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
Volunteer Mississippi · Rolling / Open Foundation

AmeriCorps VISTA Request for Concept Paper Grant Status: ACTIVE Funder: Volunteer Mississippi Last Updated: February 13, 2026 Summary Overview AmeriCorps Vista AmeriCorps is the federal agency that…

Up to US $20,000
ANNA ANTON OLSON LEGACY FOUNDATION · Rolling / Open Foundation

Anna+Anton Grant Status: ACTIVE Funder: ANNA ANTON OLSON LEGACY FOUNDATION Amount: Up to US $20,000 Last Updated: August 27, 2025 Summary The Anna+Anton Olson Legacy Foundation is dedicated to…

THE GREATER JEFFERSON COUNTY · Rolling / Open Foundation

Annual Community Grant Status: ACTIVE Funder: The Greater Jefferson County Foundation Last Updated: April 20, 2025 Summary The Annual Community Grant by the Greater Jefferson County Foundation…

Up to US $10,000
Peaks Island Fund Inc · Rolling / Open Foundation

Annual Grant Status: ACTIVE Funder: Peaks Island Fund Inc. Amount: Up to US $10,000 Last Updated: May 16, 2025 Summary The Annual Grant supports organizations enhancing the Peaks Island community by…

Up to $10,000
Peaks Island Fund Inc · March 1, 2027 · Annual Foundation

Annual Grants Overview: The Peaks Island Fund offers Annual Grants to support island organizations that enrich the Peaks Island community. Applications are accepted once per year with a March 1st…

Ontario Government: Ministry of Citizenship and Multiculturalism · Rolling / Open Foundation

Anti-Hate Security and Prevention Grant (AHSP) for 2025-2026 Status: ACTIVE Funder: Ontario Government: Ministry of Citizenship and Multiculturalism Amount: Up to C $10,000 Last Updated: November 18,…

DULUTH-SUPERIOR AREA COMMUNITY · Rolling / Open Foundation

Apostle Islands Area Community Fund Grant Status: ACTIVE Funder: Boreal Waters Community Foundation Amount: US $300 - US $5,000 Last Updated: November 26, 2025 Summary The Apostle Islands Area…

Up to $150,000 per organization in technical assistance; up to $50,000 in software and equipment support per organization
RURAL HEALTH REDESIGN CENTER ORGANIZATION INC · Rolling / Open · Annual Foundation

Appalachian Region Healthcare Technical Assistance Center (ARH-TAC) Funder: Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA) Award Details: - Total Grant: $4.5 million over three years - Annual…

AMERICAN PHYSICAL SOCIETY · Rolling / Open Foundation

Overview The APS Innovation Fund offers pilot or supplemental funding to support members in launching innovative projects that address challenges in the physics community while advancing the APS…

US $125,000 - US $175,000
Arbor Brothers Inc · Rolling / Open Foundation

Arbor Rising Grant Status: ACTIVE Funder: Arbor Brothers Inc Amount: US $125,000 - US $175,000 Last Updated: June 14, 2025 Summary Arbor Rising Grant, established in 2010, is a NYC-based nonprofit…

ARCHSTONE FOUNDATION · Rolling / Open Foundation

Archstone Foundation Capacity Building Grants Status: ACTIVE Funder: Archstone Foundation Amount: Up to US $50,000 Last Updated: July 31, 2025 Summary The Archstone Foundation Capacity Building…

Up to $1,500 per individual; up to $6,000 per year total
ARUNDEL COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT · Rolling / Open · Annual Foundation

Ardath M. Cade Scholarship Fund Overview: The Ardath M. Cade Scholarship Fund supports professional development for ACDS staff, Board members, and emerging leaders working in and serving the needs of…

Up to US $10,000,000
Appalachian Regional Commission · Rolling / Open Foundation

ARISE Grants Status: ACTIVE Funder: Appalachian Regional Commission Amount: Up to US $10,000,000 Last Updated: August 13, 2025 Summary The ARISE Grants, offered by the Appalachian Regional…

US $15,000 - US $75,000
Carl B & Florence E King Foundation · Rolling / Open Foundation

Arkansas and West Texas Grants Status: ACTIVE Funder: Carl B. and Florence E. King Foundation Amount: US $15,000 - US $75,000 Last Updated: January 16, 2026 Summary The Carl B. and Florence E. King…

CHAFFEE COUNTY COMMUNITY FOUNDATION · Rolling / Open Foundation

Arkansas River Valley LGBTQ+ Fund Grant Status: ACTIVE Funder: Chaffee County Community Foundation Amount: Up to US $10,000 Last Updated: March 04, 2026 Summary The Arkansas River Valley LGBTQ+ Fund…

Community Arts Partnership of Tompkins County Inc · Rolling / Open Foundation

Arts & Cultural Org Development Funder: Community Arts Partnership of Tompkins County Inc (NY, US) Geographic Scope: Tompkins County, NY Contact: Community Arts Partnership, 110 N. Tioga Street…

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