Capacity Building Grants

Geographic Scope: Forsyth & Dawson Counties, Georgia

Maximum Award: Up to $75,000 annually; Up to $225,000 over a 3-year period

Grant Term: Up to 3 years (renewed annually based on performance)

Focus Areas:

• Organizational infrastructure
• Strategy development
• Technology
• Evaluation systems
• Staff development

Program Description

Funding to enhance organizational capacity that strengthens long-term community impact. Organizations can apply for projects focusing on infrastructure, strategy, technology, evaluation, or staff development that will improve their ability to serve the community.

Alignment with United Way Focus Areas

Capacity building projects should support organizations working in:

• Youth Opportunity
• Healthy Community
• Financial Security
• Community Resiliency

Grantmaking Process

1. Application Opens - Nonprofits are invited to submit proposals for programs that align with focus areas. Applications open annually in January.
2. Review by Community Volunteers - Applications are carefully reviewed by the Community Investment Committee—a group of local volunteers who represent the voices of the community.
3. Evaluation & Recommendations - Committee members evaluate each proposal based on community needs, program outcomes, and alignment with United Way's priorities. They score each proposal and make funding recommendations to the Board of Directors.
4. Funding & Accountability - Once awarded, funds are distributed to nonprofits with clear expectations for reporting outcomes. Grantees provide mid-year and final reports to ensure transparency, accountability, and measurable impact.

Contact Information

Address: 240 Elm Street, Cumming, GA 30040

Application Process

1. Eligibility - Nonprofit organizations seeking to build capacity in areas such as organizational infrastructure, strategy development, technology, evaluation systems, or staff development
2. Application Materials
   • Complete grant application form
   • Proposal narrative describing capacity building initiative and expected outcomes
   • RFP and Rubric (available for download)
   • Documentation of current organizational capacity and growth projections
3. Submission
   • Applications open annually in January
   • Submit through online portal at unitedwayforsyth.com
4. Required Documentation
   • Clear description of capacity building need
   • Measurable outcomes for organizational improvement
   • Budget and 3-year timeline (if applying for multi-year funding)
   • Plan for sustainability beyond grant period
5. Reporting Requirements
   • Mid-year progress report
   • Annual report documenting outcomes and organizational impact
   • Final report upon completion of 3-year term
6. Renewal Process
   • Funding renewed annually based on organizational performance and outcomes
   • Maximum total award: $225,000 over 3-year period

Note: Grant Info Recording available on website for applicants