1. Awesome Foundation Grant Award: $1,000Deadline: Monthly (Rolling)Eligibility: New nonprofits, startups, and community organizations This is a great starter grant for new nonprofits. Funds can be used for programs, supplies, outreach, or launching new initiatives.Apply: https://www.awesomefoundation.org 2. Pollination Project Seed GrantAward: $500–$1,000 (with potential for additional funding later)Deadline: Rolling (Daily Review)Eligibility: New nonprofits and grassroots organizations This is one of the best grants for early-stage nonprofits focused on community impact.Apply: https://thepollinationproject.org 3. Walmart Spark Good Local GrantAward: $250–$5,000Deadline: QuarterlyEligibility: Local nonprofits serving the community Great for youth programs, food programs, outreach, education, and community support initiatives.Apply: https://www.walmart.org 4. Target Community GivingAward: VariesEligibility: New and growing nonprofits Target supports nonprofits focused on education, community development, and local impact.Apply: https://corporate.target.com/sustainability-esg/community/community-giving 5. Home Depot Community Impact GrantAward: Up to $5,000Eligibility: Nonprofits working on community improvement projects Good for nonprofits focused on housing, community improvement, and neighborhood support.Apply: https://corporate.homedepot.com Quick Tip for New NonprofitsNew nonprofits often have the best success with:• Seed Grants• Micro Grants• Local Grants• Corporate Grants• Capacity-Building Grants

join in. Topics Covered. 1. The Funding Mindset Shift Many nonprofits chase any grant they see. That’s the fastest way to waste time. Instead, focus on right-fit funding. A strong funding strategy asks: - Does this funder support our mission area? - Do they fund in our geographic location? - Do they fund organizations our size? - Do they fund the type of work we do? When these align, your chances improve dramatically. Grant success comes from fit + clarity + preparation, not volume. 2. The 3 Types of Funding to Focus On 1. Foundation Grants Private foundations fund causes aligned with their mission. Examples: - Community foundations - Family foundations - Corporate foundations Pros: - Flexible funding - Often relationship-driven Cons: - Competitive 2. Government Grants These come from federal, state, or local agencies. Pros: - Larger funding amounts - Multi-year opportunities Cons: - Complex applications - Reporting requirements Government grants usually come through formal requests for proposals (RFPs). 3. Corporate Grants Businesses fund nonprofits through: - Corporate foundations - Sponsorships - Community investment programs Pros: - Faster decisions - Relationship-based Cons: - Often smaller amounts 3. The Grant Readiness Rule Before applying for grants, make sure you have these basics: - Clear mission statement - Defined programs - Basic budget - Board of directors - Financial tracking - Website or basic online presence Many funders require these documents before reviewing an application.

1. Awesome Foundation - Apply: https://www.awesomefoundation.org/en/apply - Award Size: $1,000 - Deadline: Rolling — monthly by chapter Typical timing - Many chapters review applications once per month - If you apply now, you’re usually considered in the next monthly cycle Eligibility - Individuals, nonprofits, or groups - No 501(c)(3) required Recommendation: ✅ Apply Now (very quick application) 2. Pollination Project Seed Grant - Apply (pre-screen): https://thepollinationproject.org/pre-screen/ - Award Size: $1,000 - Deadline: Rolling — reviewed daily Typical timing - Applications reviewed every day - Funding decisions often within 1–3 weeks Eligibility - Individuals or groups - Nonprofit status not required Recommendation: ✅ Apply Now 3. Believe in Reading - Apply: https://believeinreading.org/grant-program/ - Award Size: Usually $500 – $10,000 - Deadline: Rolling (applications accepted year-round) Typical timing - Decisions usually take 6–8 weeks Eligibility - Nonprofits, schools, or fiscal sponsor projects - Must have literacy as a core program focus Recommendation: ⚖️ Apply only if literacy is central to your program 4. Captain Planet Foundation - Apply: https://captainplanetfoundation.org/apply-for-grants/ - Award Size: $2,500 – $5,000 Grant Cycles - September 15 - January 15 - April 15 Eligibility - Schools and nonprofits - Must be environmental education focused Recommendation: ❌ Skip unless your program includes green careers or sustainability

1) AmeriCorps State & National Grants Deadline: March 31 2026 (Final)Who Can Apply: Nonprofits, community organizations that will host AmeriCorps members. Focus: Youth development, education, community services, workforce pathways. Apply: https://americorps.gov/grants/apply ✨ Great for: youth programming, community engagement, service models. 2) OJJDP FY25 Second Chance Act – Youth Reentry Program Deadline: March 30 2026 (Grants.gov)Who Can Apply: Nonprofits, public agencies serving justice-involved youth. Focus: Reentry services, mentoring, education, jobs for youth leaving custody. Apply : https://www.grants.gov/search-results-detail/361321 ✨ Great for: reentry support & wraparound youth services. 3) Bureau of Justice Assistance – Smart Reentry Demonstration Program Deadline: March 19 2026 (Grants.gov)Who Can Apply: Nonprofits/public agencies providing reentry services. Focus: Innovative reentry strategies, employment, transitional services. Apply : https://www.grants.gov/search-results?q=Smart+Reentry+Demonstration+Program ✨ Great for: justice-involved adults & youth reentry programming. 4) Bureau of Justice Assistance – Strengthening Community Supervision Agency Operations Deadline: March 19 2026 (Grants.gov)Who Can Apply: Nonprofits, local agencies partnering on community supervision. Focus: Improving supervision systems that reduce recidivism and support reentry. Apply : https://www.grants.gov/search-results?q=Strengthening+Community+Supervision+Agency+Operations ✨ Useful if your program partners with supervision systems. 5) Office for Victims of Crime (OVC) – ECM Task Force to Combat Human Trafficking Deadline: Mar 18 / Grants.gov Mar 11, 2026

1) Education Design Lab — Advancing Workforce Mobility Deadline: February 20, 2026 (ends today)Award Amount: Up to $600,000 Focus: Workforce mobility, skills validation, expanding economic access — can be used for training & financial skills pathways. Apply: https://eddesignlab.org/news-events/education-design-lab-announces-3-5-million-rfp-to-advance-workforce-mobility-through-credential-transparency-and-skills-validation/