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
LOS ALAMOS COMMUNITY FOUNDATION · April 30, 2026 · Annual Foundation

Discretionary Grants for Nonprofit Financial Health Funder: Los Alamos Community Foundation Geographic Scope: Los Alamos County Focus Areas: Grants support projects that improve long-term financial…

Varies by club based on DDF allocation (50% no-match, 50% requires dollar-for-dollar match)
Rotary International District 5000 · June 15, 2026 · Annual Foundation

District Grants - Rotary International District 5000 Geographic Scope: Hawaii (District 5000), with support for local and international projects Focus Areas: - Humanitarian projects, including…

DOGWOOD HEALTH TRUST · Rolling / Open Foundation

Overview Dogwood Health Trust Dogwood Health Trust was created in 2018, but our ethos was inspired by a tradition of caring for a community that is more than a century old and rooted in our…

DRAPER RICHARDS KAPLAN FOUNDATION · Rolling / Open Foundation

Draper Richards Kaplan Foundation Grants Status: ACTIVE Funder: Draper Richards Kaplan Foundation Amount: Up to US $300,000 Last Updated: March 30, 2026 Summary The Draper Richards Kaplan Foundation…

Kindcause Inc. · Rolling / Open Foundation

Dream Big Technology Grant Status: ACTIVE Funder: Kindcause Inc. Last Updated: April 04, 2026 Summary The Dream Big Technology Grant by KindCause.org aims to empower registered 501(c)(3)…

OSHKOSH AREA UNITED WAY INC · Rolling / Open · One-time Foundation

Dream Up! Child Care Supply-Building Grant Funder: Wisconsin Department of Children and Families (DCF) and First Children's Finance Award Details: $75,000 grant received by Oshkosh Area United Way…

DUBUQUE RACING ASSOCIATION LTD · Rolling / Open Foundation

Dubuque Racing Association Core Grants Status: ACTIVE Funder: Dubuque Racing Association Ltd Amount: Up to US $50,000 Last Updated: April 02, 2026 Summary The Dubuque Racing Association Core Grants…

THE DUKE ENDOWMENT · Rolling / Open Foundation

Duke Endowment: Rural Church Grants Status: ACTIVE Funder: The Duke Endowment Last Updated: March 24, 2026 Summary The Duke Endowment's Rural Church Grants aim to empower rural United Methodist…

DUNHAM FOUNDATION · Rolling / Open Foundation

Dunham Foundation Capacity Building Grant Status: ACTIVE Funder: Dunham Foundation Amount: Up to US $5,000 Last Updated: January 20, 2026 Summary Overview Note: We will consider multiple nonprofits…

DURFEE FOUNDATION · Rolling / Open Foundation

Durfee Foundation Lark Awards Grant Status: ACTIVE Funder: Durfee Foundation Amount: US $30,000 Last Updated: February 28, 2026 Summary The Durfee Foundation, established in 1960, provides…

ELBRIDGE STUART FOUNDATION · Rolling / Open Foundation

Dwight Stuart Youth Fund Grant Status: ACTIVE Funder: Elbridge Stuart Foundation Last Updated: February 26, 2026 Summary The Dwight Stuart Youth Fund Grant supports organizations providing essential…

THE DYSON FOUNDATION · Rolling / Open Foundation

Dyson Foundation Mini-Grant Program Status: ACTIVE Funder: Dyson Foundation Amount: Up to US $15,000 Last Updated: November 07, 2025 Summary The Dyson Foundation Mini-Grant Program supports…

US $2,000 - US $5,000
SOUTHERN COLORADO COMMUNITY FOUNDAT · Rolling / Open Foundation

E.M. Christmas Fund Grant Status: ACTIVE Funder: Southern Colorado Community Foundation Amount: US $2,000 - US $5,000 Last Updated: January 30, 2026 Summary Easily learn more about the E.M. The next…

BRINDLE FOUNDATION · Rolling / Open Foundation

Early Opportunities Initiative Grant Status: ACTIVE Funder: Brindle Foundation Amount: Up to US $20,000 Last Updated: August 08, 2025 Summary The Early Opportunities Initiative Grant by the Brindle…

Services valued at over $8,000 per organization
INDIANA YOUTH INSTITUTE INC · July 31, 2026 Foundation

East Central Indiana Consulting Grant Opportunity Funder: Indiana Youth Institute Geographic Scope: East Central Indiana region (with priority for Delaware County applicants) Overview: With funding…

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