Challenge Grants for Nonprofits

GrantStation’s exclusive database features 293 active funding opportunities giving this type of support, all accepting requests from new grantseekers!

With a membership, you’ll gain instant access to our full directory of 15,000+ funders and powerful tools to find, track, and secure the best grants for your mission. Maximize your grant success today with our expertly curated funder database, step-by-step grant writing resources, and industry-leading online education.

The Mary Morton Parsons Foundation

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Application Deadline:
  • Contact Form: February 27 and August 28, 2026 by 5 pm EST
  • Application: Mach 16 and September 15, 2026 by 5 pm EST

The Mary Morton Parsons Foundation supports nonprofit organizations in Virginia. Priority is given to organizations in the Richmond area. Organizations having a statewide presence that…

R.E. Olds Foundation

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Application Deadline:

February 27, June 5, August 28 and December 4, 2026
Grant Range: $15000 - $28000
Average Grant: $5036

The R.E. Olds Foundation supports nonprofit organizations in the greater Lansing, MI, area, including Clinton, Eaton, and Ingham counties.

The Foundation's areas of interest include:…

Witness to Win Foundation

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Application Deadline:
  • Letters of inquiry: none
  • Invited proposals: February 28 and August 31, annually
Grant Range: $100000 - $800000
Average Grant: $470833

The Witness to Win Foundation exists to ensure that people hear and respond to the saving message of Jesus Christ. The Foundation partners with organizations that possess the mandate and mission…

Amy Shelton McNutt Charitable Trust

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Application Deadline:

February 28 and July 31, annually
Grant Range: $1169756 - $1169756
Average Grant: $1169756

The Amy Shelton McNutt Charitable Trust provides support to nonprofit organizations within the metropolitan area of San Antonio, TX.

The Trust's areas of interest include, but are not…

Alletta Morris McBean Charitable Trust

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Application Deadline:

The last day of February and July 31, annually
Grant Range: $10000 - $750000

The Alletta Morris McBean Charitable Trust supports nonprofit organizations on Aquidneck Island, RI.

The Trust's primary areas of interest include historic preservation and conservation.…

Middendorf Foundation

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Application Deadline:

March 1, September 1, and December 1, annually
Grant Range: $5000 - $250000
Average Grant: $10000 - $50000

The Middendorf Foundation is dedicated to empowering Marylanders and supporting their compassion to help others.

The Foundation's areas of interest include:

  • Education
    The…

Martha-Ellen Tye Foundation

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Application Deadline:

March 1, June 1, September 1, and December 1, annually
Grant Range: $1000 - $250000
Average Grant: $10000 - $20000

The Martha-Ellen Tye Foundation supports nonprofit organizations that are striving to make a better life for the people of Marshalltown, IA, and the surrounding area.

The Foundation seeks…

Gulf Coast Medical Foundation

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Application Deadline:

March 1, June 1, September 1, and December 1, annually
Grant Range: $171 - $100000
Average Grant: $24121

The Gulf Coast Medical Foundation provides support for nonprofit organizations in Fort Bend, Matagorda, and Wharton counties in Texas.

The Foundation's focus areas include:

  • …

Challenge grants, or matching grants, refers to funding opportunities in which a donation is contingent on the recipient achieving a specific goal. Often this is a fundraising goal - hence the “matching grant” name. These grants are seen as motivators, encouraging nonprofits to hit big goals, and for donors to get invested in meeting those goals.

These types of grants can be used by all kinds of nonprofits, across all kinds of projects. They’re especially useful for big requirements - think program expansions, endowment building or equipment purchases or upgrades. Similarly, a wide range of private and community organizations might right these kinds of grants. 

When drafting a challenge grant proposal, it is essential to present your own fundraising history and proof of your successes and financial sustainability. You also need to be very clear as to what you intend to do with the earned donations.

If you need further information on drafting great grant proposals, then make sure to check out our comprehensive guide on the topic. You can also browse a selection of challenge grants right here, all open for applications.