The Philanthropic Impact Fund

AI and digital tools are reshaping every sector, and the nonprofit field is at risk of being left behind. Many nonprofit organizations lack the capacity, funding, or knowledge to adopt new technologies safely and effectively. Funding in this area helps ensure nonprofits have access to the tools, training, and support they need to leverage this powerful new technology to advance their missions. 

Examples of the type of work PIF will fund include: 

• Providing digital readiness assessments and solutions
• Tech strategy consultants and training
• Development of nonprofit-friendly platforms and policies
• Access to discounted software and hardware, cloud services, IT support, and adopting CRM systems. 

Please note: PIF will be considering proposals that help multiple nonprofits or large national nonprofits with chapters/partners navigate the changing tech landscape, not proposals that seek to benefit one organization's tech needs. 

As most donor-serving organizations focus on the ultra-wealthy and those who already operate foundations, there is an untapped group of individuals and families with philanthropic intent who need to be supported to activate and strengthen their giving. More robust donor education and peer learning spaces for this segment are still needed to unlock this potential at scale. 

Examples of the type of work PIF will fund include: 

• Removing barriers to giving and creating opportunities for learning
• Building the tools necessary to become an effective philanthropist
• Creating a mindset for everyday giving, providing programs that make it easy to learn about philanthropy and give with peers 

While most people benefit from the work of nonprofits—through hospitals, schools, and cultural programs—they often don't recognize these benefits as nonprofit-led. It's a clear indication that more public-facing education and narrative efforts are needed to improve sector visibility and understanding. 

Despite being more trusted than government or media, philanthropy and nonprofits struggle to gain public trust. The steep decline in civic engagement point to opportunities for nonprofit storytelling, volunteer programming, and outreach – especially to younger, diverse audiences. Vanguard Charitable believes this is not just a communications strategy; it is vital to the infrastructure of the nonprofit sector to restore trust, visibility, and connection. Examples of the type of work PIF will fund include organizations that focus on narrative change, media strategy, and storytelling platforms to elevate the sector. 

Please Note: PIF is seeking to fund opportunities that transform the narrative across the philanthropic sector, not within one organization and how they message their work.

Typically, PIF grants range from $50,000 - $100,000, however, larger grants may be considered. Requests can be for full or partial funding. 

Total grant disbursement is revaluated each granting year so that we can continue to increase impact as the funds’ capacity grows. Due to this, we are not able to share the number of awards we make per year.

Ideally, funds are to be spent within a one-year period. Multi-year funding may be considered depending on the need and opportunity. We recommend applicants request funds based on project need, which is further explained by the project budget attachment. 

Unfortunately, we are unable to speak with organizations about proposals ahead of submission. 

Funding decisions are usually finalized by early July. We will notify your organization at that time if your proposal is selected for funding. Please note that we are unable to provide updates on the status of your application before that timeframe.

At this time, the PIF is focused on only supporting U.S.-based charities and their domestic projects.

Each organization may only submit one funding request. If an organization submits multiple applications, only the first application submitted will be considered.  

If you haven't been invited to apply for funding from the PIF, you will need to complete an LOI by the deadline. If your project is aligned with this year's scope, you will be invited to apply for funding in early January, with a full proposal due by February 23, 2026. 

You may be trying to log in to our donors' portal. Please ensure you are logging in to the correct portal by referring to the email you received with your invitation to apply.