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Truist Foundation Grants: Eligibility, Application Steps, and Funding Opportunities (2026 Guide)

July 6, 2026
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Emily Carter

Quick Answer: What Are Truist Foundation Grants?

Truist Foundation grants are corporate philanthropy awards for U.S.-based 501(c)(3) public charities working in two pillars: building career pathways to economic mobility and strengthening small businesses. Eligible nonprofits apply through an online application during one of three annual grant cycles, and awards are based on program strength, community impact, and alignment with Truist Foundation’s mission.

This guide covers everything you need to know about the Truist Foundation grant:

Why Truist Foundation Grants Matter for Nonprofits

Grant funding is one of the most important resources a nonprofit organization can secure. As government funding tightens and community needs grow, corporate philanthropy has become a critical bridge for nonprofit organizations, educational institutions, and community organizations working to expand programs and deepen community impact. Foundation grants like those offered through the Truist Funding Program give nonprofits the funding support needed to launch initiatives, strengthen infrastructure, and reach underserved communities.

Demand for nonprofit funding continues to rise, and grant opportunities from corporate foundations are more competitive than ever. Organizations that approach the grant application process strategically, with clear objectives, measurable outcomes, and strong alignment to a funder’s priorities, are better positioned for success.

What Are Truist Foundation Grants?

The Truist Foundation is the charitable giving arm connected to Truist Financial Corporation, though its giving budget and decisions are independent of Truist Financial Corporation’s business operations. Truist Foundation supports nonprofit organizations that serve adults and align with two key areas of focus:

Truist Foundation also invests in disaster recovery and other community priorities, though some of these opportunities are reviewed only by invitation. Grantmaking generally supports program launches, curriculum expansion, equipment, and select capital needs rather than ongoing operational costs.

Truist Foundation Funding Priorities

Truist Foundation’s key areas of focus are intentionally narrow, which allows the foundation to build deeper, longer-term relationships with grant recipients. Funding priorities include:

These priorities matter because they shape which nonprofit grants get funded. A strong grant application clearly ties a program’s goals to one of these two pillars rather than describing general operating needs.

Who Is Eligible for Truist Foundation Grants?

Eligibility Factor	Requirement
Tax status	Must be a 501(c)(3) organization classified as a public charity under IRC 509(a)(1), 509(a)(2), or (for functionally integrated organizations only) 509(a)(3)
Location	Must be U.S.-based
Legal compliance	Must comply fully with the USA Patriot Act
Program fit	Must align with one of the two Foundation pillars
Population served	Programs generally must serve adults

Organizations that typically do not qualify include

Private K-12 schools generally don’t qualify unless most students come from low- to moderate-income households. Local governments and educational institutions may be eligible depending on program structure, but should confirm fit before applying.

Always verify the latest eligibility requirements and funding priorities on the official Truist Foundation website before applying, since qualifying and ineligible categories can be updated.

Grant Amounts

Truist Foundation grants typically range from $5,000 to over $3,000,000, depending on the scope, scale, and impact of the proposed program. Local and regional investments generally start at around $15,000.

Final award amounts vary based on program alignment with the Foundation’s funding priorities, organizational capacity, and demonstrated community impact.

Types of Projects That Receive Funding

Based on Truist Foundation’s published guidance, funded projects have included:

Always verify the latest funding priorities and eligibility requirements on the official Truist Foundation website before applying, as funded project types can shift between cycles.

How to Apply for Truist Foundation Grants: Step-by-Step Roadmap

Step 1: Check Eligibility

Review eligibility against the 501(c)(3) and pillar requirements above.

Step 2: Choose One Pillar

Choose one pillar: economic mobility or small business support, this even if your work touches both.

Step 3: Gather Documents

Gather organizational documents, including board list and program budget.

Step 4: Define Project Objectives

Define project objectives tied directly to the chosen pillar.

Step 5: Demonstrate Community Impact

Build measurable outcomes showing expected community impact.

Step 6: Prepare Budget

Prepare a program budget distinguishing new/expansion costs from operating expenses.

Step 7: Write Grant Proposal

Write the grant proposal that clearly explains the project’s need, proposed approach, and evaluation plan. If additional expertise is required, professional grant proposal writing services can enhance the proposal’s clarity, competitiveness, and compliance with funding guidelines.

Step 8: Check Regularly

Reply quickly to any additional information requests during the review process.

Step 9: Plan for Reporting

Plan for reporting if awarded, including grant agreement signature and MEL (Monitoring, Evaluation, and Learning) updates.

Why Professional Grant Writing Services Matter

Many well-managed nonprofit organizations still find it challenging to turn successful programs into compelling grant applications. Grant writing services support organizations by:

Working with an experienced grant partner reduces mistakes and strengthens a nonprofit’s overall funding strategy.

Grant Cycles & Deadlines

Truist Foundation Grants operate on three annual funding cycles. All applications must be submitted by the corresponding deadline date below:

Applicants are encouraged to submit well before the deadline to allow time for eligibility review, document preparation, and any follow-up requests from the foundation.

Grant Application Requirements

Many well-managed nonprofit organizations still find it challenging to turn successful programs into compelling grant applications. Grant writing services support organizations by:

If you’d like to understand this in more detail, we’ve put together a dedicated blog on Grant Requirements that walks through everything step by step.”

