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
Community Foundation of Snohomish County · August 7, 2026 · Annual Foundation

Rick Steves Europe Fund – Capacity Grants Funder: Rick Steves' Europe Geographic Scope: Snohomish County, WA Award Amount: Maximum $5,000 per grant Focus Areas: Enable Snohomish County nonprofits to…

Community Foundation of Snohomish County · May 15, 2026 · Annual Foundation

Rick Steves Europe Fund – Racial Equity Funder: Rick Steves' Europe Geographic Scope: Snohomish County, WA Award Amount: Maximum $5,000 per grant Focus Areas: Systems change and policy work to…

THE RHODE ISLAND COMMUNITY FOUNDATION · Rolling / Open Foundation

RIF Capacity Building Grants Status: ACTIVE Funder: The Rhode Island Community Foundation Amount: Up to US $15,000 Last Updated: February 09, 2026 Summary The Rhode Island Foundation's RIF Capacity…

US $15,000 - US $150,000
THE RHODE ISLAND COMMUNITY FOUNDATION · Rolling / Open Foundation

RIF Community Priority Grants Status: ACTIVE Funder: The Rhode Island Community Foundation Amount: US $15,000 - US $150,000 Last Updated: February 18, 2026 Summary The RIF Community Priority Grants,…

United Food Bank · Rolling / Open · Annual Foundation

RISE Grant Program Funder: United Food Bank (UFB) Program Name: RISE (Revitalize, Inspire, Support, Empower) Award Amount: $10,000 per grant Geographic Scope: Arizona, with focus on partner agencies…

COMMUNITY SERVICES FOR CHILDREN INC · Rolling / Open Foundation

Rising STARS Support Grant Program: Keystone STARS (an initiative of the Office of Child Development and Early Learning - OCDEL) Purpose: Provide financial support to early learning and school-age…

NOTLEY IMPACT · Rolling / Open · Ongoing Foundation

Rising Tide Overview: Rising Tide is an innovative program for nonprofits to earn low-risk interest income on idle capital while maintaining liquidity. Program Details: - Interest Rate: Minimum 5%…

HOUSING TELECOMMUNICATIONS INC · Rolling / Open · Annual Foundation

Risk Management Awards Status: 2025 submissions closed; 2026 details to be announced early 2026 Funder: HAI Group Award Categories: Five distinct categories recognizing excellence in safety and risk…

RICHARD KING MELLON FOUNDATION · Rolling / Open Foundation

RKMF General Application Grant Status: ACTIVE Funder: Richard King Mellon Foundation Last Updated: December 14, 2025 Summary The Richard King Mellon Foundation invites innovative proposals that align…

Over $135,000 awarded to 25 different colleges and universities (as of 2022)
ROCKY MOUNTAIN SECTION AMERICAN ASSOC · Rolling / Open · Annual Foundation

RMS Foundation Grant Program for AAPG Student Chapters Overview: Grant program providing funding support to AAPG Student Chapters at colleges and universities in the Rocky Mountain region. Funder:…

ROBERT STERLING CLARK FOUNDATION INC · Rolling / Open Foundation

Robert Sterling Clark Foundation: Field Building Grant Status: ACTIVE Funder: Robert Sterling Clark Foundation Inc. Last Updated: July 04, 2025 Summary The Robert Sterling Clark Foundation's Field…

Illinois Department of Aging · Rolling / Open Foundation

Rural Support Grant Status: ACTIVE Funder: Illinois Department of Aging Amount: US $800,000 Last Updated: October 30, 2025 Summary The FY26 Rural Support Grant aims to enhance the quality of life for…

RASMUSON FOUNDATION · Rolling / Open Foundation

Sabbatical Program Grant Status: ACTIVE Funder: Rasmuson Foundation Amount: US $50,000 Last Updated: June 27, 2025 Summary The Sabbatical Program by the Rasmuson Foundation supports nonprofit…

SCRANTON AREA FOUNDATION INC · Rolling / Open Foundation

SACF Community Support Initiative Grant Status: ACTIVE Funder: Scranton Area Foundation Inc Last Updated: February 08, 2026 Summary Overview SACF Community Support Initiative Grant Nonprofit…

SAN DIEGO KIWANIS CLUB FOUNDATION INC · Rolling / Open Foundation

San Diego Kiwanis Club Foundation - Community Impact Grant Status: ACTIVE Funder: San Diego Kiwanis Club Foundation Inc Amount: US $5,000 - US $50,000 Last Updated: December 24, 2025 Summary Overview…

Catalyst of San Diego & Imperial Counties · Rolling / Open Foundation

Overview San Diego Resilient Response Fund Urgent Support for Federal Funding and Policy Impacts In times of rapid change, nonprofits need support they can count on. The San Diego Resilient Response…

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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