Best Capacity Building Grants for Nonprofits

The Hamilton Company Charitable Foundation

 The Hamilton Company Charitable Foundation was formed in 2011 by Harold Brown. Its goal is to provide support for local 501c3 organizations which serve the community. Annual funding ranges between $250,000 and over $1,000,000. The chairman is Ronald Brown. Other board members: Jameson Brown, Maura Nolan Brown, Harley Brown, Fred Lebow & Andrea Kozinetz.

Grants

The Hamilton Company Charitable Foundation funds a wide variety of charities, including those that engage in medical and scientific research and deliver medical services and those that provide educational, artistic/musical, and recreational activities for underserved youths. The Foundation also finances scholarships for qualified applicants, aid to those experiencing homelessness, capital renovations or new construction, and animal hospitals and shelters.

Past and current charities supported include but are not limited to the West End House, Franciscan Children’s Hospital, the Coolidge Corner Theatre Foundation, and the Benjamin Franklin Cummings Institute of Technology.

Efficient use of administrative costs relative to benefits received by individuals is considered, and we fund specific projects, not operational costs. 

As of January 1, 2026, the Hamilton Company Charitable Foundation’s annual funding is in excess of $4 million per year. There is one application for requests over $1000. A very brief summary application is required for requests up to $1,000.

These grants may provide educational, recreational, and other services to urban and suburban youth. Funds are also available for arts and culture by way of museums, other learning opportunities. Funds may be directed as assistance to people in need such as supplying care for families, food.

West Virginia Community Advancement and Development

West Virginia Community Advancement and Development works to encourage strong civic engagement through INFRASTRUCTURE, SUSTAINABILITY, COMPLIANCE, and RESILIENCY. WV CAD administers state and federal programs designed to improve the quality of life in West Virginia.

Community Service Block Grant

The Community Service Block Grant is a federal anti-poverty program administered by the Community Advancement and Development office of the WV Department of Economic Development. CSBG is funded by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) Administration for Children and Families (ACF) and administered by the Office of Community Services ACF-OCS.

CSBG is not a competitive grant. Eligible applicants are Community Action Agencies that are designated by the Governor of West Virginia to administer the Community Services Block Grant. CSBG does not directly fund individuals but provides funding to Community Action Agencies throughout the state. The purpose in West Virginia is to aid a network of 15 Community Action Agencies (CAAs) in the reduction of poverty, revitalization of low-income communities, and to provide economic opportunities for low-income families.

Organizations which were officially designated as Community Action Agencies (CAAs) under the Economic Opportunity Act of 1964 and were specifically designated by the 1981 CSBG Act as eligible entities to receive CSBG funds.

All recipients of CSBG funds submit community action plans and budgets detailing the programs, services, and activities to be conducted using CSBG funding.

Benefits of CSBG

WV's Community Action Agencies are independent non-profit organizations each providing a unique mix of community services. CSBG funding supports projects that:

• Lessen poverty in communities
• Address the needs of low-income individuals including the homeless, migrants and the elderly
• Provide services and activities addressing employment, education, better use of available income, housing, nutrition, emergency services and/or health

The Senate Bill 1 Sea Level Rise Tribal Cultural Resources Funding Program aims to support California Native American tribes in addressing the challenges posed by sea level rise (SLR). This initiative provides funding for tribes to assess and plan for the impacts on their ancestral lands and cultural resources, ensuring the preservation of their identities and practices. Eligible projects include community visioning, data collection, and the development of strategies to protect culturally significant sites threatened by SLR.

The MCF: Equity Fund Grant, established by the Maine Community Foundation, aims to strengthen LGBTQ+ organizations in Maine through general and project grants. Eligible applicants include nonprofit organizations, municipalities, and public agencies that engage LGBTQ+ individuals in their leadership and services. This grant prioritizes initiatives that enhance healthcare access, reduce disparities, and promote respect. The fund, which became permanent in 2000, continues to support community-based efforts that align with its mission.

The Empathy Building Initiative, led by Acton Family Giving, seeks to foster partnerships with organizations aligned with its mission. While currently not expanding its portfolio, it invites inquiries from potential partners. Eligible organizations must hold 501(c)3 status and align with specific giving areas. The initiative focuses on a national or broad reach and evaluates grant applications based on alignment and conversation. For more details, potential partners are encouraged to review the grants list available on their website.

The Mathews CF Community Impact Grants support local nonprofits to enhance cultural vibrancy, economic prosperity, educational success, and health and wellness in Mathews County. Funded by generous donors, the program focuses on impactful projects that yield positive, lasting changes. Eligible organizations include 501(c)(3) charities, which may apply once a year. This initiative fosters collaboration with grantees to achieve essential community goals and adapt to evolving needs.

The Cultivate: Leadership Grant Program empowers women and nonbinary leaders of color in Chicago by enhancing their skills in social, economic, and racial justice. Since 2013, it has fostered collaboration among diverse leaders, promoting gender and racial equity through intentional developmental support. Participants receive mentorship and coaching to strengthen their professional capabilities while building a connected community. This initiative is a partnership among significant local foundations, focusing on sustainability and growth within organizations led by women of color.

