Free Google Ad Words for Your Non-profit Organization

Do you run a non-profit organization? Do you know someone who does? Or maybe you are a employee or volunteer. You can help get the word out about your non-profit cause. Attract more donations and help by advertising it on Google. Normally, most non-profits are running on a shoestring budget and don’t have the extra money to invest in online advertising.

Google Grants is offering up to $10,000 in Ad Words money for your organization to advertise itself on Google and Google owned websites. It’s not an actual cash donation, it is free sponsored ad’s results. If you want to spend over that amount you will need to pay for it. Google has restricted the grant to only nonprofits with 501(c)(3) status. Google also has set the limit of $1 per keyword which means that some keywords might not be available for you to bid on because they cost more than $1.

How to Apply for the Ad Words Grant.

If you have never used Ad Words before you should familiarize yourself with the program. I also highly recommend that you read through all the information provided by Google about the Grant program. I’ve posted the links below. Educating yourself about Ad Words and the grant program will really help you when you are filling out your application. Plus, Google has put together a faq which contains the majority of the most common questions.

Google is notoriously picky. Every day I work with websites that didn’t quite toe the line and did not follow Google’s recommendations. The result is less then favorable search positioning if the site is lucky. Google has no problem dumping your website into the “Sandbox” or even out right deleting your website from the Google index if it doesn’t like what your website is doing (Black Hat SEO, Cloaking, Keyword Stuffing, buggy code, Phishing scams, Trojan’s, etc). Google will probably also scan your website for problems that affect ranking. After all, why should Google give you free advertising if your website has obvious programming issues.

I have to imagine that the grant committee will be meticulous in reviewing your submission to ensure your organization fits Google’s criteria. You should take a good look at your current website. Once you have submitted your application the Google Grant’s committee will also be looking over your website. Make sure that you have not accidentally misrepresented your organization by submitting information that does not match the information on your website. You also should make sure that your organization is the focus of your website, not banner ads or other items that Google has outlined as restricted from the program. No sense in giving the committee a reason to deny your application.

Good Luck!


Google Grants program guidelines and details

Google Grant’s help and support

Read the Google Grants Blog

Google programs for non-profits

Google Ad Words

No Love from Google?

Google turned you down? Nothing ventured, nothing gained. You can always sign up at Good Search and use it’s browser toolbar to do your normal searches and raise money by surfing the Internet. You also can raise money for your favorite non-profit by making purchases from partner companies on Good Shop. Good Shop has participating retailers like Best Buy, Amazon, Avon, Ebay, Dell, Gap, Office Max and more. If you own a business that sells products online, you can list your company as a participating retailer.