A neighborhood food pantry uses a capacity grant to add refrigerated storage, allowing it to accept fresh produce donations.
IRS-recognized 501(c)(3) nonprofit since 2008
ACF — Grants and Financial Assistance for Eligible Nonprofits
American Charitable Foundation is dedicated to supporting eligible nonprofit organizations through financial assistance, charitable funding initiatives, and resources designed to strengthen community-centered work.
Before you apply
Prepare your documents, review your information, and understand what submission means.
Check the guidelines
Assistance is intended for nonprofit organizations, not individuals. Opportunity-specific eligibility rules are not yet finalized.
Read eligibility guidancePrepare your documents
Have your organization’s details, IRS document, and 501(c)(3) determination letter ready. A recent payslip or bank statement is optional.
Review application requirementsReview before sending
Check your details and attachments before final submission. Applying does not guarantee an award or reserve funding.
Start your application
Our nonprofit history
IRS-recognized tax-exempt status since 2008.
- 18 years
- Tax-exempt since 2008
The IRS determination letter dated August 13, 2009, confirms tax-exempt status effective September 23, 2008. Previously displayed support totals were provided by ACF and are withheld until supporting reports, reporting dates, and a calculation method are available.
View transparency informationAbout ACF
Resources are what turn good intentions into lasting services.
Nonprofit organizations carry out essential work, yet many operate with limited and uncertain funding. Charitable assistance can help eligible organizations sustain proven programs, respond to emerging community needs, and invest in the staff, systems, and planning that make their work durable.
Our mission and vision
01 — Mission
“To strengthen eligible nonprofit organizations by supporting charitable initiatives, expanding access to financial assistance, and encouraging sustainable, community-focused work.”
02 — Vision
“A future in which nonprofit organizations have greater opportunities to secure resources, deliver meaningful services, and contribute to resilient communities.”
Core values
Proposed organizational statements, pending formal approval by ACF's authorized leadership.
- Integrity
- Accountability
- Transparency
- Compassion
- Collaboration
- Responsible stewardship
- Fairness
- Sustainable community impact
Potential areas of support
Where charitable funding can matter most.
These are potential areas of charitable support, not verified active programs.
- 01Community development
- 02Education and youth opportunities
- 03Food security and basic needs
- 04Health and well-being
- 05Family support
- 06Older adult services
- 07Disability inclusion
- 08Environmental initiatives
- 09Nonprofit capacity building
- 10Community resilience
Our grantmaking process
Five steps, documented at every stage.
Typical review time: 7 to 30 days- 1
Announce funding opportunities
- 2
Receive eligible applications
- 3
Review proposals against established criteria
- 4
Document funding decisions
- 5
Monitor appropriate reporting and accountability requirements
Accountability & transparency
Trust is built in the records.
Responsible grantmaking depends on documented decisions, careful financial management, conflict-of-interest controls, and appropriate reporting. Review ACF’s transparency information for the status of public records, reported figures, and proposed policies.
View transparency information →Organization information and public records
Find ACF’s published information, policy statements, and contact details in one place. Proposed policies remain labeled as proposed.
Transparency & reported results
Read the status of financial information, public filings, and supporting reports.
Leadership & governance
Review the proposed oversight structure and the status of leadership information.
Financial accountability
Read the proposed practices for funding decisions, financial controls, and records.
Community impact
What funding can make possible
A youth tutoring nonprofit funds a part-time coordinator, so volunteers can be trained and matched with students more consistently.
A small senior services group invests in accessible transportation, helping older adults reach medical appointments.
Questions from nonprofit applicants
Clear answers before you share your organization’s information.
Read the Privacy PolicyDoes submitting an application mean funding is available?
No. The form accepts applications for review, but submission is not an offer or promise of funding. Every application is reviewed, typically within 7 to 30 days, and funding decisions depend on eligibility and available resources.
Read about financial assistanceDo I have to pay or share a password?
No. ACF does not ask for passwords, application fees, processing fees, gift cards, or any other payment to apply for or receive support. The form asks only for the listed organization information and documents.
Report a suspicious requestHow is approved financial support provided?
If support is approved, it is provided only by bank check made payable to the organization and mailed to the organization’s address. No payment is required from an applicant to release funds.
Read the applicant safety noticeWhich documents should I prepare?
Prepare an IRS document, such as CP-575, 147C, or a Certificate of Incorporation, and a photo of the 501(c)(3) determination letter that your organization received from the IRS by mail. If you do not have a copy of your determination letter, you may request an affirmation letter from the IRS by calling 877-829-5500. A payslip or bank statement issued within the last 3 months is optional. Each file must be PDF, JPG, or PNG and no larger than 10 MB.
See document guidanceCan I check my application before sending it?
Yes. The review step shows the information and documents you selected. You can return to edit them before choosing Submit application. Attachments are not uploaded during this review step.
Open the applicationWhere can I find ACF’s public records?
The Transparency page includes ACF’s IRS determination letter. Previously displayed organization-provided support totals are withheld until supporting annual reports, reporting dates, a calculation method, and a breakdown are available. Supporting financial reports have not yet been published here.
View transparency informationApplicant safety and financial support
ACF does not ask applicants for passwords, money, application fees, processing fees, gift cards, or any other payment to apply for or receive financial support. Only the organization information and supporting documents described in this application are requested.
If financial support is approved, it is provided only by a bank check made payable to the organization and mailed to the organization’s address. No payment from the applicant is required to release funds. Submitting an application does not guarantee financial support.
Contact ACF about a suspicious requestLatest updates
Official announcements will appear here.
There are no published announcements yet. Genuine grant opportunities, organizational updates, and official publications will be posted here when available.
See news and updates →