Nonprofit Grants for Advocacy

GrantStation’s exclusive database features 635 active funding opportunities giving this type of support, all accepting requests from new grantseekers!

With a membership, you’ll gain instant access to our full directory of 15,000+ funders and powerful tools to find, track, and secure the best grants for your mission. Maximize your grant success today with our expertly curated funder database, step-by-step grant writing resources, and industry-leading online education.

Howard Gilman Foundation

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Application Deadline:

Interest forms: May 20, 2026
Invited applications: July 29, 2026
 

Grant Range:
$250 - $750000
Average Grant:
$70901

The mission of the Howard Gilman Foundation is to support the most robust, innovative, and promising performing arts organizations in New York City.

The Foundation supports three…

Borealis Philanthropy

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Application Deadline:

May 20, 2026

The Disability Inclusion Fund, administered by Borealis Philanthropy, supports organizations in the United States and its territories that are run by and for people with disabilities to lead…

San Antonio Area Foundation

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Application Deadline:
  • Responsive Grants
    Cycle 1: Cultural Vibrancy and Youth Success: February 20, 2026
    Cycle 2: Livable and Resilient Communities and Successful Aging: May 29, 2026
  • Special and Urgent Needs: Rolling/accepted throughout the year
     
Grant Range:
$4000 - $50000

The San Antonio Area Foundation is dedicated to improving the quality of life in Bexar County, TX, and the surrounding counties of Atascosa, Bandera, Blanco, Comal, Frio, Gillespie, Gonzales,…

Colorado Gives Foundation

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Application Deadline:

May 29, 2026

The Colorado Gives Foundation, formerly the Community First Foundation, is dedicated to improving the lives of people in Jefferson County, CO.

The Foundation provides grants to support…

Gratis Foundation

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Application Deadline:

Churches and Religion, and Healthcare and Medical Research: January 31, annually
At-Risk Youth and Families, Education, and International Humanitarian Aid: May 31, annually
Animal Welfare and Advocacy, Food Pantries and Feeding Programs, and U.S. Military Personnel and Family Support: September 30, annually

The Gratis Foundation supports nonprofit organizations serving Palm Beach County, FL; Boston and Cape Cod, MA; and the Washington, DC, metro area.

The Foundation awards grants in the…

Rainbow Railroad

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Application Deadline:

May 31, 2026

Grant Range:
$1085611 - $1085611
Average Grant:
$1085611

Rainbow Railroad creates pathways to safety for at-risk LGBTQI+ people and strengthens policies and systems that support their protection and integration.

The Community Access Fund supports…

Colcom Foundation

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Application Deadline:

Letters of inquiry: none
Invited applications: February 28, May 31, August 31, and November 30, annually

Grant Range:
$9000 - $2870000
Average Grant:
$189105

The primary mission of the Colcom Foundation is to foster a sustainable environment to ensure quality of life for all Americans by addressing major causes and consequences of overpopulation and…

Shavlik Family Foundation

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Application Deadline:

Letters of inquiry: June 1 and December 1, annually
Full proposals: February 15 and August 15, annually

Grant Range:
$1000 - $30000

The Shavlik Family Foundation provides grants to nonprofit organizations in Minnesota with the goal of enhancing their ability to leverage technology to help fulfill their missions.

The…

Nonprofit grants for advocacy provide the funding necessary for a nonprofit to undertake advocacy initiatives within their area of interest. Do note that advocacy is not the same as lobbying, and these grants are not intended for that purpose. Indeed, only specific organizations, with the 501(c)(4) designation, can engage in lobbying.

Advocacy covers things such as public education and community engagement, while lobbying refers to attempting to influence specific political legislation. A 501(c)(3) nonprofit is barred from engaging in any type of lobbying.

If you are looking for grants to fund your advocacy, you’ll want to make sure that you find a source of funding that aligns closely with your own priorities. Make sure that their policy on who they give grants to closely matches your own mission.

When designing a grant proposal, make sure that you are clear about what you hope your advocacy is going to achieve - outline specific goals. You should also make sure that you include a legal compliance plan, to demonstrate that you will operate within legal guidelines. You’ll also need to explain which measurables you’ll use to track impact (like engagement or specific policy wins), and how you will track them.

Another useful tip is to include the partnerships you already have with other advocacy groups, coalitions and policy makers. This shows you already have the connections and influence within your nonprofit space. Reach out to the funders you want the grant from beforehand, taking the time to build a strong relationship with them, to increase the chance of success.

You can find plenty of emergency grants below to apply for. And make sure to browse the rest of GrantStation for excellent webinars and  tips on best grant writing practices.