Running a small nonprofit sometimes feels like trying to move mountains with a teaspoon. You're passionate about your cause and the impact you're making, but there's a constant tug-of-war between what you want to achieve and the resources at your disposal.
Limited budgets mean you're constantly forced to prioritize, often sacrificing one good cause for another. And time? Well, it's the most precious resource, but it always feels like there's never enough of it.
Imagine the possibilities if you had the support and resources you need. Picture the lives you could touch, the communities you could uplift, and the change you could create. It's not just about dreaming big; it's about turning those dreams into reality. That’s where nonprofit tech grants come into play!
Technology grants don’t just save your nonprofit’s budget. Technology helps you save time, so you can focus on what matters most: your mission!
Let’s take a closer look at these strategic lifelines and unpack how your nonprofit can take advantage of nonprofit tech grants! Plus, we’ll share 9 grants that are available to you right now in 2024!
Table of Contents:
- Understanding Nonprofit Technology Grants
- Why Nonprofit Tech Grants Matter
- Types of Nonprofit Technology Grants
- 9 Tech Grants Available in 2024
Understanding Nonprofit Tech Grants
At their core, nonprofit tech grants are funds or in-kind services offered by corporations, foundations, or government entities to support nonprofit organizations in acquiring technology tools and expertise.
Unlike traditional grants, which may focus on general operational costs or specific projects, tech grants are tailored to enhance an organization's digital capabilities.
Why Nonprofit Tech Grants Matter
In an age where technology can significantly amplify your outreach, efficiency, and impact, being digitally under-equipped is not just a setback—it's a barrier to accomplishing your nonprofit’s noble goals.
Here's how technology grants support nonprofits:
- Bridging the Digital Divide: They provide nonprofits, especially smaller ones with limited budgets, the opportunity to access cutting-edge technologies and digital strategies.
- Enhancing Capacity: With the right tools, nonprofits can streamline operations, improve donor engagement, and manage data more effectively, allowing them to devote more resources to their core mission.
- Increasing Visibility: Modern marketing tools and social media platforms can help nonprofits reach a wider audience, raising awareness and funds.
- Empowering Innovation: Grants encourage nonprofits to explore innovative solutions and technological advancements that can propel their causes forward.
Types of Nonprofit Tech Grants
- Software Grants: Often include donations of software licenses from companies like DonorDock, Microsoft, and Canva enabling nonprofits to leverage powerful tools at no cost.
- Hardware Grants: Include donations of computers, servers, and other essential hardware that are critical for day-to-day operations.
- Digital Transformation Grants: Specifically designed to help nonprofits adapt to digital changes through training, consulting, and implementation of digital tools.
- Innovation Funds: Support experimental projects that use technology to address new challenges, driving social impact through creativity.
9 Nonprofit Technology Grants Available in 2024
Ready to take the next step forward with technology? Begin by evaluating your tech needs and exploring these 9 nonprofit grants available in 2024:
1. DonorDock’s Spreadsheet Freedom Fund
The Spreadsheet Freedom Fund is an in-kind technology grant that empowers nonprofits by giving them access to a nonprofit CRM. The fund will award 45 grants in 2024, and each selected organization will receive a one-year subscription to DonorDock’s Lite plan.
To be eligible:
- Nonprofits must be U.S. tax-exempt;
- Must not have a CRM in place and be using spreadsheets for donor management;
- and have an annual revenue under $100,000
Learn more or apply for the DonorDock Spreadsheet Freedom Fund here.
2. Google Ad Grants
Google Ad Grants is a program by Google that lets eligible nonprofits run text ads on Google when people search for keywords related to their mission or services. Nonprofits can access up to $10,000 per month in in-kind search advertising. Launched in 2003, the program helps nonprofits raise awareness, attract volunteers, and promote their services.
To be eligible:
- Your nonprofit must have a valid charitable status according to country-specific guidelines (e.g., IRS in the U.S.).
- Agree with and adhere strictly to Google's policies, including their non-discrimination policy.
- Have a functioning website with high-quality content.
To learn more, check out this guide on maximizing nonprofit success with Google Ad Grants.
