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
ARTS AND CULTURE ALLIANCE · Rolling / Open · Annual Foundation

Arts & Heritage Fund - Technical Assistance Grants Manager: Arts & Culture Alliance of Greater Knoxville Purpose: Provide technical assistance and funding to developing arts and heritage…

PROGRAM TO AID CITIZEN ENTERPRISE INC · Rolling / Open · One-time Foundation

Arts | Equity | Reimagined Fund Overview: Funding program established in late March 2020 in response to the unprecedented and ongoing impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic on the region's arts and…

THE OREGON COMMUNITY FOUNDATION · Rolling / Open Foundation

Overview Oregon Department of Justice charity data shows that the majority of registered arts and culture nonprofit organizations in Oregon have annual budgets under $100,000. Although these…

Arts Business Collaborative · May 12, 2026 · Annual Foundation

Arts Business Resource Fund Overview: The Resource Fund provides critical funding to small businesses and nonprofits to support capacity building initiatives. Funding is primarily awarded in…

CENTRAL MINNESOTA ARTS BOARD · Rolling / Open Foundation

Arts Organization Development Grant Status: ACTIVE Funder: Central Minnesota Arts Board Amount: Up to US $10,000 Last Updated: May 07, 2025 Summary The Arts Organization Development Grant offers up…

Arts Work Fund for Organizational Development · Rolling / Open Foundation

Arts Work Fund: Arts Capacity Grant Program Status: ACTIVE Funder: Arts Work Fund for Organizational Development Amount: Up to US $40,000 Last Updated: December 21, 2025 Summary The Arts Work Fund:…

Up to US $10,000
COMMUNITY FOUNDATION OF ST JOSEPH COUNTY INC · Rolling / Open Foundation

ArtsEverywhere Grants Status: ACTIVE Funder: Community Foundation of St. Joseph County Amount: Up to US $10,000 Last Updated: March 21, 2026 Summary The ArtsEverywhere Grants, funded by the Community…

$25,000 stipend plus up to $300,000 investment over three years
EAST BAY COMMUNITY FOUNDATION · Rolling / Open Foundation

ASCEND:BLO Accelerator Overview: A capacity building program designed to strengthen and support the growth, sustainability, and impact of Black-led nonprofit organizations (BLOs) in the Bay Area. The…

CUMBERLAND COMMUNITY FOUNDATION INC · Rolling / Open Foundation

Ashton W. Lilly Fund for Philanthropy Grant Status: ACTIVE Funder: Cumberland Community Foundation, Inc. Amount: Up to US $50,000 Last Updated: April 02, 2026 Summary Easily learn more about the…

FIRST UP · Rolling / Open · Rolling (Quarterly) Foundation

Aspire to Inspire Overview: An initiative of the Kimble Group designed to walk alongside Keystone STAR 1 programs as they grow toward achieving STAR 2. Intentionally aligned to ensure programs can…

AUSHERMAN FAMILY FOUNDATION · Rolling / Open Foundation

Ausherman Family Foundation: Capacity Building Grant Status: ACTIVE Funder: Ausherman Family Foundation Inc Amount: US $2,500 - US $25,000 Last Updated: October 30, 2025 Summary The Ausherman Family…

AVERY-FULLER-WELCH CHILDRENS FOUNDATION · Rolling / Open Foundation

Overview _NOTE: As of August 2024, grant applications are by invitation only._ Avery-Fuller-Welch Children’s Foundation provides grants that allow low-income families with children in need of…

ARIZONA HUMANITIES COUNCIL INC · Rolling / Open Foundation

Overview _Note: Grants are currently suspended until a determination is made regarding the availability of federal funds._ What We Fund Arizona Humanities supports innovative, community-based…

BALL BROTHERS FOUNDATION · Rolling / Open Foundation

Ball Brothers Foundation Fellows Program Grant Status: ACTIVE Funder: Ball Brothers Foundation Amount: Up to US $15,000 Last Updated: September 01, 2025 Summary The Ball Brothers Foundation Fellows…

Independent Colleges of Indiana Inc · Rolling / Open · Annual Foundation

Ball Venture Fund Competition Funder: Ball Brothers Foundation (Muncie, IN) Administrator: Independent Colleges of Indiana (ICI) Program Status: Active and ongoing (at least 20+ years) Geographic…

Up to $10,000 USD per proposal
BALTIC-AMERICAN FREEDOM FOUNDATION · Rolling / Open · Rolling (Quarterly) Foundation

Baltic-American Dialogue Program Overview: Provides funding for NGOs and public organizations in the Baltic States to invite U.S. experts to visit and share knowledge, fostering exchange of ideas and…

COMMUNITY FOUNDATION OF GREATER · Rolling / Open Foundation

Barbara Burt Innovative Leader Fund Grant Status: ACTIVE Funder: Community Foundation Of Greater Fort Wayne Inc Last Updated: October 29, 2025 Summary The Barbara Burt Innovative Leader Fund,…

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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