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
BEST BUY FOUNDATION · Rolling / Open Foundation

Twin Cities Fund: Capital Grants: Capacity Status: ACTIVE Funder: Best Buy Foundation Amount: More than US $100,000 Last Updated: May 18, 2025 Summary The Twin Cities Fund by the Best Buy Foundation…

US VENTURESCHMIDT FAMILY FOUNDATION · Rolling / Open Foundation

U.S. Venture Program Grants Status: ACTIVE Funder: Us Venture Schmidt Family Foundation Inc Last Updated: March 08, 2026 Summary The U.S. Venture/Schmidt Family Foundation supports initiatives that…

UNITED JEWISH APPEAL-FEDERATION OF · Rolling / Open Foundation

UJA Designated Grants Overview: UJA makes designated grants available through requests for applications or by invitation to organizations for specific programs, capacity building, or initiatives. Key…

BIRD OF PRAY FOUNDATION · Rolling / Open Foundation

Under The Wing Program Overview: Designed to empower mission-driven organizations by providing essential administrative services, allowing nonprofits to focus on fulfilling their mission. Focus…

COMMUNITY FOUNDATION OF UNION COUNT · Rolling / Open Foundation

Union County Foundation Grant Program Status: ACTIVE Funder: Union County Foundation Last Updated: July 05, 2025 Summary The Union County Foundation Grant Program supports non-profit organizations in…

THE UNITED WAY OF CENTRAL MARYLAND INC · Rolling / Open Foundation

United for Good Nonprofit Resiliency Grant Status: ACTIVE Funder: United Way of Central Maryland Amount: US $2,500 - US $25,000 Last Updated: November 25, 2025 Summary The United for Good Nonprofit…

UNITED WAY OF TOMPKINS COUNTY INC · Rolling / Open Foundation

Overview UWTC’s T. Merrell Shipherd Fund The T. Merrell Shipherd Fund was established to honor T. Merrell Shipherd, former Director of United Way of Tompkins County, who, throughout his life, worked…

VALENTINE PERRY SNYDER FUND XXXXX9001 · Rolling / Open Foundation

Valentine Perry Snyder Fund Grant Status: ACTIVE Funder: Valentine Perry Snyder Fund Last Updated: July 17, 2025 Summary The Valentine Perry Snyder Fund Grant supports organizations in New York City…

Up to $100,000 per project
GREENWAVE ORGANIZATION CORP · Rolling / Open Foundation

Value Chain Development Grant Overview: GreenWave is offering grants to support teams of participants across regional kelp value chains as they tackle bottlenecks, improve infrastructure, and boost…

VAN BEUREN CHARITABLE FOUNDATION INC · Rolling / Open Foundation

Overview _NOTE:_ * _For first time applicants and major construction and landscape grant applications you will need to contact Program Assistant before applying to setup an introductory call._  * …

THE VERMONT COMMUNITY FOUNDATION · Rolling / Open Foundation

VCF: Nonprofit Capacity Building Grant Status: ACTIVE Funder: Vermont Community Foundation Amount: Up to US $5,000 Last Updated: October 06, 2025 Summary The Vermont Community Foundation offers the…

VIRGINIA COMMONWEALTH UNIVERSITY · Rolling / Open Foundation

VCU School of Business Foundation Grants Status: Currently closed Purpose: Invests in VCU Business faculty, staff and student-led initiatives that align with the school's strategic plan and…

$585,000 total (multi-year grants to 13 organizations)
COMMUNITY FOUNDATION OF CENTRAL · Rolling / Open · Annual Foundation

Visionary Grants Funder: Community Foundation of Central Wisconsin Geographic Scope: Portage and Waushara Counties, Wisconsin Program Overview: Multi-year grants for nonprofit organizations looking…

US $10,000 - US $25,000
Vitalyst Health Foundation · Rolling / Open Foundation

Vitalyst Health: Spark Grants Status: ACTIVE Funder: Vitalyst Health Foundation Amount: US $10,000 - US $25,000 Last Updated: August 26, 2025 Summary The Vitalyst Health Foundation offers Spark…

Vitalyst Health Foundation · Rolling / Open Foundation

Vitalyst Health: Systems Change Grants Status: ACTIVE Funder: Vitalyst Health Foundation Amount: Up to US $175,000 Last Updated: September 30, 2025 Summary The Vitalyst Health: Systems Change Grants…

VOLUNTEER WEST VIRGINIA INC · Rolling / Open Foundation

Overview _NOTE: Funding not opening for applications in 2024. _ Who We Are: Volunteer West Virginia, the state’s Commission for National and Community Service, challenges West Virginians to…

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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