Nonprofits in the United States have a new chance to boost their tech projects. The AWS Imagine Grant for Nonprofits 2026 offers funding and support to help organizations use technology for their missions. Applications close on June 5, 2026, so interested groups should start preparing now.
Overview of the AWS Imagine Grant
This program targets 501(c) nonprofits that want to make technology a key part of their work. It supports pilot projects, proofs of concept, or expanded programs that rely on tech in fresh ways. Amazon Web Services (AWS) runs the grant to help nonprofits at different stages of tech adoption.
Award Categories
The grant has three categories. Each fits different needs and levels of tech use.
Pathfinder Awards
These awards fund bold projects at the edge of artificial intelligence. They cover areas like generative AI, agentic AI, and autonomous systems. Groups with strong data practices that are already planning can apply. The projects must create solutions that scale and speed up missions, possibly affecting whole fields.
Go Further, Faster Award
This category backs innovative cloud-based projects. They should multiply impact and use advanced services like AI, machine learning, high performance computing, or Internet of Things. The goal is scalable solutions that could change an industry.
Momentum to Modernize Award
Many nonprofits need basic tech upgrades. This award helps with tasks like moving servers to the cloud, updating apps, or building new databases. It provides funding, credits, and guidance for these changes.
Benefits by Category
Each award comes with cash, AWS credits, expert help, training, and marketing exposure.
Pathfinder Award:
- Up to $200,000 in unrestricted funds
- Up to $100,000 in AWS Promotional Credit
- Help from the AWS Generative AI Innovation Center
- AWS training and support
Go Further, Faster Award:
- Up to $150,000 in unrestricted funds
- Up to $100,000 in AWS Promotional Credit
- Guidance from AWS technical specialists
- AWS training and support
Momentum to Modernize Award:
- Up to $50,000 in unrestricted funds
- Up to $20,000 in AWS Promotional Credit
- Guidance from AWS technical specialists
- AWS training and support
All winners get a chance for AWS marketing promotion.
Who Can Apply
U.S.-based nonprofits with 501(c) status qualify. This includes 501(c)3 groups, credit unions, and public utilities. Budget size does not matter, and all mission areas are welcome. Educational institutions cannot apply right now.
How AWS Judges Applications
Reviewers look at several factors:
- How new and creative the project is
- Its effect on core mission goals
- Clear results the project will achieve
- How well it uses AWS services
- Strength and completeness of the application
- Timely and correct submission
Application Process
Start your application through the official portal: Click here to apply. For full details, check the AWS Imagine Grant page. Submit by June 5, 2026, to be considered.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the AWS Imagine Grant for Nonprofits?
It is a program by Amazon Web Services that offers funding, AWS credits, training, and support to U.S. 501(c) nonprofits for tech projects like AI pilots, cloud innovations, or basic upgrades.
Who can apply for the grant?
U.S.-based 501(c) nonprofits, including 501(c)(3) groups, credit unions, and public utilities, can apply regardless of budget size or mission area, but educational institutions cannot.
What are the three award categories?
The categories are Pathfinder Awards for bold AI projects, Go Further, Faster for innovative cloud solutions, and Momentum to Modernize for basic tech upgrades like cloud migrations.
When is the application deadline and how do I apply?
Applications close on June 5, 2026; start through the official portal at apply.younoodle.com or visit the AWS Imagine Grant page for details.