Best Capacity Building Grants for Nonprofits

The United Way of the Bluegrass offers a Basic Needs Grant aimed at supporting low-income and underserved residents in Central Kentucky. This grant focuses on providing essential services such as food, health care, financial assistance, and more. With a funding ceiling of $10,000 per grant year, it ensures targeted support for programs serving single-county residents. This initiative highlights the commitment to fostering education, stability, and basic needs within the community.

The Community Empowerment Fund Grant aims to support community-based organizations in Boston working to empower Black men and boys. With a total of $500,000 available, grants of up to $20,000 will be awarded to programs focusing on areas such as mentoring, housing mobility, and economic inclusion. This initiative seeks to enhance opportunities for historically marginalized communities, particularly in Roxbury, Dorchester, Mattapan, and Hyde Park, while emphasizing the importance of measurable outcomes.

The Impact 100 Greater Chesapeake Transformational Grant aims to fund high-impact community projects in Anne Arundel County. Applications are welcomed from tax-exempt public charities focusing on areas such as arts, education, environment, family, and health. Grant amounts are determined by pooling member contributions, with a unique approach to funding initiatives that promote sustainability and community improvement. Interested nonprofits must adhere to eligibility criteria and submit proposals by the designated deadlines.

The Howard L. Greenhouse Large Grant Program, offered by Potomac Health Foundation, provides one-time project-based grants for the 2025-2026 cycle. The focus areas include community wellness, behavioral healthcare, oral healthcare, and capacity building for nonprofits. Eligible organizations must be tax-exempt and serve specific communities in eastern Prince William County, VA. Grants will not support programs not directly related to health or those primarily serving religious organizations.

The Central Appalachia Habitat Stewardship Program aims to restore and sustain healthy forests, rivers, and streams to support diverse native bird and aquatic species. Funded by major organizations including the Richard King Mellon Foundation, this initiative focuses on improving forest management and stream health to enhance wildlife populations. Strategies include engaging landowners through education and financial assistance, targeting species like the golden-winged warbler and brook trout to ensure ecological balance and habitat connectivity.

The Regional Impact Grants aim to empower youth and promote basic needs within communities in Southeast Connecticut. Grants support quality education, mentoring, and health programs for youth, as well as initiatives that enhance economic security, food access, and healthcare. Eligible applicants include nonprofit organizations and governmental agencies focused on benefiting residents of East Lyme, Groton, and surrounding towns. The Community Foundation of Eastern Connecticut provides these grants to foster collaboration and address systemic inequities.

The Community Foundation for Greater Buffalo has been granting funds for over a century, focusing on impactful initiatives across eight counties in Western New York. The foundation prioritizes projects that foster racial equity, economic mobility, environmental stewardship, and cultural vibrancy. Special funding will support programs for the visually, speech, or hearing impaired, with an emphasis on aligning with the foundation's community goals. Eligible organizations must hold a 501(c)(3) status and serve the designated areas.

The IN Conservation Stewardship Program (CSP) empowers agricultural producers to enhance their conservation efforts while improving their operations. Offering year-round applications, CSP provides technical and financial assistance for various goals, including improving grazing conditions and wildlife habitats. Key benefits include increased crop yields, reduced agricultural inputs, and enhanced resilience to environmental challenges. This program, managed by the USDA's Natural Resource Conservation Service of Indiana, supports sustainable farming practices that benefit both land and communities.

The RBC Foundation Grants prioritize support for youth-focused programs in the Minneapolis & St. Paul area, targeting ages 15-29. Emphasis is placed on initiatives that enhance work-integrated learning, address skills gaps, and promote access to critical educational opportunities. Additionally, the Foundation invests in arts and culture, supporting emerging artists and programs that foster community engagement. Health grants focus on youth mental well-being, ensuring access to necessary care through innovative navigation and technology-based solutions.

The Hawai'i People’s Fund offers Urgent Action Grants aimed at supporting organizations that provide immediate relief to communities impacted by crises, particularly the recent wildfires on Maui Island. These grants prioritize vulnerable populations, including low-income families and communities of color, and promote community organizing as a means to combat systemic oppression and ensure safety. The fund encourages innovative projects that address social justice and economic inequality while fostering resilience within these communities.

