The 7 Best Federal Grant Programs for Nonprofits in 2026
Federal grants represent one of the largest sources of funding available to nonprofits — but they can also be one of the most intimidating. Between navigating Grants.gov, understanding CFDA numbers, and deciphering eligibility requirements, it's easy to feel overwhelmed before you even start.
The good news: federal grants are more accessible than most people think, especially if you know which programs to target. Not every federal grant requires a 100-page application or a million-dollar budget. Many programs are specifically designed for community-based nonprofits.
Here are 7 federal grant programs that nonprofits should have on their radar in 2026.
1. HRSA Health Center Program (CFDA 93.224)
Agency: Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA), U.S. Department of Health and Human Services
What it funds: Community health centers providing primary care, dental care, behavioral health, and pharmacy services to underserved populations. This includes federally qualified health centers (FQHCs) and FQHC look-alikes.
Who's eligible: Nonprofit organizations and public entities that serve medically underserved areas or populations. You must meet specific governance requirements, including a community-majority board of directors.
Typical award size: $500,000–$6 million per year (varies by funding type — new access points, expanded services, operational support)
Where to apply: Grants.gov — search for HRSA funding opportunities. HRSA also posts notices on their bureau-specific pages.
Why it matters: The Health Center Program is one of the largest and most stable sources of federal funding for community health organizations. If your nonprofit provides health services to underserved communities, this should be your first stop.
2. HUD Community Development Block Grants (CFDA 14.218)
Agency: U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD)
What it funds: Affordable housing, infrastructure improvements, public services, economic development, and community facilities in low- and moderate-income areas. CDBG is one of the most flexible federal programs — funds can be used for a wide range of community development activities.
Who's eligible: CDBG funds flow through state and local governments (entitlement communities and states), which then sub-grant to nonprofits and community organizations. Your city or county government is your entry point.
Typical award size: Sub-grants to nonprofits typically range from $25,000–$500,000, depending on the local jurisdiction's allocation and priorities.
Where to apply: Contact your local or state CDBG administrator. Find your local HUD office at hud.gov.
Why it matters: CDBG is a cornerstone of community development funding. Because it flows through local governments, the application process is often simpler than applying directly to a federal agency. If you do community development work, talk to your city's planning department.
3. DOE Weatherization and Energy Efficiency Programs (CFDA 81.042)
Agency: U.S. Department of Energy (DOE)
What it funds: Home weatherization services for low-income households, energy efficiency upgrades, renewable energy installations, and community energy programs. The Weatherization Assistance Program (WAP) is the primary vehicle.
Who's eligible: State energy offices distribute WAP funds to local nonprofits and community action agencies. Some DOE competitive grants are open directly to nonprofits, particularly for innovative energy projects.
Typical award size: WAP sub-grants range from $100,000–$2 million depending on the state. Competitive DOE grants for nonprofits range from $50,000–$5 million.
Where to apply: For WAP, contact your state energy office. For competitive grants, check energy.gov/eere/funding and Grants.gov.
Why it matters: With increased federal investment in clean energy and climate resilience, DOE funding for nonprofits has expanded significantly. Community action agencies and environmental nonprofits should watch this space closely.
4. SAMHSA Substance Abuse Prevention and Treatment Grants (CFDA 93.243)
Agency: Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA), U.S. Department of Health and Human Services
What it funds: Substance abuse prevention, treatment, and recovery support services. SAMHSA funds a wide range of programs including opioid treatment, mental health crisis services, youth prevention programs, and community-based recovery support.
Who's eligible: Nonprofit organizations, state and local governments, tribal organizations, and educational institutions. Many SAMHSA grants specifically target community-based organizations.
Typical award size: $100,000–$2 million per year, with most community grants in the $200,000–$500,000 range. Grant periods typically run 3–5 years.
Where to apply: samhsa.gov/grants and Grants.gov. SAMHSA publishes a Funding Opportunity Announcement (FOA) forecast annually — use it to plan ahead.
Why it matters: Behavioral health remains a top federal funding priority. SAMHSA grants are well-suited for community nonprofits that provide direct services, and the agency has a strong track record of funding smaller organizations.
5. AmeriCorps State and National Grants (CFDA 94.006)
Agency: AmeriCorps (formerly Corporation for National and Community Service)
What it funds: National service programs that engage AmeriCorps members in community service focused on education, health, economic opportunity, environmental stewardship, disaster services, and veterans. Grants fund member living allowances, training, and program operations.
