Best Capacity Building Grants for Nonprofits

The Tama County Community Foundation, an affiliate of the Community Foundation of Northeast Iowa, aims to enhance the quality of life in Tama County through strategic grantmaking. By supporting local nonprofits and encouraging community engagement, the foundation fosters vibrant communities and addresses key local needs. With a focus on opportunity, health, safety, and youth empowerment, the foundation guides its funding priorities to ensure impactful and sustainable community development. Together, they strive to create a thriving region for all residents.

The Lockhart Vaughan Foundation, established in 1990, provides grants to 501(c)(3) organizations in Baltimore, focusing on education, environment, and community development. New applicants must submit a Letter of Intent to outline their goals. The Foundation emphasizes childhood literacy, environmental improvements, and vibrant neighborhoods while prioritizing programs that foster high expectations and prevent summer learning loss. Eligible organizations should align with these strategic goals to secure funding.

The Buena Vista County Community Foundation offers large grants over $5,000 to not-for-profit organizations for capital investment projects. Applicants must provide a 50% cash match and achieve a minimum score of 75 points. Grants are awarded to verified organizations with 501.C.3 status. The Foundation encourages projects that benefit the community, focusing on areas such as youth education, arts, health services, and environmental initiatives. Follow their website for funding cycle updates.

The Louis Padovano Grants, awarded by The Lotos Foundation, support not-for-profit organizations in New York City that provide free arts and science programs to middle and high school students. These grants aim to nurture talented individuals across diverse fields such as dance, film, music, theater, visual arts, writing, and the sciences. Eligible organizations must be 501(c)(3) tax-exempt and have not received funding for the past three consecutive years.

Young Health Programme

The Young Health Programme (YHP) is a global disease prevention initiative, aiming to provide education for young people to feel empowered to make informed choices about their health and catalyse a global, youth-led advocacy movement.

The programme operates in over 40 countries and partners with more than 60 non-profit organisations, including UNICEF and Plan International. The YHP combines community programmes, research, advocacy, and the development of young leaders, with a focus on underserved communities.

Since its launch in 2010, the YHP has directly reached over 23 million young people, trained over 1 million, and engaged more than 23,000 AstraZeneca employees, who have volunteered their time with more than 140,000 hours.

The YHP aims to prevent the most common non-communicable diseases (NCDs), including cancer, diabetes, heart disease and respiratory disease, by addressing five main risk factors: tobacco use, unhealthy diet, physical inactivity, harmful use of alcohol, and air pollution. Additionally, the programme tackles climate-health impacts to build healthier communities, recognising, as projected in the IPCC Sixth Assessment Report, that children born after 2010 will be the first generation to enter adulthood in a world where the average temperature will reach 1.5°C above pre-industrial levels, and are expected to experience a +2°C rise within their lifetime.1

AstraZeneca Young Health Programme Impact Fellowship 2026

AstraZeneca is looking for passionate, driven young leaders to join their 2026 Young Health Programme (YHP) Impact Fellowship. The Fellowship supports young advocates to create actionable change to: 

• Advance health equity – with a focus on acting early to prevent non-communicable diseases among young people, or supporting young people living with rare diseases.
• Take action on climate and nature – advocating for the mitigation of the harmful effects of climate change on the health and well-being of young people.
• Build health systems resilience – contributing to stronger health systems that prioritise earlier intervention to meet today’s needs and mitigate tomorrow’s disease burden.

Benefits

The selected Fellows will gain access to networks, funding and development opportunities, enabling them to drive a global health movement led by and for young people:

A fully-funded scholarship to attend the 2026 One Young World Summit in Cape Town, South Africa (3–6 November 2026) as well as access to the One Young World Ambassador Network and the Young Health Programme (YHP) Alumni group of other young changemakers working to improve youth health.

Structured learning and development offerings to enable them to scale their impact, including both self-directed and live learning. This includes access to the One Young World Academy, an award-winning mini-MBA programme, mentorship from AstraZeneca colleagues and professional training.

Each selected Fellow will receive a grant of either USD $10,000 or USD $50,000 (if selected as the Lead2030 winner** for Sustainable Development Goal 3, for which applicants will be automatically considered) from AstraZeneca, through their non-profit organisation. Fellows are expected to use the grant to implement a project focused on either (1) advancing health equity (2) taking action on climate and nature (3) building health systems resilience.

Scholarships are available to graduating high school seniors. Applications are accepted from mid-November until mid-March. Scholarship award recipients will be announced at the high school awards ceremony. 

