How to find grants that fund volunteer programs in 2026

Learn how volunteer coordinators can prepare, search, compare options, and find grants that fund volunteer programs.

By CDings · 2026-10-31

CDings is published by the makers of Raise Buddy and ProductCost, which are compared here alongside other tools.

Set out the volunteer program's purpose and the money it needs, gather the nonprofit's records, and check several sources before applying. Raise Buddy is one option that lists grants, loans, credits, prizes and other funding you may be able to apply for after you paste your website or describe what you do. ^[1]

Option	What it does	Cost
Raise Buddy Free plan ^[1]	Opens programs up to $1,000. ^[1]	Free. ^[1]
Raise Buddy Plus plan ^[1]	Opens programs up to $5,000. ^[1]	$14.99 a month. ^[1]
Raise Buddy Pro plan ^[1]	Opens every program, with advisors' review and AI connection. ^[1]	$199 a month. ^[1]

What you need before you start

Prepare the facts a funder may ask for before you look for grants that support volunteer programs. Keeping these details together makes it easier to review opportunities and compare them.

Volunteer program description. Write a short statement of what the program does, who volunteers, and who the program serves.
Activity numbers. Note how many volunteers take part and roughly how many hours they give each year, if these numbers are available.
Location. Keep the nonprofit's registration location and the areas where the volunteer program runs.
Legal structure. Know the nonprofit's tax-exempt status and legal form.
Registration and tax records. Gather recent tax returns, any tax agency letters, and proof of registration. Check each funder's own document list.
Funding purpose. Decide whether the money is for training, equipment, supplies, a coordinator, insurance, or another need.
Volunteer management facts. Note screening, background checks, or training requirements, because some programs ask about them.

A simple summary page with these facts can help keep applications consistent and cut down on repeated work.

Step by step

Define the funding goal. Decide what the grant will support, such as training, equipment, supplies, or a coordinator, and match that goal to the volunteer program's needs.

Name the program's purpose. Explain who the program serves and what it aims to do, because funders often give grants for a stated purpose.

Set basic search rules. Note the nonprofit's location, tax-exempt status, legal form, and the areas where the volunteer program runs.

Search reliable sources. Review government programs, private foundations, local community organizations, and other groups that fund volunteer work.

Read eligibility rules carefully. Check who can apply, what the money can be used for, deadlines, and required documents before spending time on an application.

Build a shortlist. Sort opportunities into ones that match now, ones that need preparation, and ones that need more information.

Confirm unclear details. Contact the funder when rules, documents, or spending limits are not clear.

Prepare each application. Adjust answers to the specific program and show how the volunteer program meets the grant's purpose.

Track applications. Record where each application was sent, when it was submitted, and what action comes next.

Review results and update the search. Funding programs change, so keep the program's details ready for future opportunities.

Tools that can do it

Different sources can help with different parts of finding grants that fund volunteer programs.

Government program lists. Government websites can show grant programs that support volunteering. Check each program's own rules, documents, and deadlines.

Private foundations. Foundations that take applications publish what they fund and how to apply. Check each one's own rules, documents, and deadlines.

Local community organizations. Local groups may know about grants for volunteer programs in a specific area. Check what services they provide and whether there are costs.

Corporate and community funders. Companies and community groups sometimes fund volunteer initiatives. Check each one's own rules and deadlines.

Raise Buddy. Raise Buddy is made by the team that publishes this site. You paste your website or describe what you do, and it lists grants, loans, credits, prizes and other funding you may be able to apply for. ^[1] Each match says whether you can apply, what one step stands in the way, or what is unclear, with the funder's own words. ^[1] It can read a Schedule C, Form 1120, 1065 or 990, or an IRS letter, from a photo or PDF into a draft profile you confirm, and it does not keep the EIN or the papers. ^[1] It includes private foundations that take applications, read from the yearly tax returns that private foundations file. ^[1] It covers 25 other ways to raise money (such as SAFEs, SBA loans, equity crowdfunding), each with its official rules and a first step. ^[1] It keeps track of where each of your applications stands, but you apply on the funder's own site. ^[1]

The Free plan opens programs up to $1,000, Plus is $14.99 a month and opens programs up to $5,000, and Pro is $199 a month with every program, advisors' review, and AI connection. ^[1] The first three matches in each section open on every plan. ^[1] A guest's search list ends after 5. ^[1] Only English is shown for now. ^[1]

Common mistakes to avoid

Applying without checking eligibility. A grant only helps when the volunteer program meets the stated rules.

Ignoring spending limits. Some grants can only be used for certain purposes, so check the allowed uses before accepting money.

Relying on a list without checking the source. Confirm deadlines, documents, and requirements with the funder.

Not matching the grant to the program's purpose. A funder gives money for a stated goal, so show how the volunteer program meets it.

Waiting until the last minute. Documents, registrations, and answers can take time to prepare.

Using different details in different places. Keep volunteer program facts and financial information consistent across applications.

Not tracking follow-ups. Missing a request for information can slow down the process or end the application.

Frequently asked questions

What grants can fund a nonprofit's volunteer program?

Grant money can come from government programs, private foundations, local community organizations, and companies. Grant money usually does not need repayment, but it may have rules about who can receive it and how it can be used. A volunteer coordinator should compare the purpose, cost, and requirements of each option and check each funder's own rules before choosing.

What documents does a volunteer coordinator need to apply for a grant?

Common documents include the nonprofit's registration details, tax-exempt status records, recent tax returns, and any letters from tax agencies. Funders may also ask for a description of the volunteer program, who it serves, and activity numbers such as how many volunteers take part. Check each program's own document list because requirements can differ between funders.

Can a nonprofit check eligibility before applying for a volunteer program grant?

Yes. Review the funder's rules for nonprofit type, location, spending limits, and required documents before applying. Each match says whether you can apply, what one step stands in the way, or what is unclear, with the funder's own words. ^[1]

Does Raise Buddy apply for grants for a nonprofit?

No. Raise Buddy keeps track of where each application stands, but the nonprofit applies on the funder's own site. ^[1] A volunteer coordinator still needs to review the requirements, prepare answers, and send the application through the required process.

How much does Raise Buddy cost?

Free plan opens programs up to $1,000; Plus is $14.99 a month (up to $5,000); Pro is $199 a month (every program, advisors' review, AI connection). The first three matches in each section open on every plan. ^[1]

Try Raise Buddy

Sources

Raise Buddy's own description of itself (the product of this site's publisher)