FCCF Capacity Building Grants

The FCCF Capacity Building Grants offer up to $10,000 for 501(c)(3) nonprofit organizations in Fairfield County to enhance their effectiveness. The application process is streamlined, with no deadlines, and focuses on leadership development, strategic planning, and technology improvements. Organizations can reapply 90 days after a denial. This grant supports various initiatives, including staff training and operational efficiency, to help nonprofits thrive and sustain their missions.

NOTE:
Our Capacity Building grants application process is less complex and more streamlined than the application process for our competitive grants. Unlike our competitive grant making process, there is no Letter of Inquiry (LOI) for Capacity Building Support. After successful completion of the eligibility questionnaire, organizations seeking a Capacity Building grant should complete and submit the streamlined online application. Applications will be accepted and reviewed on a rolling basis. There are no submission deadlines for a Capacity Building grant.After reviewing the application, FCCF Staff will determine if the request is aligned with the organization’s focus. The entire process typically takes three months. To expedite the review process, site visits are not conducted. Instead, we will schedule a comprehensive phone conference with applicants. Organizations that have been declined may re-apply 90 days post denial.If applying for funding between the months of January-April, please be advised that the review process may take up to four months, so please plan accordingly.
Fairfield County’s Community Foundation offers capacity-building grants of up to $10,000 for mission-aligned organizations investing in their strength and sustainability. These grants are intended to support organizational effectiveness, such as leadership development, strategic planning, technology improvements, and impact measurement.
Capacity Building Grants accommodate the following requests:
Staff Development and Training - Leadership development, professional training, coaching, or workshops for staff, volunteers, or board members.Strategic Planning - Hiring consultants to develop a strategic plan, succession planning, or business model analysis.Self-care – Supports for leadership and staff to protect against compassion fatigue/burnout.Technology and Infrastructure - Upgrading software, databases, cybersecurity or purchasing essential equipment. Does not include the purchase of physical property.Fundraising and Revenue Development - Developing a fundraising strategy, donor management systems, or grant writing support. Does not include funding toward one-time fundraising events or contributions toward capital campaign.Marketing and Communications - Branding, website redesign, social media strategy, or storytelling capacity.Evaluation and Impact Measurement - Implementing systems to track program outcomes and impact assessment.Collaboration and Partnership - Convening stakeholders, cross-sector partnerships, or shared service models.Cultural Competence Training -Activities that increase the cultural competence of leadership and staff – including but not limited to multi-lingual support.Board Development and Governance - Strengthening governance, board recruitment, or board training.Operational Efficiency - Process improvement, financial management tools, or legal compliance support.

Eligibility

Applicants must be 501(c)(3) Public Charity nonprofit organizations. The Foundation will consider supporting projects led by organizations or residents without 501(c)(3) status, if they partner with a nonprofit fiscal sponsor. Applicants must be serving the Fairfield County community.Applicants must align with our strategic result areasHave not received a capacity building grant award within the current fiscal yearHave not been declined for a capacity building award within the last 90 daysAdditionally, if an organization has received a grant from the Community Foundation, the work that was supported by those funds must be completed, and a final report must be submitted to us before we may consider a new grant application.

Ineligibility

Private non-operating foundations are not eligible for funding.a capital campaign or project.deficit financing.fundraising event.annual appeal.open space purchase.DIRECT funding of for-profit, parochial, charter, or individual public schools.nonprofit endowment; orsupport for an individual (including legal representation)support the efforts of religious proselytizing as a part of programming and/or client engagement (mandatory or optional)support PARTISAN politics as a part of programming and/or client engagement (mandatory or optional)  The Community Foundation does not award grants for any of the following purposes:Persuading people to join/support a specific religion, political party, or candidateCapital campaigns or projects (e.g., major building repairs)Covering budget deficitsAnnual fundraising appealsHosting a fundraising eventPurchasing land as open spaceFor-profit, parochial, charter, private, or individual public schoolsNonprofit endowmentsHelping one specific person