Best Capacity Building Grants for Nonprofits

Cupertino Electric, established in 1954, is dedicated to supporting communities through donations and volunteerism. Our giving program focuses on addressing hunger, homelessness, and early education (K-8). With substantial annual contributions and a commitment to service, we aim to make a meaningful impact in the areas where our employees live and work. By fostering a culture of giving back, we believe that enhancing community well-being is as vital as our business operations.

What We Do

Since our creation by Congress in 1984, NFWF has grown to become the nation’s largest private conservation foundation. We work with both the public and private sectors to protect and restore our nation’s fish, wildlife, plants and habitats for current and future generations.

NFWF supports conservation efforts across all 50 states and U.S. territories. Since our founding, we've funded over 23,300 rigorously evaluated projects, awarded to both large environmental organizations and small local initiatives. We do not fund advocacy or litigation, and do not conduct membership campaigns. Instead, we focus on achieving results and building a better future for our world.

Northern Great Plains Program

The National Fish and Wildlife Foundation (NFWF) is soliciting proposals to voluntarily conserve and restore grasslands and wildlife species in the Northern Great Plains. The goal of the Northern Great Plains program is to maintain and/or improve interconnected grasslands in focal areas to sustain healthy populations of grassland-obligate species while fostering sustainable livelihoods and preserving cultural identities including tribal cultures and food sovereignty. Major funding partners include the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, U.S. Forest Service, Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS), Bureau of Land Management, Bezos Earth Fund, Marathon Oil, Altria Group, Occidental Petroleum Corporation, and Margret A. Cargill Philanthropies.

The Chapman Collection Study Grants, administered by the American Museum of Natural History, provide financial support for predoctoral and recent postdoctoral researchers to conduct specimen-based ornithological research. Grants prioritize graduate students lacking other funding and cover travel and subsistence costs, encouraging projects longer than four days. Each grant is capped at $2,000 and aims to enhance research opportunities within the Museum's extensive collections, ensuring vital studies in avian systematics are conducted.

The Amy Ellen Polk Memorial Scholarship, offered by the American Association of Birth Centers Foundation, supports individuals developing freestanding birth centers. This scholarship honors Amy Ellen Polk, a passionate advocate for birthing centers. Recipients receive tuition for the 'How to Start a Birth Center Workshop' and an additional $500 for travel if attending in person. Eligible applicants must demonstrate financial need and cannot have attended the workshop in the last three years.

The Minnesota Job Skills Partnership Pathways Program aims to provide training and career opportunities for individuals with incomes at or below 200% of the federal poverty guidelines. Grants of up to $400,000 support projects that include partnerships between businesses and accredited Minnesota educational institutions. Funds can cover training-related costs but not wage subsidies or tuition reimbursement. This program is essential for fostering workforce development and enhancing the skills of low-income individuals, ultimately aiding their transition into sustainable employment.

The Minnesota Jobs Skills Partnership (MJSP) offers a Partnership Grant Program aimed at enhancing workforce training and development in high-demand sectors. Grants of up to $400,000 are available for accredited educational institutions partnering with businesses to create tailored training programs. These funds can cover essential training costs, ensuring that Minnesota's workforce remains competitive and skilled. The initiative aims to foster collaboration between businesses and educational entities, addressing the state's evolving workforce needs effectively.

Texas Education Agency

The Texas Education Agency is the state agency that oversees primary and secondary public education. It is headed by the commissioner of education. The Texas Education Agency improves outcomes for all public school students in the state by providing leadership, guidance, and support to school systems.

Every Student Succeeds Act (ESSA)

The Every Student Succeeds Act (ESSA) is a federal K–12 education law. ESSA was signed into law in 2015, replacing No Child Left Behind, and reauthorizing the original Elementary and Secondary Education Act (ESEA), which was signed into law in 1965 by President Lyndon Baines Johnson.

ESSA requires every state to measure performance in reading, math, and science. Every school must inform parents about their standards and their results. 

ESSA requires every state to provide parents important information on test performance in reading, math, and science. The report cards must also provide data on graduation rates, suspensions, absenteeism, teacher qualifications, and many other areas. Texas provides maximum transparency for parents and publicly shares performance information on TXschools.gov and in data reports on the Performance Reporting pages.

Every Student Succeeds Act (ESSA) Consolidated Federal Grant

The Every Student Succeeds Act (ESSA) Consolidated Federal Grant includes: 1) Title I, Part A Grants; 2) Title I, Part C Grants; 3) Title I, Part D, Subpart 1 Grants; 4) Title I, Part D, Subpart 2 Grants; 5) Title II, Part A Grants; 6) Title III, Part A ELA Grants; 7) Title III, Part A Immigrant Grants; and 8) Title IV, Part A, Subpart 1 Grants.

