Google has a program which is currently in Beta testing called Google Grants. The people at Google offer grants to charities and non-profit organizations to help increase traffic flow to their respective sites.

Google states on its site that:

“Designed for 501(c)(3) non-profit organizations, Google Grants is a unique in-kind advertising program. It harnesses the power of our flagship advertising product, Google AdWords, to non-profits seeking to inform and engage their constituents online. Google Grants has awarded AdWords advertising to hundreds of non-profit groups whose missions range from animal welfare to literacy, from supporting homeless children to promoting HIV education. “

The Web site explains the program in detail and there is also a link to the application process. If you or someone you know is involved in a non-profit organization that meets the Google requirements listed above, I believe this is a great way to generate income for the organization.

The one thing I don’t get is that, like most things that happen at Google, it is not advertising this as much as it could be. Not being critical, as Google doesn’t do much ‘chest thumping’ and rarely do you read about some of the good works it does. This is a prime example when Google does need to get the word out about this program and its support for non-profits is commendable.

So don’t be shy, Google. If more of corporate America took your approach of giving back to the community, it would be a better place for all of us. Two thumbs-up for your work.

Google Grants

[tags]google, grants, non-profits, organizations, google grants[/tags]