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
US $5,000 - US $10,000
THE GREATER NEW ORLEANS FOUNDATION · Rolling / Open Foundation

LGBTQ Fund Grant Status: ACTIVE Funder: Greater New Orleans Foundation Amount: US $5,000 - US $10,000 Last Updated: March 02, 2026 Summary The LGBTQ Fund Grant supports organizations focused on…

· Rolling / Open State

Library Services and Technology Act Grants These federal LSTA funds, which are administered by the NC Department of Natural and Cultural Resources, are investments that help libraries deliver…

LOCAL INITIATIVES SUPPORT CORPORATION · Rolling / Open Foundation

LISC Child Care Facilities Planning Grant Program Status: ACTIVE Funder: Local Initiatives Support Corporation (LISC) Last Updated: August 24, 2025 Summary The LISC Child Care Facilities Planning…

NEBRASKA CIVIC ENGAGEMENT TABLE · Rolling / Open · Annual Foundation

Lobby School Funder: Nebraska Civic Engagement Table Overview: Aims to support participants in taking a 360-degree approach to movement building by connecting elections and grassroots efforts to…

National Education Association Staff Organization · Rolling / Open Foundation

Local President Release Grant Status: ACTIVE Funder: National Education Association Staff Organization Last Updated: December 05, 2025 Summary The Local President Release Grant, offered by the…

The Lodestar Foundation · Rolling / Open Foundation

Lodestar Foundation Grant Status: ACTIVE Funder: The Lodestar Foundation Last Updated: March 05, 2026 Summary The Lodestar Foundation Grant focuses on maximizing the impact of philanthropic efforts…

LEGAL SERVICES ALABAMA INC · Rolling / Open · One-time Foundation

LSC Technology Initiative Grant Funder: Legal Services Corporation (LSC) Award Amount: $24,999 Status: Award announced October 2018 (historical grant) Geographic Scope: Alabama (statewide) Focus…

Up to US $15,000
Nevada State Library, Archives and Public Records · Rolling / Open Foundation

LSTA: Mini Grants (NV) Status: ACTIVE Funder: Nevada State Library, Archives and Public Records Amount: Up to US $15,000 Last Updated: June 13, 2025 Summary The LSTA Mini Grants in Nevada provide…

The Henry Luce Foundation Inc · Rolling / Open Foundation

Luce Indigenous Knowledge Fellowship Grant Status: ACTIVE Funder: Henry Luce Foundation Amount: Up to US $75,000 Last Updated: March 19, 2026 Summary The Luce Indigenous Knowledge Fellowship,…

GIVEWELL COMMUNITY FOUNDATION INC · Rolling / Open · One-time Foundation

Mabel Schaefer Grant Cycle Funder: GiveWell Community Foundation Inc (FL, US) Type: One-time grant opportunity Year Offered: 2026 Geographic Scope: Polk, Hardee, and Highlands counties in Central…

Mississippi Arts Commission · Rolling / Open Foundation

MAC Mini-Grants for Organizations Status: ACTIVE Funder: Mississippi Arts Commission Amount: US $200 - US $1,000 Last Updated: September 17, 2025 Summary The MAC Mini-Grants for Organizations provide…

Madison County Community Foundation · Rolling / Open Foundation

Madison County Community Foundation: Emergency Grants Status: ACTIVE Funder: Madison County Community Foundation Last Updated: October 06, 2025 Summary The Madison County Community Foundation offers…

VAN BEUREN CHARITABLE FOUNDATION INC · Rolling / Open Foundation

Major Construction and Landscape Grants - Design Grants Status: ACTIVE Funder: Van Beuren Charitable Foundation Inc. Last Updated: August 04, 2025 Summary The Major Construction and Landscape Grants…

10% - 25% of grantee organization's annual budget (with determined cap)
MALIASILI INITIATIVES INC · Rolling / Open · Annual Foundation

Maliasili Conservation Fund (MCF) Overview: A groundbreaking pooled funding initiative launched to provide multi-year, unrestricted support to a portfolio of Africa's leading conservation…

SAINT PAUL & MINNESOTA FOUNDATION · Rolling / Open Foundation

Management Improvement Fund Grant Status: ACTIVE Funder: The Saint Paul & Minnesota Foundation Amount: Up to US $15,000 Last Updated: March 03, 2026 Summary The Management Improvement Fund Grant…

MARDAG FOUNDATION · Rolling / Open Foundation

Overview _NOTE: To create the capacity our staff needs to operationalize these changes, the Foundation will implement transitional grant rounds in 2025. For 2025, organizations that applied for…

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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