Challenge Grants for Nonprofits

GrantStation’s exclusive database features 288 active funding opportunities giving this type of support, all accepting requests from new grantseekers!

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Seawell Elam Foundation

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Application Deadline:
  • Proposal letters: May 22, 2026
  • Grant applications: September 25, 2026
Grant Range:
$10000 - $15000
Average Grant:
$11833

The mission of the Seawell Elam Foundation is to improve the quality of life for those living in Austin, TX, and the surrounding communities by funding nonprofit organizations that …

Weldon F. Osborne Foundation

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Application Deadline:
  • Letters of inquiry: none
  • Applications: January 31, May 31, and September 30, annually

The Weldon F. Osborne Foundation primarily supports nonprofit organizations in the Chattanooga, TN, area.

The Foundation's areas of interest include:

  • arts and culture;
    • …

Martha-Ellen Tye Foundation

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Application Deadline:

March 1, June 1, September 1, and December 1, annually

Grant Range:
$1000 - $250000
Average Grant:
$10000 - $20000

The Martha-Ellen Tye Foundation supports nonprofit organizations that are striving to make a better life for the people of Marshalltown, IA, and the surrounding area.

The Foundation seeks…

Gulf Coast Medical Foundation

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Application Deadline:

March 1, June 1, September 1, and December 1, annually

Grant Range:
$171 - $100000
Average Grant:
$24121

The Gulf Coast Medical Foundation provides support for nonprofit organizations in Fort Bend, Matagorda, and Wharton counties in Texas.

The Foundation's focus areas include:

  • …

Cherokee Preservation Foundation

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Application Deadline:

The first Monday in June and December, annually

Grant Range:
$0 - $0

The Cherokee Preservation Foundation supports organizations serving the Qualla Boundary and Cherokee, Clay, Graham, Haywood, Jackson, Macon, and Swain counties in North Carolina.

Areas of…

Sarkeys Foundation

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Application Deadline:

Letters of inquiry: June 1 and December 1, annually
Invited applications: February 1 and August 1, annually

The mission of the Sarkeys Foundation is to improve the quality of life in Oklahoma.

The Foundation's major areas of support include:

  • education;
  • social service and…

CoVantage Cares Foundation

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Application Deadline:

The first working day of March, June, September, and December, annually

Grant Range:
$7500 - $118378
Average Grant:
$44074

The CoVantage Cares Foundation, the philanthropic program of CoVantage Credit Union, supports nonprofit organizations located in communities the Credit Union serves.

These communities…

Mabee Foundation

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Application Deadline:

The first business day in March, June, September and December, annually

Grant Range:
$9075 - $2500000
Average Grant:
$759629

The Mabee Foundation provides funding for a wide range of nonprofit organizations in Arkansas, Kansas, Missouri, New Mexico, Oklahoma, and Texas.

The Foundation supports organizations or…

Challenge grants, or matching grants, refers to funding opportunities in which a donation is contingent on the recipient achieving a specific goal. Often this is a fundraising goal - hence the “matching grant” name. These grants are seen as motivators, encouraging nonprofits to hit big goals, and for donors to get invested in meeting those goals.

These types of grants can be used by all kinds of nonprofits, across all kinds of projects. They’re especially useful for big requirements - think program expansions, endowment building or equipment purchases or upgrades. Similarly, a wide range of private and community organizations might right these kinds of grants. 

When drafting a challenge grant proposal, it is essential to present your own fundraising history and proof of your successes and financial sustainability. You also need to be very clear as to what you intend to do with the earned donations.

If you need further information on drafting great grant proposals, then make sure to check out our comprehensive guide on the topic. You can also browse a selection of challenge grants right here, all open for applications.