Best Capacity Building Grants for Nonprofits

The Individual Artist Fellowship Grants, offered by the Oregon Arts Commission, support professional artists in advancing their careers. This fellowship is available in various artistic disciplines, including Performing and Visual Arts, with applications open to individuals aged 18 and older who have been residents of Oregon for at least one year. Artists from underserved communities are particularly encouraged to apply, promoting diversity and inclusion within the arts.

The Aging Services Leadership Fellowship, offered by the United Negro College Fund, is a one-year non-clinical program for recent master's graduates or mid-career professionals with at least five years of experience. The program emphasizes cohort learning, community building, and skill development in aging services. Participants engage in specialized training, networking events, and mentorship opportunities designed to foster leadership and cultural humility, ultimately preparing them to lead in the aging services sector.

Generally the Community Foundation's scholarships are awarded to applicants who have high financial need. Applicants with household income exceeding $100,000 are less likely to be awarded, but applying will allow you to be considered for targeted scholarships.

Reach for Your Goal Scholarship

Open to students who are Kent County residents attending college in the state of Michigan and with a minimum 3.0 GPA.

Community Foundation Serving Western Virginia

Community Foundation Serving Western Virginia, the region’s community foundation, administers a variety of scholarships to reward and assist capable and deserving students based on the criteria established by the fund donors.

H.B. and Ellen B. Wharton Scholarship Fund

Fund provides higher education assistance to worthy, qualified and necessitous students.

Community Foundation Serving Western Virginia

Community Foundation Serving Western Virginia, the region’s community foundation, administers a variety of scholarships to reward and assist capable and deserving students based on the criteria established by the fund donors.

Franklin County Ed-U-K8or Scholarship Fund

Fund provides educational scholarship assistance to needy, deserving individuals.

Community Foundation Serving Western Virginia

Community Foundation Serving Western Virginia, the region’s community foundation, administers a variety of scholarships to reward and assist capable and deserving students based on the criteria established by the fund donors.

Joseph Waskey Gilbert Memorial Fund

Fund will provide higher education financial assistance to deserving students who demonstrate an enthusiasm for life and broad participation in a variety of activities in church, school, and community.

The Hearld Ambler Fund for Senior Centers Grant

The Hearld Ambler Fund for Senior Centers serves senior centers in the SeniorAge Area Agency on Aging service area, which includes the following counties in Missouri: Barry, Christian, Dade, Dallas, Douglas, Greene, Howell, Lawrence, Oregon, Ozark, Polk, Shannon, Stone, Taney, Texas, Webster, and Wright. Recipients must return a grant follow-up report within six months, and at that point, any unused funds must be returned. 

This fund will grant up to $13,200 in the summer of 2026.

In awarding grants, the CFO will not discriminate on the basis of race, color, sex, religion, national origin, age, ability, sexual orientation, gender identity or veteran status. Grantees must not, in the use of CFO grant funds, discriminate on the basis of race, color, sex, religion, national origin, age, ability, sexual orientation, gender identity or veteran status either in its employment practices or in its policies and procedures concerning access to services.

The International Research Scientist Development Award (IRSDA) supports U.S. postdoctoral researchers and junior faculty to engage in mentored research and career development in low- and middle-income countries (LMICs). This initiative promotes collaboration with local researchers, enhancing understanding of the research environment and strengthening international networks. Recipients are expected to spend significant time at LMIC sites, ultimately aiming to develop competitive NIH research proposals and become leaders in global health.

This initiative aims to enhance clinical and public health outcomes through innovative digital health interventions. It supports research on the development and effectiveness of tools designed for underserved settings, leveraging new technologies and analytics. By fostering collaborations between U.S. and low- and middle-income country researchers, the program emphasizes reciprocal innovation to tackle common health challenges, ultimately maximizing benefits for diverse populations.

The World Trade Center Health Program K01 Award supports early-career researchers dedicated to enhancing the health of those impacted by the September 11 attacks. This award grants up to three years of mentored research and career development, focusing on the physical and mental health effects of 9/11 exposures. It encourages studies that translate scientific findings into improved clinical care and public health practices, ultimately addressing emerging health concerns and improving long-term outcomes for affected populations.

The Preschool Development Grant Birth Through Five (PDG B-5) SMART Grant aims to enhance early care and education systems in the U.S. by supporting targeted investments in technology and data analytics. This initiative, led by the Administration for Children and Families, encourages states to improve program quality, family choice, and data-driven decision-making for children from birth to five years old. The funding is designed to create measurable outcomes and strengthen coordination within the mixed-delivery system.

Wounded War Veterans Grant Program

The Wounded War Veterans Grant Program seeks to provide funding for programs that serve the needs of our wounded war veterans. This grant supports a nonprofit agency located in Southwest Missouri that provides programming to support wounded war veterans. Equipment, programming, or training to assist in supporting these individuals are eligible for application.

This grant will provide $2,200 to one agency in the summer of 2026.

In awarding grants, the CFO will not discriminate on the basis of race, color, sex, religion, national origin, age, ability, sexual orientation, gender identity or veteran status. Grantees must not, in the use of CFO grant funds, discriminate on the basis of race, color, sex, religion, national origin, age, ability, sexual orientation, gender identity or veteran status either in its employment practices or in its policies and procedures concerning access to services.

The Kurt and Ellen Wohl Scholarship aims to meet the community's diverse needs through creative funding solutions. This scholarship supports individuals aged 25 and older who are returning to college or starting their education, requiring at least 6 credit hours per semester. Eligible institutions must be within 55 miles of Elmira, encompassing schools like Elmira College and Binghamton University. The foundation highlights its commitment to education, arts, and wellness, providing crucial support for community development.

