I want to see who really JUST needs a grant or two. I wonder if it would matter if I listed grants. Let us know who you serve and what city and state. (Example: youth in the juvenile justice system in Nashville, TN) ***comment below and ai will find at least one grant or let you know why I can’t find anything.

I came across a story this week that reminded me why nonprofit leaders should never underestimate the impact of a smaller grant. Skillpoint Alliance, a nonprofit that provides workforce training for underserved individuals, recently received a $20,000 grant from the O’Reilly Automotive Foundation. The funding will help expand its HVAC and plumbing training programs in the Permian Basin. Now, some people might look at $20,000 and think it is not enough to make a difference. But here’s what caught my attention. The organization already had a proven program. They were helping people gain skills, complete training, find jobs, and increase their income. The grant was not funding an idea. It was helping expand something that was already working. That is a lesson for every nonprofit leader. Many funders are not looking for perfection. They are looking for evidence that your organization can take resources and create measurable outcomes. Sometimes the next grant comes after you’ve demonstrated success with the first one. So here’s my question for you: What is one program or service your organization already does well that could serve more people if you had an additional $20,000? Drop it in the comments. I’d love to hear what you’re building. *Please remember “give-aways” are not usually covered by grants…it’s about programs and services.

I wanted to share this one in case there is a nonprofit in our community with an annual budget of at least $500,000. If not, this will be a goal. Please note this is "project-specific", similar to most grants. Eligibility requirements: - Internal Revenue Service-recognized 501(c)(3) public charities or organizations with a 501(c)(3) public charity fiscal sponsor based in the United States - 501(c)(3) organizations (including fiscal sponsors) must have a sustained annual budget of at least $500,000 - Grants are project-specific; this is not for general operating support - Grant amounts range from $50,000 to $250,000, aligned with project budgets - Funding is one-time; multiyear requests will not be considered - Projects must take place in the United States - We do not fund political, lobbying, or advocacy-based activities  https://unlikely.org/home#er Remember, in-kind donations can justify your budget. All of the other bullet points are what I have spoken about and continue to discuss. Again, I hope this will serve as motivation.

Even if you don't get the grant, at least you will have experience in filling out your own grant application. It's too simple to let it go by. You can fill out multiple applications for different Walmart locations, especially if you live in a larger city. https://www.walmart.org/how-we-give/program-guidelines/spark-good-local-grants-guidelines Program Guidelines - Grants are awarded through an open application process to eligible organizations serving the same service area that the facility they are requesting funding from serves. - Organizations must have a Spark Good account on Walmart.com/nonprofits and be verified by Walmart’s third-party verification partner, Deed. Only authorized users of the organization’s Spark Good account may apply. - Grant amounts range from $250 to $5,000. - Applications are accepted and reviewed through three application cycles in FY27:Cycle 1: Feb. 1 – April 15Cycle 2: May 1– July 15Cycle 3: Aug. 1 – Nov. 30 - A maximum of 25 applications (pending or approved status), is allowed per organization at any time.  - Once funded, reapplication to the same facility is not allowed within the same fiscal year.  - Final decisions are made prior to the next application cycle’s opening. - Affirming alignment with Spark Good program guidelines is mandatory for all grant recipients. - Agreeing to logo usage and recognition guidelines is required. - If recommended for a grant, funds are distributed through electronic payment via JP Morgan, requiring the organization to provide correct banking within 21 days of the organization’s primary owner being notified that the grant was recommended for approval. Organization Eligibility - Organizations must have a Spark Good account and be verified by Deed, Walmart’s third-party verification service provider. - Organizations must serve the same service area that the facility they are requesting funding from serves. Eligible entities must be a:501(c)(3) public charity: An organization holding a current tax-exempt status and recognized as a public charity under Section 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code, listed on the IRS Master File and conducting activities within the United States; classified as a public charity under Section 509(a)(1), (2) or (3) (Types I or II); and Deed verified.Government entity (non-501(c)(3)): U.S. federal agencies territories and commonwealths, state agencies and departments and political subdivisions (including cities, counties, municipal agencies); and Deed verified. School: All K-12 public or nonprofit private schools, charter schools, community/junior colleges, state/private colleges, or universities. Institutions must have a NCES (National Center for Education Statistics) number or 501c3 tax status and be verified with Deed. Church or other faith-based organization with a proposed project that benefits the community at large, such as food pantries, soup kitchens and clothing closets and Deed verified.

Happy Saturday! True Inspiration Awards grants range from $30,000 to $350,000, with over $6 million awarded in 2026 to organizations throughout the United States and Puerto Rico, Canada, the United Kingdom and Singapore. Applications for the 2027 True Inspiration Awards will be accepted from now until May 1, 2026. To be eligible to apply for a True Inspiration Awards grant, an organization should: - Be a (i) 501(c)(3) based in the U.S. or (ii) a charitable organization based in Canada, the United Kingdom, or Singapore that can provide an opinion of counsel that confirms it is the equivalent of a U.S. 501(c)(3) public charity in its home jurisdiction. Let us know in the comments when you apply! ***Don't forget to make sure that all of your required documents for your nonprofit are up-to-date and all filings "match" at the State and Federal levels. If you are not sure of what is required, review the video here. https://www.chick-fil-a.com/true-inspiration-awards/learn-more