 Title IV, Part A, Subpart 1

Program Purpose, Goals, and Objectives

Title IV, Part A, Subpart 1, Student Support and Academic Enrichment (SSAE) grants are designed to improve the academic achievement of all students by increasing the capacity of school systems, schools, and communities to:

• Provide all students with access to a well-rounded education,
• Improve school conditions for student learning; and
• Improve the use of technology to enhance the academic outcomes and digital literacy of students. 

Intended program beneficiaries are school systems that receive funds under Title I, Part A. 

LEAs must ensure it is using Title IV, Part A, funds to supplement and not supplant State or local funds. Title IV, Part A, funds may not be used to meet State and/or local requirements.

The Senate Bill 1 Sea Level Rise Adaptation Planning Grant Program in California provides vital funding for local governments to develop sea level rise adaptation plans. With $17.18 million available, this program aims to enhance coastal resilience against the impacts of climate change. The program supports jurisdictions in creating consistent and effective strategies to address rising sea levels, ensuring public safety and safeguarding infrastructure and biodiversity along California's coastline.

The EEAI Mini-Grants program supports projects aimed at educating communities about environmental issues and enhancing ecological understanding. With grants of up to $350, successful proposals demonstrate a sustainable impact, such as integrating classroom curricula with experiential learning. Eligible applicants include Illinois educators who are members of the Environmental Education Association of Illinois (EEAI). This competitive grant process encourages innovative approaches to environmental education.

The Kentucky Opioid Abatement Grants: Prevention program aims to address the severe impact of the opioid epidemic on communities by distributing settlement funds for prevention-focused efforts. Established by the Kentucky Opioid Abatement Advisory Commission, this initiative prioritizes youth prevention, overdose reduction, and collaborative projects. Non-profit and government entities can apply for funding, which has a ceiling of $1 million. Priority will be given to projects that demonstrate effective use of funds and address specific regional service gaps.

The New Mexico Veterans Memorial Scholarship, established in 2024, supports graduating high school seniors in New Mexico who embody the Medal of Honor Core Values: Courage, Sacrifice, Integrity, Commitment, Patriotism, and Citizenship. This scholarship encourages students to explore and reflect on these values through a personal essay and community service. Preference is given to students from Albuquerque High Schools, fostering a commitment to excellence and civic duty among the youth.

The Marion and Henry Bloch Family Foundation focuses on enhancing the quality of life in greater Kansas City through strategic philanthropy. It supports organizations dedicated to nonprofit excellence, addressing systemic issues, and improving outcomes for underserved communities. Grants typically range from $100,000 to $250,000, aiming for transformational change. The Foundation prioritizes local organizations that align with its mission and values, ensuring a significant community impact.

Montana State University

Montana State University (MSU), the state’s largest public research university, serves as Montana’s premier land-grant institution dedicated to education, research, and service. Founded in 1893 in Bozeman, MSU provides high-quality, accessible learning opportunities while advancing discoveries that address the needs of Montana, the nation, and the world. With more than 16,000 students and a strong commitment to hands-on, experiential learning, MSU integrates academic excellence with real-world problem-solving across fields such as agriculture, engineering, health, science, and the arts.

Guided by its land-grant mission, MSU prioritizes student success, community engagement, and research that strengthens Montana’s economy and quality of life. The university strives to foster innovation, expand opportunity, and support thriving communities by preparing graduates who are equipped to lead, serve, and contribute meaningfully to society.

Hugh Hastings Memorial Scholarship

This scholarship supports Montana residents with sophomore status who are pursuing a degree from either the College of Agriculture or the College of Arts and Architecture, alternating by year. Applicants must maintain a minimum 2.7 cumulative GPA. Award amounts vary, and the scholarship falls under the Agriculture and Arts and Architecture scopes.

Berkshire Taconic Community Foundation

Since 1987, we have strengthened communities through philanthropy and leadership. We channel generosity where it is needed, bringing together resources and passion to tackle our region’s most pressing issues and create lasting change.

The Region We Serve

Berkshire Taconic Community Foundation serves Berkshire, Columbia, northeast Dutchess and northwest Litchfield counties. This unique area where New York, Connecticut and Massachusetts meet contains 2,200 square miles of natural beauty and small-town charm that is home to nearly 230,000 people.

Fund for Columbia County: General Operating Support Grants

Introduction

Berkshire Taconic Community Foundation established the Fund for Columbia County (FCC) in 1998 to help strengthen communities and improve the quality of life for everyone in Columbia County. The fund serves as a resource for organizations that make life safer, healthier, and more equitable for all residents of the county.