The John J. & Margaret O’Brien Dunphy Scholarship aims to address contemporary community needs through innovative funding solutions. This unique scholarship focuses on supporting education, arts, infrastructure, and wellness, while also promoting awareness of environmental issues. It encourages international studies and travel, fostering engagement with diverse cultures. The Community Foundation of Elmira-Corning and the Finger Lakes, Inc. administers this scholarship, emphasizing holistic community development for a better future.

The Stanzel Family Foundation provides grants focused on enhancing education and health in the Schulenburg and Weimar communities. Established in 1989, it supports local non-profit organizations that align with its mission. Grants are available for various purposes, including operating, programming, and capital needs. However, individuals and political campaigns are excluded from funding. The foundation aims to empower engaged citizen philanthropists and promote the well-being of local residents.

The Kleberg Foundation supports arts and humanities initiatives, prioritizing established organizations with a history of partnership. Grants focus on high-caliber visual arts exhibitions in Kleberg and nearby counties, emphasizing educational outreach and public engagement. While capital projects are rarely funded, pre-approval discussions with Foundation staff are encouraged. Eligible applicants include tax-exempt 501(c)(3) organizations and public universities, with an annual application limit for arts organizations.

The W. M. Keck Foundation's Research Grant Program funds innovative medical research and engineering projects that challenge existing paradigms and explore new territories. Eligible applicants include research universities and independent institutes. Grants support groundbreaking technologies and methodologies, with emphasis on high-risk projects that could lead to transformative impacts. However, funding excludes general operating expenses and grants to individuals. The Foundation awards grants biannually, with an emphasis on interdisciplinary approaches.

The Lurleen V. Holland Church Improvement Grant, provided by the Community Foundation of West Georgia, supports capital improvements for predominately African American churches in Carroll County, Georgia. This grant prioritizes brick-and-mortar projects that enhance church facilities, enabling them to better serve their communities. Eligible churches must have been established for at least 10 years and provide a 25% cash match for project costs. Limitations exist on funding for furnishings and grants per church over a five-year period.

The King-Rockwell Scholarship Renewal aims to address the diverse needs of the community through innovative funding solutions. This private foundation is dedicated to holistic support in education, arts, infrastructure, and wellness. Eligible applicants are those who have previously received the King-Rockwell Scholarship, ensuring continuity in nurturing talent and community engagement. This initiative not only provides financial assistance but also fosters awareness and collaboration for a sustainable future.

Scholarships

Since awarding our first $500 scholarship in 1987, the Saginaw Community Foundation has awarded college scholarships to area students totaling more than $13.7 million, thanks to our generous donors. Each year, over 500 college-bound or career and technical education students benefit from our scholarship awards.

Our single application process makes it easy to potentially qualify for one or more of our 260+ scholarships.

Jennifer L. Jackson Memorial Scholarship

Jennifer L. (Hanson) Jackson was a wonderful young woman on a mission to absorb as much knowledge as humanly possible. Graduating second in her class at Arthur Hill High School in 1995, she excelled in academics while also cultivating a deep interest in history and the arts. She was truly a “Star Wars” fan and trivia expert.

Even though Jennifer’s life ended much too early, her spirit lives on with her family. They choose to honor her memory through this scholarship. The successful candidates will be expected to possess high academic promise, good moral character and personal integrity.

Scholarships

Since awarding our first $500 scholarship in 1987, the Saginaw Community Foundation has awarded college scholarships to area students totaling more than $13.7 million, thanks to our generous donors. Each year, over 500 college-bound or career and technical education students benefit from our scholarship awards.

Our single application process makes it easy to potentially qualify for one or more of our 260+ scholarships.

James R. and Anita Horne Jenkins Scholarship

For Anita and Jim Jenkins, giving back has become a way of life. “Both of us have received help from many others throughout our life’s journey,” the couple says. “We believe in giving back and paying it forward.” Among those who helped along the way was a University of Michigan Law School administrator who guided Anita and Jim through the financial aid process and approved an emergency grant when Jim first began working as a judicial clerk for an Illinois State Appellate Court judge and Anita was in her final year at University of Michigan Law School. They also give because they both grew up in households where their parents modeled outreach, care, and assistance to others. “We are thankful for our blessings and for all that others have done for us, and we take seriously our stewardship responsibility to support and give to others in every way that we can,” said Anita and Jim.

Shumaker, Nathan Memorial Scholarship Fund

For a student from Noble County in the second or subsequent year of college (post high-school) education who received some or all of K-12 schooling through home school or a Christian School.

Purpose of Scholarship

To assist accomplished graduates of the Rochester City School District who are motivated to attend college and need financial support to obtain either an Associates or Bachelors degrees from SUNY schools with the goal of employment and economic self sufficiency.

Allowed Use of Award - Awards may be used for tuition, fees, books, and other expenses associated with higher education.

Purpose of Scholarship

To provide financial assistance for the expenses associated with higher education for a student who possesses a spirit and aptitude for understanding and appreciating the free enterprise system that allows private philanthropy to exist.

Allowed Use of Award - Awards may be used for tuition, fees, books, and other expenses associated with higher education.

Purpose of Scholarship

For academically talented and community-minded high school graduates continuing their education.

Allowed Use of Award - Awards may be used for tuition, fees, books, and other expenses associated with higher education.

Purpose of Scholarship

For a graduating Rochester City School District senior who plans to study science, technology, engineering, or math at Monroe Community College.

Allowed Use of Award - Awards may be used for tuition, fees, books, and other expenses associated with higher education.

Purpose of Scholarship

To provide financial assistance to a current, full-time, sophomore or junior female student at St. John Fisher University continuing her education.

Allowed Use of Award - Awards may be used for educational expenses at St. John Fisher University.

The selection process is coordinated through St. John Fisher University. A committee at the college reviews applications, selects the recipient(s), and informs the Community Foundation.