Grant Review Process

Truist Foundation’s grant review process generally includes:

Review timelines and exact selection criteria are not guaranteed and can vary by cycle, confirming current expectations directly with the Truist Foundation.

Our Experience With Nonprofit Grant Applications

Having worked on nonprofit grant applications across multiple funders, including Truist Foundation, a few patterns show up again and again, some that surprise first-time applicants.

Letters of Support Matter More Than People Think

Applicants often treat letters of support as a formality. In practice, reviewers read them closely. A specific, detailed letter from a community partner or collaborating organization signals real, working relationships, not just a favor from a board member. Generic letters rarely move the needle, but specific ones do.

The "Confidence Signal" Matters Alongside Writing Quality

Strong writing helps, but reviewers are also picking up on something harder to name: does this organization sound like it knows exactly what it’s doing? Proposals that state their approach plainly, without hedging or over-explaining, tend to read as more credible than technically polished proposals that feel unsure of themselves.

The Budget Is a Credibility Document, Not Just a Financial Plan

A budget tells a reviewer whether an organization has actually thought through its own project. Round numbers, unexplained line items, or costs that don’t match the narrative raise doubt fast, even if the program idea is strong. A tight, well-justified budget does more for credibility than most applicants expect.

The Strongest Applications Make the Reviewer's Job Easy

Reviewers are moving through many proposals in a limited time. The applications that stand out aren’t necessarily the most ambitious, they’re the ones that are easy to follow, with a clear need, a clear plan, and clear outcomes, in that order. If a reviewer has to work to understand what’s being asked for, that’s a cost against the application.

"Already Started" Is a Powerful Signal

Programs that show early traction, even informal pilots, partial funding secured, or a soft launch already underway, tend to read as lower-risk and more fundable. It signals the organization isn’t waiting on this grant to begin acting.

One Weak Section Can Sink the Whole Proposal

A proposal is only as strong as its weakest part. We’ve seen strong narratives undercut by a thin evaluation plan or a rushed budget. Reviewers don’t average sections together in their heads — a weak section creates doubt that spreads to the rest of the application.

Tips to Increase Approval Chances

Common Mistakes Applicants Make

Alternative Corporate Foundation Grants

Foundation	Typical Focus	Eligible Applicants	Official Website
Truist Foundation	Economic mobility, small business support	U.S. 501(c)(3) public charities	truist.com/truist-foundation
Bank of America Charitable Foundation	Workforce development, housing, small business	Nonprofit organizations	bankofamerica.com
Wells Fargo Foundation	Housing affordability, small business, financial health	501(c)(3) organizations	wellsfargo.com
U.S. Bank Foundation	Economic development, community investment	Nonprofit organizations	usbank.com
JPMorganChase Foundation	Economic opportunity, workforce	Nonprofit organizations	jpmorganchase.com
Walmart Foundation	Economic mobility, community grants	Nonprofit organizations	walmart.org

Funding areas, amounts, and eligibility criteria vary and change, verify current guidelines directly on each foundation’s website.

Conclusion

Truist Foundation grants offer meaningful funding support for nonprofits working in economic mobility and small business ecosystems, but competitive proposals require careful eligibility review, strong alignment with the Foundation’s pillars, and a clear, evidence-based narrative. Preparation, strategic planning, and honest self-assessment go further than a rushed application.

Need help winning more grant funding? At Grant Writing Company, we support nonprofits, educational institutions, and community organizations with grant research, proposal writing, budget development, and submission support. Contact us to strengthen your next application.

Frequently Asked Questions

What are Truist Philanthropy grants?

They are charitable grants for U.S. nonprofits working in economic mobility and small business support.

Who is eligible?

U.S.-based 501(c)(3) public charities serving adults, aligned with one of the Foundation’s two pillars.

How much funding is available?

Award sizes vary by program strength and impact; published minimums differ across sources, so confirm current figures directly with Truist Foundation.

How do nonprofits apply?

Through Truist Foundation’s online application portal during an open grant cycle.

Are churches eligible?

Generally not, though faith-based organizations running secular, community-wide programs may qualify.

Can small nonprofits apply?

Yes, provided they meet 501(c)(3) and pillar eligibility requirements.

How often can an organization apply?

Prior grantees are typically asked to wait between requests; check current policy before reapplying.

What increases approval chances?

Clear pillar alignment, measurable outcomes, and a well-documented budget.

Note: This article is provided for informational purposes only. Grant programs, eligibility requirements, funding availability, and government policies may change over time. Always verify current information through official government sources before applying.

Need Help?

Contact our grant writing experts today to get your right Professional Grant Writer

Author-Emily Carter

Senior Grant Strategist

Emily Carter is a Senior Grant Strategist with more than 20 years of experience helping nonprofits, businesses, educational institutions, and community organizations secure competitive grant funding. She specializes in developing funding strategies, evaluating grant opportunities, and creating winning proposals for government, corporate, and private foundation grant programs.

Her work focuses on aligning organizational goals with funder priorities, developing competitive grant strategies, and ensuring every proposal meets program objectives. By combining strategic planning with deep knowledge of grant funding, she helps organizations pursue high-value funding opportunities with confidence.

Reviewed By-Michelle Bennett

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