Best Capacity Building Grants for Nonprofits

The Equity Action Grants aim to foster social change and support LGBTQ Rhode Islanders by funding projects and capacity-building initiatives. Grants ranging from $2,500 to $10,000 are awarded annually to nonprofit organizations that enhance the quality of life within the community. Eligible applicants include all agencies serving LGBTQ needs, ensuring non-discrimination policies are in place. The Rhode Island Community Foundation, a private funder, administers these grants, with decisions typically made within 8-10 weeks.

Teacher Residency Program Grants

Teacher residency programs are intensive experiences designed to those enrolled in an Educator Preparation Program (EPP). Residents complete a year-long clinical practice placement in a partner school division while completing the undergraduate or graduate-level coursework needed to become licensed teachers. The format for residency programs vary: Some provide short-term training while others pair a program participant with a mentor teacher for a year long co-teaching experience. Because of the need for integration between clinical experiences and coursework, residency programs are conceived of as holistic; required coursework and clinical experiences together comprise the duration of a residency. Programs in Virginia require that participants commit to teaching in a specific division for a certain number of years after completing the residency. Additionally, residency programs may offer tuition remission and/or an additional stipend. 

Provide a detailed description of the teacher residency program. Grant funds will support the preparation, planning, development, and implementation of a site-specific teacher residency model that develops highly effective educators prepared to deliver high-quality, evidence-based instruction from their first day in the classroom. Programs may include resident and mentor stipends or other strategic incentives designed to recruit, prepare, and retain high-quality teacher candidates and mentor teachers, particularly in high-need schools and shortage areas.

Teacher residency models should be intentionally designed to prepare educators to effectively implement High-Quality Instructional Materials (HQIM) through sustained, practice-based clinical experiences paired with aligned coursework and coaching. Residency experiences should provide candidates with opportunities to develop deep content knowledge, instructional decision-making skills, and the ability to use curriculum as the foundation for planning, instruction, assessment, and continuous improvement.

Goals, Objectives, and Outcomes

Describe the goals, objectives, and expected outcomes of the teacher residency program. Proposals should demonstrate how the residency will prepare candidates to:

• Deliver rigorous, standards-aligned instruction using High-Quality Instructional Materials (HQIM). 
• Implement evidence-based instructional practices, including the requirements of the Virginia Literacy Act and evidence-based literacy instruction. 
• Identify, evaluate, and effectively implement High-Quality Instructional Materials with fidelity while using student data to inform instructional decisions. 
• Develop strong content knowledge and instructional expertise through curriculum-based professional learning, coaching, and clinical practice. 
• Analyze student work and assessment data to improve instruction and accelerate student learning. 
• Create inclusive learning environments that effectively serve diverse PreK-12 learners, including students with disabilities, English learners, and students with low literacy levels. 
• Collaborate with mentor teachers, instructional leaders, and professional learning communities to continuously improve instructional practice. 
• Engage in reflective practice through observation, feedback, and coaching to strengthen instructional effectiveness. 

Budget Background Information: 

• Grant funds requested may not exceed $3,600,000. 
• Funding used for travel and travel-related expenses must be at state rates and in accordance with state travel regulations.
• Funding for tuition shall not exceed $12,500 per resident per academic year OR requested funding for tuition shall be discounted 35% per resident per academic year. 
• The budget and budget narrative should detail how the partner school divisions shall provide at least one-third of the dollar cost of each program, as required in the Appropriation Act. The local school division one-third contribution must be a cash match of funding.
• State funding should have a direct, measurable impact on the residents excluding professional membership and food/beverages. 

The Lowrey Community Service Grants, provided by the Community Foundation of Brazoria County, aim to enhance community life by supporting Health and Human Services initiatives. Eligible organizations must possess 501(c)(3) status or be sponsored by such an organization. This grant program promotes collaboration and significant asset growth while addressing crucial community needs in Brazoria County.

The APS/Phoenix Suns STEM Teacher Grants support K-12 teachers in Arizona by funding innovative, hands-on STEM projects in classrooms. With awards of up to $2,500, these grants aim to inspire students' love for science, technology, engineering, and math. Each year, a total of $50,000 is available for projects that promote creative learning experiences, from robotic programming to aquaponic farming. Grants are available for classroom projects occurring between January and May.

The APS Foundation Grants support programs aimed at enhancing academic achievement in STEM fields. Since 1981, the foundation has invested over $44 million into educational projects in Arizona, focusing on developing a workforce skilled in science, technology, engineering, and math. The foundation prioritizes initiatives that improve educational outcomes and access, while occasionally offering support for capital requests from longstanding partners.

About

What We Do

The Achieve Foundation promotes high-quality education that prepares South Orange-Maplewood School District students for the future.

We support our students, families and educators by addressing inequities, inspiring innovation and fostering community.

Riecke Professional Development Fellowship

About the Program

Achieve’s Michelle T. Riecke Fellowship funds summer professional development opportunities for faculty.

Fellowships are awarded to individuals (up to $3,000) and/or teaching teams (up to $5,000).

