30 Black grants for nonprofits, businesses, students, & more

Black changemakers are doing more with less—because they’ve often had to.

Black-led nonprofits operate with 24% less revenue than white-led ones. Black-founded startups saw a staggering 71% drop in venture capital funding last year alone. And yet, these same leaders continue to show up, solve problems, and spark change every day. 

Thankfully, more funders are stepping up to meet the moment—with grant programs designed to close the gap and direct real dollars to Black-led nonprofits, churches, businesses, students, farmers, artists, and more.

To save you time (and a few dozen tabs), we’ve rounded up 30 Black grants—with deadlines, funding amounts, and where to apply—so you can spend less time searching and more time doing what you do best: changing the world. 💛

Did you know?

Givebutter is giving away $10K to Black-led nonprofits this August! Learn more and apply →

Grants for Black organizations

Black organizations are advocating for racial equality, influencing policy, and even leading the charge on issues like mental health and educational access across the globe. But too often, they’re doing so with limited resources. 

From grassroots organizing to cultural preservation, these grants for nonprofits are designed to support your programs, leadership, and long-term impact.

1. Meyer Foundation–Fund for Black-led Change

💰 Funding amount: Varies

 📅 Deadline: Rolling applications

If you're in the D.C. metro area, this one's for you! Backed by the Meyer Foundation, the Fund for Black-led Change offers restricted and unrestricted funding (the best kind!) to organizations focused on building power and leadership, coalition building, and racial and economic justice.

2. Emergent Fund

💰 Funding amount: $1K–$10K 

📅 Deadline: Rolling rapid response

Need funding fast for a time-sensitive organizing opportunity? Emergent Fund has your back with emergency financial assistance. They support frontline BIPOC-led organizations that organize grassroots activities, take direct action, and build community power. 

3. ​​Chicago Beyond's Rapid Response Fund

💰 Funding amount: Up to $5M

 📅 Deadline: Rolling applications

Trust and flexibility drive this unrestricted fund for hyperlocal Black- and Brown-led organizations in Chicago that respond directly to their communities' needs. This multi-year partnership supports systemic change through shifting structures, policies, relationships, and behaviors.

4. Black Equity & Excellence Grant

💰 Funding amount: $10K–$75K per year

 📅 Deadline: Rolling applications

This grant from the Central New York Community Foundation supports community-based projects benefiting Black communities in New York through mission-driven programs and leadership development.

5. Youth Mental Health Fund 2025 (Decolonizing Wealth Project)

💰 Funding amount: Up to $5M per year 

📅 Deadline: Check website for application cycles

The Decolonizing Wealth Project's fund supports culturally responsive mental health initiatives for youth. They prioritize organizations led by and serving communities of color, particularly innovative approaches that address mental health through community-centered, culturally relevant programming.

6. Feeding America–Food Security Equity Impact Fund

💰 Funding amount: Varies (over $20M distributed since 2021)

 📅 Deadline: Check website for application cycles

This fund invests in community-driven solutions to hunger, partnering with organizations led by people of color. Since 2021, they've supported 75 community-based organizations—90% of which are led by people of color. They focus on building lasting change in food access and equity through community-led initiatives.

7. Black-Led Movement Fund

💰 Funding amount: $183,300 in general operating support grants (over 2 years)

 📅 Deadline: Applications open annually in spring

This fund backs nonprofit organizations aligned with the Movement for Black Lives by providing general operating support that gives you flexibility to do your best work. You'll need to show solid community organizing experience, a commitment to intersectional feminism, and a clear strategy for building local power.

More to explore

Get inspired by 40 Black-led organizations →

Grants for Black churches

Black churches have anchored and uplifted communities for generations as places of worship—and as hubs for hope, activism, and vital community support.

These grants are designed to honor that legacy and invest in your continued impact, whether you’re expanding outreach, restoring your building, or launching new community programs.

8. Preserving Black Churches Program

💰 Funding amount: $2K–$500K

📅 Deadline: Varies based on grant 

Whether you need capital repairs, want to expand programming, or are planning for long-term sustainability, the National Trust offers funding categories that fit. All you need to demonstrate is your church's historic significance and active community involvement.

9. National Fund for Sacred Places

💰 Funding amount: Up to $500K

📅 Deadline: Annually in spring

While not specifically for Black churches, this organization supports historic houses of worship serving their communities. The key here is showing that your church is a historic site, needs repairs, and has strong local involvement.

Black business grants

Black entrepreneurs are establishing thriving businesses across every industry—and these grants for Black business owners are designed to fuel that momentum.

Whether you’re launching a new initiative or scaling an existing one, there's funding, guidance, and resources available to help you overcome barriers and grow with confidence.

10. NAACP Powershift Entrepreneur Grant

💰 Funding amount: $25K 

📅 Deadline: November 1, 2025

The NAACP, with some serious partners like BeyGOOD, backs Black entrepreneurship by granting recipients both funding and resources: $25K plus business resources, mentorship, and networking opportunities. The 2024 program was competitive, so start preparing your business plan and financial projections early!

