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.

1,366 grants
Foundation
Updated daily
$100,000 - $2,000,000
Child Care Connection Inc · Rolling / Open · One-time Foundation

Community INNOVATION Grant Status: Closed (deadline was April 14, 2023) Geographic Scope: Alaska statewide, with intentional support for rural and remote communities Funder: Child Care Connection Inc…

THE BUSH FOUNDATION · Rolling / Open Foundation

Community Innovation Grants Status: ACTIVE Funder: Bush Foundation Last Updated: April 24, 2025 Summary The Community Innovation Grants, funded by the Bush Foundation, aim to support transformative…

THE BARBARA STONE FOUNDATION · September 15, 2026 · Semi-annual Foundation

Community Innovations Grant Funder: The Barbara Stone Foundation Status: Active Geographic Scope: Upstate of South Carolina, with priority for Greenville County Mission Alignment: The Barbara Stone…

UNITED WAY OF SOUTH HAMPTON ROADS · Rolling / Open · Rolling (Quarterly) Foundation

Community Investments Grants Overview: United Way's grant opportunities are offered primarily through Requests for Proposals (RFPs) released throughout the year to enable flexibility and…

$100,000 - $1,000,000 (primary grants); $5,000,000 - $50,000,000 (pass-through mechanism)
RIGHTS AND RESOURCES INSTITUTE INC · Rolling / Open Foundation

Community Land Rights and Conservation Finance Initiative (CLARIFI) Overview: A global regranting mechanism launched in January 2022, CLARIFI aims to advance justice, climate, conservation, and…

SAN ANTONIO HOUSING TRUST FOUNDATION INC · Rolling / Open Foundation

Community Land Trust Technical Assistance Grant Funder: San Antonio Housing Trust Foundation (SAHTF) Status: Active grant program (RFP released December 1, 2022) Geographic Scope: City of San…

General stipend to offset overhead costs; travel expenses covered
WHYHUNGER INC · Rolling / Open · Annual Foundation

Community Learning Project for Food Justice Status: Active peer mentoring program Geographic Scope: United States (multi-regional) Focus Areas: - Food justice and food sovereignty - Capacity building…

Prosper Portland · Rolling / Open Foundation

Community Livability Grant (CLG) Program Status: ACTIVE Funder: Prosper Portland Amount: Up to US $300,000 Last Updated: April 16, 2025 Summary The Community Livability Grant (CLG) Program, funded by…

RURAL ACTION INC · Rolling / Open Foundation

Community Makerspace Scholarship Funder: Rural Action Inc (OH, US) Award Amount: Full-year Makerspace membership (a $400 value) Funding Source: Grant from the Appalachian Regional Commission Purpose…

Community Foundation of Northern IL · Rolling / Open Foundation

Overview _NOTE: Organizations interested in applying for a Community Opportunities grant must contact the Program Director to discuss the proposal._ Grantmaking at CFNIL CFNIL has been building…

THE COMMUNITY FOUNDATION OF WILL · Rolling / Open Foundation

Community Partner Grants Status: ACTIVE Funder: The Community Foundation of Will County Last Updated: April 15, 2025 Summary The Community Foundation of Will County offers Community Partner Grants to…

THE RHODE ISLAND COMMUNITY FOUNDATION · Rolling / Open · One-time Foundation

Community Partner Resilience Grant Purpose: Provides funding for nonprofits directly impacted by federal funding cuts or changes in federal policy. Focus: Addresses the Foundation's response to…

National Equal Justice Association Inc · Rolling / Open Foundation

Community Reconstruction Fund Overview: Supports renovation and construction of office facilities and education on development alternatives. Geographic Scope: National Focus Areas: - Renovation and…

COMMUNITY FOUNDATION OF WESTERN · Rolling / Open · Annual Foundation

Community Resilience Grants 2026 Geographic Scope: Western Massachusetts (Hampden, Hampshire, and Franklin Counties) Funder: Community Foundation of Western Massachusetts Contact: - Address: 333…

Greater Washington Community Foundation · Rolling / Open Foundation

Community Resilience Initiative Bridge Grants Status: ACTIVE Funder: The Greater Washington Community Foundation Amount: Up to US $100,000 Last Updated: August 04, 2025 Summary The Community…

STARK COMMUNITY FOUNDATION · Rolling / Open Foundation

Community Responsive Grants Program Status: ACTIVE Funder: Stark Community Foundation Amount: US $2,500 - US $50,000 Last Updated: November 07, 2025 Summary The Stark Community Foundation's Community…

COMMUNITY FOUNDATION FOR THE FOX VALLEY · Rolling / Open Foundation

Community Vision Fund- Capacity Building Grants Status: ACTIVE Funder: Community Foundation for the Fox Valley Region Amount: US $5,000 - US $75,000 Last Updated: March 06, 2026 Summary Overview…

COMMUNITY FOUNDATION FOR THE FOX VALLEY · Rolling / Open Foundation

Community Vision Fund- Technical Assistance Grants ​ Status: ACTIVE Funder: Community Foundation for the Fox Valley Region Amount: US $1,000 - US $10,000 Last Updated: March 06, 2026 Summary Overview…

SAN JOAQUIN COMMUNITY FOUNDATION INC · Rolling / Open Foundation

Overview Community Wealth Building RFP In partnership with the San Joaquin Community Foundation, Edge Collaborative is proud to invite proposals for projects that lead to real estate acquisition or…

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.

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