What are Matching Grants and Why You Should Want Them

What are matching grants and why should you want them? Some funders require grant seekers to raise a portion of the needed funding. The grantor will then match the amount of money raised to cover the cost of a project. The purpose of a matching grant is to encourage the recipient to increase its revenue and broaden its support base. Though there are challenges to meeting the criteria in order to apply for matching grants, the end result can yield a much greater return on the time and effort you put into writing and submitting this kind of grant proposal.

GrantWatch wants to help draw attention to the concept of matching grants by providing a list of matching grant opportunities. In addition, GrantWatch has dozens of available matching grants. Use the keyword phrase “matching grants” and you’re there! Below is a carefully curated list of 12 grants: Community Services – matching grants. Even better, you can use these keywords in conjunction with any grant category!

Matching Grant Opportunities

1. Matching Grants for Children’s Music Programs

Grants to USA nonprofit organizations and K-12 schools to equip music programs with musical instruments. The applicant organization must show evidence of need and a commitment to raising matching funds.

2. Matching Grants for Utility Costs and to Build capacity!

Matching grants of up to $75,000 and in-kind services to eligible nonprofits for utility expenses and to build capacity. Funding will be for upgrading facilities and operations, lowering costs, and greater focus on more efficient use of resources.

3. Leverage Matching Grants for Additional Funding!

Grants to eligible nonprofits and public institutions to improve the quality of life for local residents. Focus areas include education, recreation, health and human services, arts and culture, and youth and community services. Priority project consideration includes matching grants to provide leverage for additional funding.

4. Matching Grants to Identify and Preserve Historic Sites!

In addition, grants of up to $10,000 to eligible local government agencies for preservation of historically significant sites. Funding supports the evaluation, identification, registration, planning, and preservation of historical properties located throughout many communities. Matching grants will be for a wide variety of local preservation projects, including architectural, historical, archeological surveys, and oral histories to identify distinctive properties to preserve. Matching grants will also be for the costs for National Register of Historic Places nominations.

5. Matching Funds for Arts, Sciences, and Humanities!

There are grants to eligible nonprofits, municipalities, and Institutions of Higher Education (IHEs) for the development of facilities primarily focused on the arts, sciences, and humanities. The Capital Grants program will provide matching grants for the acquisition, final-stage design, construction, repair, renovation, rehabilitation, or other capital improvements or deferred maintenance of cultural facilities.

6. Funding to Benefit Residents!

In addition, grants to nonprofits for programs and activities benefiting residents. Funding is for new or established projects. Primary consideration for Foundation funding will be for proposals utilizing matching grants.

7. Matching Grants for Investment Funds!

There are matching grants of up to $10,000 to nonprofits to either establish new or develop existing investment funds. The priority consideration will be for new investment funds. Funding is also available for existing endowments to grow their funds.

8. Programs to Address Community Needs!

Also, grants to eligible nonprofits, schools, and government agencies for programs addressing community needs. Funding supports organizations introducing new programs, increasing the scope of existing programs, and sustaining established programs. A priority consideration of funding partners is to access additional funding outside of the community by leveraging matching grants.

9. Grants to Enhance the Lives of Children and Youth!

Grants of up to $20,000 to eligible nonprofits to enhance the lives of children and youth. Funding is to strengthen the community by providing youth with opportunities to succeed. Funds support matching grants, general operations, start-up costs, project support, and technical assistance.

10. Grants for Horticultural Projects!

Grants to eligible nonprofits and government agencies for horticultural projects. Funding is for program and project support, research, matching programs, and capital improvements.

11. Fostering Economic Development in Rural Areas!

There are grants of up to $10,000 to eligible nonprofits, communities, and municipalities to benefit rural communities. Funding is to overcome development and growth barriers, with an emphasis on economic development. Funds will be awarded on a matching basis for projects that create jobs, initiate new business development, and/or retain existing businesses. Matching Grant categories include: Economic Development and Business Assistance; Economic Development Fund; Disaster and Emergency Assistance; and Community Sponsorships.

12. Neighborhood Projects and Agricultural Leadership!

Grants of up to $10,000 to eligible ag retailers and cooperatives to support neighborhood projects. Priority will be for farmer well-being and agricultural safety, rural community vitality, and agriculture education, including food shelf donations, grain bin safety equipment and training, and local FFA and 4-H support. Funding is to strengthen hometown communities. Cooperative matching grant applications are accepted year-round.

Hopefully you’ll see the great potential in seeking out matching grant opportunities!

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