Best Capacity Building Grants for Nonprofits

The Tides Stronger Together Fund, under the Tides Foundation, provides essential support grants to fiscally sponsored partners focused on historically underserved communities. By building organizational capacity and leadership, the fund empowers community changemakers to address inequities and enhance sustainability. With a pooled funding model, it directly responds to the needs of over 120 partners, ensuring resources are effectively allocated where they are most impactful, ultimately fostering long-term community resilience.

The Warren Sixth Ward Neighborhood Impact Fund Grant aims to support nonprofits and fiscally-sponsored organizations that address community needs in Warren's Sixth Ward. Funded through the American Rescue Plan, this grant prioritizes programs and projects over capital requests. Eligible applicants are encouraged to apply promptly as funding is limited, ensuring an equitable distribution process through the Community Foundation of Mahoning Valley.

Community Event Sponsorships

Each year, we devote a small portion of our operating budget to support area nonprofit organizations’ events. We know these events are vital to your organization’s fiscal health, that they help you more deeply connect with community partners, and that they offer opportunities to celebrate and elevate your organization’s impact, milestones, and mission. Event sponsorships also offer our staff and volunteers the opportunity to engage and partner with your team, and to learn more about your organization.

How can my organization apply for an Event Sponsorship?

We review and decline / award sponsorship requests on a first come, first serve basis beginning each fiscal year start of April 1, so the earlier you apply, the better! Our easy-to-use form captures all of information needed for us to make a funding decision. Once a request has been submitted, you’ll receive a confirmation email, and we will notify you of our funding decision within 5-7 business days after submission.

Strategic priority areas:

Diversity, equity, and inclusion—events that celebrate, uplift, or advance equitable opportunities and representation for all communities.

Post-secondary education and economic mobility—events that promote access to, success in, or awareness of higher education and training pathways.

A strong start for all children—events that support early childhood development, education, and the well-being of young children.

Arts and creativity—events that foster creativity, support artists, and contribute to a vibrant local arts culture.

How much money can my organization receive?

You can apply for any amount, but our awards are typically between $500 and $1,500.

How do you decide which requests to fund?

We strive to fund Community Event Sponsorships in a fair and equitable way. We carefully consider each request to ensure that we are funding a wide variety of events who represent some or all of the following criteria:

• Donor audiences
• A variety of nonprofit sectors
• Our broad geographic region
• Underserved / underrepresented groups and populations

The Community IDEAS Grant Program, managed by the Saint Paul & Minnesota Foundation, aims to foster community-led change in Minnesota. With a total of nine grants of $125,000 each available in 2026, this program targets diverse communities, including Greater Minnesota, the Twin Cities Metro Area, and Native-led organizations. Eligible organizations must be nonprofit entities based in Minnesota, committed to using funds for charitable purposes that benefit their communities.

The Hebron Community Foundation Fund, supported by the Nebraska Community Foundation, is committed to enhancing the well-being of the Hebron community. This fund actively promotes charitable giving through a dedicated Advisory Committee, which awards grants to local organizations addressing pressing community needs and future opportunities. By fostering collaboration and innovation, the fund aims to ensure lasting positive impacts in the region.

The Atkinson Community Foundation Fund is committed to enhancing the quality of life in Atkinson through grants that support local organizations and initiatives. By fostering financial generosity and leadership, the fund seeks to address community needs, promote partnerships, and ensure sustainable growth for future generations. This initiative serves as a vital resource, encouraging local engagement and philanthropy to create a vibrant and thriving community.

The Harrison County Community Foundation (HCCF) offers grants year-round to nonprofit agencies serving Harrison County, Indiana. Eligible applicants must have a minimum of two years of operation and be in good standing with the IRS. HCCF aims to inspire philanthropy, fostering sustainable growth and enhancing community quality of life. This initiative supports various organizations, including schools and religious entities, to help them achieve their missions while promoting generosity and collaboration.

Kingfisher Community Fund Grant

KCF seeks to fund projects and organizations that enhance the quality of life in Kingfisher. KCF is managed by the Communities Foundation of Oklahoma and is governed by a board of directors representing the Kingfisher area.

All gifts made are tax-deductible. Originally established in 1993 as the Kingfisher Community Trust, KCF serves as a channel for the distribution of funds from donors to Kingfisher organizations that provide vital services to the community. Originated by donors who want to improve life in Kingfisher, KCF reviews requests annually and awards grants to fulfill unmet local needs.

