How Non-Profits Can Unlock $10,000/Month in Free Google Advertising
- Mike Ceresney
- Aug 26
- 3 min read
Did you know that Google offers eligible non-profits up to $10,000 USD every month in free advertising? Through the Google Ad Grant, charities across the United States and Canada can dramatically expand their reach, grow awareness, and inspire meaningful action online.
At Locomotive, we work exclusively with non-profits to help them succeed with this program. With over a decade of experience as a Google Partner, we’ve supported organizations throughout North America in turning this free ad spend into measurable results.

What Is the Google Ad Grant?
The Google Ad Grant provides qualified non-profits with $10,000 per month in Google Search Ads credit. These ads appear at the very top of Google’s search results, ensuring that when people are looking for causes, resources, or services, your organization is visible.
Unlike a traditional advertising budget
, this grant renews every month as long as your account meets Google’s policies and requirements. For non-profits in the U.S. and Canada, it’s one of the most effective ways to increase online presence without the burden of advertising costs.
Google Ad Grant Management in the U.S. and Canada
While applying for the grant is straightforward, running campaigns and getting consistent results is where the real work begins. That’s where Locomotive steps in.
We don’t just set up accounts — we manage and optimize campaigns month after month, acting as an extension of your marketing team. We take the workload off your plate while ensuring your campaigns are designed to:
Drive awareness for your programs and services
Inspire advocacy and engagement in your mission
Convert interest into actions such as volunteer sign-ups, event registrations, and donations
For U.S.-based non-profits in particular, the scale of potential reach is enormous — and our team ensures you maximize every opportunity.
What Can You Use the Google Grant For?
The grant can be used for Google Search Ads — those text-based ads at the top of search results. This means your organization appears right where people are already looking for information.
Non-profits typically promote:
Programs and community services
Volunteer opportunities
Donation campaigns
Educational resources
Events and initiatives
With the right keywords and messaging, you can connect with the people most likely to support your mission.
Why It Matters
When managed effectively, the Google Ad Grant supports a powerful cycle of growth:
The Engine:
Awareness → New people discover your organization while searching online
Advocacy → Increased visibility builds trust and encourages community support
Action → Visitors take steps on your site, such as signing up, donating, or joining events
This flow is especially valuable for non-profits in the U.S., where competition for attention is high, and in Canada, where many organizations haven’t yet tapped into the full potential of the grant.

What Does It Cost?
The advertising itself is completely free — provided by Google. The only cost is professional management.
Locomotive offers:
One-time setup of your Google Grant account
Ongoing campaign management and optimization
Analytics integration and performance tracking
Strategic advice aligned with your goals
Every organization is unique, so we provide tailored quotes after a no-obligation discovery call.
Staying Compliant With Google
Google requires certain standards to be met for the grant to remain active.
This includes:
Maintaining a minimum click-through rate (CTR)
Ensuring ad targeting is relevant and specific
Following technical best practices behind the scenes
There are also ongoing technical settings and optimizations that must be managed carefully. Without professional oversight, many accounts risk falling out of compliance — which can result in suspension. Locomotive ensures your grant remains active and effective month after month.
Serving Non-Profits Across North America
Locomotive is proud to serve non-profits across the United States and Canada. While our roots are in Ontario, our expertise extends throughout North America, and many of our largest clients are U.S.-based organizations.
Whether you’re a small community non-profit or a national charity, the Google Ad Grant can be a game-changer — and we’re here to help you unlock its full potential.
Ready to Grow With Google Grants?
The Google Ad Grant is one of the most underutilized tools available to non-profits. With $10,000/month in free ad spend, your organization can reach more people, inspire more advocates, and drive more action online.
Locomotive has over 10 years of experience as a Google Partner, specializing exclusively in non-profits across the U.S. and Canada.
Book a no-obligation call today and discover how the Google Ad Grant can help your mission grow.