This year, Achieve awarded $9,111 to support four professional development programs for six teachers.

The Michelle T. Riecke Teaching Fellowship was established with the Achieve Foundation in 2004 in memory of former Board of Ed president Shelley Riecke, who passed away at age 39.

The Fellowship fosters outstanding teaching by enabling educators to undertake continuing education in their fields in the summer, and inspiring them to share the new knowledge they acquire with their District colleagues upon their return to school.

While fellowships are awarded for both subject-specific and broader educational interests, faculty are encouraged to look for programs that nurture their professional passion.

The Twin Cities Fund: Teens and Tech Program Grant, offered by the Best Buy Foundation, supports nonprofit organizations in Minnesota's Twin Cities area. This initiative encourages teens to learn and collaborate with cutting-edge technologies, including robotics, digital photography, and game development. By providing access to these resources, the grant helps young people develop essential skills for their future careers and empowers them to contribute positively to their communities.

The Women & Girls Fund of Waukesha County Grant supports nonprofit programs aimed at improving the quality of life for women and girls in Waukesha County. Grants up to $20,000 are awarded annually for projects focusing on health, education, and empowerment. Eligible organizations include 501(c)(3) nonprofits that significantly benefit local women and girls, with over $1.6 million granted since the fund's inception.

The Teacher Creativity Fellowship Program by Lilly Endowment supports K-12 educators in Indiana by providing grants up to $15,000 for renewal projects. These projects aim to restore educators' enthusiasm and stimulate creativity, enhancing student educational experiences. The program encourages meaningful exploration and reflection rather than typical vacations. Approximately 125 grants will be awarded in 2025, with a focus on activities that are intellectually enriching and personally renewing.

The Historic Preservation Grant Program, part of the Environmental Protection Fund, supports projects enhancing parks and historic sites in New York. This matching grant program aims to acquire, develop, and improve properties listed on state or national registers, ensuring long-term public benefits through preservation covenants and conservation easements. Applicants, including municipalities and nonprofits, are evaluated on criteria such as project significance, public awareness, and the ability to complete the project effectively, fostering stewardship of historic resources.

The New York State Department of Agriculture and Markets is offering funding through the Companion Animal Capital Projects Fund to eligible not-for-profit shelters and humane societies. This grant supports capital projects that enhance the health and care of sheltered dogs and cats, such as construction, renovation, or expansion of facilities. Organizations can apply for funding for specific components of larger projects, ensuring better containment and welfare of animals.

The California Casualty Thomas R. Brown Athletics Grant aims to support public middle and high school sports programs facing funding challenges due to budget cuts. Established by California Casualty, this grant provides financial assistance for purchasing equipment and covering travel costs for competitions. Eligible applicants must be active employees of public schools and members of affiliated education associations. Awards cannot be used for individual student recognition or fundraising projects.

The Arts Alive! Individual Artist Grants, offered by the Weld Community Foundation, support emerging artists in Weld County, enabling them to advance their artistic careers. This initiative encourages projects that enhance cultural experiences and access to the arts in the community. Applicants must be legal residents of Weld County and at least 18 years old, having resided there for a minimum of 12 months. Note that travel expenses are typically not funded.

The Kids Run the Nation Grant Fund, managed by the RRCA, offers financial support to running clubs, schools, and nonprofits that promote inclusive youth running programs. Since 2007, the fund has awarded over $385,000 to 495+ programs, helping more than 198,500 children embrace running. Grants between $500 and $1,000 are available for structured, gender-inclusive programs that meet specific criteria, encouraging healthy lifestyles and regular participation in running activities.

The Bigglesworth Family Foundation's Legal Services Program supports innovative projects aimed at enhancing legal aid effectiveness. Originating post-2008 financial crisis, this initiative helps non-profits combat poverty through legal assistance, targeting both individual organizations and the broader sector. Grants include I&R projects for testing new models and sector support for organizations providing technical assistance. Eligibility is primarily for 501(c)(3) nonprofits and public entities, with specific limitations on budget sizes and project types.

About Disabled Veterans National FoundationThe Disabled Veterans National Foundation (DVNF) was established in 2007 to support veterans facing challenges that traditional systems could not fully address. From its earliest days, DVNF has been focused on closing critical gaps in care and providing resources that help veterans rebuild their lives with dignity and stability. The Disabled Veterans National Foundation (DVNF) provides critically needed support to disabled and at-risk veterans who leave the military wounded—physically or psychologically—after defending our safety and freedom.

About Grants to Provide Stability (GPS) ProgramThe Disabled Veterans National Foundation’s GPS (Grants to Provide Stability) Program is a grant program for veterans who find themselves in temporary financial setback. DVNF will provide up to $1,000 (not guaranteed) to help eligible veterans pay for rent or mortgage and essential utilities such as water or electricity. Applications are open on a monthly basis. Please note that each veteran can only be approved once per fiscal year (October – September).

