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
State/ Foundation
Updated daily
CENTRAL PENNSYLVANIA FOOD BANK · Rolling / Open · One-time Foundation

Conagra Brands Foundation Capacity-Building Grant Funder: Conagra Brands Foundation (in partnership with Feeding America) Amount: $50,000 Focus Areas: - Food bank capacity building - Infrastructure…

THE COMMUNITY FOUNDATION FOR GREATER NEW · Rolling / Open Foundation

Consultant Support Grant Program Status: ACTIVE Funder: Community Foundation for Greater New Haven Amount: Up to US $2,000 Last Updated: December 09, 2025 Summary The Community Foundation for Greater…

THE COMMUNITY FOUNDATION FOR GREATER NEW · Rolling / Open · Rolling Foundation

Consultant Support Program Purpose: Short-term consultancy for organizations building capacity Focus Areas: - Governance - Fundraising - HR - Planning Award Amount: Varies Application Status: Ongoing…

Contra Costa Regional Health Foundation · Rolling / Open Foundation

Contra Costa Health Staff Grant Requests Geographic Scope: Internal to Contra Costa Health (CCH) staff only Purpose: The Contra Costa Regional Health Foundation (CCRHF) provides funding for…

COOK FAMILY FOUNDATION · Rolling / Open Foundation

Cook Family Foundation Grant Status: ACTIVE Funder: Cook Family Foundation Last Updated: December 07, 2025 Summary The Cook Family Foundation Grant aims to enhance the quality of life for residents…

COOPER FOUNDATION · Rolling / Open Foundation

Cooper Foundation Grant Status: ACTIVE Funder: Cooper Foundation Last Updated: November 14, 2025 Summary The Cooper Foundation Grant supports non-profit organizations in Nebraska, especially in…

Ralph K. Morris Foundation · Rolling / Open Foundation

Cooperative Leadership Sponsorships Grant Status: ACTIVE Funder: Ralph K. Morris Foundation Amount: US $300 - US $1,500 Last Updated: September 08, 2025 Summary The Ralph K. Morris Foundation offers…

COMMUNITY FOUNDATION OF THE OZARKS INC · Rolling / Open Foundation

Coover Regional Resiliency Grant Program Status: ACTIVE Funder: Community Foundation of the Ozarks Inc. Amount: US $15,000 - US $25,000 Last Updated: November 14, 2025 Summary The Coover Regional…

INSTITUTE FOR NONPROFIT PRACTICE INC · May 15, 2026 · Annual Foundation

Core Certificate Program Overview: A certificate program that equips nonprofit, public, and social impact leaders with the skills, knowledge, and networks to make strategic, mission-driven decisions…

LEHIGH VALLEY COMMUNITY FOUNDATION · Rolling / Open Foundation

Overview CORE Fellowship Program The Core Fellowship offers several benefits for fellowship participation, which includes the following: * leadership development * in-depth equity and/or…

FRIENDS OF CMH SUMNER COMMUNITY · November 30, 2026 · Semi-annual Foundation

CORE Grant Program Full Name: Community Outreach, Recruitment, and Engagement (CORE) Fund Overview: Friends of CMH Foundation accepts grant requests to help team members enhance the patient…

THE DEVTO SUPPORT FOUNDATION · July 1, 2026 · Annual Foundation

Core Grants Geographic Scope: Orange County or the Coachella Valley Eligibility: - Applicant must be a public charity, organized under IRC sec. 501(c)(3), and qualified under IRC sec. 170(b)(1)(a) -…

COMMUNITY FOUNDATION OF BLOOMINGTON · Rolling / Open · One-time Foundation

COVID-19 Rapid Response Grants Geographic Scope: Monroe County, Indiana Overview: Emergency grant program opened March 22, 2020 to immediately support Monroe County nonprofits with streamlined…

Inland Empire Community Foundation · Rolling / Open · One-time Foundation

COVID-19: IE Funders Alliance Rapid Response Fund Geographic Scope: Inland Empire, California Focus Areas: - Emergency support for community-based organizations providing critical services during the…

US $1,000 - US $25,000
COLORADO PLATEAU FOUNDATION · Rolling / Open Foundation

CPF Capacity Building Grant Status: ACTIVE Funder: Colorado Plateau Foundation Amount: US $1,000 - US $25,000 Last Updated: August 11, 2025 Summary The Colorado Plateau Foundation (CPF) provides…

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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