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
Federal/ Foundation
Updated daily
The Community Foundation of Utah · Rolling / Open Foundation

Ogden Circle of Giving Organization: Community Foundation of Utah Geographic Scope: Ogden, Utah Program Type: Community philanthropy initiative Description: Part of CFU's coordinated initiatives…

Ohio Mayors Alliance Foundation · Rolling / Open Foundation

Ohio Mayors Alliance Grants Navigator Assistance Status: Active Geographic Scope: Ohio Mayors Alliance member cities Overview: One-on-one advice and assistance for OMA members in developing a plan to…

Department of the Interior · May 18, 2026 Federal

OIA Maintenance Assistance Program 2026 The Office of Insular Affairs (OIA) is seeking proposals for its Maintenance Assistance Program (MAP), which offers grant funding to support, develop, improve…

Department of the Interior · May 18, 2026 Federal

OIA Technical Assistance Program 2026 The Office of Insular Affairs (OIA) is seeking proposals for its Technical Assistance Program (TAP), which offers grant funding for short-term projects aimed at…

THE MINNEAPOLIS FOUNDATION · Rolling / Open · Annual Foundation

OneMPLS Fund Grants Status: CLOSED - Responsive grant rounds open based on identified community needs. Next round timing not specified. Geographic Scope: Greater Minneapolis area Focus Areas:…

HOUSING ASSISTANCE COUNCIL · Rolling / Open Foundation

OneRural Direct Technical Assistance Services Grant Status: ACTIVE Funder: Housing Assistance Council Last Updated: March 05, 2026 Summary OneRural provides essential technical assistance to rural…

THE SEATTLE SCHOOL OF THEOLOGY · Rolling / Open · One-time Foundation

Online and Hybrid Learning Capacity Building Grant Funder: M.J. Murdock Charitable Trust Award Amount: $400,000 Duration: Three-year period Award Date: November 2020 Recipient: The Seattle School of…

COMMUNITY FOUNDATION OF JACKSON HOLE · Rolling / Open Foundation

Opportunities Grants Overview: A Catalyst Grants program addressing intractable community issues through compelling strategies and innovative partnerships. Focus Areas: - Fund solutions to root…

EAST TENNESSEE FOUNDATION · Rolling / Open Foundation

Opportunity Endowment Fund Grant Status: ACTIVE Funder: East Tennessee Foundation Amount: Up to US $25,000 Last Updated: March 13, 2026 Summary The Opportunity Endowment Fund, managed by the East…

ORDEAN FOUNDATION · Rolling / Open Foundation

Ordean Foundation: Catalyst Grant Program Status: ACTIVE Funder: Ordean Foundation Amount: Up to US $20,000 Last Updated: July 30, 2025 Summary The Ordean Foundation's Catalyst Grant Program offers…

Oregon Education Association · Rolling / Open Foundation

Oregon Well-Being Trust: Launch Grant Status: ACTIVE Funder: Oregon Education Association Amount: US $10,000 Last Updated: October 07, 2025 Summary The Oregon Well-Being Trust: Launch Grant offers…

Oregon Education Association · Rolling / Open Foundation

Oregon Well-Being Trust: Sustain Grants Status: ACTIVE Funder: Oregon Education Association Amount: Up to US $10,000 Last Updated: September 29, 2025 Summary The Oregon Well-Being Trust Sustain…

RICHMOND MEMORIAL HEALTH FOUNDATION · Rolling / Open Foundation

Overview Mission Fostering an equitable and healthy Richmond Region. Values * Equity: We commit to act in ways that promote fairness in opportunity for all people. * Inclusion: We recognize,…

Atlas Economic Research Foundation · June 1, 2026 · Quarterly Foundation

Organizational Capacity Grant Overview: This grant is designed to strengthen an organization's capacity and growth, supporting proposals that involve building or growing organizational capabilities…

COMMUNITY FOUNDATION FOR MONTEREY COUNTY · Rolling / Open Foundation

Organizational Development (OD) Grants Status: ACTIVE Funder: Community Foundation for Monterey County Amount: US $5,000 - US $10,000 Last Updated: April 04, 2025 Summary The Community Foundation 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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