The Region Grants Open Grant Round: Hunger Relief, sponsored by the Land O'Lakes Foundation, aims to combat food insecurity in rural communities. Grants between $1,000 and $20,000 are available for organizations supporting food banks, meal programs, and community gardens. With a total investment of $500,000 annually, this initiative prioritizes nonprofits with 501c3 status serving specific regions in the East and West. The program seeks to enhance the vibrancy of member-owner communities while fostering educational and community vitality.

The Blackford County Community Foundation Grant Program offers funding to enhance community life through various projects. Areas of interest include community development, health services, education, and human services. Grants are competitive and prioritize significant projects that benefit many people. Applications are evaluated based on collaboration, financial support, and potential for future sustainability. Note that grants do not support profit-making enterprises, political activities, or sectarian purposes.

The Yocha Dehe Community Fund, established by the Yocha Dehe Wintun Nation in 2000, supports initiatives that strengthen communities throughout Yolo County and beyond. With nearly $40 million in grants, the Fund prioritizes projects in health, education, Native arts, and environmental protection. The Tribe's commitment involves active participation in the grant process, ensuring impactful partnerships with various organizations. New applicants must register on the grant portal and submit a letter of inquiry to be considered for funding.

The Wright Family Foundation Grant aims to support neighborhood revitalization, job creation, and educational opportunities in Schenectady County, NY. Established in 1997, the foundation focuses on sustainable impact by providing grants of at least $100,000 to eligible organizations. The foundation collaborates with community resources to enhance support for long-term change. Organizations must be tax-exempt and serve the local community effectively to qualify for funding, fostering hope and empowerment for urban youth.

The MARC is offering the Water Quality Enhancement Development, Design, and Implementation Block Grant to support innovative water quality enhancement projects. This program aims to address statutory goals, including flood resiliency and recreational benefits, by funding project development and engineering design. With a total funding of $1,980,188 available, projects can fall under two categories: Project Development and Engineering Design. No local match is required, making this an accessible opportunity for eligible applicants.

The Imperial Community Foundation Fund aims to enhance the quality of life in the community through charitable giving and grants. It focuses on supporting local initiatives that foster leadership, education, and inclusivity. The fund prioritizes projects that address emerging needs and empower the community's potential, ensuring a collaborative and trustworthy approach to philanthropy. With a vision for a safe, progressive environment, the fund encourages diverse participation for lasting impact.

The NIH R25 program aims to enhance inclusivity in research education by supporting activities that encourage individuals from diverse backgrounds to pursue careers in substance use and addiction sciences. This initiative focuses on skills development courses and research experiences, particularly targeting underrepresented groups in biomedical and behavioral sciences. Applications are due by 5:00 PM local time of the applicant organization, with optional Letters of Intent encouraged 30 days prior to the full proposal deadline.

The Central Pennsylvania Community Foundation offers unrestricted funds to support various projects aimed at enhancing the community's welfare. Eligible organizations include 501(c)(3) charities that serve Blair County and meet specific criteria, such as promoting education, arts, or health services. This grant process encourages impactful proposals, ensuring that resources are allocated to initiatives that genuinely benefit the region. Applications are accepted annually, with a focus on sustainable community development.

The SU-CASA Grant is a 3-month program placing local artists in Staten Island senior centers to engage older adults through creative workshops. Each residency concludes with a public event showcasing the participants' work. Artists receive a stipend of $6,000 and a $2,000 budget for materials. Funded by the NYC Council, this initiative fosters collaboration among various city departments and supports artists passionate about teaching and working with seniors.

The Walter J. Miller Trust Grant provides financial support to numerous charitable organizations in Pennsylvania. Established to honor the legacy of Mr. Miller and his sisters, the Trust emphasizes funding for education, health services, arts, and social welfare. Eligible organizations must be 501(c)(3) compliant, with a focus on projects that address community needs not met by others. The Trust aims to ensure lasting impact through its generous contributions, fostering community development and support.

The Charles H. Dater Foundation Grants support programs benefiting children in Greater Cincinnati. Established in 1985, the Foundation focuses on arts, education, healthcare, social services, and community needs. Grant applications require a pre-application summary for feedback. Funds are typically awarded within two weeks, following a thorough evaluation process. The Foundation encourages leveraging grants for additional funding and values effective use of volunteer resources, ensuring ongoing support for community enrichment.

The Mille Lacs Area Community Foundation Grant supports projects in the Mille Lacs Lake Watershed, focusing on environmental stewardship, economic vitality, sustainable farming, and community pride. Eligible applicants include 501(c)(3) nonprofits, school districts, and local government units within the watershed area. This grant aims to enhance water quality, promote green spaces, and foster community engagement through various initiatives.

