content.

2. Hubspot for Nonprofits

HubSpot for Nonprofits is a program that offers many advantages to nonprofits. This program gives nonprofits access to HubSpot’s marketing and customer relationship management (CRM) tools at a discounted rate. These tools empower nonprofits to streamline their marketing efforts, find contacts and engage supporters, and manage relationships more effectively, making a more significant impact on the causes you’re passionate about. Let Big Sea help you navigate the ins and outs of this essential marketing tool.

3. Mailchimp Nonprofit Discount

If you’re looking for email marketing services at a discounted rate, The Mailchimp Nonprofit Discount might be ideal for your organization. The program provides a 15% discount to eligible nonprofits. It provides tools and resources to create engaging email campaigns, build and manage contact lists, and effectively communicate with supporters, donors, and stakeholders.

Where can I find more information about marketing grants for nonprofits?

When it comes to unlocking the full potential of marketing services and grants for nonprofits, Big Sea stands as a reliable resource and partner in your journey. Start your exploration by visiting the Big Sea website, where you can find additional information about The Wavemakers Grant and inquire about additional marketing grants for your nonprofit.

You can also find information about marketing grants for nonprofits through various channels, such as granting organizations, nonprofit associations, and grant databases, such as Grantwatch, Grantstation, or Foundation Directory.

Marketing Grants for Nonprofits FAQs

What is a marketing grant?

A marketing grant is a financial assistance program provided by various organizations, often government agencies, corporations, or foundations, to support nonprofit organizations in their marketing and promotional efforts. These grants can be funding, advertising credits, or access to marketing tools and services. They enable nonprofits to enhance their outreach, engage their audience, improve their fundraising efforts, and achieve their missions more effectively.

What are the best marketing grants for nonprofits to apply for?

When nonprofit organizations seek the best marketing grants to support their mission, Big Sea’s Wavemakers Grant stands out as an exceptional choice. This grant focuses on empowering nonprofits to create innovative and impactful marketing campaigns, offering funding of up to $30,000. It’s an excellent resource for organizations looking to pioneer groundbreaking marketing initiatives and make a significant difference. If you’re a nonprofit with a unique and compelling marketing idea, the Wavemakers Grant could be your ticket to making waves worldwide.

How do I write a winning marketing grant proposal?

To write a winning marketing grant proposal for your nonprofit, follow these key steps:

• Research Opportunities: Thoroughly research grant opportunities and choose those aligned with your mission.
• Define Clear Objectives: Ensure you have clear goals and expected outcomes for your marketing project.
• Create a Compelling Narrative: Craft a persuasive and concise narrative about your nonprofit and its impact.
• Add Budget Details: Provide a well-structured budget plan showing how grant funds will be used.
• Provide an Impact Statement: Highlight the potential impact of your marketing project on your cause.
• Include Supporting Data: Use data, metrics, and success stories to reinforce your proposal.
• Follow Guidelines: Adhere to the grant’s guidelines and deadlines.
• Proofread and Review: Ensure your proposal is error-free and has a coherent structure.
• Present it Professionally: Format your proposal professionally and make it visually appealing.
• Get Feedback: Have others review your proposal for feedback and improvement.

Remember that writing a compelling grant proposal is critical to the grant application process. Tailor each proposal to the specific grant’s requirements and focus on demonstrating the impact your marketing project will have on your nonprofit’s mission.

What are some common mistakes to avoid when applying for marketing grants?

Common mistakes to avoid when applying for marketing grants include:

• Not thoroughly researching grant opportunities and their alignment with your nonprofit’s mission.
• Failing to follow the grant’s specific guidelines and deadlines.
• Providing an uninspiring or unclear narrative about your nonprofit’s mission and goals.
• Neglecting to use data and success stories to support your proposal.
• Submitting a proposal with errors, typos, or an unprofessional appearance.
• Using a one-size-fits-all approach rather than tailoring each proposal to the specific grant’s requirements.
• Failing to follow up on submitted proposals or missing opportunities for clarification.

By avoiding these common mistakes, nonprofit organizations can significantly improve their chances of securing valuable marketing grants to further their causes. Each proposal should be carefully crafted, thoroughly researched, and aligned with the grant’s criteria and objectives.

Can a nonprofit apply for multiple marketing grants simultaneously?

Yes, nonprofits are allowed to apply for multiple grants as long as they meet the eligibility criteria for each grant program. However, ensure your organization has sufficient grant management resources to comply with reporting requirements.

Are there specific marketing grants available for nonprofit organizations in the arts sector?

Yes! Many grant programs, such as those highlighted on platforms like GrantWatch or Grants.gov, specifically target arts-focused nonprofits. Examples include funding from the National Endowment for the Arts (NEA) and local government cultural grants.