Grants for Small Businesses and Nonprofits

 If you're a ZenBusiness customer (18+) who used formation services in the past 3–6 months, you may be eligible! Your U.S.-based, registered business should offer something that benefits your community. 

Winners receive $5,000, 30 days of Money Pro, and expert support sessions. Use the funds as outlined in your application, and share your story in a follow-up interview. Applications are accepted January 1 through December 31, 2025.

Feed the Soul Foundation’s National Emergency Relief Fund (NERF) supports marginalized restaurant owners hit by unexpected hardships. Eligible events include natural disasters, equipment failure, vandalism, theft, or civil unrest.

Grants range from $500–$1,000 and are awarded after board review. While funding isn’t guaranteed, the goal is to help cover urgent needs like repairs or lost wages during closures. Applications are ongoing.

 Created by the U.S. Chamber Foundation and FedEx, the R4R Program helps small businesses prepare for disasters with planning tools and offers $5,000 in relief after a state emergency or disaster. To qualify, businesses must have 500 or fewer employees, a valid EIN, complete an Emergency Action Plan, and meet criteria including U.S. location, financial harm, and $5,000+ in disaster-related damages. Relief is available only in declared disaster areas. Applications are ongoing. 

Wish is offering $500–$2,000 grants to around 4,000 Black-owned small businesses as part of a $2 million fund. The funds can be used for staffing, rent, inventory, marketing, or community support. To qualify, businesses must be U.S.-based, Black-owned brick-and-mortar stores with under 20 employees and less than $1M in annual revenue. Owners must be 18 or older and agree to join Wish Local if selected. Applications are ongoing.

This quarterly grant offers $2,500 in non-dilutive funding to help small businesses cover key expenses like rent, utilities, inventory, marketing, software, or professional development, without giving up equity. To qualify, businesses must be U.S.-based, operating for at least two years, earn $50,000+ annually, and have 1–2 employees, including the owner. The grant supports business stability and growth for those lacking access to traditional funding. Applications are ongoing.

The ElevenLabs Grants program helps startups build products with AI-powered voice technology by offering free usage plans to reduce early-stage costs. Eligible companies must have under 25 employees, a valid business email, and a monetized, long-term product idea. One-off projects and enterprise customers aren’t eligible. Each company can apply once and must display the “ElevenLabs Grants” logo on their website if selected. 

 Blue Meridian Partners makes large, performance-based investments in U.S. nonprofits improving the lives of young people and families in poverty. Eligible organizations must have budgets over $1 million, experienced leadership, and a strong community connection. Applications are ongoing.

T-Mobile awards up to $50,000 for shovel-ready projects that strengthen rural communities for tech upgrades, outdoor spaces, arts, and community centers. Eligible applicants are 501(c)(3) and 501(c)(6) nonprofits, local governments, and tribal entities in towns with fewer than 50,000 residents.  Applications are accepted through 9/30/2025.

Ferguson offers quarterly grants to 501(c)(3) nonprofits in the U.S. supporting affordable housing, skilled trades, clean water and sanitation, and community wellbeing. Applications must have a clear program description, impact metrics, and supporting materials, and are encouraged to include opportunities for Ferguson associate involvement. Applications are ongoing.

The MacFarlane Foundation provides invitation-only grants to U.S.-based nonprofits (including those working internationally) in areas such as education, economic empowerment, climate, health, human services, and the well-being of women and girls. Grants range from $10,000–$75,000 year-round and $200,000–$250,000 in early Fall. Letters of Inquiry for the 2026 cycle open in January 2026. 

The Smurfit Westrock Foundation provides funding to charitable and nonprofit organizations supporting communities where the company operates. Grants are awarded to sustainable projects that make a local impact in areas such as health and nutrition, education, basic care, and reducing inequalities. Eligible organizations are encouraged to apply using the form provided. Applications are ongoing.

Buc-ee’s accepts contribution requests from 501(c)(3) nonprofit organizations located in communities where it operates. Requests are reviewed quarterly, with decisions made during the first two weeks of each quarter. To apply, organizations must fax their latest annual report and Form 990 to Buc-ee’s for consideration. Applications are ongoing.

Truist Foundation funds innovative nonprofits supporting adults through career pathways and small business growth. Grants cover program launches, curricula, equipment, and capital needs; capital campaigns must show 60% funding progress. Application deadline is 11/30/2025.

 Maryland Affordable Housing Trust supports affordable housing statewide with grants or deferred loans for capital costs, nonprofit capacity building, supportive services, and operating expenses, benefiting households earning below 50% median income. Applications are due on 9/11/2025.

 Together ATL funds community-driven initiatives advancing racial equity in Atlanta, supporting place-based strategies, resident-led solutions, and systemic change to build stronger, healthier, and more inclusive communities. Application due dates vary.

The DanPaul Foundation provides grants to 501(c)(3) nonprofits that support the health, education, development, and welfare of youth. Awards range from a few hundred dollars up to $15,000 per year and are available to organizations worldwide. Rquests must align with the Foundation’s mission and focus areas. Applications are ongoing.

The Spirit Charitable Foundation supports organizations that make a meaningful social impact in three focus areas: children and families, service members, and the environment. Funding is provided through grants, volunteerism, and in-kind donations to strengthen communities across the U.S., Latin America, and the Caribbean.

