Best Capacity Building Grants for Nonprofits

The RWN Foundation: Oregon Arts & Culture Grant supports innovative arts and cultural organizations that enhance community well-being. Focused on historically marginalized groups, it promotes access to arts education and cultural programming. The foundation seeks to fund initiatives that celebrate diverse traditions and foster social equity, particularly in Oregon. Grants are typically smaller, averaging $10,000, and are unrestricted, allowing organizations to allocate funds as needed to maximize impact.

The Brookline Community Foundation's Safety Net Grant Program provides crucial support to organizations and community groups addressing essential services for individuals and families affected by the pandemic. Grants can be utilized for activities such as direct cash assistance, food programs, and utility payments. The program emphasizes equity, aiming to uplift BIPOC and vulnerable populations in Brookline, ensuring that everyone has access to the resources they need to thrive.

The Valero Energy Foundation Grants support nonprofit organizations that align with their mission to improve the quality of life in communities where Valero operates. With a focus on basic needs, health care, education, and civic initiatives, the foundation prioritizes funding requests from 501(c)(3) organizations. In 2019, it provided approximately $40 million to support disadvantaged children and families, emphasizing a commitment to corporate citizenship and community well-being.

The Robert L. Schattner Scholarship Fund, managed by the Jewish Community Foundation, offers financial support to Jewish students from Burlington, Camden, or Gloucester Counties who are pursuing higher education. Eligible candidates must demonstrate financial need and maintain a minimum GPA of 2.5. The scholarship can be applied towards tuition, books, or living expenses. This initiative aims to foster educational advancement within the Jewish community, encouraging students to achieve their academic goals.

The Del Mar Foundation Grant supports community projects that enhance civic pride, preserve open space, and promote cultural activities in Del Mar. Nonprofit organizations can apply for funding to support initiatives like beach improvements and community events. The Foundation encourages applications year-round, with no minimum grant amount, though individual grants cannot exceed 25% of the annual budget. Preference is given to projects directly benefiting the Del Mar community, ensuring a focus on local engagement and sustainability.

The Elmer G Biddick Charitable Foundation Grant supports organizations in Iowa and Grant Counties, Wisconsin, focusing on enhancing community welfare. It prioritizes programs that deliver significant benefits to local residents and welcomes applications from public schools, government units, and nonprofit organizations. The Foundation particularly values educational initiatives in agriculture and forestry while discouraging funding for individual grants and operating expenses. Collaborative projects addressing community needs are encouraged, ensuring no duplication of existing services.

The FRS Community Grant Program supports rural communities served by NTCA members, offering grants up to $5,000 for various local initiatives. Priority is given to projects that promote economic development, education, health, and public service. Eligible applicants must secure a 10% match of the grant amount requested. Ineligible projects include overhead expenses, individuals, and those without secured funding. FRS aims to foster sustainable and engaged rural communities through these efforts.

The Barbara Thom Postdoctoral Fellowships at The Huntington Library support recent Ph.D. graduates revising their dissertations into monographs. With a stipend of $50,000 for nine to twelve months of residency, these fellowships encourage scholarly work in areas aligned with The Huntington's rich collections. Candidates must be nontenured faculty and actively participate in symposiums and working groups, fostering collaboration and innovation in their research endeavors.

The Zanvyl and Isabelle Krieger Fund Grant aims to enhance individual and community potential in Baltimore City. Supporting 501(c)(3) organizations, the fund prioritizes housing, behavioral health, environmental justice, and families with young children. Grants typically range from $2,500 to $25,000 annually. Organizations can apply once a year, and the fund does not support endowments, indirect costs, or multi-year commitments, promoting direct program expenses to foster community resilience.

The Rays Baseball Foundation Community Fund Grant supports local nonprofits in the Tampa Bay area, enhancing programs with over $1.8 million granted to more than 350 organizations. Eligible applicants must be 501(c)(3) entities operating in specific counties and submit an online application. This initiative aims to foster community development and support critical local services.

The Nonprofit Leadership Grant Program by the Black United Fund of Oregon aims to empower BIPOC-led grassroots organizations through a $10,000 grant and a year-long leadership curriculum. This program focuses on developing essential skills in fund development, operations, and marketing. Eligible organizations must be tax-exempt and serve BIPOC communities in Oregon and SW Washington, with a net income below $600,000, ensuring support for those most in need.