3. Tech Forward Technology Innovation Awards
The Technology Innovation Awards support nonprofits using innovative tech to make a positive impact. Tech Forward offers $10,000 to implement these technologies, whether it's community apps, interactive data sets, or predictive analytics programs.
To be eligible:
- Be a 501(c)3 or 501(c)4 charitable organization (as defined by the Internal Revenue Services), other than: churches and organizations whose primary mission is to promote a religion; private schools, colleges, or universities; nonprofit hospitals or cooperative hospital service organizations; and governmental units.
- Demonstrate fiscal responsibility, which is defined by adherence to general accounting standards.
- Be inclusive and embrace diversity; does not discriminate in service delivery and employment on any basis including ethnicity, gender, sexual orientation or religion.
- Have an annual operating budget of at least $500,000.
- Send a representative to the conference to accept the award (travel stipend available).
Interested in learning more? Apply or learn more here.
4. The Charity Design Co WebWish Grant
The Charity Design Co offers an annual grant called the WebWish grant. The WebWish grant supports nonprofits who lack a professional online presence by helping them revamp their website. Selection for this grant is made in August, but applications are accepted year-round.
To be eligible:
- You must be a 501(c)3 registered nonprofit;
- that currently lacks a professional online presence;
- or those who need to revamp their existing site.
5. Canva for Nonprofits
Canva for Nonprofits is a program specifically designed to provide nonprofits with access to Canva's premium design tools and resources at no cost or at a discounted rate. It allows nonprofits to create high-quality graphics, presentations, social media posts, and more to effectively communicate their message and mission.
To be eligible:
- Organizations must be recognized as a nonprofit by the local regulator in the country where they are registering;
- cannot be political or religious;
- must agree to use Canva for Nonprofits solely for their nonprofit activities
Apply for Canva for Nonprofits
6. Microsoft Tech for Social Impact Grants
Discover the Microsoft Tech for Social Impact Grants gives nonprofits access to their cloud products, including Azure, Dynamics 365, Microsoft 365, and more.
Learn more and take the eligibility pre-check on their website.
7. Verizon Giving and Grants
Verizon's grants cover IT-related costs, like computer hardware, software, data, or networks. For education grants, Verizon and Verizon Foundation focus on projects that enhance digital skills for students and teachers in grades K-12. This can include summer or afterschool programs in STEM subjects (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math), teacher training, and research on tech-integrated teaching methods.
Verizon has an extensive list of grant requirements, and they require nonprofits to reach out to their local community relations manager to see if they are eligible.
Find your local community relations manager or read more about the grant requirements here.
8. Amazon Web Services (AWS) IMAGINE Grant
AWS offers grants for nonprofits to help them make the most of technology in their projects. They aim to empower nonprofits to see technology as a crucial part of what they do.
AWS IMAGINE Grant offers three distinct award categories for 501(c) nonprofits based in the United States to receive support based on their organizational goals and the stage in their technology adoption journeys: The Pathfinder; The Go Further, Faster Award; and The Momentum and Modernize Award.
Learn more about what each award offers and its specific requirements here.
9. TechSoup
TechSoup is a nonprofit organization that provides technology resources and services to other nonprofits, charities, and libraries around the world. They partner with various technology companies to offer discounted or donated software, hardware, and services to eligible organizations, helping them to operate more efficiently and effectively.
But TechSoup does more than just offer discounts on tech tools. They also provide educational resources, training, and support to help nonprofits make the most of the technology they receive. Their mission is to empower organizations to achieve their missions through technology.
While their offerings aren’t strictly grants, TechSoup is a great option for finding free or discounted technology.
Conclusion
Nonprofit tech grants are more than just financial aid; they are catalysts for change, innovation, and progress within the nonprofit sector. By tapping into the potential of technology, nonprofits can amplify their impact and reach their goals more efficiently. Most importantly, technology can help you make a bigger difference in the lives of those you serve! Whether it's through improved operational efficiency, enhanced donor engagement, or innovative service delivery, the power of technology, supported by grants, can propel your nonprofit into a new era of mission achievement.
