CFSC: Capacity Building Grants

The CFSC Capacity Building Grants aim to empower local nonprofits by enhancing their internal capabilities and sustainability in preparation for the upcoming Giving Challenge. Open to eligible organizations participating in the challenge, these grants provide essential training and resources to strengthen fundraising efforts and foster long-term growth. The application period runs for 30 days, with information sessions available to guide applicants. This funding opportunity is crucial for nonprofits seeking to maximize their impact and engagement.

NOTE:
Applicants are strongly encouraged to attend the information session and apply during the open window that best aligns with their programming and organizational needs.
Capacity Building grants are designed to strengthen and support local nonprofits as they navigate an evolving landscape and prepare for success in the upcoming Giving Challenge (April 15-16, 2026).
These grants are intended to help organizations build internal capacity, resilience, and long-term sustainability, with a specific focus on aligning efforts for a successful Giving Challenge campaign.
Eligible applicants must be participating in the Giving Challenge and are required to attend at least one of the training sessions offered. These sessions are designed to equip nonprofits with the tools, strategies, and insights necessary to maximize fundraising, deepen donor engagement, and sustain momentum beyond the campaign.
Funding Priorities
Funding may be used to support a wide range of organizational priorities, including:
Leadership Development: Executive coaching, staff training, and leadership developmentStrategic Planning: Board development, organizational strategy, facilitation, and consulting Evaluation & Learning: Building data systems, developing evaluation frameworks, and supporting a culture of continuous improvementFundraising Capacity: Training and consultant support to strengthen fundraising strategies and campaign executionFinancial Health & Sustainability: Access to financial consultants and professional assistance to improve financial management and long-term planning
If you have an emergency need outside of our regular grant calendar, please reach out to the Community Impact team.

Eligibility

In order to receive a grant through this program, organizations must also have:An IRS Letter of Determination that shows the organization is a 501(c)3 public charity At least one current program with local impact in one of the following counties:Sarasota, Manatee, Charlotte, or DeSotoAn approved/current profile in The Giving Partner, a powerful, searchable online database with over 700 profiles of charitable organizations serving Sarasota, Manatee, Charlotte, and DeSoto counties.Eligible applicants must be participating in the Giving Challenge and are required to attend at least one of the training sessions offered.

Ineligibility

Organizations that have already received capacity building funding as part of a 2025–2026 Community Impact Grant award are not eligible to apply for this Capacity Building Grant cycle.