The Luce/ACLS Dissertation Fellowships in American Art support graduate students conducting research on the history of art and visual culture in the U.S., including Native American art. These fellowships aim to enhance diversity in academia by welcoming applications from PhD candidates at all degree-granting institutions in the U.S. The program offers a stipend of $38,000 plus a travel and research allowance, with a total award of $42,000 for a nine to twelve-month period between July 2025 and May 2027.

The Douglas Bomford Trust Studentships aim to support undergraduate students in agricultural engineering or technology. These competitive awards, valued up to £1,500, promote academic and personal growth while encouraging successful careers in the industry. Eligible applicants must be registered in a relevant course in the UK or Ireland and demonstrate commitment to the Trust's objectives, pursuing all available funding sources to achieve personal and educational outcomes.

The WMU Department of History offers the History Alumni Travel Award to support undergraduate history majors and minors in their scholarly pursuits outside the classroom. This award is designed to fund research, internships, volunteer experiences, and travel to scholarly conferences. The grant amount varies, and applications are due by March 15. Interested students should submit their applications to the department chair to take advantage of this opportunity.

The CTE Grant for Non-Traditional Grants supports Perkins V Programs of Study, focusing on fields where individuals from one gender make up less than 25% of the workforce, such as technology and computer science. Eligible applicants include education cooperatives and single local education agencies (LEAs) qualified for Perkins funding. For detailed career pathways in Arkansas for 2024-2025, refer to the provided link. This initiative aims to promote gender diversity in high-skill occupations.

The Kiwanis Homestead Early Risers Scholarship, offered by the Beatrice Educational Foundation, provides $500 scholarships to Beatrice High School graduating seniors. Awards are available for those attending four-year institutions, pursuing vocational careers in plumbing, welding, line work, electrician, or nursing, and those enrolling at Southeast Community College. Selection criteria include financial need, volunteerism, and academic performance, supporting students' educational aspirations and professional development.

The Kyndryl Foundation Grant aims to empower communities through investments in education, technology, and workforce development. With a focus on cybersecurity and AI skills for underrepresented learners, the foundation fosters balanced partnerships and innovation. It prioritizes transparency and integrity, ensuring grants support long-term impact. This initiative aligns with Kyndryl's mission to create a sustainable future by enhancing access to opportunities and resources for all, thereby promoting diversity and inclusivity in economic growth.

Efficiency Maine Trust 

The Efficiency Maine Trust (Efficiency Maine) is the independent, quasi-state agency established to plan and implement energy efficiency programs in Maine. Through its suite of nationally recognized programs, Efficiency Maine provides consumer information, marketing support, demonstration pilots, discounts, rebates, loans, and other initiatives to promote high-efficiency equipment and operations that help Maine’s homes, businesses, and institutions reduce their energy costs and lower their greenhouse gas emissions. The result is job growth, better grid reliability, improved energy independence, a stronger local economy, and progress toward meeting the State’s climate change goals. Efficiency Maine is governed by a Board of Trustees with oversight from the Maine Public Utilities Commission.

Commercial and Industrial (C&I) Custom Program

The C&I Custom Program incentivizes tailored energy efficiency and distributed generation projects that require site-specific engineering analyses and/or projects with energy conservation measures that are not otherwise covered by the C&I Prescriptive Program incentives.

Examples of customers who have participated in the C&I Custom Program include hospitals, manufacturers, universities, commercial bakeries, food processors, office complexes, and data centers.

The C&I Custom Program includes: 1) Custom Efficiency Projects; 2) Custom Distributed Generation Projects; 3) Energy Storage System Projects; 4) Compressed Air Leak Surveys; 5) Technical Assistance; 6) School Decarbonization Technical Assistance; 7) Scoping Audits 

School Decarbonization Technical Assistance

To assist schools as they plan, design, and procure new construction projects or energy upgrades, Efficiency Maine offers a financial incentive for qualifying professional services directly related to complex energy projects. Eligible projects must result in reduced carbon emissions. Efficiency Maine may provide up to 50%, not to exceed $20,000, toward the cost of approved Technical Assistance (TA) studies.

 Only professional services provided by an engineering or legal firm from the Approved TA Provider List will be eligible for a TA Incentive.

 Note: Projects receiving funding through the School Decarbonization Technical Assistance program may not also receive funding from the standard Technical Assistance program.

The Community-Led Green Infrastructure initiative by the New Orleans Community Support Foundation seeks applications from nonprofit and community-based organizations for grants aimed at enhancing environmental health and community resilience. This initiative focuses on developing green infrastructure projects that mitigate flooding and improve water quality, particularly in vulnerable areas of Greater New Orleans. With two funding rounds, the first is open now, while the second will begin in fall 2026.

