5 Nonprofit Storytelling Grants for 2021

I hope you’re dreaming big over there. 

When small nonprofit founders and tiny marketing teams tell me they just don’t have the resources for all their big marketing ideas, I ask them to press the pause button. It's time to put all of those marketing and communications activities on hold and apply for nonprofit marketing and communications funding.

Imagine what you could do and who you could team up with if you had storytelling funds available to amplify your message and reach new audiences.

If it’s time for you to hit pause, here are five nonprofit communications and marketing grants you can apply for this month.

AARP PURPOSE PRIZE AWARD

The AARP Purpose Prize honorees tell a new story of aging—one full of meaningful impact and limitless possibilities. To be eligible, you must have a US-based (501(c)(3) or 501(c)(4) non-profit organization, be 50 or older, and the founder or co-founder of your organization. Prizes range from $10,000 to $50,000. The application deadline is March 31, 2021.

THE CREATE FUND

Shutterstock provides several grants for artists who are helping to change the world. The initiative provides financial and professional support for artists focusing on diversity, inclusion, social justice, and environmental awareness through the content they create. 

In honor of International Women’s Day, Shutterstock celebrates the unique perspective of female and non-binary creatives. Whether you’re a photographer, visual journalist, videographer, illustrator, 3D artist, or writer, they want to support your creative projects. This grant is for female and non-binary individuals across the globe. Awards range from $2,500-$5,000. The application deadline is April 22.

ELEVATE PRIZE 

The Elevate Prize is looking to amplify the next generation of social impact leaders. They’re looking for passionate, driven, non-profit leaders with ideas that can make an inspiring impact to win $5 million. Applicants need to be 18 or older and affiliated with a legally established entity. The application deadline is May 5, 2021.

GOOGLE AD GRANTS

Ad Grants provides access to $10,000 of in-kind advertising from Google each month to create text-based ads. You’ll have access to tools to help you build effective campaigns that can display on Google Search when people look for information related to your nonprofit. Many nonprofits qualify. If you don’t already have a Google Ads Grant, you most definitely should apply! Grants are on a rolling basis.

MACARTHUR JOURNALISM & MEDIA GRANT

The Journalism & Media program seeks to promote just and inclusive news and narratives based on the belief that accurate, inspiring, and challenging media plays an essential role in informing, engaging, and activating individuals and groups to participate in democratic practices and processes. The program supports work in three areas—Professional Nonprofit Reporting, Nonfiction Multimedia Storytelling, and Participatory Civic Media.

I’m unclear about the grant cycle and funding amount, but do look into this award if you qualify.

Please do let me know if you apply for one of these grants so I can root you on!