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
NEBRASKA CIVIC ENGAGEMENT TABLE · April 27, 2026 · Annual Foundation

Policy Fellows Program Funder: Nebraska Civic Engagement Table Overview: Hires and places fellows at Member organizations for two years to increase the capacity of Members' policy efforts. Fellows…

Polk Bros Foundation Inc · Rolling / Open Foundation

Overview _NOTE: Polk Bros. Foundation’s longstanding funding strategies — those featured on this page — are being phased out. In fall 2024, the Foundation announced new goals focused on making more…

THE NEW WORLD FOUNDATION · Rolling / Open Foundation

Pooled Funds Funder: New World Foundation Focus Area: Multi-issue collaborative funding Program Description The New World Foundation has a long history of partnering with like-minded…

Donations of all sizes accepted
PIKES PEAK STATE COLLEGE FOUNDATION INC · April 15, 2026 · Annual Foundation

PPSC Foundation Giving Day Status: First-ever Giving Day launched April 9, 2025 Date: April 15, 2025 (first event); portal open April 7 - April 30, 2025 Geographic Scope: Open to alumni, faculty,…

Greater Salina Community Foundation · Rolling / Open Foundation

PRCF: Post Rock Healthy Living Fund Grant Status: ACTIVE Funder: Greater Salina Community Foundation Last Updated: February 19, 2026 Summary Overview Greater Salina Community Foundation Our mission…

PHILANTHROFUND FOUNDATION INC · Rolling / Open Foundation

PRISM Fund Grant Status: ACTIVE Funder: Philanthrofund Foundation Inc Last Updated: November 02, 2025 Summary The PRISM Fund Grant, offered by PFund Foundation, aims to enhance equity within LGBTQ+…

US $10,000 - US $70,000
United Way Of Greater Richmond & Petersburg · Rolling / Open Foundation

Program Capacity Grants Status: ACTIVE Funder: United Way Of Greater Richmond & Petersburg Amount: US $10,000 - US $70,000 Last Updated: January 06, 2026 Summary Overview At United Way, we believe…

ROMANIAN-AMERICAN FOUNDATION · Rolling / Open · Rolling (Quarterly) Foundation

Program-Related Investments (PRIs) Overview: PRIs are repayable financial instruments inspired by the business sector that complement RAF's grant mechanism. These are structured loans that help…

The Progressive Multiplier Fund · Rolling / Open State

The purpose of this program is to support nonprofit organizations that wish to scale up existing revenue projects. By issuing recoverable grants and market rate loans, this program provides the…

Up to US $4,000
ILLINOIS HUMANITIES COUNCIL INC · Rolling / Open Foundation

Project Grants Status: ACTIVE Funder: Illinois Humanities Council Incorporated Amount: Up to US $4,000 Last Updated: January 21, 2026 Summary The Vision Grants by Illinois Humanities support…

Up to $80,000+
MICHIGAN STATE BAR FOUNDATION · Rolling / Open · Annual Foundation

Project Grants Geographic Scope: Michigan Funding Focus: Innovative legal aid projects that expand access to justice and strengthen civil legal infrastructure for underserved communities Overview:…

THE INTERNATIONAL COALITION OF SITES · Rolling / Open · Annual Foundation

Project Support Fund Funder: International Coalition of Sites of Conscience Overview: The Project Support Fund is a competitive grant program designed to support Coalition member sites in developing…

ROCKEFELLER PHILANTHROPY ADVISORS INC · Rolling / Open Foundation

Promising Ventures Fellowship Grant Status: ACTIVE Funder: Rockefeller Philanthropy Advisors Inc Last Updated: January 28, 2025 Summary The Promising Ventures Fellowship (PVF) is a unique 5-month…

Blue Cross Blue Shield of Michigan Foundation · Rolling / Open Foundation

Proposal Development Award Grant Status: ACTIVE Funder: Blue Cross Blue Shield of Michigan Foundation Amount: Up to US $3,500 Last Updated: August 31, 2025 Summary The Proposal Development Award…

Dependant on number of submissions received, application process, etc.
San Gabriel and Lower Los Angeles Rivers and Mountains Conservancy · Rolling / Open State

Proposition 68 Technical Assistance Pursuant to Section 8008(b)(1) of Proposition 68, up to 10% of the funds available may be allocated for technical assistance to disadvantaged communities. RMC’s…

California San Gabriel and Lower Los Angeles Rivers and Mountains Conservancy · Rolling / Open Foundation

Proposition 68 Technical Assistance Grant Status: ACTIVE Funder: California San Gabriel and Lower Los Angeles Rivers and Mountains Conservancy Last Updated: December 07, 2025 Summary The Proposition…

Rainforest Action Network · Rolling / Open Foundation

Overview RAN established Protect-an-Acre (PAA) in 1993 to protect the world’s forests and support the rights of their inhabitants through small grants to traditionally under-funded organizations and…

MINNESOTA BLACK COLLECTIVE FOUNDATION · Rolling / Open · Annual Foundation

Proven Impact Organizational Grants Funder: Minnesota Black Collective Foundation (BCFMN) Award Amount: $50,000 per organization Geographic Scope: Minnesota, with emphasis on Greater Twin Cities and…

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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