Capacity Building Grants

Program designed to empower local organizations to improve their internal framework, operational infrastructure, and promote long-term sustainability. Grants support nonprofits in growing internal capacity via technology upgrades, fundraising infrastructure, and other critical operational improvements.

Geographic Scope: DuPage County, Illinois

Focus Areas:

• Technology upgrades and infrastructure
• Donor engagement strategies
• Marketing and public relations
• Grant research platforms
• Cloud-based systems and networking
• Database and software systems
• Fundraising capacity building
• Consultant services for strategic planning

Types of Funding:

• Technology platforms and software
• Consultant services
• Infrastructure improvements
• Donor management systems
• Marketing and branding
• Operational efficiency tools

Eligibility:

• 501(c)(3) designated nonprofit organizations
• Located in DuPage County

Key Information:

• Launched in fall 2024
• Over two cycles (inaugural and fall 2025), more than $200,000 awarded to nonprofits
• Inaugural cycle (Feb 2025): $100,000 to 10 organizations
• Fall 2025 cycle (Oct 2025): $110,000+ to 10 organizations
• More than 40 applications received for inaugural cycle
• Helps organizations improve groundwork capacity and operational bandwidth
• Creates "domino effect" that enables organizations to fundraise more effectively
• Program being refined based on learning from first cycle

Recent Awards (Fall 2025):

• Total awarded: $110,000+ to 10 organizations
• Awards ranged from $3,588 - $20,000
• Sample recipients: DuPage Health Coalition ($20,000), Green Halo Scholars ($20,000), Senior Home Sharing ($14,380), Loaves & Fishes Community Services ($12,000), Northeast DuPage Family and Youth Services ($8,500), DuPage Symphony Orchestra ($8,250)

Open only to organizations that received a Community Impact or Arts DuPage grant from DuPage Foundation in 2023, 2024, or 2025.

How to Apply

Application Process:
Applications are submitted through the Foundation's grant portal during designated application periods.

Grant Cycles:

• Inaugural cycle: Opened fall 2024, closed February 14, 2025
• Second cycle: Opened and closed, with awards announced October 27, 2025
• Additional cycles planned

Evaluation Criteria:

• Applications reviewed by grant committee
• Selection based on operational infrastructure needs
• Emphasis on initiatives that promote long-term sustainability

For More Information:
Visit https://dupagefoundation.org for Capacity Building grant guidelines and portal access.