iTechGuides is reader-supported. When you buy through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. Learn more
Google Ad Grants is currently documented as an active program for eligible nonprofits; Microsoft’s Ads for Social Impact grant is not accepting new applications. Google offers up to $10,000 USD per month in in-kind Google Search advertising—not cash or guaranteed ad delivery. Microsoft’s current program page calls its pilot paused, while a Microsoft Advertising support response in July 2026 said the program ended in December 2025. If you need an advertising grant now, Google is the actionable option; treat Microsoft’s former offer as historical unless Microsoft announces that applications have reopened.
How Google Ad Grants and Microsoft’s nonprofit ad grant compare
| Decision point | Google Ad Grants | Microsoft Ads for Social Impact (Bing) |
|---|---|---|
| Availability | Google’s official pages describe a program for eligible organizations. Google Ad Grants FAQ. | Microsoft’s live page says the pilot is paused; a Microsoft Advertising support response dated July 7, 2026, says it ended in December 2025 and new applications are not accepted. Microsoft program page; Microsoft support response. |
| Grant amount | Up to $10,000 USD per month in in-kind advertising. It is a ceiling, not a promise of spend. Google Ad Grants FAQ. | A 2025 Microsoft guide described grants starting at $3,000 USD per month. That is historical information, not a currently available grant. Microsoft nonprofit technology guide (2025). |
| Ad inventory | Text-based Search ads on Google.com. Google Ad Grants FAQ. | The historical offer described search ads on Bing and native ads across Microsoft Audience Network properties. This does not establish current access. Microsoft nonprofit technology guide (2025). |
| Eligibility | Organizations must qualify as nonprofits, have a high-quality website that meets Google’s policy, and follow program policies and terms. Google Ad Grants FAQ; Google program terms. | The 2025 guide described eligibility as limited to US nonprofits at that time. The current page says the pilot is paused and invites visitors to register for updates; it does not establish an open application route. Microsoft nonprofit technology guide (2025); Microsoft program page. |
What Google’s $10,000 monthly grant does—and does not—mean
The Google Ad Grant is in-kind advertising credit for eligible Google Search ads. It is not a cash award, and the stated monthly limit does not mean your organization will receive $10,000 in donations, clicks, impressions, or even ad spend. Google says actual spend depends on bidding, keyword competition, ad quality, targeting, and search volume. Unused amounts do not roll over, and Google says there is no spend requirement. See Google’s budget and bidding guidance.
Grant ads are text-based ads on Google.com and can appear independently or below paid ads. A separate standard paid Google Ads account can provide additional features such as remarketing, image ads, and video ads; those features are not part of the grant’s Search inventory. Google Ads Help.
Google’s budget guidance describes the $10,000 USD monthly budget as equivalent to a $329 USD daily budget, with local-currency conversion treated as approximate. This is budget guidance, not a daily spend guarantee. Google for Nonprofits Help.
#1 Best Overall
Can a nonprofit still apply for Microsoft or Bing ad credits?
Not according to the current information in Microsoft’s official materials. The Ads for Social Impact page describes the pilot as paused and offers a way to register for future updates. A Microsoft Advertising support response dated July 7, 2026, says the program ended in December 2025 and that new applications are no longer accepted: read the response. The wording differs, but both indicate that a nonprofit should not plan a new campaign around Microsoft grant credits now. Check the program page for any status change before relying on it.
Older Microsoft offer details may explain past coverage, but not current availability. Microsoft’s 2025 nonprofit technology guide described grants starting at $3,000 USD per month, search and native advertising across Bing and Microsoft Audience Network properties, and eligibility limited to US nonprofits. Those are historical terms, not a basis for assuming a grant is open today. Microsoft nonprofit technology guide (2025).
Rank #2
What to check before investing time in Google Ad Grants
Confirm nonprofit and website eligibility
Eligibility is conditional, not automatic for every charity. Check Google’s current program FAQ and terms against your organization’s location and legal status. Your organization must meet Google’s nonprofit requirements, maintain a qualifying website, and comply with program and advertising policies. Google retains discretion over applications and participation under its terms.
Plan for campaign work and measurement
A grant supplies advertising inventory, not a finished campaign. Decide what a useful outcome is—such as a donation, volunteer signup, or awareness action—and ensure you can measure it. Campaign setup, relevant search terms, geographic targeting, ad quality, and continued policy compliance all affect whether the available budget produces useful activity.
Google points nonprofits to certified professionals who can help with Ad Grants. If you engage outside help, verify current credentials, the services included, fees, and any commercial relationship before committing.
Independent reader supportYour contribution helps us test, update, and keep practical guides available for everyone.Which program should a nonprofit choose?
If you want to pursue an advertising grant now, first assess Google Ad Grants eligibility and whether your team can manage compliant campaigns and track outcomes. It is the program with currently published terms and an actionable path for eligible organizations. If you are interested in Microsoft’s former nonprofit offer, use its official page to monitor updates, but do not include grant credits in a campaign budget unless Microsoft confirms applications have reopened.
Google reports that, since 2003, it has awarded over $10 billion to over 115,000 nonprofits across 51 countries. These are Google’s cumulative program figures, not independently audited claims about results for any individual organization. Google Ad Grants program page.
Recommended Free Tools
Quick Recap
Best Value
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply.
