Every qualifying 501(c)(3) church in the United States is eligible for up to $10,000 per month in free Google Search advertising through the Google Ad Grant program. Yet fewer than 5% of eligible churches have applied.
This guide walks you through exactly what the Google Ad Grant is, whether your church qualifies, and the step-by-step process to apply.
What Is the Google Ad Grant?
Google for Nonprofits offers qualifying organizations $10,000 USD per month in free in-kind advertising on Google Search. This means your church ads can appear when people in your community search for terms like “churches near me,” “Sunday services,” or “faith community [your city].”
Does Your Church Qualify?
To qualify, your church must: hold valid 501(c)(3) status, have a functioning website with a clear mission, agree to Google non-discrimination policies, and not be a government entity or hospital.
The Application Process
Step 1: Register with Google for Nonprofits at nonprofits.google.com. Step 2: Verify your nonprofit status through Goodstack (formerly Percent). Step 3: Once approved for Google for Nonprofits, activate Google Ad Grants from your account. Step 4: Create your first campaign following the program guidelines.
The entire process typically takes 2-4 weeks from initial application to your first ad going live.