Last verified 2026-05-17
Google for Nonprofits is a free program that gives qualifying 501(c)(3) organizations access to Google's paid products at no cost: Google Workspace (Gmail, Docs, Drive, Meet), up to $10,000 a month in Google Ads credit, and YouTube Nonprofit Program features. [Source: google.com/nonprofits (accessed 2026-05-17)]
Who qualifies
- You must be a 501(c)(3) charitable nonprofit in good standing with the IRS, or a group-exempt affiliate of one.
- You must have a working website that clearly describes what your nonprofit does.
- Not eligible: government entities, hospitals and healthcare organizations, schools, colleges, and universities. (Charitable arms of these may still qualify.)
- Fiscally sponsored projects without their own 501(c)(3) status are not eligible. [Source: support.google.com/nonprofits/answer/3215869 (accessed 2026-05-17)]
What you get
- Google Workspace for Nonprofits — free Gmail at your domain, Docs, Sheets, Drive, Calendar, Meet, and Chat. Discounts on Business and Enterprise upgrades if you need more storage or controls.
- Google Ad Grants — up to $10,000 USD per month in free search-ad credit on Google. You build the campaigns; Google pays for the clicks.
- YouTube Nonprofit Program — link cards on your videos, fundraising features, and access to the YouTube creator community.
- Google Maps Platform credits — free monthly usage for mapping tools.
[Source: google.com/nonprofits/offerings (accessed 2026-05-17)]
How to apply
- Go to google.com/nonprofits and click Get started.
- Sign in with your nonprofit's Google account (not a personal Gmail).
- Verify your nonprofit through Goodstack, Google's validation partner. (Goodstack replaced TechSoup as the verifier — if you had an older TechSoup validation token, you'll re-verify through Goodstack now.)
- Once approved (usually a few business days), activate the products you want from your Google for Nonprofits dashboard.
- For Ad Grants, you'll also complete the Ad Grants eligibility form and build a first campaign before Google turns on the $10,000/month credit.
[Source: google.com/nonprofits/eligibility (accessed 2026-05-17)]
Common pitfalls
- Ad Grants compliance is strict. Once you're in, you have to keep a 5% click-through rate, run at least two active campaigns with two active ad groups each, and have valid conversion tracking. Accounts that go inactive or fall below the rules get paused.
- Your website matters. Google checks for a real, substantive website that clearly explains your mission. A one-page site or a site that doesn't load well will get rejected.
- Use a nonprofit-owned Google account. Don't apply with a personal Gmail — once approved, Workspace is tied to your domain.
- Re-verify yearly. Goodstack re-checks your 501(c)(3) status annually.
Free tutorials and training
Google publishes free training for nonprofits at applieddigitalskills.withgoogle.com/c/en/nonprofits — short video lessons on running an Ad Grants campaign, using Workspace, building a YouTube channel, and hosting virtual events. The Grow with Google OnAir workshops (growonair.withgoogle.com) are free live and on-demand sessions. The Google for Nonprofits YouTube channel posts webinars and product updates.
Where to get help
- Official help center: support.google.com/nonprofits
- Google for Nonprofits community forum: support.google.com/nonprofits/community — post questions and read solutions from other nonprofits.
- Workspace 24/7 support is included once you're enrolled.
- TechEmpower: if you're a Nevada County nonprofit and need a hand applying, get in touch through our contact page.
Sources
- Google for Nonprofits — google.com/nonprofits (accessed 2026-05-17)
- US eligibility guidelines — support.google.com/nonprofits/answer/3215869 (accessed 2026-05-17)
- Google Ad Grants — google.com/grants (accessed 2026-05-17)
- Product help — google.com/nonprofits/resources/product-help (accessed 2026-05-17)