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
Up to US $5,000
SOUTHERN VISION ALLIANCE · Rolling / Open Foundation

BISCUITS Grant Status: ACTIVE Funder: Southern Vision Alliance Amount: Up to US $5,000 Last Updated: March 03, 2026 Summary The BISCUITS Grant, offered by Southern Vision Alliance, provides up to…

ROCHESTER AREA COMMUNITY FOUNDATION · Rolling / Open Foundation

Overview The Black Giving Collective (BGC) supports Black-led and Black-owned community initiatives that address disparities facing the Black community in our eight-county region. Our work is guided…

BLACK HAWK COUNTY GAMING ASSOCIATION · Rolling / Open Foundation

Black Hawk County Gaming Association Grants Status: ACTIVE Funder: Black Hawk County Gaming Association Last Updated: January 07, 2026 Summary The Black Hawk County Gaming Association (BHCGA) offers…

THE OREGON COMMUNITY FOUNDATION · Rolling / Open Foundation

Black Student Success Capacity Building Grants Status: ACTIVE Funder: The Oregon Community Foundation Amount: Up to US $50,000 Last Updated: July 25, 2025 Summary The Oregon Community Foundation…

WASHINGTON AREA WOMEN'S FOUNDATION · Rolling / Open · Annual Foundation

Black Women & Gender-Expansive Leadership Project Status: Active, ongoing initiative Geographic Scope: Washington, D.C. region and broader Focus Areas: - Leadership development for Black women and…

US $5,000 - US $10,000
THE RHODE ISLAND COMMUNITY FOUNDATION · Rolling / Open Foundation

Bliss, Gross, Horowitz Fund Grants Status: ACTIVE Funder: The Rhode Island Community Foundation Amount: US $5,000 - US $10,000 Last Updated: January 29, 2025 Summary The Bliss, Gross, Horowitz Fund…

US $150,000 - US $500,000
Marion and Henry Bloch Family Foundation · Rolling / Open Foundation

Bloch Family Foundation Grant Status: ACTIVE Funder: Marion And Henry Bloch Family Foundation Amount: US $150,000 - US $500,000 Last Updated: November 23, 2025 Summary The Marion and Henry Bloch…

Bloomberg Philanthropies · Rolling / Open State

Bloomberg Philanthropies will invest more than $200 million over the next three years in the American Cities Initiative through grants in cities, the delivery of technical expertise, and…

BLOOMFIELD FAMILY FOUNDATION · Rolling / Open Foundation

Bloomfield Family Foundation Grant Status: ACTIVE Funder: Bloomfield Family Foundation Amount: Up to US $15,000 Last Updated: July 09, 2025 Summary The Bloomfield Family Foundation Grant supports…

WASHINGTON COUNTY COMMUNITY FOUNDATION · Rolling / Open Foundation

Board Development Grants Status: ACTIVE Funder: Washington County Community Foundation Amount: US $500 Last Updated: January 07, 2026 Summary The Board Development Grants, offered by the Washington…

COMMUNITY FOUNDATION FOR MONTEREY COUNTY · Rolling / Open Foundation

Board Empowerment Grant Program Status: ACTIVE Funder: Community Foundation for Monterey County Amount: US $5,000 Last Updated: December 19, 2025 Summary The Board Empowerment Grant Program, piloted…

Building Owners and Managers Association · Rolling / Open · Annual Foundation

BOMA Greater Phoenix Scholarship Program Overview: The BOMA Greater Phoenix Scholarship Program provides financial education assistance to eligible applicants towards further education and…

BOOTH FERRIS FOUNDATION XXXXX4008 · Rolling / Open Foundation

Booth Ferris Foundation: Arts & Culture Grant Status: ACTIVE Funder: Booth Ferris Foundation Amount: US $50,000 - US $200,000 Last Updated: June 12, 2025 Summary The Booth Ferris Foundation offers…

BOOTH FERRIS FOUNDATION XXXXX4008 · Rolling / Open Foundation

Booth Ferris Foundation: Education- K-12 Education Grant Status: ACTIVE Funder: Booth Ferris Foundation Amount: US $50,000 - US $200,000 Last Updated: December 15, 2025 Summary The Booth Ferris…

BOOTH FERRIS FOUNDATION XXXXX4008 · Rolling / Open Foundation

Booth Ferris Foundation: Higher Education Grant Program Status: ACTIVE Funder: Booth Ferris Foundation Amount: US $50,000 - US $200,000 Last Updated: December 19, 2025 Summary The Booth Ferris…

Up to $25,000
THE GREATER CINCINNATI FOUNDATION · Rolling / Open Foundation

Boots on the Ground Geographic Scope: Greater Cincinnati region Focus Area: Capacity Building Funding Purpose: This funding strengthens the capacity of small, community rooted organizations with…

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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