The Boettcher Fund Capital Grants support transformative capital projects for nonprofits in Weld County, Colorado. These grants aim to enhance community services and address essential needs. Eligible organizations must be financially healthy and capable of maintaining the project post-completion. The grant process requires building permits for construction or renovation, and funding is limited to one year. This initiative fosters impactful change by empowering local nonprofits to improve their facilities and services.

Operating GIA Grant

The Legislature makes appropriations for GIAs in accordance with Chapter 42F of the Hawaii Revised Statutes (HRS). There are two types of grants: Operating and Capital Improvement Project (CIP) grants. Generally, Operating grants are for an organization’s program expenses and CIP grants are for construction projects.

The Legislature decides who is awarded a grant, the type of grant, the award amount, what the funds can be used for, and which state department will administer said award. OCS does not participate in the application process and is unable to assist with any applications.

The Grid Hardening for Small and Rural Communities Grant Program aims to enhance the resilience of rural electric cooperatives and municipal utilities in Colorado by funding essential power grid improvements. With a total budget of $4,095,997 for 2024, the program prioritizes projects that address climate risks and social vulnerabilities. Eligible applicants must match one-third of the grant amount, and projects should be designed to serve communities with populations under 50,000. This initiative strengthens the electrical grid against wildfires and extreme weather.

Benjamin N Phillips Memorial Fund

The Benjamin N. Phillips Memorial Fund awards grants annually to a broad range of charitable organizations serving Clallam County. The fund is a legacy gift of Benjamin Phillips and was established following the death of Phillips’ second wife. 

The Muskingum County Community Foundation is inviting applications for its Annual Fall Grant Competition aimed at nonprofits and community projects in Muskingum County. With a total grant pool of $50,000, five grants of up to $10,000 each will be awarded for capital improvement projects, such as roof repairs and accessibility upgrades. This initiative seeks to enhance the quality of life in the community, encouraging organizations with innovative visions to apply.

The Blanche & Julian Robertson Family Foundation Grant, established in 1997, aims to enhance the quality of life in Salisbury and Rowan County. Funded by Julian H. Robertson, Jr. and family, it supports tax-exempt organizations and government agencies dedicated to community improvement. Grants prioritize projects that foster constructive change, excellence, and public service, ensuring that the benefits reach the local population effectively, thereby enriching the community's future.

The Carlilian Foundation is a private foundation established by the late businessman, community leader and philanthropist Charles W. Carl, Jr., whose estate continues to fund the Foundation, with the intent of providing capital improvement grants to organizations that benefit the people of Schenectady County, New York. 

In addition to its grant programs, the Carlilian Foundation is also a major supporter of the Schenectady Rose Garden Restoration Committee which is responsible for improvements to and maintenance of the Rose Garden in Schenectady’s historic Central Park.

Carlilian Foundation Community Grants

The Foundation has an open Community Grants program for any non-profit that serves Schenectady County, NY. Funding is restricted for capital improvements or hard assets needed by organizations that enhance their ability to serve the community.

The Bill and Sarah Ransom Community Service Award, established by the Waverly Rotary Foundation in partnership with the Community Foundation for the Twin Tiers, honors individuals committed to community service in the Valley Area. This award, named after Bill and Sarah Ransom, recognizes their significant contributions to local organizations. Annually, nominees are evaluated through a formal process, and the recipient chooses a local charity to receive the award funds, ensuring the legacy of civic engagement continues.

The Neighborhood Grants Program, managed by the Community Foundation for Monterey County, provides funding from $3,000 to $5,000 to community-led initiatives that enhance local quality of life. Open year-round, this program prioritizes applications from underserved areas and encourages projects that demonstrate community involvement, leadership, and measurable impact. Since its inception in 1997, over $1 million has been awarded to support grassroots efforts across Monterey County.

The Southern Monterey County Foundation Grants, established in 2014, aim to inspire philanthropy and strengthen communities in Southern Monterey County. Grants support nonprofit organizations addressing community needs, particularly in King City and surrounding areas. Priority is given to projects with measurable impacts and community program expansions. Funding may cover facility costs, matching grants, and personnel expenses. Locally based organizations with demonstrated community support are preferred, ensuring small grants can create significant local change.

The Northern Monterey County Foundation Grant, established in 2016, aims to support nonprofit organizations addressing community needs in Northern Monterey County. Grants are available for program, operating, and capital support, with a focus on projects that demonstrate sustainability and impact. Eligible applicants include 501(c)3 nonprofits and public programs. The grant prioritizes initiatives benefiting local communities like Castroville and Pajaro, while excluding funding for political, religious, or individual efforts.

