Community Excellence Award Funder: United Way of Greater Charlottesville in partnership with UVA's Division for Community Engagement and Equal Opportunity Status: Active for FY26 Geographic Scope:…
Capacity Building Grants
Capacity building grants invest in the infrastructure of organizations — strategic planning, technology upgrades, leadership development, financial systems, and operational improvements. Unlike program grants, these funds strengthen your organization's ability to deliver all of its programs more effectively.
Community Experts Fund Grant Status: ACTIVE Funder: Peter & Elizabeth C Tower Foundation Tr Amount: Up to US $50,000 Last Updated: July 18, 2025 Summary The Community Experts Fund Grant, provided by…
Community First® Developer Program Funder: Federal Home Loan Bank of Chicago, delivered through Forward Community Investments as member bank sponsor Overview: The Community First® Developer Program…
Community Foundation Challenge Grants Funder: South Dakota Community Foundation Geographic Scope: South Dakota communities Overview: Challenge grants designed to strengthen and support the…
Community Foundation for McHenry County: Capacity Development Grant Status: ACTIVE Funder: The Community Foundation for McHenry County Last Updated: June 05, 2025 Summary The Community Foundation for…
Community Foundation for the Alleghenies - Annual Spring and Fall Grants Status: ACTIVE Funder: Community Foundation for the Alleghenies Amount: Up to US $7,500 Last Updated: January 26, 2026 Summary…
Community Foundation Grants - Organizational Development Grants Status: ACTIVE Funder: Community Foundation of Burke County Amount: Up to US $10,000 Last Updated: July 02, 2025 Summary The Community…
Community Foundation of Faulkner County: Jerry B. Adams Excellence in Philanthropy Award Grant Status: ACTIVE Funder: Arkansas Community Foundation Inc Last Updated: January 22, 2026 Summary The…
Community Foundation Responsive Grants Status: ACTIVE Funder: Community Foundation of Washington County Maryland Last Updated: December 03, 2025 Summary The Community Foundation of Washington County,…
Community Foundation: Keuka Area Fund Grant Status: ACTIVE Funder: Community Foundation of Elmira-Corning and the Finger Lakes, Inc. Amount: US $500 - US $4,500 Last Updated: November 14, 2024…
Community Foundation: Mini-grants Grant Status: ACTIVE Funder: Community Foundation of Elmira-Corning and the Finger Lakes, Inc. Amount: US $100 - US $1,500 Last Updated: September 02, 2025 Summary…
Community Fund Grants Overview: The most flexible and responsive of the Marshall County Community Foundation's funds for addressing current and emerging needs in Marshall County. Geographic Scope:…
Community Funding Hubs for Resilience and ʻĀina Stewardship Grant Status: ACTIVE Funder: Hawai‘i Sea Grant Amount: Up to US $300,000 Last Updated: March 20, 2026 Summary The University of Hawaiʻi Sea…
Community Grant Status: ACTIVE Funder: Community Foundation of Muncie and Delaware County Last Updated: November 20, 2025 Summary The Community Foundation of Muncie and Delaware County offers…
Community Grant Program Geographic Scope: Chemung and Southeastern Steuben counties Award Range: - Program Grant: $2,000 - $20,000 - General Operating: $20,000 - $40,000 Focus Areas: Arts, culture,…
Community Grants Funder: Jewish Community Foundation of Greater Hartford Inc Geographic Scope: Greater Hartford, Connecticut area Eligibility: Qualified 501(c)(3) nonprofits with programs serving the…
Community Grants Overview: Strategic grants awarded to local agencies and programs addressing critical community needs in Newaygo County and affiliate counties (Lake, Mecosta, Osceola). Geographic…
Community Grants Geographic Scope: Davie County, NC (funds not awarded for programs outside Davie County unless they directly benefit its citizens) Focus Areas: Nonprofit organizations addressing…
Community Grants Overview: Supporting a range of community needs and promoting a culture of philanthropy in Teton County, Wyoming. Geographic Scope: Teton County, Wyoming Eligibility: - Applicant…
Community Grants Status: Active Geographic Scope: Newaygo County, Michigan (primary); Lake, Mecosta, and Osceola counties (through affiliate foundations) Focus Areas: 1. Community and Economic…
Frequently Asked Questions
- What do capacity building grants typically fund?
- Common uses include strategic planning, technology infrastructure (CRM, accounting software, website), staff training and professional development, board development, fundraising infrastructure, evaluation systems, financial management improvements, and organizational assessments. Some also fund mergers, collaborations, and shared services arrangements.
- Which funders offer capacity building grants?
- Notable funders include the Kresge Foundation, Hewlett Foundation, Ford Foundation, and Irvine Foundation. Many community foundations offer local capacity building programs. United Ways fund partner agency capacity. The Nonprofit Finance Fund provides financial capacity building. Tech-specific capacity grants come from TechSoup, Idealware, and Microsoft Philanthropies.
- How do I make the case for a capacity building grant?
- Start with a clear organizational assessment identifying gaps. Show how stronger infrastructure connects to better program outcomes and sustainability. Include specific metrics — current state, target state, and how you'll measure improvement. Funders want to see that capacity investments will have lasting impact beyond the grant period.
Ready to apply for these grants?
- Assess your eligibility for this grant
- Draft a tailored application narrative
- Track the deadline and get reminders
- Find similar grants from other funders