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
Up to US $5,000
EAU CLAIRE COMMUNITY FOUNDATION · Rolling / Open Foundation

Access Eau Claire Grants Status: ACTIVE Funder: Eau Claire Community Foundation Amount: Up to US $5,000 Last Updated: August 13, 2025 Summary The Access Eau Claire Grant, established by Dr. Katherine…

THE JEWISH FUND · Rolling / Open Foundation

Access to Quality Care Geographic Scope: Metropolitan Detroit, with priority on urban communities Focus Areas: High-quality health-promoting services; temporarily expanded to include food banks, food…

THE ALLEGAN COUNTY COMMUNITY FOUNDATION · Rolling / Open Foundation

ACCF Legacy Grant Status: ACTIVE Funder: Allegan County Community Foundation Last Updated: May 15, 2025 Summary The ACCF Legacy Grant aims to support various community initiatives in Allegan County,…

AUSHERMAN FAMILY FOUNDATION · Rolling / Open Foundation

Overview _NOTE: There is no application deadline, but only a limited amount of these grants will be awarded during this first phase of the pilot. We will be selecting four organizations through a…

UNITED WAY SUNCOAST INC · Rolling / Open Foundation

ACE (Access, Capacity, Equity) Grant Funder: United Way Suncoast Purpose: Community investment initiative providing operational funding to nonprofit organizations to support innovative practices that…

ALAMANCE COMMUNITY FOUNDATION · Rolling / Open Foundation

Overview Background The Alamance Community Foundation exists to strengthen Alamance County for present and future generations through inspired and collaborative giving. ACF has been dedicated to…

ARIZONA COMMUNITY FOUNDATION · Rolling / Open Foundation

Overview The Arizona Community Foundation of Yuma, founded in 1993, leads, serves, and collaborates to mobilize enduring philanthropy for a better Yuma County. ACF of Yuma is an endowment…

ALASKA CONSERVATION FOUNDATION · Rolling / Open Foundation

Overview Supporting grassroots organizations The Discovery Grants program provides grant awards to Alaska-based grassroots organizations in order to foster a more effective and sustainable…

AUSTIN COMMUNITY FOUNDATION INC · Rolling / Open Foundation

Overview Background While many community foundations across the country were created by several donors, Austin Community Foundation was created through the generosity of one woman. After her…

ATHENS COUNTY FOUNDATION · Rolling / Open Foundation

Overview _NOTE: Applications will be reviewed on a monthly basis. For a quicker turnaround, please submit on or before the last Friday of the month._ Nonprofit Capacity Building Grant This funding…

The Alaska Community Foundation · Rolling / Open Foundation

Overview About Us The Alaska Community Foundation connects people who care to the causes that make a difference and matter most to them. We encourage and nurture philanthropy through building and…

ADAMS COUNTY COMMUNITY FOUNDATION INC · Rolling / Open Foundation

Adams County Community Foundation Grants Status: ACTIVE Funder: Adams County Community Foundation Amount: Up to US $30,000 Last Updated: October 20, 2025 Summary The Adams County Community Foundation…

ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT COUNCIL OF · Rolling / Open · One-time Foundation

ADO Grant Writer Program Award Funder: Washington State Department of Commerce Program: Associate Development Organization (ADO) Grant Writer Program Status: Award announced February 26, 2024…

Up to US $50,000
Advia Foundation · Rolling / Open Foundation

Advancing Lives Grant Status: ACTIVE Funder: Advia Foundation Amount: Up to US $50,000 Last Updated: December 18, 2025 Summary The Advancing Lives Grant, offered by the Advia Foundation, supports…

Community Foundation of Southern · Rolling / Open Foundation

Overview The Community Foundation of Southern New Mexico  Mission: The Foundation serves as a community resource, connects donors to needs, and supports charitable organizations in their work. Your…

ALLEGANY FRANCISCAN MINISTRIES INC · Rolling / Open Foundation

AFM: Tau Grant (Cycle 1-Access to Healthcare) Status: ACTIVE Funder: Allegany Franciscan Ministries Inc. Amount: Up to US $20,000 Last Updated: January 14, 2026 Summary The AFM: Tau Grants provide…

ALLEGANY FRANCISCAN MINISTRIES INC · Rolling / Open Foundation

Overview Our mission: We, Allegany Franciscan Ministries and Trinity Health, serve together in the spirit of the Gospel as a compassionate and transforming, healing presence within our communities.…

NATIONAL TRUST FOR HISTORIC PRESERVATION IN THE UNITED STATES · Rolling / Open Foundation

African American Cultural Heritage Action Fund Grants Status: ACTIVE Funder: National Trust for Historic Preservation Amount: US $50,000 - US $150,000 Last Updated: December 19, 2025 Summary The…

Omaha Community Foundation · Rolling / Open Foundation

African American Unity Fund Grant Status: ACTIVE Funder: Omaha Community Foundation Amount: Up to US $30,000 Last Updated: January 16, 2026 Summary The African American Unity Fund Grant, managed by…

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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