Why Technology Grants Are Different
Technology grants are distinct from general program grants in one critical way: funders want to see that you can sustain the technology after the grant period ends. A funder who invests $100,000 in a new case management system does not want to find out two years later that the organization can't afford the subscription renewal. This means technology grant applications must address three questions that program grants often skip: Who will maintain this? What does it cost to operate annually? How will you fund it after the grant?
With that framing in mind, here are the major sources of technology grant funding for nonprofits in 2026.
Corporate Technology Grant Programs
Microsoft Nonprofit Technology Grants
Microsoft provides nonprofits with deeply discounted and donated technology through TechSoup and its nonprofit portal, but its cash grant programs are more selective. Microsoft Philanthropies focuses on AI for Good, accessibility, and digital skills — and awards grants to nonprofits building technology solutions in these areas, typically ranging from $50,000 to $500,000. Additionally, Microsoft Azure credits for nonprofits (up to $3,500/year through TechSoup) and Office 365 nonprofit licenses represent indirect technology grants that can free up significant operating budget.
Google.org Grants and Google for Nonprofits
Google.org makes grants to nonprofits using technology to address significant societal challenges, with a focus on AI and machine learning applications for social good. Multi-year grants can reach $1–5 million for large-scale projects. The application process is competitive and invitation-heavy, but Google.org does accept unsolicited letters of inquiry.
Separately, Google for Nonprofits provides Google Workspace (formerly G Suite) for free or at significant discount, Google Ad Grants ($10,000/month in search advertising), YouTube Nonprofit Program access, and Google Cloud credits. These in-kind grants can be worth $50,000+ annually in real operating value. Apply at google.org/nonprofits.
Salesforce.org Power of Us Program
Salesforce.org provides eligible nonprofits with 10 free Salesforce licenses and discounts on additional licenses through its Power of Us Program. For a mid-sized nonprofit, this represents $15,000–$50,000 in annual software value. Salesforce.org also awards cash grants to nonprofits building Salesforce-based technology solutions for social impact through its Impact Fund.
Cisco Foundation Grants
The Cisco Foundation awards grants to nonprofits using technology for education, economic empowerment, and critical human needs. Grants typically range from $25,000 to $250,000. Cisco also participates in Giving Tuesday campaigns and regional foundation partnerships. Applications are reviewed twice annually.
Federal Technology Grant Programs
NTIA Digital Equity Programs
The National Telecommunications and Information Administration (NTIA) is administering over $2.75 billion in digital equity grants through programs established by the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act (Bipartisan Infrastructure Law). These include:
- Digital Equity Planning Grants: Up to $5 million to states for digital equity planning.
- Digital Equity Capacity Grants: Competitive grants to nonprofits, community anchor institutions, and state/local governments to implement digital equity programs. Awards have ranged from $500,000 to $10 million.
- Digital Equity Competitive Grants: Open to a broader set of organizations including nonprofits directly serving populations with low digital inclusion rates.
Eligibility focuses on organizations serving covered populations: people with low incomes, seniors, individuals with disabilities, veterans, rural populations, and people with limited English proficiency.
NSF Technology and Innovation Grants
The National Science Foundation funds technology innovation through SBIR/STTR (for small businesses) and through nonprofit research grants. NSF programs relevant to nonprofits with technology missions include the Broadening Participation portfolio, Computer and Information Science and Engineering (CISE) grants, and the Eddie Bernice Johnson STEM Understanding program. Nonprofit research organizations, universities, and STEM-focused nonprofits are eligible; pure service delivery nonprofits typically are not.
E-Rate Program (Schools and Libraries)
The FCC's E-Rate program provides discounts of 20–90% on broadband, Wi-Fi, and telephone services for eligible schools and libraries. While technically a discount program rather than a grant, E-Rate can free up hundreds of thousands of dollars annually that would otherwise go to connectivity costs. Schools and libraries in higher poverty areas (CEP schools, rural schools) receive maximum discounts. Applications are filed annually through the USAC E-Rate portal.
Foundation Technology Grants
Mozilla Foundation
The Mozilla Foundation funds open internet, digital rights, and ethical AI projects. Grants through the Mozilla Technology Fund and Mozilla Fellows program range from $50,000 to $500,000 and target nonprofits and individuals building technology that advances a healthy, open internet. Applications are competitive and evaluated on technical merit and alignment with Mozilla's mission.
Patrick J. McGovern Foundation
The McGovern Foundation focuses on AI and data science for social good. Grants for nonprofits using AI to address global health, climate, economic equity, and digital inclusion typically range from $100,000 to $1 million. The foundation favors projects with clear pathways to scale and sustainable technology deployment.
Arnold Ventures
Arnold Ventures funds technology-driven reforms in criminal justice, health, and education. Grants to nonprofits building data systems, technology tools, and evidence-based interventions can range from $200,000 to several million dollars. Arnold focuses on policy change and at-scale impact, making it best suited for nonprofits with national or state-level reach.
Writing a Winning Technology Grant Application
- Lead with the problem, not the solution: Funders fund impact. Start with the community need or organizational problem that the technology solves, not the features of the system.
- Include total cost of ownership: Show the implementation cost, annual licensing/maintenance cost, and who is funding ongoing operations. This demonstrates sustainability thinking.
- Name your implementation partner: Technology grants are more credible when you've already identified a vendor or implementation partner. If possible, include a quote or letter of support.
- Define success metrics: How will you know the technology is working? User adoption rates, efficiency gains (hours saved per staff member), or outcome improvements tied to the technology investment.
- Address data security and privacy: Especially for grants involving client data, explain how the technology protects sensitive information and complies with applicable laws (HIPAA, FERPA, state privacy laws).
Find Technology Grants for Your Nonprofit
Technology grants are scattered across corporate foundations, federal agencies, and private foundations — and eligibility requirements vary significantly. FindGrants.io lets you search by focus area (technology, digital equity, broadband), organization type, and award range across 23,000+ indexed grants. Filter to technology-focused funders and see ranked matches in minutes rather than hours.