Van Cott Family Memorial Scholarship

Established in memory of Kermit Van Cott and his son Forrest to provide tuition assistance to a graduating Senior from one of the High Schools in Susquehanna County, with priority given to Blue Ridge, who will major in Landscape Architecture, Environmental Science, Environmental Engineering, Horticulture, Botany, Forestry, or Agriculture and who will matriculate at college or a post-secondary degree program.

The John Lenard Civil Engineering Scholarship, established in 2008 by John Lenard, P.E., F.ASCE, supports undergraduate students pursuing civil engineering with a focus on water supply or environmental engineering. The scholarship aims to assist deserving students in covering tuition expenses. Awarded annually, it is limited to two recipients who demonstrate commitment to their field. The American Society of Civil Engineers, founded in 1852, oversees this scholarship, fostering excellence in civil engineering education.

The Buena Vista County Community Foundation offers Medium Grants ranging from $2,000 to $5,000 to verified not-for-profit organizations and local governments. Grants are intended for capital investment projects that enhance community development rather than operational costs. The Foundation encourages sustainable projects in various categories including youth education, arts, environment, health, recreation, and community betterment, with a required 50% match for funding.

The Buena Vista County Community Foundation offers small grants to not-for-profit organizations in Buena Vista County for capital investment projects. Grants of $2,000 or less are available with no required match. Eligible projects include youth education, arts, environmental initiatives, health services, and community betterment. The Foundation encourages applications during its annual funding cycles, typically held in Spring and Fall, and prioritizes projects that enhance community investment.

The WKCF Urgent Needs Fund provides immediate financial support to nonprofit organizations facing urgent challenges, including lost revenue and increased programming due to crises like COVID-19. This fund operates without set application deadlines, allowing for continuous access to funding. Organizations can apply multiple times, with a maximum funding limit of $3,500 per year. The fund excludes certain requests, such as individual grants, capital campaigns, and projects that discriminate based on personal characteristics.

The R. Howard Dobbs, Jr. Foundation Grant aims to enhance educational opportunities, access to health services, and environmental stewardship in Georgia. Focused on public K-12 education, the foundation prioritizes innovative teaching practices, professional development, and scalable projects. Additionally, it supports equitable conservation efforts and health initiatives, particularly in maternal and adolescent mental health. The foundation welcomes inquiries from public charities under 501(c)(3) status, emphasizing operational support for mission-critical functions.

The Durham Community Foundation offers Community Fund(s) grants aimed at fostering a vibrant community through collaborative efforts and innovative partnerships. Grants support projects that enhance arts, culture, education, health, and social development while prioritizing organizations committed to Durham Region's citizens. Eligible applicants must have charitable status, be operational for at least a year, and demonstrate fiscal responsibility. The Foundation encourages projects that benefit the community directly, excluding political campaigns and funding for individuals.

The Alan Jutzi Residential Fellowship supports independent scholars for one to three months of research at The Huntington. With a monthly award of $4,000, it encourages diverse scholarship and creativity. Open to scholars of any nationality, it requires applicants to commit to their fellowship period and articulate their research goals clearly. This fellowship is ideal for those without academic affiliations, fostering transformative educational experiences.

The Janesville Multicultural Teachers Scholarship, offered by The Community Foundation of Southern Wisconsin, supports multicultural students who aspire to become educators. Eligible candidates must be graduating high school students from Janesville Charter Schools, Craig High School, or Parker High School, and identify as African American, Latino, Asian, or Native American. Recipients agree to apply for employment in the School District of Janesville after certification and maintain a minimum GPA of 2.75 to remain eligible.

The Family & Neighborhood Stability Grant by the McNeely Foundation aims to enhance the economic vitality and stability of youth and low-income families in East Side St. Paul. The foundation prioritizes organizations that provide financial literacy, supportive housing services, and employment training. It welcomes applications from tax-exempt non-profits and public agencies, focusing on programs that foster community development and individual empowerment. Grants are awarded primarily for program support, with a strong emphasis on data-driven strategies and community partnerships.

The Cynthia and George Mitchell Foundation supports impactful projects in Texas, focusing on environmental protection, social equity, and economic vitality. Their strategic grantmaking emphasizes clean energy, land conservation, subsurface energy, sustainability education, and water resources. The foundation seeks proposals that align with their mission and demonstrate a clear benefit to Texas. Projects funded must have a robust communication strategy to share outcomes effectively, ensuring lasting impacts on the communities served.