Applications are ongoing.

 The Joan M. Wismer Foundation provides grants to 501(c)(3) nonprofits ranging from $2,500 to $50,000. Funding generally lasts three years or less and supports projects that encourage collaboration, pilot new initiatives, and show long-term sustainability. Applicants must have an active board with strong financial oversight. Applications are ongoing.

 J.B. Hunt supports community projects through four focus areas: health care, veterans’ support, education, and crisis management.

Funding requests are accepted each December for consideration in the following calendar year.

The Dralla Foundation provides grants to nonprofits that create fun, unforgettable experiences for children, teens, and occasionally adults living with physical challenges. Funded programs often include day trips, recreational activities, adaptive athletics, and other unique or once-in-a-lifetime events. applications will be accepted between 11/1/2025-2/1/2026.

The Bradán Lane Foundation funds public charities that help youth ages 7–19 become productive, healthy adults. Special consideration is given to programs serving youth who are disadvantaged economically, geographically, culturally, environmentally, or through gender conformity expectations. Applications are ongoing.

Scholar Grants provide up to $5,000 for grade-level teams of public school teachers (grades 2–8) to enhance math and ELA achievement through professional development, instructional resources, and technology. Applications are open until September 5, 2025. 

Cintel Gives, established in partnership with the Community Foundation of Greater Huntsville, supports nonprofits meaningful to employees and local communities in Huntsville, AL, and Detroit, MI. The 2025 grant cycle is now open. Applications are due by September 15, 2025 

Applicants should be 501(c)(3) public charities and provide a signed statement from an authorized representative confirming status. Funding requests may include capital projects, endowments, or program support. Multi-year commitments are generally not approved. Applications are open until 10/1/2025.

McDonald’s Golden Grants support educators and nonprofits in AL,SC, GA, and FL serving children ages 5–18. Awards range from $1,000 to $10,000 for programs in arts, education, mentorship, after-school activities, sports, community service, and technology. Deadline is 10/10/2025.

The grant supports Birmingham-area nonprofits promoting education, food security, shelter, disaster relief, & quality of life initiatives. Eligible applicants must be 501(c)(3) organizations with strong leadership, financials, and alignment with Protective Life’s values. Deadline is 10/21/2025.

 Alabama nonprofits, schools, government agencies, and religious institutions in eligible areas may apply for multiple grant opportunities. Funding supports community-focused initiatives that strengthen services and improve local impact. Applicants should review eligibility guidelines for each program before applying. 

The Community Foundation of West Alabama funds projects in arts, youth, education, elder care, environment, health, recreation, and social welfare. Priority is given to pilot projects addressing critical community needs, fostering collaboration, and demonstrating sustainability. Applications are due by 11/1/2025.

The Tennessee Titans support local charities by donating autographed items for auctions benefiting nonprofit fundraising events. Eligible 501(c)(3) organizations must be within Tennessee, southern Kentucky, or northern Alabama. Requests must be submitted online at least four weeks before the event. Applications are ongoing.

ATD’s Competitive and Community Grants support municipal and nonprofit organizations promoting travel and tourism. Funding includes up to $2,500 for festivals and events and up to $5,000 for attractions. Grants help strengthen local economies and boost Alabama’s visitor industry. Applications are ongoing. 

The AL Humanities Alliance offers Mini Grants of up to $2,500 for nonprofit, educational, and government organizations. Eligible projects include lectures, festivals, workshops, oral histories, media, and more, with strong humanities content and public engagement. Applications are due monthly, on the first of each month. 

The ABC Trust Community Grant Program awards up to $500 annually to Alabama nonprofits and faith-based organizations addressing health, human needs, or energy assistance for households at or below 200% of the federal poverty level. Applications are ongoing.

Singing River Electric’s Neighbors Helping Neighbors (NHN) Grants award up to $2,500 to nonprofits in select Alabama and Mississippi counties, supporting education, civic, and economic development projects that reflect “neighbors helping neighbors. Applications are due by 9/12/2025.

The Small Grants Program supports Tuscaloosa County nonprofits, educators, and artists with arts-focused projects benefiting students and citizens. Awards, including Arts in Education Grants, are selected by The Arts Council’s Board committee. Applications are due by 10/1/2025.

The Arts in Education Grant awards up to $1,000 for Tuscaloosa County schools, funding teacher-led art activities, projects, exhibits, residencies, and performances through the Arts and Humanities Council and Community Foundation. Applications are due by 10/1/2025.

The Mike & Gillian Goodrich Foundation funds Alabama nonprofits with grants from $2,500 to $1M, supporting education, neighborhood revitalization, environment, arts, and strategic assets across Birmingham, the Black Belt, and statewide initiatives. Applications are due by 11/1/2025.

The NDIA Gulf Coast Chapter’s ACCELerator Grants award up to $1,500 to teachers and nonprofits in Okaloosa, Walton, and Santa Rosa Counties for creative STEM projects fostering student interest in science, technology, engineering, and math. Applications due by 11/10/2025.

The Live Arts Learning Grant ($500–$4,200) supports Alabama schools, artists, and arts organizations in providing student-focused arts experiences, from performances to residencies, funding transportation, tickets, and artist fees through a streamlined rolling application. Applications are ongoing.