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Best Capacity Building Grants for Nonprofits

Get support for nonprofit growth with capacity building grants that fund training, infrastructure, strategic planning, and technology upgrades.

32,000+

Available grants

$8.25B

Total funding

$6K

Median grant

32,000+ grants
$8.25B total
$6K median

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32,423 Results based on applied filters

Paul Jorgensen Conservation Research Grant

Anza-Borrego Foundation
Private
California
Up to US $2,500
The Paul Jorgensen Conservation Research Grant, offered by the Anza-Borrego Foundation, supports undergraduate and graduate students conducting ornithological field studies in Southern California's Colorado Desert and Peninsular Ranges. Grants of up to $2,500 are available to assist with fieldwork costs, honoring Paul D. Jorgensen's legacy. Special consideration is given to research conducted within state parks, fostering a deeper appreciation and understanding of California's unique desert ecosystems.
Ornithology

Athens Area Community Foundation Grant

Battle Creek Community Foundation
Private
Calhoun County, Michigan
Unspecified amount

Battle Creek Community Foundation

Our Mission: The Battle Creek Community Foundation connects people, ideas, and resources to expand opportunity and create lasting community benefit for today and tomorrow.

Athens Area Community Foundation

Established in 1994 in Athens, Michigan – For good. Forever. For all.

Mission: To build permanent endowment funds that enrich and enhance the quality of life and support services in the Athens area.

Grants

The Athens Area Community Foundation supports nonprofit organizations who impact the organizations and residents in the greater Athens area. Organizations that are recognized under Section 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code or have a fiscal sponsor that is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization, and serve the greater Athens area residents, are eligible to apply for grants.

The following are the current areas of focus for AACF grants:

  • Arts & Culture
  • Community/Economic Development
  • Education
  • Environment
  • Health & Wellness
  • Human Services
  • Youth
Youth Services Human & Social Services Community Development & Revitalization +5 more

Ora Snuffer & Walter Roy Oberholtzer Memorial Scholarship

Beckley Area Foundation
Private
Mercer County, West Virginia
Unspecified amount
The Ora Snuffer & Walter Roy Oberholtzer Memorial Scholarship, managed by the Beckley Area Foundation, supports male nursing students from select counties in West Virginia. Eligible applicants must be enrolled full-time in a nursing program at Bluefield State University. This scholarship considers both need and merit, with no application required, as all new nursing students will be reviewed for eligibility based on financial need and specific criteria.
Education - Higher Education Education - High School Academic Scholarship Programs +2 more

Harry F. Dise Grant

Harry F. Dise Charitable Foundation
Private
Yavapai County, Arizona
Unspecified amount
The Harry F. Dise Grant, managed by the Harry F. Dise Charitable Foundation, supports charitable organizations in Prescott, Arizona, focusing on the preservation of historical landmarks and objects. Eligible applicants must be 501(c)(3) nonprofit organizations. The foundation prioritizes areas such as animal welfare, arts and culture, civic activities, community development, education, environment, health research, social services, and religious activities. Note that individual applications are not accepted.
Historical Records & Archives Historic Preservation American History +9 more

Greenawalt Foundation Skilled Trades Program Grant

Greenawalt Foundation
Private
United States
Unspecified amount

Greenawalt Foundation

Building Stronger Communities

At The Greenawalt Foundation, we believe that opportunity is the foundation of prosperity. By supporting organizations that educate, train, and empower people in the trades, we’re helping to build a stronger, more sustainable future for all.

Skilled Trades Grant Opportunities

The Greenawalt Foundation advances opportunities in the skilled trades through funding for accredited pre-apprenticeship and apprenticeship programs, workforce training initiatives, and youth career exploration experiences. These programs promote technical readiness and connect STEM education to modern trades careers, building a stronger, more sustainable workforce. Foundation support focuses on expanding access and creating equitable pathways to prosperity for individuals pursuing skilled trades careers. Through these efforts, the Foundation helps develop the next generation of skilled professionals who will shape the future of our communities.

Eligible Grant Categories

  • Skilled Trades Training Support
  • Pre-Apprenticeship or Apprenticeship Programs
  • Youth Career Exploration Camps
Vocational & Trade Education Apprenticeship & Internship Programs Youth Development & Leadership +1 more

Cancer Prevention and Control Programs for State, Territorial, and Tribal Organizations (363855)

Dept. of Health & Human Services: Centers for Disease Control & Prevention
Federal Government
American Samoa, Guam +7 more
Unspecified amount
The Cancer Prevention and Control Programs aim to eliminate cancer through collaborative efforts among state, territorial, and tribal organizations. Funded by the CDC, this program supports initiatives such as breast and cervical cancer screening, cancer control planning, and cancer surveillance. By fostering partnerships and community involvement, the program seeks to improve health outcomes and achieve the mission of 'All People Free of Cancer.' This comprehensive approach ensures that resources are effectively coordinated to address the cancer burden in communities.
Cancer / Oncology Epidemiology & Public Health Health Care Access & Delivery +2 more

