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
Ontario Government: Ministry of Francophone Affairs · Rolling / Open Foundation

Francophone Community Grants Program Status: ACTIVE Funder: Ontario Government: Ministry of Francophone Affairs Last Updated: November 01, 2025 Summary The Francophone Community Grants Program (FCGP)…

BERRIEN COMMUNITY FOUNDATION INC · Rolling / Open Foundation

Frederick S. Upton Foundation Big Idea Grant Status: ACTIVE Funder: Berrien Community Foundation Amount: US $25,000 - US $50,000 Last Updated: December 26, 2025 Summary The Frederick S. Upton…

Up to 75% of service costs (requiring 25% match from applicant)
MICHIGAN LAKES AND STREAMS · Rolling / Open Foundation

Freshwater Future Grants for MLSA Member Lake Associations Funder: Freshwater Future Award: Up to 75% of service costs (applicant provides 25% match) Maximum Grants: Up to 3 grants available…

FRIENDS OF UNIVERSITY OF WISCONSIN · December 1, 2026 · Annual Foundation

Friends of UW Health Grant Program Funder: Friends of UW Health, a not-for-profit organization Mission: Supporting patient and family-centered care at UW Health through funding to UW Health programs…

CHESTER COUNTY COMMUNITY FOUNDATION · Rolling / Open Foundation

Fund for ChesCo Capacity Building Grants Status: ACTIVE Funder: Chester County Community Foundation Amount: US $500 - US $5,000 Last Updated: April 19, 2025 Summary The Fund for ChesCo Capacity…

PARKERSBURG AREA COMMUNITY FOUNDATION · Rolling / Open Foundation

Fund for Ravenswood Grant Program Status: ACTIVE Funder: Parkersburg Area Community Foundation Last Updated: January 29, 2026 Summary The Fund for Ravenswood Grant Program, managed by the Parkersburg…

Fun for Shared Insight · Rolling / Open State

Fund for Shared Insight makes grants to 501(c)(3) organizations in support of efforts to improve openness, collaboration, and feedback between and among funders, grantees, and the people we in the…

Unitarian Universalist Association · Rolling / Open Foundation

Fund for Unitarian Universalism Grant Status: ACTIVE Funder: Unitarian Universalist Association Amount: Up to US $20,000 Last Updated: February 17, 2026 Summary The Fund for Unitarian Universalism…

BOSTON IMPACT INITIATIVE FUND · Rolling / Open Foundation

Fund Manager Education Program Overview: A cohort-based educational program designed to equip emerging fund managers with the skills and knowledge needed to deploy integrated capital effectively,…

UNITED WAY OF THE MOHAWK VALLEY INC · Rolling / Open · Biennial Foundation

Funded Partners Program Funder: United Way of the Mohawk Valley (UWMV) Geographic Scope: Mohawk Valley, NY Program Description: United Way of the Mohawk Valley invites local agencies to apply for…

Up to $5,000
The John G and Marie Stella Kenedy · October 15, 2026 · Annual Foundation

Fundraiser Support Program Purpose: Foundation provides support for fundraising events by eligible non-profit organizations. Funding Limits - Standard Maximum: Up to $5,000 per event - Higher…

Charles County Charitable Trust · Rolling / Open Foundation

Fundraising and Sustainability Scholarship Program Funder: Charles County Charitable Trust (in partnership with Charles County Public Library and Maryland Nonprofits) Geographic Scope: Charles…

WHATCOM COMMUNITY FOUNDATION · Rolling / Open Foundation

Funds for Whatcom County: Health & Wellness Grants Status: ACTIVE Funder: Whatcom Community Foundation Amount: US $1,000 - US $10,000 Last Updated: March 09, 2026 Summary The Whatcom Community…

US $10,000 - US $15,000
Omaha Community Foundation · Rolling / Open Foundation

Futuro Latino Fund Grant Status: ACTIVE Funder: Omaha Community Foundation Amount: US $10,000 - US $15,000 Last Updated: January 16, 2026 Summary The Futuro Latino Fund Grant, administered by the…

US $1,000 - US $5,000
Georgia Council for the Arts · Rolling / Open Foundation

GA Arts: Project Grant Status: ACTIVE Funder: Georgia Council for the Arts Amount: US $1,000 - US $5,000 Last Updated: December 25, 2025 Summary The GA Arts: Project Grant, offered by the Georgia…

$500,000 total (distributed to 18 nonprofits in 2022)
ONE VALLEY COMMUNITY FOUNDATION · Rolling / Open · One-time Foundation

Gallatin County Nonprofit Vitality Grant Overview: A grant program funded by American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) dollars allocated by the Gallatin County Commission through One Valley Community…

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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