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
FOOD BANK ASSOCIATION OF · Rolling / Open · One-time Foundation

Boundless Collaboration, Phase 2 Status: Currently active Amount: $800,000 Duration: 18-month grant Funder: Feeding America Purpose: Continue New York's dairy leadership through capacity-building and…

US $50,000 - US $100,000
SAMUELI FOUNDATION · Rolling / Open Foundation

Breakaway Fund Grant Status: ACTIVE Funder: Samueli Foundation Amount: US $50,000 - US $100,000 Last Updated: March 05, 2026 Summary The Breakaway Fund, initiated by the Samueli Foundation, aims to…

Up to $7,500
THE BRONX COUNCIL ON THE ARTS · Rolling / Open · Annual Foundation

Bronx Dance Fund Status: Applications are now closed. Overview: The Bronx Dance Fund seeks to nurture the development of artists and organizations that comprise the field of dance in the Bronx.…

The Brown Foundation Inc · Rolling / Open Foundation

Brown Foundation Grant Status: ACTIVE Funder: Brown Foundation Inc Last Updated: December 15, 2025 Summary The Brown Foundation Grant aims to empower organizations that strengthen the Houston…

RADIAN PLACEMATTERS INC · Rolling / Open · Annual Foundation

BUILD Scholarship Program Organization: RADIAN PlaceMatters Inc Status: In Progress (as of 2022) Geographic Scope: Denver, Colorado Overview: In response to the 2020 Nonprofit Anti-Displacement…

UNITED WAY QUAD CITIES · Rolling / Open Foundation

Building Bridges Funder: United Way Quad Cities - African American Leadership Society (AALS) Geographic Scope: Quad Cities (Scott and Rock Island counties) Type: Competitive capacity-building program…

RX FOUNDATION · Rolling / Open Foundation

Overview _NOTE:_  * _Letter of Inquiry - For this step one can either -_ * _Schedule a 30-minute Zoom LOI interview with Rx staff between March 3rd and March 31st, 2025. The scribed notes…

Catholic Extension · Rolling / Open Foundation

Building Capacity Grants Status: ACTIVE Funder: Catholic Extension Last Updated: March 25, 2026 Summary The Building Capacity Grants by Catholic Extension aim to enhance the financial and operational…

MOSES CONE - WESLEY LONG COMMUNITY · Rolling / Open Foundation

Building Capacity Together Grant Status: Active grant program Geographic Scope: Greensboro, North Carolina Overview: The Cone Health Foundation offers the Building Capacity Together grant program. As…

EMPIRE HEALTH FOUNDATION · Rolling / Open Foundation

Overview _NOTE: The application period will be have two-phases: an eligibility phase and a grant application phase for eligible organizations. Applicants who have recently completed an EHF technical…

PROGRAM TO AID CITIZEN ENTERPRISE INC · Rolling / Open Foundation

Building Productive Partnerships Program Overview: Collaboration between Program to Aid Citizen Enterprise (PACE) and the Bayer Center for Non-Profit Management at Robert Morris University to provide…

Up to $25,000
Evanston Community Foundation · Rolling / Open Foundation

Building the Future Type: Cohort Grant / Major Gift Matching Challenge Geographic Scope: Evanston, Illinois Amount: Major gift matching challenge (up to $25,000) Purpose: Provide coaching and…

THE BUSH FOUNDATION · Rolling / Open Foundation

Overview About the Bush Prize The Bush Prize celebrates organizations that are highly valued within their communities and have a track record of successful community problem solving. Each partner…

THE BUSH FOUNDATION · Rolling / Open Foundation

Bush Prize: Native Nations Grant Status: ACTIVE Funder: Bush Foundation Amount: Up to US $250,000 Last Updated: March 24, 2026 Summary The Bush Prize: Native Nations honors Native-led organizations…

THE BUSH FOUNDATION · Rolling / Open Foundation

Bush Prize: South Dakota Grant Status: ACTIVE Funder: Bush Foundation Amount: Up to US $500,000 Last Updated: April 04, 2026 Summary The Bush Prize: South Dakota recognizes organizations that excel…

BRIDGEWAY CAPITAL INC · Rolling / Open · Annual Foundation

Business Growth Accelerator Status: Active, accepting applications for 2025 cohort Overview: A comprehensive support program for entrepreneurs offering expert-driven education, coaching, and…

NEBRASKA EARLY CHILDHOOD · Rolling / Open · Rolling (Quarterly) Foundation

Business Pathways to Quality Funder: Nebraska Early Childhood Collaborative (NECC) Geographic Scope: Nebraska Focus Areas: - Business training for child care programs - Leadership skills development…

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.

Ready to apply for these grants?

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