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
EPISCOPAL COMMUNITY SERVICES OF THE DIOCESE OF · Rolling / Open Foundation

The One Year Ministry Development Grant Fund Funder: Episcopal Community Services of the Diocese of Northern California Website: norcalecs.org Geographic Scope: Northern California No additional…

SOUTHERN EDUCATION FOUNDATION INC · Rolling / Open · Annual Foundation

The Promise Network Program Type: 18-month fellowship for executive-level district leaders Description: The Promise Network is an 18-month fellowship for executive-level district leaders committed to…

National Resource Center for Reaching Victims · Rolling / Open State

The purpose of this program is to address unmet needs and close gaps that prevent survivors from underserved communities from accessing and benefiting from healing services and avenues to justice.…

Northwestern University · Rolling / Open Foundation

The Racial Equity and Community Partnership Grant Program Status: ACTIVE Funder: Northwestern University Amount: US $25,000 - US $75,000 Last Updated: February 10, 2026 Summary The Racial Equity and…

COMMUNITY FOUNDATION FOR NANTUCKET · Rolling / Open Foundation

The Remain Fund Grant Status: ACTIVE Funder: Community Foundation for Nantucket Last Updated: April 03, 2026 Summary The ReMain Nantucket Fund, established by the Community Foundation for Nantucket,…

THE PITTSBURGH FOUNDATION · Rolling / Open Foundation

The Social Justice Fund: General Support Grant Status: ACTIVE Funder: Pittsburgh Foundation Last Updated: August 16, 2024 Summary The Social Justice Fund offers General Support Grants to enhance the…

Approximately US $100,000
GLOBAL FUND FOR WOMEN INC · Rolling / Open Foundation

The Sustain Fund Grant Status: ACTIVE Funder: Global Fund for Women Amount: Approximately US $100,000 Last Updated: May 14, 2025 Summary The Sustain Fund Grant aims to empower Black feminist…

ARIZONA COMMUNITY FOUNDATION · Rolling / Open Foundation

Overview The Thiru Family Trust Momentum Maker Grant The Thiru Family Trust Momentum Maker Grant (Momentum Maker) was established in 2023 thanks to a generous gift from the Thiru Family Trust.…

The Tomberg Family Philanthropies · Rolling / Open State

The purpose of this program is to support projects in the areas of education, the environment, health, and poverty alleviation. The funding agency seeks to fund opportunities such as pilot projects,…

Up to $5,000 per grant
UNITED WAY OF TRI VALLY AREA · April 30, 2026 · Semi-annual Foundation

The Very Basics Fund Program Type: Grant program for under-resourced non-profit organizations serving populations in need Geographic Scope: Greater Franklin County, Livermore, and Livermore Falls,…

HEADWATERS FOUNDATION FOR JUSTICE · Rolling / Open Foundation

Overview The Wellspring Fund At Headwaters, we believe that a community’s collective power is a source of abundance and of transformative change. In the natural world, wellsprings are sources of…

US $5,000 - US $25,000
United Way Of Tarrant County · Rolling / Open Foundation

The Women's Fund Grant Status: ACTIVE Funder: United Way Of Tarrant County Amount: US $5,000 - US $25,000 Last Updated: January 12, 2026 Summary The Women's Fund, led by Women United and supported by…

District of Columbia Office of the State Superintendent of Education · Rolling / Open Foundation

Third-Party Competitive Grant (DC) Status: ACTIVE Funder: District of Columbia Office of the State Superintendent of Education Amount: Up to US $400,000 Last Updated: July 01, 2025 Summary The…

THE COLLEGE AND COMMUNITY FELLOWSHIP INC · Rolling / Open Foundation

THRIVE Technical Assistance Program Organization: College & Community Fellowship (NY, US) Status: NOT ACCEPTING NEW APPLICATIONS Overview A national technical assistance program that supports…

TIDES FOUNDATION · Rolling / Open Foundation

Tides Stronger Together Fund Grant Status: ACTIVE Funder: Tides Foundation Last Updated: November 10, 2025 Summary The Tides Stronger Together Fund, under the Tides Foundation, provides essential…

UNITED WAY SUNCOAST INC · Rolling / Open Foundation

Together We Recover Fund - Nonprofit Grants Funder: United Way Suncoast Purpose: Grants to help nonprofit organizations recover from Hurricanes Helene and Milton and build resilience for the future.…

Tomberg Family Philanthropies · Rolling / Open State

The purpose of this program is to support projects in the areas of education, the environment, health, and poverty alleviation. The funding agency seeks to fund opportunities such as pilot projects,…

Stipend (exact amount not specified)
WEPOWER · Rolling / Open Foundation

Tomorrow Builders Fellowship Status: Active fellowship program Geographic Scope: St. Louis city and county Focus Areas: - Early childhood education (ECE) system redesign - Systems design and policy…

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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