Grants & Fundraising Opportunities for April: What Nonprofits Need to Know

Spring is here, and with it comes new funding opportunities for nonprofits looking to secure grants and boost their fundraising efforts. April is a crucial month—many major grant deadlines are approaching, and it’s also the perfect time to refresh your fundraising strategy as we head into the second quarter of the year. Whether your nonprofit is seeking general operating funds, project-based grants, or new ways to engage donors, now is the time to take action. In this post, we’ll highlight grant opportunities with April deadlines and share fundraising strategies to help you maximize donations and grow your impact this season.

Grant Opportunities with April Deadlines

If you’re looking for funding to support your programs, operations, or capacity-building efforts, here are some notable grant opportunities available this month:

1. NBCUniversal Local Impact Grants

• Deadline: April 11, 2025
• Focus Areas: Youth Education & Empowerment, Next Generation Storytellers, Community Engagement
• Apply Here: NBCUniversal Local Impact Grants

2. OceanFirst Foundation General Operating Grants

• Deadline: April 15, 2025
• Funding: $15,000 over two years ($7,500 per year)
• Supports: General operating expenses and capacity building
• Apply Here: OceanFirst Foundation

3. U.S. Venture/Schmidt Family Foundation Grants

• Deadline: April 25, 2025
• Focus Areas: Education, health & human services, community development
• Apply Here: Schmidt Family Foundation

4. The Lawrence Foundation Grants

• Deadline: May 1, 2025 (Apply early in April)
• Supports: General operating support and program-specific funding
• Apply Here: Lawrence Foundation

📌 Tip: Make sure to check eligibility requirements and deadlines carefully. Many foundations require Letters of Intent (LOIs) before the full application, so planning ahead is key!

April Fundraising Strategies to Boost Donations

While grants provide a vital source of funding, nonprofits should also focus on fundraising efforts to increase donor engagement and unrestricted revenue. Here are some creative fundraising strategies to implement this month:

1. Spring Giving Campaign 

April is the perfect time to kick off a seasonal fundraising campaign tied to renewal, growth, or a fresh start.
✅ Theme Ideas: “Spring Into Action,” “New Beginnings,” or “Planting Seeds of Change”
✅ How to Execute: Use email, social media, and peer-to-peer fundraising to drive donations.
✅ Bonus Tip: Partner with a local business to match donations for a limited time to create urgency!

2. Run a Peer-to-Peer Fundraising Challenge 

Engage supporters by challenging them to fundraise on your behalf.
✅ How to Do It: Encourage supporters to create their own fundraising pages for your cause.
✅ Incentivize Giving: Offer prizes for the top fundraisers (gift cards, event tickets, or nonprofit swag).
✅ Best Platform: Try GoFundMe Charity or Classy.

3. Secure Corporate Sponsorships 

Many businesses offer event sponsorships and workplace giving programs in the spring.
✅ Action Step: Reach out to local businesses and ask about sponsorship or employee giving programs. Have a corporate sponsorship package ready that includes your sponsorship levels and benefits of each!
✅ Where to Start: Apply for sponsorships from Target, Best Buy, or Bank of America for upcoming events.

4. Host a Virtual Giving Day 

A one-day fundraising event creates excitement and urgency.
✅ How to Execute: Choose a specific theme (e.g., “Easter Giving” or “Earth Day Now”).
✅ Marketing Tip: Use email, social media, and live streaming to drive participation.
✅ Best Platform: Use Givebutter for hosting your virtual giving day.

5. Promote Monthly Giving 

Encourage donors to sign up for recurring gifts to create sustainable funding.
✅ How to Do It: Offer special perks to monthly donors, such as behind-the-scenes updates or exclusive event invitations.
✅ Tech Tip: Use Donorbox or Network for Good to set up recurring giving options.

Final Thoughts: April is the Month to Take Action!

With so many grant deadlines and fundraising opportunities happening this month, now is the time to take action and secure funding for your nonprofit. Whether you’re applying for grants, launching a new fundraising campaign, or engaging corporate sponsors, every effort adds up to sustaining your mission.

Need help writing grant applications or strategizing your fundraising efforts? Contact us today, and let’s start securing funding for your nonprofit!