Last verified 2026-05-17. The 2026 AWS IMAGINE Grant application cycle is open. Round One closes June 5, 2026 [Source: aws.amazon.com/government-education/nonprofits/aws-imagine-grant-program/ (accessed 2026-05-17)].

What it is

The AWS IMAGINE Grant is a yearly grant for U.S. 501(c) nonprofits using cloud technology to advance their mission. Winners get unrestricted cash (you choose how to spend it), AWS service credits (computing power on Amazon's cloud), and hands-on help from AWS engineers.

This is a technology grant. You need a real project that uses AWS cloud services — not just an idea, and not general operating money. Educational institutions cannot apply.

Who qualifies

• Registered 501(c) nonprofit in the United States.
• Any annual budget size — small nonprofits are welcome.
• You have a specific technology project. Pilots, proofs of concept, and expansions of existing programs all count.
• You can describe how the project uses (or will use) AWS cloud services.
• If you won an IMAGINE Grant before, wait one calendar year before applying again.

Schools, colleges, and universities are not eligible [Source: aws.amazon.com/government-education/nonprofits/aws-imagine-grant-program/aws-imagine-grant-faq/ (accessed 2026-05-17)].

What you get (three award tiers)

Pathfinder Award — biggest prize, for AI projects

• Up to $200,000 cash (unrestricted)
• Up to $100,000 in AWS credits
• Hands-on help from the AWS Generative AI Innovation Center
• Marketing promotion from AWS

For nonprofits with a defined generative AI, agentic AI, or autonomous systems project that is already past the idea stage — you have data, a plan, and are ready to build.

Go Further, Faster Award — for ambitious cloud projects

• Up to $150,000 cash (unrestricted)