Rather than making a profit, a nonprofit’s primary goal is to address a need in the community by raising awareness and providing vital services like free housing or scholarship grants. Most of their funding then is allocated to directly supporting these initiatives, leaving little to no room for investing in other areas–particularly improving technology infrastructure.
As a result, nonprofits tend to lag in tech adoption, which often limits their capacity to carry out their mission. A recent report by Sage on Nonprofit Technology Trends shows that the lack of process automation and organizational efficiency remains a major problem in nonprofits’ ability to optimize operations.
This is where technology grants for nonprofits come into play.
What are these grants? It is the financial support given to deserving nonprofit organizations to bridge their technology gaps, allowing them to keep up with the latest tech developments without straining their budgets.
In this article, you’ll learn all the relevant information about nonprofit technology grants and get tips on securing funding for your organization.
What is a Technology Grant?
Technology grants are financial awards or support from the government or corporations (primarily those in the IT industry) that aid nonprofit organizations in improving their digital tools and infrastructure. These grants are given to organizations with tax-exempt status to either fund nonprofits’ technology stack or support tech-focused initiatives in the community. Such projects include:
- Buying new computers, upgrading software, and investing in cloud services
- Data management and security of sensitive nonprofit information
- Creating and maintaining a website
- Improving online marketing/fundraising efforts
- Launching digital literacy programs
Restricted vs. Unrestricted Grants
It is important to note here that grants are not loans, which means they don’t need to be repaid, so there is no debt burden among grantees. However, since it is necessarily free money, grants for technology for nonprofits are often restricted and come with conditions like limitations on coverage, geographical scope, and timeline. In other words, the grantor has a say on how they want the money to be utilized. In contrast, unrestricted grants give grantees more freedom and allow them to use the grant as needed, given the proper justification for the expenditures. But, this type of grant is usually harder to find and secure.
How Technology Grants Benefit Nonprofits
From upgrading communication tools to providing a secure way to collect funds online, technology grants can transform how a nonprofit operates in more ways than one. Some key benefits are:
- Less administrative work: Tasks such as planning events, tracking donations and payments, or managing contacts can consume much time and resources. Technology grants can help acquire an automated system that relieves administrative overhead and allows staff and volunteers to focus on mission-driven activities.
- Simplified and secure fundraising: Tech grants allow nonprofits to gain from online donation systems like QGiv. These platforms not only simplify the fundraising process and donor relationship management for nonprofits, but they also provide donors and volunteers with a better giving experience.
- Enhanced community engagement: By enhancing their digital visibility via social media platforms (Facebook, Twitter, Instagram) with some targeted ads and marketing campaigns, nonprofits can reach a wider audience and attract larger potential supporters and donors.
- Improved team collaboration: A technology grant makes it possible for nonprofits to have access to board and project management software. Tools like Convene and Asana facilitate better communication and collaboration between team members regardless of location, streamlining the decision-making process.
- Better data management and reporting: Nonprofits handle a lot of sensitive information, including donor details and finances, which need to be securely stored and easily accessed by authorized personnel. Tech grants can be allotted for cloud-based solutions to provide a secure and scalable way to store this information, ensuring safety and accessibility at all times. Many tech tools also come with built-in analytics that help nonprofits collect and scan large data sets to track progress and measure impact. These data-driven insights can be used when reporting progress to donors and stakeholders.
- Empowered innovation: With access to advanced technology, nonprofits can explore and ideate new community-building programs, like creating platforms to support online education, implementing tech to monitor environmental conditions, or using artificial intelligence for social good. Technology grants give nonprofits the resources to find new and creative solutions that can make a big difference.
Popular Technology Grants for Nonprofits
Large tech companies are not strangers to the philanthropy scene. They have always been at the forefront of advancing their Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) initiatives, seeking to support social good. Three of the most popular providers of grants for technology for nonprofits are the following:
1. Microsoft Philanthropies
Microsoft, the largest global computer software provider, is committed to helping people and businesses reach their full potential. Through its Microsoft Philanthropies program, the company awards nonprofits grants and discounts, including free or discounted access to Microsoft 365, Azure Cloud services, and other productivity tools. Microsoft also supports digital transformation efforts in the nonprofit sector through its Tech for Social Impact programs.
How to apply: Microsoft has provided three eligibility requirements for nonprofits when applying for grants or discounts. Visit their website to see if you are eligible and to start the application process.
2. Google for Nonprofits
Google for Nonprofits offers eligible organizations free or discounted tools like Google Workspace, Google Maps, and YouTube. This program includes Google Ad Grants, which gives nonprofits up to $10,000 per month in free search ads on Google. Ad Grants help nonprofits raise awareness, attract volunteers, and promote their services, giving them a stronger online presence alongside larger for-profit companies.
How to apply: Only organizations with Google for Nonprofits accounts can request grants. So, make sure to create an account before anything else. Next, to qualify for Google Ad Grants, your organization must be an eligible nonprofit. Visit their page to learn more about eligibility and application.
3. Salesforce – Power of Us
Salesforce is a pioneering cloud-based CRM solutions provider that helps businesses bolster sales and marketing through their platform. As part of their commitment to optimizing business-customer relationships across and advancing social impact, they’ve launched the Power of Us Program. This initiative aims to provide discounted services and financial support to eligible educational institutions and nonprofit organizations.
How to apply: Review eligibility criteria here. Then, log in to their portal to submit your application. Wait for the approval email before logging back in and selecting your discounted product.
4. TechSoup
As a nonprofit organization itself, TechSoup understands the need for good technology infrastructure for nonprofits above all else. TechSoup has partnered with large tech companies like Cisco to provide nonprofits with discounted software, hardware, and services. While not a traditional grant, TechSoup’s offerings give nonprofits access to crucial technology at a fraction of the retail cost.