About VHCB

Our Mission: VHCB invests in the construction of affordable housing and conservation strategies that work together to ensure equity, resilience, and vitality for Vermont communities in perpetuity.

Clean Water Programs

VHCB administers two separate funding programs to support a healthy and clean Lake Memphremagog Basin—the Memphremagog Clean Water Service Provider, funded through the Vermont Department of Environmental Conservation, and the Leahy Memphremagog Clean Water Program, funded through the Great Lakes Fishery Commission.

Leahy Memphremagog Clean Water Program

The Vermont Housing & Conservation Board (VHCB) has grants available on a competitive basis for aquatic habitat improvement work in the Memphremagog Basin. These grants are designed to improve fisheries habitat, enhance water quality and aquatic ecosystem health, and support capacity among organizations supporting watershed health in the Memphremagog Watershed. 

Goals of this Grant Program

We have received funding from the Great Lakes Fisheries Commission to fund capacity building, land acquisition, and on-the-ground projects and infrastructure that have a positive impact on fisheries habitat, water quality, and aquatic ecosystem health. The priority behind this grant is to help fill gaps that exist in fisheries habitat and surface water quality improvement work in the region and fund proposals for which other sources would be impractical, insufficient, and/or unsuitable.

Project and Acquisition Grants

Existing state clean water investments in the Memphremagog watershed focus on phosphorus reduction, which, although important to watershed health, is not the only priority for the community of clean water stakeholders. This program will complement existing grant programs and invest in projects that improve fisheries habitat and water quality, and enhance aquatic ecosystem health. Examples of eligible projects include (but are not limited to) land acquisitions, infrastructure, surface water habitat restoration, aquatic and riparian invasive species control, and aquatic organism passage improvement projects. Projects which include co-benefits for climate resilience, community vitality, and environmental justice goals will be favorably viewed.

The Communityworks Grant Competition, run by the Community Foundation of Kankakee River Valley, aims to enhance community welfare through targeted funding. Focus areas include Early Childhood Education, Land Use & Protection, and Workforce Development. Grants are awarded to nonprofit organizations in Kankakee and Iroquois Counties, emphasizing initiatives that address unmet community needs. By fostering collaboration and innovative solutions, the Foundation seeks to ensure sustainable improvements in quality of life for local residents.

The Denver Foundation's Capacity Building Fund Grant supports qualified nonprofits aiming to enhance their effectiveness through learning opportunities. Grants range from $500 to $6,000, with an average of $2,500 to $3,000. Organizations must be 501(c)(3) entities, have received a prior grant within three years, and serve the Metro Denver area. Funding is not available for passive learning or certain activities, ensuring that grants foster active engagement and skill development among staff and board members.

The OCCF: Rapid Response Grant program supports nonprofit organizations in Owen County by providing up to $1,000 for emergency and time-sensitive needs. With no application deadline, these grants aim to enhance the quality of life for all residents. The OCCF focuses on various funding categories, including education, human services, and community wellness, reflecting its commitment to addressing immediate challenges and fostering long-term community development.

The Weld Trust's Flagship Grants support significant community projects in health and education for nonprofits and schools in Weld County. Grants typically exceed $750,000 and require additional funding sources, covering 15-35% of project costs. Eligible applicants must be tax-exempt organizations or operate under a tax-exempt nonprofit. These grants aim to foster partnerships that address fundamental issues and deliver measurable outcomes, particularly in rural areas where resources are limited.

The Jewell Schweitzer Quality of Life Grant Program, offered by the Community Foundation of the Ozarks, aims to support nonprofit organizations and government entities addressing pressing issues in Springfield-Greene County. With $120,000 available and individual awards up to $30,000, the program encourages innovative proposals without a matching requirement. Partnerships are welcomed, and all applicants must affirm non-discrimination in service provision, ensuring equitable access for all communities in need.

The CFNI Community Grants Program, established by the Community Foundation of Northern Illinois, has distributed over $72 million since 1953 to enhance local quality of life. The program supports nonprofits through a tiered application process based on funding requests, with a focus on Education, Arts, Health, Human Services, Sustainable Communities, and Youth & Families. Grants prioritize projects that address community needs and foster long-term impact, especially in education and wellness.