The Kirkpatrick Family Fund offers matching support grants to nonprofit organizations in central Oklahoma, focusing on endowment funds. Organizations can apply for grants to match their fundraising efforts, with varying amounts based on the type of endowment established. The fund emphasizes the importance of building endowments to ensure financial sustainability and supports initiatives across various areas including arts, education, and community enhancement. Eligibility is limited to 501(c)(3) public charities that align with the fund's interests.

Community Development Block Grant – Public Services

This grant opportunity is intended to connect low and moderate-income (LMI) Boston residents to a continuum of education, workforce development, and economic security programs to increase their capacity to obtain career-oriented employment leading to economic stability.

Grant Program Description:

Each year, the City of Boston receives Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) funds from the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) through the Mayor’s Office of Housing. The funds are primarily used for affordable housing and economic development activities. However, up to 15% of the funds can be used for “public services” related to economic development. As the City’s workforce development agency, the Office of Workforce Development (OWD) manages this portion of the funding on behalf of the Mayor’s Office of Housing. 

The public services component of the CDBG funds provides services for low-income individuals and families with the goal of moving them out of poverty towards economic security. In anticipation of this RFGA, OWD released a set of policy principles. For the Fiscal Year (FY) 2027, OWD will continue to prioritize programs and services that fit within this range of long-term economic stability and growth, including but not limited to: Child Care, Health care, Job Training, Education Programs, Public safety services, Fair Housing Activities, Services for senior citizens, Services for homeless persons, Drug abuse counseling & treatment. 

As a reminder, the policy principles highlight the need to promote economic stability and mobility. These core beliefs shape strong programs:

• Investment in programs that place individuals on a continuum of quality education, training, workforce development, and economic security. This continuum is defined as high school diplomas/HiSET attainment, matriculation into post-secondary education or industry-recognized training programs, placement into jobs with demonstrated career paths, and/or access to income maximization programs that stabilize individuals and families with barriers. 
• A high degree of coordination of wrap-around support services, which address a wide range of individual and family needs. These can include, but are not limited to, financial literacy, ESOL/Adult Basic Education, income and/or benefits maximization, mental health, childcare, transportation, and individual case management. 
• The use of partnerships and collaborations is strongly encouraged to ensure that there are no gaps in a continuum of programs and supportive services to address a wide range of needs.
• The use of work-based training that provides maximum opportunities for participants to gain employment skills that meet employer needs.

Total Amount Available for Grant Program: Approximately $2,100,000.

Grant awards are subject to the availability of appropriated funds. Any oral or written representations, commitments, or assurances made by the Department or any other City representatives are not binding. Recipients should verify funding before beginning performance.

Award Amount per Grant per Organization: OWD anticipates grants ranging in size from $50,000 to $95,000.

The East Arts Grant Program supports BIPOC-centered non-profit organizations in the northeast and southeast quadrants of Washington, DC, providing high-quality arts and humanities experiences. This initiative aims to enhance community identity and elevate the creative excellence of artists through various disciplines, including dance, visual arts, and literature. By fostering access to these experiences, the program enriches the cultural landscape and quality of life for local residents.

The Laura Moore Cunningham Foundation is committed to enhancing the quality of life in Idaho by supporting tax-exempt nonprofit organizations. With a focus on rural healthcare, educational programs, and underserved communities, the Foundation prioritizes effective and impactful initiatives. Over the years, it has funded a variety of projects, showcasing dedication to community improvement. By maintaining a simple and open application process, the Foundation empowers local organizations to express their needs and contribute to the state's growth.

The Adams County Community Foundation Grants aim to support nonprofits serving vulnerable residents in Adams County through capacity building, program, and collaboration grants. Each grant type has specific funding limits, with a focus on affordable housing initiatives. Eligible applicants must have 501(c)(3) status and adhere to nondiscrimination policies. The foundation provides special consideration to those addressing housing issues, ensuring impactful community development and self-sufficiency for low-income residents.

The Local Cultural Council Grant Program, funded by the Mass Cultural Council, supports arts, humanities, and science projects through local councils across Massachusetts. With 329 councils serving all 351 communities, this program emphasizes local decision-making to address community needs. Grants typically range from $250 to $750, with competitive applications due to limited funds. Councils can choose between reimbursement and direct grants, ensuring funds effectively support local initiatives.

The Fehr Graham Scholarship provides financial support for students pursuing careers in engineering, landscape architecture, land surveying, geology, hydrogeology, assessment and remediation, and environmental health and safety. Applicants must reside within fifty miles of a Fehr Graham office and intend to enroll in their first year of post-secondary education. This scholarship is renewable for up to three years, contingent upon maintaining a 2.8 GPA. It aims to enhance educational opportunities in the communities served by Fehr Graham.

Avnet Cares Grants support nonprofit organizations in the U.S., Canada, and Mexico that focus on making a positive impact in their communities. Grants are available for initiatives in STEM, environmental sustainability, and assistance for communities in crisis. Eligible nonprofits must have been operational for at least three years. The program prioritizes organizations that serve areas where Avnet has significant operations, fostering community growth and development.