The Generous Acts Grant Program, backed by the Adirondack Foundation, supports nonprofits and community organizations in the Adirondack Region. Since 2014, it has allocated over $1 million to initiatives addressing basic needs, educational pathways, and economic vitality. Grants range from $2,500 to $30,000, focusing on underserved populations and promoting collaboration for a more inclusive future. Applicants are encouraged to align their proposals with the program's mission to tackle racial and economic disparities.

The Main Street Matters program offers Accessible Housing Grants to enhance living conditions for individuals with permanent physical disabilities. This initiative promotes community revitalization by funding essential renovations, ensuring individuals can remain in their homes rather than institutional care. Eligible applicants include local governments and nonprofits. The program emphasizes collaboration with local funding sources and prioritizes projects that address immediate community needs, helping to create inclusive and supportive environments for all residents.

The CNPS Student Research Grants Program supports research on California's native flora, aiming to protect these vital plants and their habitats. Founded in 1983, it encourages diverse applicants, including underrepresented groups in science. Grants are awarded based on alignment with CNPS's mission and the significance of the research in areas like conservation and ecology. The program honors several awards, including the Doc Burr and Hardman Native Plant Research Awards, to promote innovative botanical studies.

The Progress Alliance of Washington Grant focuses on empowering organizations that build political power, particularly for Black, Indigenous, and People of Color communities. Through strategic investments, the grant aims to strengthen a diverse and inclusive progressive movement in Washington. The funding prioritizes long-term relationships, impactful policy solutions, and tools that enhance movement capacity. Core Grants are awarded to partners committed to fostering civic engagement and ensuring democracy works for everyone.

The Pattern Panhandle Wind Competitive Grant Program, administered by the Amarillo Area Foundation, supports nonprofit and charitable institutions serving Carson County. This initiative aims to enhance community quality of life through grants focused on civic engagement, disaster recovery, economic development, health initiatives, and educational support for students. Proposals are welcomed from organizations holding 501(c)(3) status, with priority given to those based in Carson County. This program fosters collaboration and growth, ensuring lasting benefits for local residents.

BioMarin offers funding through its donation program focused on improving healthcare and patient advocacy, particularly for rare diseases. Organizations eligible for support include hospitals, accredited providers, and patient advocacy groups. BioMarin prioritizes innovative therapeutic solutions for rare genetic conditions. The company is dedicated to enhancing patient care and education, and it reviews funding requests year-round, although specific deadlines apply for year-end funding. This initiative reflects BioMarin's commitment to addressing unmet medical needs.

The Hans & Cay Jacobsen Charitable Foundation is dedicated to improving the lives of children and young adults in Lake and Sumter Counties, Florida. Founded in 1990, it provides grants to nonprofit organizations that focus on health, education, culture, and recreation. The Foundation prioritizes local initiatives and supports organizations that demonstrate significant community need, while also adhering to IRS regulations for tax-exempt organizations.

The Woodberry Poetry Room Creative Fellowship invites diverse creators, including poets, writers, and scholars, to engage with its extensive collections. Funded by the T.S. Eliot Foundation, recipients receive a $5,000 stipend and a one-week residency at the T.S. Eliot House in Gloucester, Massachusetts. The fellowship promotes inclusivity and welcomes applications from individuals of all nationalities, fostering creative exploration and collaboration in a supportive environment.

The WWT Foundation Grant aims to empower organizations aligned with the foundation's values, focusing on community service, employee engagement, and business impact. Key areas of support include career readiness, STEM education, human services, and health and wellness. Eligible organizations must be located in the U.S. and registered as 501(c)(3). Applications are accepted year-round, allowing for flexible engagement and support for impactful community initiatives.

The First Ascent Charitable Foundation Grant supports charitable organizations focused on enriching communities through education, business, and environmental sustainability. With a mission to empower women and protect mountain environments, this grant prioritizes initiatives that promote equality and experiential education. Eligible recipients must be 501(c)(3) nonprofit organizations, as individual applications are not accepted. The foundation seeks to strengthen local causes in Boulder County and foster a greater appreciation for the outdoors.

The CRP Research Grant & Mini Grant Program, managed by the Center for Rural Pennsylvania, supports research aimed at improving rural communities. Established in 1987, the program invites faculty from various universities to explore vital issues such as economic development, community services, and health concerns. By fostering partnerships and encouraging innovative projects, the Center aims to enhance the quality of life in Pennsylvania’s rural areas, making significant contributions to their sustainability and growth.