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
Federal/ Foundation
Updated daily
Up to US $50,000
ERIE COMMUNITY FOUNDATION · Rolling / Open Foundation

ECF Helping Today Grant Status: ACTIVE Funder: Erie Community Foundation Amount: Up to US $50,000 Last Updated: January 16, 2026 Summary The ECF Helping Today Grant supports Erie County nonprofits…

US $50,000 - US $250,000
ERIE COMMUNITY FOUNDATION · Rolling / Open Foundation

ECF Shaping Tomorrow Grants Status: ACTIVE Funder: Erie Community Foundation Amount: US $50,000 - US $250,000 Last Updated: March 19, 2026 Summary The ECF Shaping Tomorrow Grants aim to empower…

US $80,000 - US $90,000
ECHOING GREEN INC · Rolling / Open Foundation

Echoing Green Fellowship Grant Status: ACTIVE Funder: Echoing Green Amount: US $80,000 - US $90,000 Last Updated: January 20, 2026 Summary The Echoing Green Fellowship empowers innovative leaders…

THE BUSH FOUNDATION · Rolling / Open Foundation

Overview Ecosystem Grants The Bush Foundation works to inspire and support creative problem solving — within and across sectors — to make our region better for everyone. We know problem solving is…

Economic Development Administration · Rolling / Open Federal

EDA FY25 Disaster Supplemental Through this Disaster NOFO, EDA will award investments in regions experiencing severe economic distress or other economic harm resulting from hurricanes, wildfires,…

EDEN HALL FOUNDATION · Rolling / Open Foundation

Eden Hall Foundation Grant Program Status: ACTIVE Funder: Eden Hall Foundation Last Updated: January 29, 2026 Summary Overview No one sees the world like we do. At Eden Hall Foundation, we view our…

EDMONDS COLLEGE FOUNDATION · Rolling / Open · Annual Foundation

Edmonds College Foundation Grants Program Status: Currently not accepting applications (as of the last update) Geographic Scope: Edmonds College, Lynnwood, WA Eligibility: Open to all faculty and…

US $500 - US $100,000
THE JOSEPH HENRY EDMONDSON FOUNDATION · Rolling / Open Foundation

Edmondson Foundation Grants Status: ACTIVE Funder: The Joseph Henry Edmondson Foundation Amount: US $500 - US $100,000 Last Updated: January 16, 2026 Summary The Joseph Henry Edmondson Foundation…

The Moody Foundation · Rolling / Open Foundation

Overview Purpose The Moody Foundation’s Education M-Pact Fund is an annual grantmaking process and a key component of the Foundation’s historic commitment of $1 billion for Texas education over 20…

NORTHWEST CONNECTICUT COMMUNITY · Rolling / Open Foundation

Edwards Community Endowment Program (ECEP) Grant Status: ACTIVE Funder: Northwest Connecticut Community Foundation Amount: Up to US $20,000 Last Updated: December 04, 2025 Summary The Edwards…

THE EISNER FOUNDATION INC · Rolling / Open Foundation

Eisner Foundation - New York City Grants Status: ACTIVE Funder: The Eisner Foundation Inc. Amount: US $100,000 - US $300,000 Last Updated: September 29, 2025 Summary The Eisner Foundation in New York…

THE EISNER FOUNDATION INC · Rolling / Open Foundation

Eisner Foundation Grant Programs - Los Angeles Status: ACTIVE Funder: The Eisner Foundation Inc. Amount: US $100,000 - US $300,000 Last Updated: September 18, 2025 Summary The Eisner Foundation Grant…

EL-HIBRI FOUNDATION · Rolling / Open Foundation

El-Hibri Foundation Grant Status: ACTIVE Funder: El-Hibri Foundation Last Updated: March 16, 2026 Summary The El-Hibri Foundation Grant focuses on advancing the inclusion of American Muslim…

COMMUNITY FOUNDATION OF THE NAPA VALLEY · Rolling / Open Foundation

Elaine Jones Safety Net Fund Grant Status: ACTIVE Funder: Napa Valley Community Foundation Amount: Up to US $150,000 Last Updated: May 10, 2025 Summary The Elaine Jones Safety Net Fund supports…

UNITED STATES HISPANIC CHAMBER OF · Rolling / Open Foundation

ELEVATE TOGETHER Program Name: ELEVATE TOGETHER™ (powered by Round It Up America®) Funders: - Office Depot & Round It Up America - ODP Corporation (founding partner) - In partnership with: U.S.…

$500 - $5,000
UNITED WAY OF NORTH CENTRAL NEW · Rolling / Open · One-time Foundation

Emergency Action Fund Status: Established in partnership with Albuquerque Community Foundation during COVID-19 pandemic Geographic Scope: Greater Albuquerque Area (Bernalillo, Sandoval, Torrance, and…

DELTA DENTAL OF VIRGINIA · Rolling / Open · Rolling (Quarterly) Foundation

Emergency and Capacity Building Fund Funder: Delta Dental of Virginia Foundation Geographic Scope: Commonwealth of Virginia and organizations serving Virginia Eligible Applicants: 501(c)(3) nonprofit…

DELTA DENTAL OF VIRGINIA FOUNDATION · Rolling / Open · Rolling (Quarterly) Foundation

Emergency and Capacity Building Fund Funder: Delta Dental of Virginia Foundation Geographic Scope: Commonwealth of Virginia Eligible Organizations: 501(c)(3) nonprofit organizations located in or…

Honorable Order of Kentucky Colonels Inc · Rolling / Open · Rolling (Quarterly) Foundation

Emergency Grants Status: Available year-round Geographic Scope: Commonwealth of Kentucky Purpose: Provides emergency funding when a sudden change impacts service delivery of Kentucky nonprofits…

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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