Grants for General Operating Support

Through its General Operating Support Grants, FCC supports organizations that have a deep, lasting, and positive impact on the residents of Columbia County, with particular emphasis on low-income and underserved adults and children.

FCC’s primary focus areas include:

• Youth development
• Education
• Services for the elderly
• Health and social services
• Civic and community engagement through arts, culture, and education

These Grants provide flexible general operating support, which may include:

• Personnel and overhead costs
• Planning and implementation of programs
• Technology, equipment, or material costs
• Strategic planning, staff/board development, and/or succession planning
• Investments to increase organizational capacity
• Other annual operating expenses

California Energy Commission

As the state’s primary energy policy and planning agency, the California Energy Commission (CEC) plays a critical role in creating the energy system of the future—one that is clean, modern, and ensures the fifth largest economy in the world continues to thrive. Combating climate change is fundamental to maintaining California’s future. The agency’s research, programs and policies remain crucial today as the state plans for 100% clean energy and carbon neutrality by mid-century. CEC is helping create the energy system of California’s future through activities such as Planning and Policy Development, Renewable Energy Growth; Energy Efficiency; Energy Innovation; Cleaner Transportation; and Responsible Electricity Infrastructure.

Direct Air Capture Pre-Commercial Demonstration and Community Engagement

Purpose

This solicitation supports the development and deployment of advanced direct air capture (DAC) carbon dioxide removal (CDR) technologies through pre-commercial pilot and demonstration projects under real-world conditions.

Berks County Community Foundation

Berks County Community Foundation was founded in 1994 to help individuals, families, organizations and businesses achieve their charitable objectives. Since that time, the foundation has grown to manage hundreds of charitable funds. Each year, the funds distribute millions of dollars in scholarships and grants to support local students and nonprofit organizations and causes.

The Innovation Fund

The Innovation Fund provides grants to projects focused on improving environmental health and climate resiliency in Berks County. Projects that include collaboration across sectors and/or opportunities for partnership building will be prioritized. 

Projects can include but are not limited to:

• New approaches to strengthen environmental health and climate resiliency, including research into new approaches.
• Small-scale implementation/construction of environmental best management practices (e.g. planting trees and native shrubs, community gardens, etc.)
• Support to obtain state or federal funding
• Education and outreach
• Project planning and development

Toby L. Mapes: Fire Protection Technology Scholarship

Funding Amount:

• $1500
• Active

This scholarship is to provide financial assistance for a student pursuing a higher education in a Fire Protection Technology degree at an accredited institution, with preference given to students attending Blue Ridge Community College or AB Technical College in a fire protection technology field. A second preference is given to students pursuing nursing. 

Welcome Home Community Housing Fund 

This opportunity will be available only to developments already awarded CHF or HOME funds, with the goal of reducing planned 60% AMI units to 50% AMI units or below.

Clark County is making a BLM-owned site available for the development of affordable rental housing. 

Funding Goals and Scope

The goal of this funding round is to reduce the projected number of 60% AMI units (and 65% AMI units in limited instances) in the development pipeline to 50% AMI, and below, to meet the very low- and extremely low-income housing demands of the Las Vegas valley housing market. The COUNTY will determine eligibility for funding by population served and targeted income level(s), number of units impacted, financial capacity, the APPLICANTS ability to creatively maximize use of the additional CHF funds in combination with other funding sources, project readiness, and project feasibility. All project commitments outlined in the original application must remain, such as sustainability features, project amenities, unit amenities, overall design of the project, etc. All developments will be for affordable housing for households below 80% of AMI; any units above 80% will not be funded by CHF. Projects with market rate units will be required to show how those units will be funded on the FFS without using CHF funds. Though the COUNTY will provide a scoring preference for projects with higher numbers of units at or below 30% and 50% of AMI, the maximum amount of below 30% AMI, units allowed in any one project is 50% of the total. Projects that include between 10% and 50% of their units at 30% AMI or below may request additional CHF funds in order to reduce long-term debt and support higher operating costs; however, construction costs per unit must remain competitive. Projects with over 20% of the units at 30% AMI must have additional sources of long-term operating income to ensure that the project can sustain such deep rental subsidies. 

Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity

The mission of the Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity (DCEO) is to create equitable economic opportunities across the State of Illinois. By attracting and supporting major job creators, investing in communities, strengthening Illinois’ world-class workforce, fostering innovation, and ushering in the new clean energy economy, DCEO works to fortify Illinois’ reputation as a global economic powerhouse while ensuring Illinois is the best state to live, work and do business.