11. 1 Million Black Businesses Initiative

💰 Funding amount: Educational resources and capital connections

 📅 Deadline: Rolling enrollment

While it's not a direct grant, 1MBB offers several weeks of business development workshops, mentorship from industry pros, and connections to capital. Think of it as a business boot camp with ongoing support.

Black founder startup grants

Black founders are building bold, innovative startups—but they receive just a fraction of traditional venture funding. That lack of access can stall growth and slow great ideas. These startup grants for Black-owned businesses are here to change that. 

From funding and mentorship to visibility, these programs offer the support you need to scale your idea and make your next big move.

12. Black Ambition

💰 Funding amount: $20K–$1M

📅 Deadline: 2025 dates upcoming 

Pharrell Williams created the Black Ambition grant program to support Black and Hispanic entrepreneurs, awarding winners $1M in the last few years! Whether you're in the early concept stage or ready to grow big, there's likely a fit here.

13. Black Girl Ventures Pitch Program

💰 Funding amount: $30K+

 📅 Deadline: Rolling grant applications by city

Black Girl Ventures flips the traditional pitch experience on its head in the best way. You'll get coaching to perfect your pitch, then present it at a live, crowdfunded pitch competition where the audience votes—the person with the most votes wins! 

14. Female Founders Fund

💰 Funding amount: $500K–$750K

📅 Deadline: Rolling applications

While not exclusively for Black founders, Female Founders Fund actively supports diversity in entrepreneurship. They make six to eight investments annually in healthcare, climate tech, beauty and personal care, and a few other spaces.

15. SoGal Black Founder Startup Grant

💰 Funding amount: $5K–$10K

📅 Deadline: Rolling applications

The SoGal Foundation offers rolling grants to Black women and nonbinary entrepreneurs. This grant helps recipients scale their businesses by covering critical costs like product development, hiring, or marketing. Applicants must have a legally registered business, plan to seek investor funding, and demonstrate high potential for growth. 

Grants for Black women

Black women are leading the way in entrepreneurship, launching businesses at some of the highest rates in the country.

These business grants for Black women recognize your entrepreneurial spirit and provide targeted support to help grow your business, expand your vision, and build lasting wealth on your own terms.

16. HerRise MicroGrant

💰 Funding amount: $1K

 📅 Deadline: Monthly (last day of each month)

Every month, HerSuiteSpot awards $1K to a company owned by a woman of color earning less than $1 million annually. The application is straightforward—they want to know about your business, what problems you solve, and how you'll use the money. Plus, winners get featured on their website for extra exposure!

17. Boss Impact Fund

💰 Funding amount: $10K

 📅 Deadline: Check website for annual application periods

BOSS Network and Sage have partnered to support Black women entrepreneurs with $10K grants plus virtual business mentoring. They're looking for businesses that demonstrate financial need and a strong commitment to growth. The mentoring component is key—they want to set you up for long-term success.

18. Black Women Photographers Grant

💰 Funding amount: One $10K grant, five $5 $5K grants, five $3K grants

 📅 Deadline: March 28, 2025

Black Women Photographers and Nikon are supporting Black photographers with grants and camera gear! This global community recognizes the unique perspective Black women bring to photography. 

19. Mobilize Power Fund

💰 Funding amount: $10K

 📅 Deadline: Monthly rolling applications

Another rapid-response grant—this one from the Third Wave Fund—supports grassroots gender justice groups facing time-sensitive projects. Prioritized grantees are lower-budget organizations whose leadership identifies as young, BIPOC women or gender nonconforming, intersex, or queer people.

Grants for Black farmers

Black farmers have long nurtured land and community—often in the face of limited access to resources.

Whether you’re tending your family’s land or just getting your hands in the soil for the first time, these opportunities will help you grow your business, build generational wealth, and stay rooted in your community.

20. Black Farmer Fund

💰 Funding amount: Low-interest loans and gifts 

📅 Deadline: Rolling applications

Created by Black farmer-activists Karen Washington and Olivia Watkins, Black Farmer Fund serves Black farmers, herbalists, restaurateurs, and food distributors across the Northeast. They emphasize relationship-centered investment and community decision-making. Beyond the Black farmers grant money, you'll receive technical support and community connection.

21. USDA 2501 Program Grants

💰 Funding amount: Varies 

📅 Deadline: July 5, 2025

A well-known grant, the USDA 2501 Program, provides crucial education, training, and mentorship for Black and underserved farmers. Organizations with three years of experience serving these communities can apply to provide technical assistance, helping farmers access USDA programs and resources.

22. Environmental Quality Incentives Program (EQIP)

💰 Funding amount: Varies

📅 Deadline: Rolling applications with periodic ranking periods

EQIP provides farmers assistance with upgrading agricultural operations while improving air, water, and soil quality. As a socially disadvantaged applicant, you'll get priority consideration. 

Grants for Black artists

Black artists have always shaped culture and community—but too often without the funding and recognition they deserve.