The Human Networks and Data Science (HNDS) program, supported by the National Science Foundation (NSF), focuses on enhancing our understanding of human behavior through data and network science. It features two tracks: HNDS-I, aimed at developing data resources for social sciences, and HNDS-R, which leverages large datasets to advance theoretical frameworks in core social, behavioral, and economic disciplines. Proposals are encouraged to provide innovative insights that can lead to significant societal benefits.

The Wyoming County Community Grant Program, managed by the Beckley Area Foundation, aims to support projects that address community needs in Wyoming County. Grants up to $3,000 are available, prioritizing innovative approaches, urgent needs, and initiatives that foster collaboration. Eligible organizations include nonprofits and public institutions. The program emphasizes funding projects benefiting underserved residents and encourages diverse funding sources. Applications must comply with specified timelines and guidelines, excluding operating expenses and political activities.

The Mystic Rotary Community Grant supports local 501(c)3 organizations through biannual funding cycles, aimed at providing community grants and scholarships. These initiatives are funded by the Rotary Club of Mystic's fundraising efforts, which return benefits to those in need globally. Eligible organizations can apply during the spring and fall cycles, making a significant impact in their communities.

The Thesis Foundation Fund supports 501(c)(3) nonprofit organizations in the Portland metro area, including Multnomah, Washington, Clackamas, and Clark counties. Its mission is to promote racial equity and serve underserved communities through educational and digital programming. The fund prioritizes grants for projects that address these issues, particularly during crises. Eligible applicants include nonprofits, educational institutions, and government agencies that advocate for equal opportunities and community support.

About

The University of California Humanities Research Institute facilitates experimental, interdisciplinary humanities scholarship through partnerships, research initiatives, and competitive grants.

Grants

As a grantmaking organization, UCHRI primarily funds UC faculty and graduate students who participate in innovative research and projects that engage a variety of disciplines and stakeholders.

Supplemental Multicampus Faculty Working Group Graduate Student Fund

The UCHRI Supplemental Multicampus Faculty Working Group Graduate Student Funding provides financial resources to create or augment support of research-driven, graduate student engagement in Multicampus Faculty Working Groups. Prospective PIs as well as successful applicants from last year who are applying for a renewal grant are eligible to apply for supplemental funding for a graduate student stipend that will allow the substantive inclusion of one or two graduate students in the project. Please note that for administrative reasons, the graduate student(s) must be from the PI’s campus.

Supplemental funding is intended to allow graduate students to participate significantly in large-scale research projects, to receive sustained mentorship from the professors involved in the project and build on their own research, and to help them gain research and project management skills. Full integration means that PIs and project members share the full scope of the project with graduate students, including how it was conceived, what its future will be, and how its budget operates. Graduate students should be both collaborators and mentees and their participation in the project should be carefully considered and diligently managed.

UCHRI has funded integrated graduate student participation in many research-based projects in the past. Graduate students have helped to set the research agenda, used data from research projects to write scholarly articles, engaged with community members around research issues, and shared pedagogical and methodological resources through studio-built websites and workshops.

Integrated graduate student collaboration can take many forms, but grantees are especially encouraged to consider:

• Co-authorship of published materials based on the project
• Management or leadership of a smaller subset of the larger project (serving a particular community or dealing with a particular issue)
• Creation and maintenance of a website/blog/podcast or other multi-modal, public-facing tool to bring attention to the project and share methods and findings
• Participation in planning large seminars, workshops, and conferences and moderating or presenting on panels
• Assisting in grant and budget preparation if the participants decide to extend the project and seek additional funding from other sources

CFWC Community Grant

Community Grants provide short term project and program support to organizations that are making a measurable difference in the lives of individuals and families living in poverty and/or investing in the revitalization of targeted towns. These time limited awards are intended to help nonprofits respond to near term opportunities that will occur within the next six months.

Total Funding Available:

• $125,000

Grant Size:

• Up to $15,000 in project funding

Frequency:

• Every year

The GCCF Community Impact Grants provide essential capacity building and operational support to nonprofit organizations in Greenwood County. These grants, ranging from $10,000 to $25,000, aim to enhance organizational stability, strengthen operations, and facilitate strategic growth. Eligible applicants must have a 501(c)(3) status and directly benefit residents. The Foundation encourages proposals demonstrating collaboration and unique community value, ensuring impactful use of funds within the annual grant cycles.

The Sylvia Perkin Perpetual Charitable Trust Grant supports local charitable organizations in the Lehigh Valley. Established in 1985, it honors the legacy of Morris and Sylvia Perkin, who were dedicated community contributors. Grants are available for various eligible beneficiaries, including educational institutions, health organizations, and arts groups, provided they align with local programming. Applications are accepted year-round, with a deadline of January 31 for consideration in the annual grant meeting in March.