The Philanthropic Impact Fund (PIF) at Vanguard Charitable is now accepting Letters of Interest (LOIs) for its 2026 grant cycle. The PIF supports organizations that strengthen the nonprofit and philanthropic ecosystem across the United States by improving donor education, nonprofit capacity, and sector-wide narrative strategy. Grants typically range from USD 50,000 to USD 100,000, with larger or multi-year awards considered based on need.
The fund prioritizes projects that serve multiple nonprofits, philanthropy-serving organizations, or national networks, rather than individual organizational upgrades.
Deadline for LOI Submission: 8 December 2025
Full Proposal (by invitation): Due 23 February 2026
Eligibility: U.S.-based organizations aligned with PIF focus areas
Funding Type: Grants (capacity building, infrastructure, ecosystem strengthening)
Administered by Vanguard Charitable, the PIF is a mission-driven fund designed to uplift the philanthropic sector as a whole. It supports donor-serving organizations, nonprofit capacity builders, and ecosystem-strengthening initiatives that expand equity, resilience, and long-term sustainability in the nonprofit world.
PIF invests in projects with national reach, scalable tools, and approaches capable of benefiting broad networks of nonprofits and donors.
Funding Focus Areas (2025–2026)
For this grant cycle, PIF will prioritize projects aligned with one of the following areas:
1. Integrating AI and Digital Equity in the Nonprofit Sector
Addressing gaps in digital readiness, technology adoption, and AI accessibility for nonprofits.
Examples of eligible work:
- Digital readiness assessments and strategy support
- Training or consulting on AI and tech adoption
- Development of nonprofit-friendly tech tools and policies
- Equitable access to software, hardware, cloud systems, and CRM solutions
PIF will only fund projects that assist multiple nonprofits or national networks, not single-organization tech upgrades.
2. Donor Education and Everyday Giving
Strengthening donor literacy, accessibility, and philanthropic participation among individuals and families.
Examples include:
- Programs that remove barriers to giving
- Tools and learning platforms that support effective philanthropy
- Peer-learning and giving communities
- Strategies to grow everyday and community-based giving
3. Narrative Strategy and Sector Visibility
Strengthening public understanding of the nonprofit sector, improving trust, and increasing civic engagement.
Examples include:
- Sector-wide storytelling and narrative strategies
- Media initiatives that elevate nonprofit impact
- Platforms that highlight civic and community contributions
- Outreach targeting younger or diverse audiences
PIF seeks sector-wide impact, not communications upgrades for a single organization.
Grant Details
- Typical Grant Amount: USD 50,000–100,000
- Possible Multi-Year Funding: Yes, based on scope and need
- Eligible Organizations: U.S.-based nonprofits or networks aligned with PIF focus areas
- Use of Funds: Capacity building, program expansion, donor education, technology ecosystems, narrative and visibility initiatives
Application Process
Step 1: Submit a Letter of Interest (LOI)
- Deadline: 8 December 2025
- LOI Form: Available on Vanguard Charitable’s website
- Only one LOI per organization per cycle will be considered
- LOI should clearly demonstrate alignment with at least one PIF focus area
Step 2: Full Proposal (By Invitation Only)
If your LOI is approved:
- Invitation sent in early January 2026
- Full proposal due 23 February 2026
- Proposal includes detailed budget and program narrative
Grant decisions are made following the review of invited proposals.
Submit your Letter of Interest here.
Who Should Apply
The opportunity is suitable for:
- National nonprofit networks
- Philanthropy-serving organizations
- Nonprofit capacity-building groups
- Organizations advancing tech adoption, donor education, or sector visibility
- Cross-sector partnerships supporting large-scale nonprofit infrastructure
The Philanthropic Impact Fund (PIF) at Vanguard Charitable is now accepting LOIs for 2026 grants supporting initiatives that strengthen nonprofit capacity, donor education, and sector-wide narrative strategy. Grants of USD 50,000–100,000 are available for projects with broad, multi-organizational impact. LOIs are due 8 December 2025, with selected applicants invited to submit full proposals by 23 February 2026.
For more opportunities, click here.