How to apply: Submit your details, and they will reach out with more information about their membership.
5. Tech Forward – Technology Innovations Awards
Tech Forward is a premier technology conference that brings together leaders and experts to share ideas and spark conversations about how technology can support and transform nonprofit organizations. In support of their mission, they are offering funding amounting to $10,000 to chosen nonprofits through the Technology Innovations Awards, which will be announced at the conference.
How to apply: Tech Forward announces their application periods on their website. You may also learn more about the awards and your eligibility on the same page.
6. Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation (BMGF)
Founded in 2000 by Bill and Melinda Gates, this foundation provides funding to eligible nonprofits to push their initiatives aimed at improving global health, education, and access to information technology. While they offer occasional award grants, BMGF mainly operates within their funding priorities by directly inviting organizations to submit proposals instead of the other way around.
How to apply: Check their Requests for Proposals page to learn more about new grant opportunities.
7. General Services Administration – Computers for Learning
From the name itself, the Computers for Learning Program is dedicated to ensuring that every classroom across underserved communities in the United States has access to computers. Through this program, excess computer equipment from federal agencies is donated to nonprofit organizations and educational institutions, helping to lower the costs of acquiring and refurbishing technology.
How to apply: To determine if your nonprofit is eligible to register for the program, see the requirements here. Only qualified institutions may submit their requests.
Where can you find technology grant opportunities?
With so many resources available online, looking for a grant that aligns with your nonprofit’s goals can be overwhelming. To help you streamline your search, here are some places you can tap:
Grant Databases
If you don’t know where to start, go online and look for databases for nonprofit technology grants. Some popular ones that may pop up upon searching are Grants.gov (for US federal grants) and Foundation Directory from Candid (formerly Foundation Center). These platforms are like a one-stop-shop that compiles grant opportunities from different funders and allows you to filter results according to your organization’s requirements.
Corporate Foundations
As a way for corporations to give back to the community, they establish a corporate foundation to fund research or initiatives. Organizations like Walmart, Ford, and Coca-Cola have their own foundations that offer grants to US-based nonprofits and may be a match for your tech needs.
Corporate Giving Programs
Companies like Microsoft and Google are usually the prominent names when talking about tech grants. One key factor is that they are both in the business of providing tech services, and it just makes sense for them to create grant programs that support nonprofits’ tech needs. These corporations frequently provide grants, discounted software, or access to specialized resources for nonprofits.
Network with Other Nonprofits
If you prefer in-person connections, joining nonprofit networks or attending conferences specific to your sector can help you land new grant opportunities. Nonprofits often share valuable insights about funding sources and successful grant applications, which can keep you informed.
How to Secure Funding: Step-by-Step Guide and Tips
Securing a grant is not easy and often involves a long list of guidelines and a lot of paperwork to complete. It doesn’t end there. Applicants must also prove to the grantors that they are worthy of funding more than anyone else. To increase your chances of securing the grant, here’s a guide and some tips to follow:
- Identify Your Needs: Before you begin applying for a grant, it’s important to assess the technology needs of your nonprofit. Are you looking to enhance your data management, create a brand-new website, or update your software? Be specific about what you want to improve in your tech and how it aligns with your organization’s overall goals.
- Research Grant Opportunities: Utilize the strategies mentioned earlier to explore available technology grants for nonprofits. Concentrate on those that resonate with your nonprofit’s mission and goals. Some organizations have strict application windows for their grants. To ensure that you don’t waste your time, confirm the deadlines for submissions and send your application on time.
- Prepare Your Proposal: Most technology grants for nonprofits require a formal proposal detailing your nonprofit’s mission, the specific project or technology you wish to fund, and how this technology will enhance your operations. Include a comprehensive budget and a clear explanation of how the grant will help you achieve particular objectives. As a quick note, do not put all your eggs in one basket. Apply for more grants, and don’t forget to tailor the proposals accordingly. Having a compelling proposal can increase your chances of landing a grant.
- Demonstrate Impact: Grant funders seek assurance that their contributions will lead to a significant impact. Make sure to highlight how the technology will help your nonprofit increase efficiency, reach more individuals, or achieve measurable results.
- Follow-Up: After you’ve submitted your application, take the time to follow up with the funding organization to ensure they received your proposal and ask about the next steps. This not only shows your dedication but also keeps you on their radar.
Achieve Your Nonprofit Goals with Convene
Let’s face it: your nonprofit can only go as far as its resources and capacity allow. Without sufficient funding and support, it will only get harder and harder to keep up with the demands of a changing world. Technology grants for nonprofits offer an essential lifeline, providing the financial support needed to modernize operations and boost efficiency.
With digital solutions like Convene, nonprofits can optimize board meetings and collaboration, ensuring time and effort are spent on advancing the cause rather than handling repetitive tasks. A leading board management software, Convene offers nonprofits tools like:
- Live video conferencing to facilitate board meetings in real-time despite the geographical barriers;
- Centralized document repository to ensure all important files are stored in one place and can be easily accessed;
- Review rooms to aid decision-making outside meetings.
Book a demo today to see how Convene can help your nonprofit become more efficient and effective with the right technology in your arsenal.
Jess is a Content Marketing Writer at Convene who commits herself to creating relevant, easy-to-digest, and SEO-friendly content. Before writing articles on governance and board management, she worked as a creative copywriter for a paint company, where she developed a keen eye for detail and a passion for making complex information accessible and enjoyable for readers. In her free time, she’s absorbed in the most random things. Her recent obsession is watching gardening videos for hours and dreaming of someday having her own kitchen garden.