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
Up to $7,500
NATIONAL LAWYERS GUILD INC · Rolling / Open · Annual Foundation

NLGF Guild Grants Funder: National Lawyers Guild Foundation (NLGF) Mission: The NLGF works to promote human rights and the rights of ecosystems over property interests through public education and…

NEW MEXICO COMMUNITY FOUNDATION · Rolling / Open Foundation

NMCF: Sustaining New Mexico Fund Grant Status: ACTIVE Funder: New Mexico Community Foundation Amount: Up to US $10,000 Last Updated: September 23, 2025 Summary The New Mexico Community Foundation…

NORTHWEST MINNESOTA FOUNDATION · Rolling / Open Foundation

NMF Training and Education Fund Grant Status: ACTIVE Funder: The Northwest Minnesota Foundation Amount: US $2,500 - US $5,000 Last Updated: March 18, 2026 Summary The NMF Training and Education Fund…

THE LUZERNE FOUNDATION · Rolling / Open Foundation

Nonprofit Accelerator Funder: The Luzerne Foundation, Wilkes-Barre, PA Type: Nonprofit support program Contact: - Phone: 570.822.2065 - Email: info@luzernefoundation.org - Address: 34 South River St,…

FOELLINGER FOUNDATION INC · Rolling / Open Foundation

Nonprofit Board Member Leadership Award Grant Status: ACTIVE Funder: Foellinger Foundation Inc Amount: US $25,000 Last Updated: July 14, 2025 Summary The Foellinger Foundation Nonprofit Board Member…

City & County of Denver · Rolling / Open Foundation

Nonprofit Capacity Building Fund Grant Status: ACTIVE Funder: City & County of Denver Amount: US $2,000 - US $20,000 Last Updated: December 20, 2025 Summary The Nonprofit Capacity Building Fund,…

THE MARTIN FAMILY FOUNDATION INC · Rolling / Open Foundation

Nonprofit Capacity Building Grant (FOREVER Funds) Funder: Community Foundation of Greater Memphis Status: Active Geographic Scope: Greater Memphis and Mid-South region Focus Areas: - Nonprofit…

GILLILAND FAMILY FUND INC · Rolling / Open Foundation

Nonprofit Capacity Building Grants Status: Active Geographic Scope: Greater Memphis and Mid-South region Focus Areas: - Building organizational capacity of nonprofits - Supporting external…

MARCH FOUNDATION · Rolling / Open Foundation

Nonprofit Capacity Building Grants Funder: Community Foundation of Greater Memphis Funding Source: FOREVER Funds Geographic Scope: Memphis and Mid-South region Focus Areas: - Nonprofit organizational…

THE DUNAVANT FOUNDATION · Rolling / Open Foundation

Nonprofit Capacity Building Grants Funder: Community Foundation of Greater Memphis Status: Active Geographic Scope: Greater Memphis and Mid-South region Focus Areas: - Supporting nonprofit…

THE TURLEY FOUNDATION · Rolling / Open Foundation

Nonprofit Capacity Building Grants Funder: Community Foundation of Greater Memphis Status: Active Geographic Scope: Greater Memphis and Mid-South region Purpose: Grants supporting organizational…

THE CANALE FOUNDATION INC · Rolling / Open Foundation

Nonprofit Capacity Building Grants Funder: Community Foundation of Greater Memphis (CFGM) Geographic Scope: Memphis and Mid-South region Overview: Grants that support nonprofits in strengthening…

Approximately US $15,000
COMMUNITY FOUNDATION · Rolling / Open Foundation

Nonprofit Capacity Building Grants Overview: Grants supporting nonprofits in building organizational capacity, such as external evaluations to measure program effectiveness and impact. Status: Active…

MEMPHIS-PLOUGH COMMUNITY FOUNDATION · Rolling / Open Foundation

Nonprofit Capacity Building Grants Status: Active Geographic Scope: Memphis and Mid-South region Focus Areas: - Nonprofit organizational capacity - Program evaluation and effectiveness measurement -…

PORTER-LEATH EARLY CHILDHOOD FOUNDATION · Rolling / Open Foundation

Nonprofit Capacity Building Grants Overview: Grants awarded through the FOREVER Funds to support nonprofit organizational capacity, infrastructure, and sustainability efforts. Purpose: - Support…

WHITEFISH COMMUNITY FOUNDATION INC · Rolling / Open Foundation

Overview Capacity Building Grants Whitefish Community Foundation recognizes that nonprofit boards and staff with access to capacity-building software and training resources are better equipped to…

ST CROIX VALLEY FOUNDATION · Rolling / Open Foundation

Nonprofit Capacity Building Grants: Experiences Grant Status: ACTIVE Funder: St. Croix Valley Foundation Amount: Up to US $10,000 Last Updated: December 18, 2025 Summary The Nonprofit Capacity…

ST CROIX VALLEY FOUNDATION · Rolling / Open Foundation

Nonprofit Capacity Building Grants: Implementation Status: ACTIVE Funder: St. Croix Valley Foundation Amount: Up to US $100,000 Last Updated: December 18, 2025 Summary The St. Croix Valley Foundation…

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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