Google for Nonprofits: Everything You Need to Know About This Free Program (Beyond the Ad Grant)
Most nonprofits have heard of the $10,000/month Google Ad Grant. And for good reason—it’s one of the most valuable digital marketing opportunities available, totally free.
But here’s the secret:
That’s just one of the powerful tools available in the Google for Nonprofits program.
From smarter collaboration to direct fundraising tools on YouTube, Google offers a full suite of resources designed to help nonprofits grow, engage, and thrive in the digital age.
In this post, we’ll break down everything you get with Google for Nonprofits—and why more organizations should be taking advantage of it.
What Is Google for Nonprofits?
Google for Nonprofits is a free program that gives eligible 501(c)(3) organizations access to premium Google tools designed to increase visibility, improve collaboration, and raise funds online.
Once approved, nonprofits gain access to tools and services including:
Google Ad Grants
YouTube Nonprofit Program (YouTube Giving)
Google Workspace for Nonprofits
Google Maps Platform
TechSoup integrations
Let’s unpack each of these benefits and how they can move your mission forward.
1. Google Ad Grants – $10K/Month in Free Search Ads
This is the headline feature—and for good reason. Google Ad Grants gives nonprofits $10,000 in monthly search ad credits to promote their services, events, content, and fundraising campaigns.
What you can do with it:
Drive traffic to your donation and volunteer pages
Promote your blog, events, and programs
Increase brand visibility on Google Search
Target keywords like “free tutoring near me” or “donate to animal shelter”
✅ Best for: Nonprofits looking to increase visibility and attract traffic
⚠️ Important note: Ads must meet performance standards (e.g. 5% CTR) or risk suspension. This is where management by experts like Ad Grant Pros becomes essential.
2. Google Workspace for Nonprofits – Premium Collaboration Tools, Free
Google Workspace (formerly G Suite) is a full productivity suite including Gmail, Drive, Docs, Meet, Calendar, and more. Nonprofits get access to the premium version—completely free.
Key benefits:
Professional nonprofit email (you@yourorg.org)
Shared Drives for collaboration and file storage
Secure video meetings via Google Meet
Streamlined scheduling with Google Calendar
Up to 30 GB cloud storage per user (with upgrade options)
✅ Best for: Teams looking to collaborate more efficiently without IT headaches
3. YouTube Giving Tools – Fundraise Through Video
If your nonprofit uses video (or wants to), this feature is gold.
YouTube Giving allows verified nonprofits to:
Add Donation Info Cards directly to videos
Host fundraising livestreams with built-in donation buttons
Create a Donate button on your channel
This allows you to turn emotional storytelling into frictionless donations - right on YouTube.
✅ Best for: Nonprofits with visual stories - animal rescues, human interest, health, education, environment
4. Google Maps Platform – Help People Find You (Literally)
Google offers nonprofits access to the Maps Platform at discounted or free rates depending on usage.
Use cases:
Map all service locations (e.g. food pantries, clinics, shelters)
Build interactive maps showing impact areas
Create locator tools to help users find programs near them
✅ Best for: Nonprofits with physical locations, or those offering geographically targeted services
5. TechSoup Integration – One Account, Many Benefits
To apply for Google for Nonprofits, you’ll need to verify your eligibility through TechSoup, a platform that also offers:
Discounted nonprofit software (Adobe, Microsoft, Zoom)
Access to educational resources and community support
Special offers on hardware, CRMs, and IT services
✅ Best for: Any nonprofi - start here to unlock tons of nonprofit-exclusive discounts
Bonus Tools: Google Earth Outreach and Data Studio
Google also offers tools like:
Google Earth Outreach: Tell your story using satellite maps and geographic data
Google Data Studio: Create custom reports and dashboards to track impact and campaigns
How to Apply for Google for Nonprofits
Step 1: Register with TechSoup to verify your nonprofit status
Step 2: Apply via Google for Nonprofits
Step 3: Once approved, activate tools like Ad Grants, Workspace, and YouTube Giving
Need help getting approved or setting everything up? We can take care of the whole process for you - book a free strategy call.
Common Myths About Google for Nonprofits
❌ “It’s only for big nonprofits”
✅ Nope! Organizations of all sizes - especially mid-sized ones - can benefit.
❌ “It’s too complicated to manage”
✅ That’s why Ad Grant Pros exists. We handle the strategy, ads, and tools, so you can focus on your mission.
❌ “It’s just the Google Grant”
✅ As you now know, it’s much, much more.
Final Thoughts: If You’re a Nonprofit, You Need to Be on This Platform
Google for Nonprofits is one of the most valuable - yet underused - programs in the nonprofit sector. It’s free, it’s powerful, and it can unlock digital transformation for organizations doing the real work.
Whether you want to:
Grow your donations
Improve team collaboration
Raise awareness for your programs
Reach new audiences on YouTube
Google for Nonprofits has the tools to get you there.
👉 Want Help Getting Started?
Let’s unlock all the benefits of Google for Nonprofits for your organization.
✅ Free grant application assistance
✅ Full ad and donation campaign management
✅ Workspace, YouTube, and Maps setup