The Tennessee Appalachian Regional Commission Funding supports economic development projects in middle and east Tennessee. Grants can reach up to $1,000,000 for construction and $500,000 for non-construction projects. Priorities include water and wastewater services to industries, basic services in rural areas, and unique community opportunities. This funding aims to enhance the quality of life and foster self-sustaining development in the Appalachian region.

About Us

Mission & Values

The Community Foundation works in many roles including that of a funder, partner, and catalyst for change in Snohomish County. Our board and staff have been on a dedicated journey to dismantle racism and oppressive policies in our organization, in our teams and in ourselves. 

Mission:

Strengthen community and thoughtfully change lives.

Human Services Fund in honor of Bob Drewel

The Human Services Endowment Fund, established in 2003, honors the legacy and unwavering commitment of Bob Drewel to advancing human service causes throughout Snohomish County. Managed by the Community Foundation of Snohomish County, this fund provides long-term support for organizations working to meet the critical human service needs of our community.

This is a two-year grant with the first installment received upon approval of the grant and the second received after submission of a report following the first year of the grant.

The Joy W. Pope Memorial Grant Funds aim to promote innovative projects across North Carolina's arts and human services sectors. With awards of up to $100,000, the foundation supports initiatives that enhance community engagement and foster self-empowerment among citizens. Projects must be completed by the end of the granting year, and eligibility is limited to nonprofits in North Carolina. Notably, the grants exclude medical research and direct aid to individuals, focusing instead on sustainable community improvements.

The True Inspiration Awards, established by Chick-fil-A in 2015, recognizes nonprofit organizations that significantly impact their communities. In 2025, the program will distribute $6 million in grants, ranging from $30,000 to $350,000, to sixteen selected organizations. Categories include Caring for People, Caring through Food, Community, and Caring for our Planet, with a focus on educational initiatives, food security, housing services, and environmental stewardship, honoring the legacy of founder S. Truett Cathy.

The Community Assistance Grant Program (CAP) in San Leandro provides vital financial support to non-profits serving low-income residents. With a total estimated funding of $440,000 over two years from the City’s general fund and CDBG, this program aims to enhance social services. Eligible projects address mental health, family services, job development, and housing support, contributing to the well-being of the community.

The BCF Community Grant Program offers funding to enhance Brookline's community by supporting diverse initiatives that promote equity and opportunity. Ideal for 501(c)(3) nonprofits, town agencies, and community groups, the program prioritizes BIPOC-led organizations and projects that directly benefit local residents. Funding can be requested for operational support, project funding, and capacity building. This initiative aims to address various community needs, including health, arts, and crisis intervention services.

The Michigan Coastal Management Program Grant aims to foster resilient coastal communities by funding projects that protect sensitive resources and promote biodiversity. With approximately $1,000,000 available, the grant encourages initiatives that enhance public access, mitigate coastal hazards, and support diversity and equity within communities. It emphasizes the importance of community engagement and technical training to address climate change impacts and improve resilience through innovative solutions.

The Adams County Foundation's Community Enrichment Grant (CEG) provides vital funding to support human service missions of selected nonprofits in Adams County. Designed to fill service gaps in organizations' budgets, the grant focuses on community well-being, enrichment, and innovation. Eligible applicants include 501(c) organizations and those applying through a fiscal agent. The grant emphasizes measurable outcomes and direct benefits to Adams County residents, with funding tiers ranging from $49,999 to over $100,000.

The Dane G. Hansen Foundation, in collaboration with the Greater Salina Community Foundation, offers community grants aimed at enhancing life quality in North Central Kansas. These grants prioritize projects in education, health care, social services, conservation, arts, and community beautification. Notably, preference is given to initiatives fostering community involvement and volunteerism, while excluding funding for tax-supported programs or general operational expenses.

The Competitive Community Grants - Fall Cycle by the Santa Fe Community Foundation offers funding opportunities for nonprofits in Santa Fe, Mora, Rio Arriba, and San Miguel counties. Grants range from $5,000 to $20,000 based on the organization's annual budget, supporting diverse areas such as arts, education, and animal welfare. Eligible organizations must be at least three years old, tax-exempt, and serve local communities without discrimination. This program aims to enhance community welfare through impactful projects.