These grants offer unrestricted funding, mentorship, and more, so you can keep creating, growing, and sharing your vision with the world.

23. Black Artists Fund (Louisville)

💰 Funding amount: $500–$2K

📅 Deadline: Rolling applications

If you're in the Greater Louisville area, this fund celebrates and supports Black artists across all disciplines—dance, music, visual arts, theater, poetry, you name it! Apply online, by mail, or in person with your project proposal.

24. Queer Art Illuminations Grant

💰 Funding amount: $10K (winner), $1,250 (four finalists) 

📅 Deadline: Closed July 21, 2025; check back for next year’s schedule

This grant specifically highlights existing work by Black trans women visual artists—a community that faces unique challenges in the art world. Four finalists receive $1,250 each, with one winner taking the full $10K. Apply with portfolio submissions showcasing your current body of work rather than proposed projects.

25. National Endowment for the Arts Grants

💰 Funding amount: $10K–$100K

 📅 Deadline: Closed July 17, 2025; check website for details on next year’s grants

Not exclusively for Black artists, the NEA prioritizes projects that incorporate diversity and inclusion. Your organization needs five years of arts programming experience to receive funds.

26. Scherman Foundation Arts Program

💰 Funding amount: $30K

 📅 Deadline: Varies 

The Scherman Foundation houses this rolling application grant, which awards an average of $30K over two years to performing arts-based organizations led by and serving BIPOC communities in New York City.

Grants for Black students

Paying for college isn’t easy, especially for Black students facing systemic financial barriers. 

These scholarships and grants specifically address those barriers and help you stay in school, grow as a leader, and focus on what matters—your future.

27. Gates Scholarship

💰 Funding amount: Full cost of attendance 

📅 Deadline: September 15, 2025

This is the holy grail of scholarships! The Gates Foundation provides 300 high school seniors annually with full college funding. You'll need to be Pell eligible, have a 3.3+ GPA, and demonstrate leadership. The scholarship covers everything—tuition, fees, room, board, and other educational expenses.

28. United Negro College Fund (UNCF) Scholarships

💰 Funding amount: Over $100M annually distributed 

📅 Deadline: Varies by specific program

UNCF is the nation's largest private scholarship provider to minority students, managing hundreds of programs. They support grant recipients at over 1,100 schools, including 37 HBCUs. Programs range from STEM-focused awards to general scholarships. Most require a 2.5+ GPA, but requirements vary by specific program.

29. Ron Brown Scholar Program

💰 Funding amount: $40K over four years

 📅 Deadline: Closed January 9, 2025; check website for details on 2026 grants

This program honors Commerce Secretary Ron Brown by supporting African American high school seniors committed to public service. You'll get four years of financial support with mentorship and leadership development. They're looking for academic achievement, leadership potential, and demonstrated community service commitment.

30. Blacks at Microsoft Scholarship

💰 Funding amount: 5 awards of $5K and 50 awards of $2.5K

 📅 Deadline: Annually in the spring

Blacks at Microsoft Scholarship (BAM) awards a whopping 55 scholarships every year for a total of $150K—all with the goal of helping Black and African American students attend college and pursue a career in technology. To apply, you’ll need to be a high school senior with plans to attend a four-year college where you’ll enroll in a related program.

More to explore

Your free guide to writing grant proposals →

Maximize your grant impact with Givebutter

Securing grants is just one piece of the puzzle. Online donations, peer-to-peer campaigns, and events are effective ways to diversify your fundraising—and can help you build a strategy that supports your cause for years to come.

Whether you’re a nonprofit, church, startup, or community group, Givebutter has the tools you need—to create custom donation forms and fundraising pages, manage your donor relationships with a robust CRM, track restricted funds (including managing grants!), and send beautiful, personalized thank-yous—all in one place.

Sign up for Givebutter today and start building sustainable funding for your mission.

And if you're a Black-led organization working to uplift your community, there's another funding opportunity you won’t want to miss! As part of Givebutter Gives Back, we’re awarding $10K in unrestricted funding during Black Philanthropy Month to help amplify your impact.

👉 If that’s you, apply today →

FAQs about Black grants 

What is a Black grant?

A Black grant is funding specifically designed to support Black-led organizations, Black-owned businesses, Black students, or initiatives that primarily serve Black communities. These grants recognize systemic funding gaps and provide targeted resources for education, business development, and community organizing.

What documentation is needed to prove our nonprofit is Black-led or primarily serves Black communities?

Different funders require different documentation. However, you might be asked to submit basic organizational materials like your IRS determination letter, board list, and leadership demographics to verify your eligibility.

Are DEI-themed grants being eliminated?

Many federal DEI-themed grants are being reduced or restructured in 2025. The good news is that many private foundations, corporate sponsors, Black philanthropists, and state-level funders have stepped up and increased their DEI commitments in response. 

How can I improve my chances of getting a Black grant?

Build relationships with program officers before starting the application process and ensure your application clearly addresses both the funder's priorities and their specific instructions.