State Small Business Credit Initiative (SSBCI) Technical Assistance (TA) Grant Program – Loan TA Program – Region 4: North 

The Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity (the “Department” or “DCEO”) is issuing this Notice of Funding Opportunity (“NOFO”) to seek application proposals from qualified technical assistance providers to deliver assistance to businesses owned by socially and economically disadvantaged individuals (SEDI1) or very small businesses (VSBs2) participating in, or seeking assistance from the state’s State Small Business Credit Initiative (SSBCI) funded programs. The technical assistance providers will provide support to eligible beneficiaries of the SSBCI Technical (TA) Grant Program located in Region 4: North. Specifically, the Illinois SSBCI Technical Assistance Grant Program will be delivered via two programs: the Venture Capital TA Program and the Loan TA Program.

The primary focus of this NOFO is the Loan TA Program which will assist eligible small businesses in applying for SSBCI funding and other government small business programs. The Loan TA Program will prioritize services that promote equitable economic opportunities for participating businesses across the state by enhancing their awareness and readiness to apply for and acquire capital, in addition to fostering entrepreneurial growth, and enhancing financial and business management skills.

The Venture Capital TA Program will be offered via a separate NOFO.

The Thomas W. Wilkins Fellowship, offered by The Huntington Library, aims to promote diversity among scholars utilizing its extensive collections. This fellowship honors the legacy of a dedicated educator and supports research for up to two months with a stipend of $3,500 per month. It encourages independent scholars, particularly those from historically underrepresented groups, to explore topics related to race, gender, disability, and LGBTQ issues, thereby enriching academic discourse and fostering inclusivity.

Native Forward awards are allocated based on the financial aid information provided by the institution’s Financial Aid Office. Awards can vary, ranging from $100 to $30,000 per academic year.

Native Forward Scholars Fund members of federally and state-recognized Tribes as well as first and second-generation descendants. However, Native Forward Scholars Fund scholarship opportunities have different Tribal eligibility requirements and can be determined by submitting a Tribal Eligibility Certificate.

Land Conservation and Indigenous Languages Scholarship

The purpose of the Land Conservation and Indigenous Languages Scholarship is to provide financial assistance to eligible American Indian and Alaska Native undergraduate and graduate students enrolled full-time at an accredited institution and pursuing degrees with a focus in Indigenous languages, natural resources, land management, and conservation or cultural preservation. 

This opportunity is a need-based award.

The Barberton Community Foundation offers small grants of $5,000 or less to support local nonprofits, schools, and community initiatives. This foundation aims to enhance the quality of life for Barberton residents through collaborative efforts and impactful contributions. Interested applicants should submit a letter of inquiry before applying, as all requests are subject to review by the Foundation staff and Board Chair. The foundation prioritizes projects that directly benefit the citizens of Barberton.

The Mentored Quantitative Research Development Award (K25) aims to engage skilled professionals in NIH-relevant research, enhancing their expertise in addressing health-related issues. This award supports individuals with backgrounds in quantitative sciences and engineering, providing them with dedicated time for supervised research and study. Key application deadlines span from June 2024 to February 2027, emphasizing the program's commitment to fostering innovative research in health and disease.

The GroupGives Fund, managed by the Community Foundation of Northern Colorado, aims to assist individuals in securing and maintaining housing through education, home maintenance, and financial support. Established in 2012, it provides strategic grants to nonprofit organizations focused on affordable and supportive housing within Larimer County. With both annual Impact Grants and smaller project grants, GroupGives embodies the belief that every person deserves a place to call home.

The Biophysical Society offers Travel Awards for graduate (PhD and master's) students to support their attendance at the Society's Annual Meeting. Eligible applicants must be members of the Society and submit abstracts for presentation. The awards, which can reach up to $750, aim to recognize excellence in biophysics and enhance networking among biophysicists globally. Special provisions exist for those from underrepresented communities and for applicants seeking bridging funds or low-income country travel awards.

The Alliance for Innovation on Maternal Health (AIM) Capacity Program aims to enhance the capacity of state, territorial, and Tribal entities in the U.S. to implement and sustain AIM Patient Safety Bundles. By promoting evidence-based maternal safety practices, the program strives to improve the quality of maternity care, enhance maternal health outcomes, and significantly reduce preventable maternal mortality and severe morbidity.

The Ryan White HIV/AIDS Program Part D provides supplemental funding aimed at enhancing the infrastructure and capacity of organizations to deliver high-quality, family-centered HIV care services. This initiative focuses on two key areas: HIV Care Innovation and Infrastructure Development, ensuring improved access to essential services for women, infants, children, and youth affected by HIV.