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Tips and Tutorials - Google for Nonprofits
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Tips and Tutorials - Google for Nonprofits

Phone number
none
Category
Nonprofit
Auto tags
Eligibility
501(c)(3) charitable nonprofits and their group‑exempt affiliates
Auto Summary
Google for Nonprofits offers free access to Google Workspace, up to $10,000 monthly Ad Grants, YouTube Nonprofit features, and Maps credits for eligible 501(c)(3) charities with a functional website, while outlining eligibility, application steps, compliance requirements, and resources for training and support.
Value
$10,000
Espanol
Consejos y tutoriales - Google para organizaciones sin fines de lucro
URL
https://www.google.com/nonprofits/resources/product-help/
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.)

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

  1. Go to google.com/nonprofits and click Get started.
  1. Sign in with your nonprofit's Google account (not a personal Gmail).
  1. 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.)
  1. Once approved (usually a few business days), activate the products you want from your Google for Nonprofits dashboard.
  1. 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

  • 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