Binational Resilience Initiative- Water Grants

The San Diego Foundation
Private
Imperial County, California, Mexico +1 more
Up to US $100,000

Binational Resilience Initiative

The Binational Resilience Initiative (BRI) builds resilience in the Cali-Baja region by supporting binational projects that strengthen the capacity of our communities to adapt to the impacts of our changing climate. A partnership of San Diego Foundation (SDF), International Community Foundation (ICF), Resilient Cities Catalyst (RCC), and the San Diego Regional Climate Collaborative (SDRCC), we are leading an innovative, community-driven process that recognizes the interdependent environmental, economic, and cultural assets in San Diego and northern Baja California and strengthens resilience by addressing climate vulnerabilities through binational collaboration and localized solutions.

Water Grants

In San Diego and Tijuana, water treatment facilities have not been expanded at a pace that matches urban expansion. The BRI Water Grants further advances a water resilience strategy that supports the health of our communities and helps sustain water resources for the future.

Building Water Resilience

The Cali-Baja region’s continuous population growth, coupled with more frequent and extreme weather events, has placed considerable strain on the region’s natural areas and the capacity of municipal agencies to provide waste and recycling services in underserved communities. In San Diego and Tijuana, water treatment facilities have not been expanded at a pace that matches urban expansion. As a result, raw urban discharges are flowing into the river floodplain with sediment, solid waste, and polluted urban effluent being discharged to the Tijuana River, its estuary, and the ocean.

The worsening conditions of the Tijuana River are an emerging environmental threat impacting the health of local communities on both sides of the border. The quality of river flows impacts the quality of life and the health of people living near the impaired river stream, the estuary, and the surrounding coastal areas.

The Funding Opportunity

Through BRI, we are building a coordinated pooled-funding model to invest in watershed-wide binational projects that complement infrastructure investments made by federal governments in the United States and Mexico. BRI can advance water resilience projects through these priority focus areas:

  • Tijuana River Restoration (transboundary river)
  • Pollution Reduction (binational approach)
  • Water Conservation Measures in the Tijuana River region to protect our Colorado River water supply 
Water Resource Management

The Philadelphia Botanical Club Grant for Botanical Research, Education, and Conservation

Philadelphia Botanical Club
Association/Society
Pennsylvania
Up to US $4,000
The Philadelphia Botanical Club Grant supports members engaged in research, education, and conservation projects focused on plant life in the Philadelphia area. This includes studies on flora, algae, lichens, and fungi, with an emphasis on advancing knowledge through peer-reviewed publications and community engagement. Eligible applicants must be current members of the Club, and projects can receive funding for supplies, educational materials, and travel expenses, with a preference for smaller grants.
Phycology Mycology Botanical Conservation +1 more

National Initiatives Advancing Improvements in Care for Older Adults Grant

John A Hartford Foundation
Private
United States
Up to US $300,000

About The John A. Hartford Foundation

The John A. Hartford Foundation, based in New York City, is a private, nonpartisan, national philanthropy dedicated to improving the care of older adults. The leader in the field of aging and health, the foundation has three priority areas: creating age-friendly health systems, supporting family caregivers, and improving serious illness and end-of-life care.

Since 1982, The John A. Hartford Foundation has awarded more than $758 million in grants to enhance the health and well-being of older people.

JAHF New Partners Program Call for Proposals:

National Initiatives Advancing Improvements in Care for Older Adults

The John A. Hartford Foundation (JAHF) is entering a new chapter that builds on its work to improve care for older adults and support family caregivers while bringing new organizations, leaders and ideas into its community of grantees and partners.

Through this funding opportunity, JAHF is seeking proposals from organizations that have not previously received a major grant from the foundation.

Proposed initiatives must have a national or multi-site scope and align with at least one of the foundation's three priority areas:

  • Age-Friendly Health Systems
  • Family Caregiving
  • Serious Illness and End-of-Life Care
Senior Services Aging / Gerontology Caregiver Support / Respite Care +1 more

Eugene Maughan Graduate Student Scholarship (Previously 'Western Division Scholarship Program')

American Fisheries Society
Association/Society
Alaska, American Samoa +18 more
Up to US $5,000
The Western Division Scholarship Program offers up to $5,000 annually to support masters or doctoral students in fisheries science. Awards are based on academic excellence, potential contributions to the fisheries profession, and progress toward a graduate degree. Eligible applicants must be members of the American Fisheries Society and have completed at least one semester in a relevant graduate program within the Western Division's geographic boundaries.
Ichthyology (Fish) Fisheries

Emergency Relief Grant Program - Ohio

Ohio Water Development Authority (OWDA)
State/Local Government
Ohio
Unspecified amount

Ohio Water Development Authority

The Ohio Water Development Authority (OWDA) provides financial assistance for environmental infrastructure from the sale of municipal revenue bonds through loans to local governments in Ohio and from the issuance of industrial revenue bonds for qualified conduit projects in Ohio.