The Bluestone Bank Charitable Foundation supports local organizations through financial grants, prioritizing initiatives that aid low- and moderate-income households. Key funding areas include affordable housing, economic development, health services, and education. With an average grant of $5,000 awarded annually, applicants can submit one request per year. The Foundation encourages projects that create a positive community impact, although it does not fund individual scholarships or political activities.

The Jandy Ammons Foundation, established in 2012, is committed to enhancing local communities through innovative, project-driven initiatives. Focused on 'shovel ready' projects, it supports wildlife conservation, educational efforts, artistic installations, and Christian mission endeavors. By providing resources to IRS-recognized 501(c)(3) charities, the foundation aims to inspire community engagement and sustainable growth. The foundation reflects the collaborative spirit of its founders, Andy and Jan Ammons, who believe in hard work, integrity, and maximizing available resources.

Strake Foundation

Following in the footsteps of our founders and their deep commitment to Catholic faith and American values, our principles are guided by a fundamental belief in traditional Christian teaching, individual dignity, equality of opportunity, self-sufficiency, hard work, and faithful formation.

Based on this vision, Strake Foundation pursues a mission to support conservative Catholic causes, preserve the heritage of George W. Strake and his family, educate individuals and communities in truth, and care for those who are ailing — honoring a legacy of integrity and generous stewardship that spans more than seventy years.

Grant Application

Organizations whose mission aligns with the Foundation’s traditional Catholic values and donor intent are welcome to submit an application. 

Strake Foundation generally adheres to a schedule of 3 meetings per year, in February, July, and November. Grants are restricted to qualified nonprofit organizations holding tax-exempt status under Section 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code. .

Donor Intent Guidelines

The Board of Directors adheres strictly to the following Donor Intent Guidelines, listed in order of priority:

• Judeo-Christian Religious Organizations: With priority given to Catholic institutions.
• Hospitals and Medical Research: With priority given to women’s health and pro-life causes.
• Private Secondary and Higher Education: With priority given to institutions aligned with Item 1 above.
• U.S. Military Support, Free Market Principles, and Individual Liberty: Organizations advancing these causes.
• Poverty and Homelessness Initiatives: With priority given to Harris County.
• Civic and Cultural Organizations: With priority given to Houston, and secondary consideration to Austin, Dallas, and the broader state of Texas.

The Central Christian Church Fund, managed by the Community Foundation of Elmira-Corning and the Finger Lakes, supports Protestant human service organizations in Chemung County. It prioritizes funding for child care, elder care, hospice, and substance abuse programs. Grants range from $1,000 to $5,000. Eligible applicants must be 501(c)(3) nonprofit organizations with projects located within Chemung County, ensuring they meet the community's essential service needs.

The City of Rockville RainScapes Rebate Grant, in partnership with the Chesapeake Bay Trust, provides rebate incentives for stormwater management practices. Eligible projects include rain barrels, cisterns, conservation landscaping, and more, aimed at improving local water quality. Homeowners and non-profits can receive up to $5,000 for approved installations. Applicants must own the property or have permission from the owner, and projects must be pre-approved before installation.

The Costco Wholesale Charitable Contributions program prioritizes support for children, education, and health services within local communities. Nonprofit organizations seeking assistance must be 501(c)(3) certified and focus on monetary requests. Applications are reviewed within 4-6 weeks, factoring in community needs and collaboration. However, Costco limits grants to 10% of the program budget and typically restricts organizations to one request per fiscal year. They do not fund individuals or direct aid for various specific purposes.

The CDV5 Foundation Grant supports charitable organizations, churches, and government entities that meet IRS 501(c)(3) requirements. This grant aims to nurture successful children, foster stronger families, and cultivate healthier communities. Through partnerships, the foundation provides resources to help individuals reach their full potential. Applicants may submit one request annually for operating, capital, or program support, while event sponsorships are also considered. The foundation encourages applicants to consider their budget and history with the foundation when requesting funding.

The Oliver G. & Sarah Sloan Bauman Fund for the Arts, established in 1996, aims to perpetuate the appreciation of fine arts, particularly classical ballet and opera. Grants are awarded to 501(c)(3) organizations in Western New York, focusing on performances that preserve traditional compositions. The fund prioritizes Tier 1 for ballet and opera, and Tier 2 for high-quality classical performances by responsible nonprofits. It reflects a legacy of cultural enrichment through artistic expression.