Google is showing that they care about bettering the world we live in by offering a grant program for non-profit organizations, the Google Grant.
The Google Grant is a program which provides free Google AdWords advertising for selected non-profit organizations. The Google Grant is an easy way to significantly increase traffic to your non-profit group’s website which will help increase your support for your group, solicit donations, and/or increase sales of fundraising items.
Who Can Apply For The Google Grant
Google has, of course, set limitations on which groups are eligible to receive the Google Grant. Google has made a strong attempt to improve quality of life through their program while remaining neutral on the issues. Groups are encouraged to apply for the Google Grant if they meet the following qualifications:
- Group is not of a religious nature
- Group is not political in nature (this includes groups whose primary focus is political lobbying aimed at political or policy change)
- Group does not currently participate in the Google Adsense program (earning money on their website from Google ads)
- Group maintains current 501(c)(3) status (assigned by the IRS)
The Google Grant is only available to recognized non-profit organizations with current 501(c)(3) status. If your group does not yet have recognition as a 501(c)(3) non-profit, you must apply and obtain such status from the IRS before you can apply for the Google Grant.
The Google Grant is available in several countries worldwide. Applying in the United States is fairly straight-forward and is dependent on the above mentioned 501(c)(3) certification. Application requirements vary by country.
Getting Ready To Apply For The Google Grant
Google recommends that applicants familiarize themselves with the Google Adwords program before applying for the Google Grant. Each applicant is expected to submit sample ad copy and keywords with their application (which Google staff will help edit if accepted). Google supplies links to the AdWords program to help applicants learn more, so that they in turn can optimize their ad keywords and ad copy for their application. Google states on their website that groups are most likely to be successful in applying if they have taken the time to familiarize themselves with the AdWords program and communicate that understanding to Google during the application process.
Any group that enjoys 501(c)(3) status in the U.S., and who meets the eligibility guidelines as set forth by Google, stands to benefit greatly from the free advertising offered by Google. The potential for traffic generation can bring very significant numbers of visitors to your site through the donation of this proven service.