Emergency Relief Program

For What: Relief from Construction Repayments of Drinking Water, Wastewater, and Solid Waste Infrastructure

Purpose

For short-term relief from OWDA loan repayments so communities can use their repayment funds to recover from damages to their water, wastewater and solid waste infrastructure resulting from a federal or state declared emergency; OR

For construction of infrastructure to provide water and wastewater services to individual homes relocated due to mine subsidence. 

Grant Amount

  • Maximum of 2 semi-annual OWDA loan repayments can be made on behalf of qualifying communities for damages due to a declared federal or state disaster.
  • $25,000 per household to re-establish water and sewer services after being relocated from an area of mine subsidence. 

Disbursement

  • Applied directly at the time of semi-annual billing for damages due to a declared federal or state disaster OR
  • After submission of detailed expenses to re-establish water and sewer services. 
  • Disbursement Request: OWDA Chief Engineer 

See the program guidlines for further information.

Sanitation & Clean Drinking Water Waste Management Public Infrastructure

HOME Investment Partnerships Program - Oklahoma

Oklahoma Housing Finance Agency
State/Local Government
Oklahoma
Unspecified amount

Oklahoma Housing Finance Agency

OHFA offers housing assistance to low and moderate income families in all 77 Oklahoma counties. Every day, we help families pay their rent or purchase homes so they can begin making memories and growing roots. We work with nonprofit organizations, developers and municipalities to bring quality housing opportunities to communities across the state.

HOME Investment Partnerships Program

OHFA provides grants to non-profit organizations, Public Housing Authorities, Community Housing Development Organizations, local or tribal governments, and private developers to assist low-income households with housing needs.

OHFA is the HUD designated State HOME Participating Jurisdiction. The cities of Oklahoma City, Lawton, Norman, and the Tulsa Consortium also administer HOME funds. Therefore, OHFA does not provide HOME funding in these areas.

Eligible Activities

  • Development Costs for New Construction or Acquisition/Rehabilitation
  • Rental or Homeownership
  • Down Payment/Closing Cost Assistance for Homebuyers
  • Rental Assistance

Equitable & Affordable Housing Homeownership

Working Landscapes: Urban and Community Forestry Initiative

Montana Department of Natural Resources & Conservation
State/Local Government
Montana
US $20,000 - US $300,000

Working Landscapes: Urban and Community Forestry InitiativeThe urban and community forestry initiative is designed to expand and enhance urban and community forests across Montana through large scale tree plantings. Led by The Montana Department of Natural Resources and Conservation (DNRC), the program will support projects that deliver clear urban forestry benefits through increased species diversity, shelter belts, agroforestry, and education across Montana’s communities.DNRC’s Urban and Community Forestry program promotes best management practices for planting, maintaining, and protecting community forests. The Working Landscapes Urban and Community Forestry Initiative supports opportunities for larger projects with broader, more measurable community-level impacts focusing on carbon sequestration and increasing urban forest canopy. Projects funded through this initiative build on the existing program and will expand tree canopy in Montana communities, helping to improve air and water quality, provide shade and green infrastructure, and support healthier neighborhoods.

Forestry

Harbor Management and Access Grant

Maryland Department of Natural Resources
State/Local Government
Maine
Up to US $20,000

Overview

The Submerged Lands Harbor Management and Access Grant (HMA) is administered by the Submerged Lands Program (SLP), a program of the Bureau of Parks and Lands (BPL) within the Maine Department of Agriculture, Conservation and Forestry (DACF). The SLP works to balance the public’s right to access state waters with demand for private and commercial use of those waters. The SLP administers the Submerged Lands Leasing Program which provides limited leases and easements that allow piers and other structures to be built on or over publicly owned submerged lands. Lease and easement revenues are used to support harbor planning and public access improvements through grants to municipalities and state agencies. Maine’s submerged lands include:

  • Coastal waters:
    • All land from the mean low-water mark out to the three-mile territorial limit (including islands).
  • Tidal Rivers:
    • All land below the mean low-water mark of tidal rivers upstream to the farthest natural reaches of the tides.
  • Great Ponds:
    • All land below the natural low-water mark of ponds that are 10 or more acres in size in their natural state.
  • Boundary Rivers:
    • Land lying between the banks of rivers that form Maine's border with Canada.
Water Resource Management