The Overwatch Alliance Grants support non-profit organizations with annual revenues of $500,000 or less that aid military members, veterans, and their families. Grants of up to $15,000 are available for impactful projects such as emergency financial assistance, transitional housing, and employment support. Eligible organizations must be IRS-designated 501(c)(3) entities. The Alliance encourages applications from those addressing crucial veteran community needs while reinforcing the importance of community backing for capital projects.

The Nonprofit Sabbatical Grant Program, funded by The Colorado Health Foundation, offers up to $100,000 to support nonprofit leaders in Colorado. This initiative allows executives to take a much-needed sabbatical of three to four months, fostering rejuvenation and innovative thinking. The program emphasizes diversity in its grantee selection, aiming to address entrenched inequities while ensuring sustainability in organizational operations during the absence of leaders. By investing in interim leadership and staff development, it enhances the capacity of nonprofits to serve their communities effectively.

Stealth Biotherapeutics offers grants and sponsorships aimed at enhancing healthcare education for providers and patient communities. These funding opportunities focus on innovative programs that address rare genetic disorders, neurodegenerative conditions, and ophthalmic disorders. To apply, requests must be submitted 60 days prior to the funding start date, ensuring alignment with the therapeutic interests of the organization while providing valuable insights for healthcare professionals.

Who We Are

The Unitarian Universalist Funding Program (UUFP) is a denominational grantmaking program of the Unitarian Universalist Association. Inspired by the richness and diversity of our liberal religious tradition, the mission of the UUFP is to promote the influence of Unitarian Universalist principles through grantmaking.

With funds generously provided by the Unitarian Universalist Veatch Program at Shelter Rock, the UUFP awards grants to Unitarian Universalist (UU) and non-UU projects and organizations. Grants are made that:

• Support the work of social justice.
• Strengthen Unitarian Universalist institutions.
• Transform gratitude for being into generosity of living.

Get Out The Vote - 2026

The Fund for UU Social Responsibility has increased funding for grants to UU congregations and organizations working to Get Out The Vote in 2026. Grants of up to $1,000 will be made on a rolling basis until funds are depleted.  

Please note that funds must go to a UU congregation or organization for the work by UUs of the organization. The funds may not be passed through to another organization. Collaboration and partnerships are encouraged.

UU congregations and organizations frequently support the democratic process in an election cycle in a non-partisan* manner by participating in voter registration drives, organizing to stop voter suppression, providing non-partisan educational materials or forums for voters, or by volunteering to help registered voters get to the polls on election day.

The Occupational Safety and Health Training and Education (OSH T&E) Grant, offered by the New York State Department of Labor, provides approximately $5.9 million in funding for safety training programs across New York State. This initiative aims to enhance workplace safety by offering training on toxic substances and the prevention of occupational diseases and injuries. Projects funded under this program will occur between August 1, 2026, and July 31, 2027, promoting safer work environments.

The Northeast Delta Dental Foundation grants aim to enhance oral health care access and education in Maine, New Hampshire, and Vermont. The Foundation supports initiatives that focus on improving awareness of good oral health, preventive care, and accessibility of dental services. Grants typically cover one year and prioritize projects that serve disadvantaged populations. The Foundation encourages applications from 501(c)(3) and 501(c)(4) organizations that align with its oral health mission.

The Donald W. and Glennis A. Kaufman Research Award supports ecological research in the Great Plains and Canada Prairie Provinces, focusing on native mammals, especially rodents and shrews. Offered by the American Society of Mammalogists, this annual $2,500 award is available to graduate students (master's or Ph.D.) from any nationality. Applications are open to those enrolled in relevant programs, promoting vital research in these unique ecosystems.

The Arts Fund for Region One, established in 1992, aims to enrich the artistic development of students in the six towns of Northwest Connecticut. By fostering collaborations between schools, artists, and the community, it provides essential funding for arts programs and experiences. This initiative ensures that students, primarily in grades K-12, have access to vital artistic opportunities, thus bridging gaps in arts education and promoting cultural engagement in the region.

The Community Foundation offers two competitive grant opportunities for Traverse City Area Public Schools (TCAPS) that are available year-round. The TCAPS Academic Excellence Endowment supports K-12 programs that foster innovative, student-focused educational initiatives. The Titan Excellence Fund Endowment benefits students of Traverse City West Senior High, emphasizing student life and academics, with consideration for music and athletics. Applications are reviewed annually in November with awards presented in December.

The Ernest R. Caverly Awards, presented by the Brookline Education Foundation, recognize exceptional educators in the Public Schools of Brookline. Nominees must have at least seven years of service and exemplify core values such as excellence in teaching and educational equity. Each year, two winners are selected from preK-grade 8 and BHS nominees. The winners will be honored at the Celebrating Teachers event, showcasing their contributions to the community and inspiring future educators.

The Traverse City Track Club Endowment Grants support initiatives that promote health, fitness, and community engagement through running and walking. Open to 501(c)3 nonprofits, educational institutions, and governmental entities in the Grand Traverse area, these grants aim to foster fellowship and enhance recreational opportunities for all ages. However, individuals and event sponsorships are ineligible for funding. Projects must align with the mission of encouraging active lifestyles and community service.