Capacity Building Grant Programs

The Bainbridge Community Foundation's Capacity Building Grant Programs are designed to enhance the effectiveness of nonprofit organizations in Washington State. By providing financial support for core operational improvements, such as strategic planning and staff training, BCF aims to strengthen local nonprofits. Eligible organizations must hold 501(c)(3) status and serve the Bainbridge Island community. Grants range from $1,000 to $2,500, focusing on building internal capacities to better serve community needs.

Bainbridge Community Foundation
BCF analyzes community needs, awards grants to meet those needs, connects donors with nonprofits, offers public training on key topics, and supports capacity building and collaboration among nonprofits.
As a community foundation, we are generalists and help sustain all sectors of the nonprofit community. Grants are made for the following:
Animal WelfareArts, Culture, Humanities (including Recreation)Disaster ReliefEducationEnvironmentHealth and Human Services (including Housing)Public/Society BenefitScience/TechnologySocial Science/Public Policy
Capacity Building Grants
Our Capacity Building Grants program supports organizations that are actively striving to improve the efficiency and efficacy of their work by investing in core operations. Bainbridge Community Foundation (BCF) recognizes that most organizations want to perform their work more efficiently and effectively. Our Capacity Building Grants are geared toward improvements in the areas of administration, governance, planning, and fundraising. Funding is focused on building an organization’s internal capacity in these areas in order to strengthen and support our local nonprofit sector.
Capacity building is distinguishable from direct program services, general operating support, or capital expenses in that it seeks to increase the knowledge, skill level and/or efficiency of a nonprofit board and/or staff. Capacity building services are typically provided by an individual outside of the organization who has the expertise and the ability to focus on one aspect of an organization’s management. These include but are not limited to:

• Board and staff trainingStrategic planningAnalysis of programs, technology, and fundraisingProgram evaluation

Eligibility

To apply for the BCF Capacity Building Grants Program, organizations and proposals must meet the following:Current 501(c)(3) nonprofit status from the IRSServe the Bainbridge Island community and be located in Washington StateGrant size will be between $1,000 and $2,500

Ineligibility

No grants will be awarded: to any religious organization where the funds would be used in whole or in part to further the organization’s religious purposes; to individuals; for any political purposes; for vehicles; or for any endowment funds. Funds will not be awarded for programs &/or equipment, etc. that were started, completed or acquired PRIOR to grant period. BCF does not fund research, scholarship/fellowship, in-kind or product donation, loans, or vehicles.