Dunham Foundation Capacity Building Grant

Note: We will consider multiple nonprofits submitting for ONE Capacity Building grant when collaborating or evaluating a strategic partnership.
What We Fund
The Dunham Foundation invests in the following three areas:

• EducationEconomic GrowthCommunity
• Dunham Foundation Capacity Building Grant

The Dunham Foundation offers Capacity Building Grants to help local nonprofits strengthen their resource development and build effective fundraising strategies that advance their mission. These grants support the hiring of grant writing consultants on a contractual basis or investing in organizational tools that help improve partnership development and cultivate more effective donor relationships. By investing in your organization’s infrastructure, we help you create sustainable funding streams that support your long-term impact in the community.
This fund provides support through two categories: The Grant Writer Resource Fund and the Community Relations Fund. One application serves both funding opportunities.
Grant Writer Resource Fund
We recognize that many nonprofits have staff who juggle multiple responsibilities, including grant writing. This task may not be their area of expertise; however, it is necessary for the organization to remain financially healthy. The Dunham Foundation has created an opportunity for nonprofits that do not have a grant writer on staff to apply for funds – up to $5,000 – that support a contractual grant writer.
Community Relations Fund
The Dunham Foundation also established the Community Relations Fund to strengthen the relationship-building and outreach efforts essential for long-term sustainability. This fund will equip nonprofit leaders with resources to deepen community engagement, improve partnership development, and cultivate donor relationships.
Examples of relationship-building tools could include projects such as:
Website upgrades/updatesGraphic and video assets for marketing and fundraising purposesDonor Constituent Relationship Management (CRM) systemGift management software

Eligibility

Be tax-exempt under Section 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Service Code or have a fiscal sponsor that has a 501(c)(3) status.Engage in work that aligns with the Dunham Foundation’s mission and priority areas.Provide services in the Dunham Foundation Service Area. Budget must be $2M or less.

Nonprofit organizations located in the Dunham Foundation service area (greater Aurora, Illinois) with an annual budget of $2 million or less and no dedicated grantwriter on staff. Multiple nonprofits may collaborate on one application. Applications accepted January 1 through October 1.