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
50% of program cost (partial scholarship)
HANDSON NORTHWEST NORTH CAROLINA · Rolling / Open Foundation

Helping Hands Scholarship Overview: The Helping Hands Scholarship is a partial scholarship to help a nonprofit organization participate in either the Service Enterprise Initiative or Organizational…

MINNESOTA HISTORICAL SOCIETY · Rolling / Open Foundation

Heritage Partnership Program Overview: A competitive grant program that funds capacity building and program development of history-based partnerships throughout the state. Geographic Scope: Minnesota…

INDIANA HISTORICAL SOCIETY · Rolling / Open Foundation

Heritage Support Grants - Impact Grants Funder: Indiana Historical Society, made possible by Lilly Endowment Inc. Award Amount: $50,000 to $100,000 Geographic Scope: Indiana-only Application Status:…

INDIANA HISTORICAL SOCIETY · April 30, 2026 · Annual Foundation

Heritage Support Grants - Project Grants Funder: Indiana Historical Society, made possible by Lilly Endowment Inc. Award Amount: $5,000 to $50,000 Geographic Scope: Indiana-only; priority given to…

Up to US $15,000
THE COMMUNITY FOUNDATION OF HERKIMER AND · Rolling / Open Foundation

Herkimer County Grant Status: ACTIVE Funder: The Community Foundation of Herkimer & Oneida Counties Amount: Up to US $15,000 Last Updated: October 06, 2025 Summary The Community Foundation of…

US $50,000 - US $125,000
THE HEALTH FOUNDATION OF CENTRAL MASSACH · Rolling / Open Foundation

HFCM: Activation Fund Grant Status: ACTIVE Funder: The Health Foundation of Central Massachusetts Amount: US $50,000 - US $125,000 Last Updated: March 24, 2026 Summary The HFCM Activation Fund Grant…

$40,000 - $100,000
FIRSTMARK CREDIT UNION · Rolling / Open · One-time Foundation

High Impact Grants Funder: Firstmark Foundation (Firstmark Credit Union) Award Amounts: $40,000 to $100,000 Recurrence: One-time grants to organizations (not recurring annual program) Focus Areas…

High Point Community Foundation · Rolling / Open Foundation

High Point Community Foundation Annual Grants Status: ACTIVE Funder: High Point Community Foundation Amount: Up to US $50,000 Last Updated: June 04, 2025 Summary The High Point Community Foundation's…

New Hampshire Land and Community Heritage Investment Program (LCHIP) · Rolling / Open Foundation

Historic Rehabilitation Grant Status: ACTIVE Funder: New Hampshire Land and Community Heritage Investment Program (LCHIP) Last Updated: March 20, 2026 Summary The Historic Rehabilitation Grant,…

More than US $5,000
Hoehl Family Foundation · Rolling / Open Foundation

Hoehl Family Foundation Grant Status: ACTIVE Funder: Hoehl Family Foundation Amount: More than US $5,000 Last Updated: November 18, 2025 Summary The Hoehl Family Foundation Grant supports…

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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