- What Google for Nonprofits includes
- Who qualifies and who doesn't
- The catch most charities hit: verification
- How to join Google for Nonprofits
- Start with Workspace, then Ad Grants
- Who should apply
- Getting your account right from day one
- A tip before you apply
- Why it matters for a small charity
- If your application is held up
- Frequently asked questions
Google for Nonprofits gives eligible charitable organisations free access to Google tools, including Google Workspace for Nonprofits and Google Ad Grants, plus reduced rates on higher Workspace editions. To join, your organisation must be a registered charity in an eligible country and be verified by Google's partner, Goodstack.
If you run marketing for a charity, Google for Nonprofits is one of the first things to set up. It brings email, documents and Google's nonprofit tools together under one account. The process is straightforward once you know the eligibility rules and the verification step.
What Google for Nonprofits includes
Google's programme page lists these for eligible organisations:
- Google Workspace for Nonprofits, with Gmail, Docs, Drive and Meet, plus AI tools that Google says help with volunteer management and grant applications.
- Reduced rates on Google Workspace Business Standard, Business Plus and Enterprise.
- Google Ad Grants, which Google presents as a way to tell your story.
- Google Maps Platform credits.
Who qualifies and who doesn't
| Eligible | Not eligible |
|---|---|
| Charitable organisations registered in an eligible country or region | Government entities or organisations |
| Organisations verified by Goodstack | Hospitals and healthcare organisations |
| Charitable arms or foundations of healthcare organisations | Schools, academic institutions and universities |
| Philanthropic arms of educational organisations |
Google says schools have a separate programme through Google for Education, so they're not left out, just pointed elsewhere.
The catch most charities hit: verification
Google says every organisation must be verified as a nonprofit by Goodstack, its validation partner. That's the step that slows people down. If your registration details don't match what Goodstack can confirm, the application stalls. Make sure your organisation's name, registration number and address are exactly as they appear on your official registration before you start.
The other catch is that not every product is available everywhere. Google's eligibility page says to check which products are available in your country, so look before you plan your marketing around one tool.
How to join Google for Nonprofits
- Check your country's eligibility guidelines on the Google for Nonprofits site.
- Make sure you're registered as a charitable organisation in good standing.
- Request a Google for Nonprofits account with your organisation's details.
- Complete verification with Goodstack.
- Once verified, activate the products that fit your needs, starting with Workspace.
Start with Workspace, then Ad Grants
Google Workspace for Nonprofits gives your team shared email, documents and video calls in one place, which tidies up a lot of volunteer chaos. Google Ad Grants is the one aimed at reaching new supporters, as Google pitches it as the way to tell your story. Ad Grants has its own programme rules, so read them before you build campaigns.
If your charity also needs a way to track supporters and donors, my guide to the best CRM for nonprofits compares the options. And if your website needs work before you send traffic to it, my round-up of the best website builders for nonprofits helps you choose.
Who should apply
Apply if you're a registered charity with a small team that wants professional email, shared documents and help reaching new supporters. It suits food banks, community groups, animal rescues and campaigning charities alike.
If you're a school, hospital or government body, Google's programme isn't for you, though schools can look at Google for Education instead.
Getting your account right from day one
Once you're approved, set Workspace up on your own domain so every volunteer gets an address that looks official. Create shared drives for each project or team, and agree who can share files outside the organisation. Then turn to Ad Grants, so the people it reaches land on up-to-date pages.
A tip before you apply
Gather your documents first. Have your registration certificate, your registration number and your organisation's official address in front of you, and use an email on your charity's domain if you have one. It makes verification smoother and saves a round of back and forth.
Why it matters for a small charity
Google says the programme is built around the challenges nonprofits face: finding new donors and volunteers, working more efficiently and getting supporters to take action. For a small charity, that usually means three quick wins. A shared, professional inbox. One place for documents so nothing lives on a volunteer's laptop. And a way to be found by people who are already looking for a cause like yours.
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Google also says AI tools included in Workspace can help with volunteer management and grant applications. If grant writing eats your week, that's worth trying once your account is set up.
If your application is held up
Most delays come back to verification. Google says every organisation must be verified by Goodstack, so if you're stuck, check that the details you entered match your official registration exactly, and that your organisation type is on the eligible list for your country. Google's eligibility page also reminds you that some types of organisations won't be verified at all, so confirm you're not in one of those before you try again.
Keep a copy of everything you submit, so a second attempt takes minutes rather than another afternoon.
My verdict: if you're an eligible charity, Google for Nonprofits is a must. Get your registration details in order for Goodstack, start with Workspace, and then use Ad Grants to reach new supporters.
Frequently asked questions
Is Google for Nonprofits free?
Yes. Google says eligible organisations get access to a suite of free and reduced-rate Google tools, including Google Workspace for Nonprofits and Google Ad Grants.
Who is eligible for Google for Nonprofits?
Organisations registered as charities in an eligible country or region, which must also be verified as nonprofits by Goodstack.
Who isn't eligible for Google for Nonprofits?
Government entities, hospitals and healthcare organisations, and schools, academic institutions and universities. Charitable arms of healthcare and education organisations can be eligible.
What is Goodstack?
Goodstack is Google for Nonprofits' validation partner. Every organisation must be verified by Goodstack to join.
Does Google for Nonprofits include Google Workspace?
Yes. It includes Google Workspace for Nonprofits, plus reduced rates on Business Standard, Business Plus and Enterprise editions.
Are schools eligible for Google for Nonprofits?
No. Schools, academic institutions and universities aren't eligible, though Google for Education offers a separate programme for schools.
Are all Google for Nonprofits products available in every country?
No. Google says to check which products are available in your country.