Who's eligible: Nonprofit organizations, state and local governments, educational institutions, and tribal organizations. You must operate or propose a national service program with defined community outcomes.
Typical award size: $50,000–$1 million per year, depending on the number of AmeriCorps members and program scope. Most mid-size nonprofit grants fall in the $150,000–$400,000 range.
Where to apply: americorps.gov/funding-opportunities. Applications are submitted through eGrants, AmeriCorps' online system.
Why it matters: AmeriCorps grants are unique because they provide both funding and human capital. If your nonprofit could benefit from dedicated full-time or part-time service members, this program effectively gives you staff and funding in one package.
6. DOJ STOP Violence Against Women Grants (CFDA 16.588)
Agency: Office on Violence Against Women (OVW), U.S. Department of Justice
What it funds: Programs addressing domestic violence, sexual assault, dating violence, and stalking. STOP (Services, Training, Officers, Prosecutors) grants fund victim services, law enforcement training, prosecution support, and court improvements.
Who's eligible: STOP grants are formula-based — funds go to states, which sub-grant to nonprofits, tribal governments, and local agencies. OVW also offers discretionary grants directly to nonprofits through programs like the Grants to Reduce Domestic Violence and the Legal Assistance for Victims program.
Typical award size: Sub-grants through STOP typically range from $50,000–$300,000. Discretionary OVW grants to nonprofits range from $300,000–$1 million over 2–3 years.
Where to apply: For STOP sub-grants, contact your state's STOP administrator (usually the state criminal justice agency or coalition against domestic violence). For discretionary grants, check justice.gov/ovw/grant-programs and Grants.gov.
Why it matters: If your nonprofit provides services to survivors of domestic violence, sexual assault, or stalking, OVW is one of the most reliable federal funding sources. The STOP program alone distributes hundreds of millions annually.
7. ACF Head Start / Early Head Start (CFDA 93.600)
Agency: Administration for Children and Families (ACF), U.S. Department of Health and Human Services
What it funds: Comprehensive early childhood education, health, nutrition, and family engagement services for children from birth to age 5 in low-income families. Head Start serves preschool-age children; Early Head Start serves infants, toddlers, and pregnant women.
Who's eligible: Nonprofit organizations, school districts, and local governments. Head Start grantees must meet federal performance standards and undergo regular monitoring. New competitions arise when existing grantees don't meet quality standards or when new service areas are designated.
Typical award size: $1 million–$20 million per year, depending on the number of children served and geographic scope. These are large, multi-year grants with significant operational requirements.
Where to apply: eclkc.ohs.acf.hhs.gov (Early Childhood Learning and Knowledge Center) and Grants.gov. New grant competitions are posted on the ACF website.
Why it matters: Head Start is one of the largest federal investments in early childhood — over $12 billion annually. If your nonprofit does early childhood work and has (or can build) the capacity to meet federal performance standards, Head Start grants provide substantial, stable, multi-year funding.
How to Know If You Qualify Before You Apply
Before investing weeks in a federal grant application, do a quick qualification check:
1. Check your eligibility type. Does the funding announcement list your organization type (nonprofit, tribal, etc.) as eligible? Don't assume — read the eligibility section carefully.
2. Review geographic restrictions. Many federal programs restrict applications to specific states, regions, or types of communities (rural, urban, high-need).
3. Assess your capacity honestly. Federal grants come with significant reporting and compliance requirements. If you've never managed a federal award before, start with a smaller program or consider partnering with an experienced lead applicant.
4. Read past abstracts. Many agencies publish abstracts of funded projects. These tell you exactly what kinds of programs are getting funded and at what scale.
5. Check the timeline. Federal applications typically require 4–8 weeks of preparation. If the deadline is next week and you haven't started, it's usually better to wait for the next cycle and submit a strong application.
Find Your Next Grant
These 7 programs are just the starting point. The federal government alone funds thousands of grant programs across dozens of agencies, and that's before you count state and foundation opportunities.
GrantSonar aggregates thousands of live grant opportunities from federal, state, and foundation sources — and matches them to your organization's mission, geography, and eligibility. Stop scrolling through Grants.gov manually. Search for free today →
Related topics: Health Grants · Housing Grants · Youth & Families Grants · Community Development Grants