Google for Nonprofits, from zero to impact

Eligible charitable nonprofits can activate a meaningful free technology stack through Google for Nonprofits: Google Workspace, up to $10,000 USD per month in in-kind Search ads through Ad Grants, the YouTube Nonprofit Program, and Google Maps Platform credits.

Readiness and eligibility

Verify the organization type first: charitable nonprofits in good standing qualify; government entities, hospitals and healthcare organizations, and schools do not (their philanthropic arms can). Gather a short apply-packet: IRS determination letter, EIN, legal name, website, mission statement, and primary contact.

Verification and account

Create the organization profile with Google's verification partner (TechSoup in many countries), generate the validation token, and submit it with the Google for Nonprofits application. Approval typically arrives by email within days.

Activating products

After approval, activate each product from the Nonprofits dashboard:

• Workspace — Gmail on your domain, Drive, Meet. Verify the domain, enforce 2-step verification, and appoint at least two super-admins.
• Ad Grants — up to $10,000/month in Search ads. Requires a quality website that meets Ad Grants policy and conversion tracking. Keep account CTR at or above 5% and pause low-quality-score keywords; never add billing to the grant account.
• YouTube Nonprofit Program — donation and link cards, fundraising from video content.
• Maps Platform — $200/month free usage for everyone; verified nonprofits can apply for additional credits.

Common pitfalls

Applying with an ineligible org type, adding a credit card to the Ad Grants account, a thin or broken website, and missing conversion tracking are the four failures that most often sink an application or suspend an account.