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
MARILYN & WILLIAM YOUNG CHARITABLE · Rolling / Open Foundation

Marilyn and William Young Foundation Grant Status: ACTIVE Funder: Marilyn And William Young Charitable Foundation Inc Last Updated: February 21, 2026 Summary The Marilyn and William Young Foundation…

ALASKA CONSERVATION FOUNDATION · Rolling / Open Foundation

Martha Levensaler Leadership Fund Grant Status: ACTIVE Funder: Alaska Conservation Foundation Amount: US $500 - US $3,000 Last Updated: March 09, 2026 Summary The Martha Levensaler Leadership Fund…

MARTHA ELLEN TYE FOUNDATION · Rolling / Open Foundation

Martha-Ellen Tye Foundation Grant Status: ACTIVE Funder: Martha-Ellen Tye Foundation Amount: More than US $1,000 Last Updated: January 16, 2026 Summary The Martha-Ellen Tye Foundation Grant provides…

MARTHA'S TABLE INC · Rolling / Open Foundation

Martha’s Table Community Impact Fund Grant Status: ACTIVE Funder: Martha's Table Amount: Up to US $20,000 Last Updated: December 06, 2025 Summary The Martha’s Table Community Impact Fund aims to…

TEXAS MASONIC CHARITIES FOUNDATION · Rolling / Open · Annual Foundation

Matching Grant Status: Applications for 2026 are now closed Deadline: March 31, 2026 Geographic Scope: Texas Purpose: Provide matching fund support for charitable initiatives Application Period: 2026…

MATHILE FAMILY FOUNDATION · Rolling / Open Foundation

Mathile Family Foundation Grant Status: ACTIVE Funder: Mathile Family Foundation Amount: More than US $1,000 Last Updated: March 17, 2026 Summary The Mathile Family Foundation Grant is aimed at…

MCAULEY MINISTRIES · Rolling / Open Foundation

McAuley Ministries - Outreach & Sustainability Grants Status: ACTIVE Funder: McAuley Ministries Amount: US $10,000 - US $500,000 Last Updated: July 22, 2025 Summary McAuley Ministries offers Outreach…

NEBRASKA COMMUNITY FOUNDATION · Rolling / Open Foundation

McCook Community Foundation Fund: Community Grants Status: ACTIVE Funder: Nebraska Community Foundation Last Updated: February 20, 2026 Summary The McCook Community Foundation Fund in Nebraska has…

MARSHALL L AND PERRINE D MCCUNE · Rolling / Open Foundation

McCune Charitable Foundation Grant Status: ACTIVE Funder: The McCune Charitable Foundation Last Updated: August 02, 2025 Summary The McCune Charitable Foundation Grant supports community-driven…

MONTANA COMMUNITY FOUNDATION INC · Rolling / Open Foundation

MCF Community Investment Program (CIP) Grant Status: ACTIVE Funder: Montana Community Foundation Amount: Up to US $50,000 Last Updated: March 17, 2026 Summary The MCF Community Investment Program…

MARIN COMMUNITY FOUNDATION · Rolling / Open Foundation

MCF: Buck Family Fund Grants (BFF) Status: ACTIVE Funder: Marin Community Foundation Last Updated: February 19, 2026 Summary The Buck Family Fund, part of the Marin Community Foundation, supports…

US $2,000 - US $100,000
MADISON COMMUNITY FOUNDATION · Rolling / Open Foundation

MCF: Community Impact Grants Status: ACTIVE Funder: Madison Community Foundation Amount: US $2,000 - US $100,000 Last Updated: August 07, 2025 Summary The Madison Community Foundation's Community…

$720,000 (for consortium over 3 years; $25,000 per McKnight Artist Fellow)
ARTIST COMMUNITIES ALLIANCE · Rolling / Open · Annual Foundation

McKnight Artist Residencies Consortium Funder: McKnight Foundation Amount: $720,000 awarded to ACA to design and implement consortium program over first three years; supports up to 98 McKnight Artist…

FRANCE-MERRICK FOUNDATION INC · Rolling / Open Foundation

Meet the Moment Fund Grant Status: ACTIVE Funder: France-Merrick Foundation Last Updated: February 04, 2026 Summary The Meet the Moment Fund Grant, offered by the France-Merrick Foundation, provides…

Up to $900,000
MEMORIAL HEALTH FUND · Rolling / Open · Annual Foundation

Memorial Health Fund Overview: Memorial Health Fund is a supporting organization of York County Community Foundation established with proceeds from the sale of Memorial Health Systems. It became a…

COMMUNITY SERVICES FOR CHILDREN INC · Rolling / Open Foundation

MERA Award (Merit and/or ERA Award) Program: Keystone STARS (an initiative of the Office of Child Development and Early Learning - OCDEL) Purpose: Provide merit and/or expansion-related financial…

GREATER WORCESTER COMMUNITY FOUNDATION · Rolling / Open Foundation

Mergers and Shared Services Fund Funder: Greater Worcester Community Foundation Geographic Scope: Worcester County, MA Focus: Supporting nonprofit mergers and shared services initiatives Eligibility:…

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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