Grants for cities, counties and public agencies
Units of local government are eligible applicants on a large share of federal programs — and the grant cycle starts in the budget process.
See what you can win — free, no accountWhat is open to you, and what is not
| Funding route | Status | Why |
|---|---|---|
| Federal & state grants | Conditional | Units of local and state government are named as eligible on a large share of federal programs. SAM.gov is the federal government's contractor and grantee register. Every federal grant applicant needs an active registration and a UEI number. It is free. If you have never heard of it, you almost certainly do not have one yet — check before you write anything. |
| Private foundation grants | Conditional | Some foundations fund government units, many will not. Check each funder's own stated policy. |
| Corporate & small-business grants | Closed | Corporate small-business and nonprofit programs are not aimed at government bodies. |
| Awards open to individuals | Closed | These are for people, not organizations. |
General rules with real exceptions. Always check the funder's own eligibility text before you commit time to an application.
Grants we track for cities, counties and public agencies
Global Innovation Fund
Funds innovations that improve life for people living on under $5 a day, anywhere in the world. Takes nonprofits and for-profits alike.
Funder page →Grand Challenges Canada
Bold ideas in global health and humanitarian settings, primarily in low- and middle-income countries.
Funder page →Wellcome Trust grants
One of the largest health research funders in the world. Many schemes are open to researchers outside the UK — check each scheme's eligibility.
Funder page →Global Fund for Women
Funds women-led and feminist organizations worldwide. A large share is identified through partners rather than open application, so read their current guidance before writing.
Funder page →Global Fund for Children
Backs small grassroots organizations serving children. Mostly scouted rather than applied to, so treat this as a funder to get known by.
Funder page →Draper Richards Kaplan Foundation
Unusually open: funds independent nonprofits AND mission-driven for-profits (C corps, B corps) and fiscally sponsored organizations. Looks for 3-5 years old, already in market, with early evidence of impact.
Funder page →Awesome Foundation Micro-Grant
No-strings $1,000 for a community project; local chapters, monthly.
Funder page →Walmart Community Grant Program
Local grants from a Walmart/Sam's Club facility to community nonprofits.
Funder page →Google Ad Grants
In-kind advertising, not cash: $10k/month of Google Search ads for eligible 501(c)(3)s.
Funder page →The Pollination Project
Seed grants for individuals and early-stage grassroots changemakers.
Funder page →National Geographic Society Grants
For projects in conservation, science, education, technology, and storytelling.
Funder page →Roddenberry Foundation Catalyst Fund
Small, fast grants for early-stage bold ideas with social impact.
Funder page →How the scoring works
Every grant is scored against who has actually won that exact program before — pulled from federal award records and IRS filings — and whether those winners look anything like you. Not a keyword match, and not a polite percentage.
Score your first grant free