Eckblad Williams Community Fund Grant- Spring & Fall Cycles

CommunityGiving
Private
Sherburne County, Minnesota, Stearns County, Minnesota +1 more
US $100 - US $900
The Eckblad Williams Community Fund Grant supports enriching projects for ISD 742 orchestra students. With funding ranging from $100 to $900, applications are encouraged for travel scholarships, professional development for teachers, and additional resources for instrument repair and music purchases. The grant aims to enhance existing programs and provide unique learning opportunities for students who may lack access to such experiences.
Symphony / Orchestra

Fund for Women Grant

Delaware Community Foundation
Private
Delaware
Up to US $15,000
The Fund for Women Grant, administered by the Delaware Community Foundation, supports nonprofit organizations dedicated to empowering women and girls in Delaware. This one-year grant provides financial assistance for innovative programs that enhance the potential of women and girls. Eligible applicants must demonstrate 501(c)(3) status and address the specific needs of this demographic. The grant aims to foster self-sufficiency and productive lives, ensuring that women and girls can achieve their full potential.
Women & Girl Services Women's Health Reproductive Education +2 more

Chapman Collection Study Grants

American Museum of Natural History (AMNH)
Private
New York County, New York
Up to US $2,000
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.
Ornithology

N.C. Forest Service - Urban and Community Forestry Financial Assistance Program: N.C. Arbor Day Celebration Assistance

North Carolina Forest Service
State/Local Government
North Carolina
Unspecified amount

N.C. Forest Service - Urban and Community Forestry Financial Assistance Program

The goal of the North Carolina Urban and Community Forestry (U&CF) Program is to help municipalities reach a level of sustainable U&CF management that matches their goals and capacity. We define urban and community forestry as follows:

Urban forestry is defined as the management of the planting, maintenance and protection of tree populations in urban settings to enhance the economic and ecosystem services trees provide to the community.

Community forestry is a branch of forestry that engages the community in the completion of urban forestry practices in support of local government, serves broader community needs and works for positive change.

When municipalities and partners accomplish urban and community forestry practices and activities in an ordered manner, they enhance the level of management in the community, leading to sustainable program success.

We use the accomplishment of six specific standards to measure and classify the development status of a community’s U&CF program into one of four management classifications. This helps a community measure its progress, celebrate accomplishments, and allows us to best serve each community’s individual needs.

The Urban and Community Forestry Project Financial Assistance Program is designed to help communities climb this sustainable management hierarchy. The program accomplishes this by providing financial assistance and guidance in the development and completion of U&CF projects comprised of urban and community forestry practices and activities. A Request for Applications (RFA) process is offered several times a year to help you plan and apply for these assistance opportunities. Definitions of the practices, activities and project deliverables can be found in the following document: NCFS U&CF FAP Glossary of Deliverables and Requirements

Financial Assistance Program Packages

We offer the following packages of specific practices and activities, each designed to help move a community up the management hierarchy or address a specific need.

  • Climb to Tree City USA Package (Consolidated Program Grant (CPG); Hurricane Helene Recovery (HHR); and Inflation Reduction Act (IRA))
  • Climb to Managing Community Package (Consolidated Program Grant (CPG); Hurricane Helene Recovery (HHR); and Inflation Reduction Act (IRA))
  • Tree Maintenance and Planting Packages: i) Tree maintenance and planting project (Hurricane Helene Recovery (HHR); and Inflation Reduction Act (IRA)) and ii) Bad Tree Bounty Project);
  • Professional Staff Development Assistance
  • N.C. Arbor Day Celebration Assistance
  • Special Projects: Climb to Tree City USA Services (Hurricane Helene Recovery (HHR); and Inflation Reduction Act (IRA)).

N.C. Arbor Day Celebration Assistance

Working directly with the NCFS, this assistance package is designed to help municipalities that have not achieved Tree City USA designation plan and hold an Arbor Day celebration on North Carolina Arbor Day. Assistance is awarded to a select number of municipalities or tribal governments. The RFA opens in July each year.

Forestry

WoodsWISE Resilience Program

Maine Department of Agriculture, Conservation and Forestry
State/Local Government
Maine
Unspecified amount

Maine Department of Agriculture, Conservation and Forestry

Maine Department of Agriculture, Conservation and Forestry (DACF) is Maine's support center for many land-based natural resource interests, including farms and forestry-related businesses, outdoor recreation, and public access to parks and public lands.

We strive to provide excellent customer service, and we facilitate a team approach to land-use planning, conservation efforts, business support, and economic activity. Our agency has a wide range of duties, from promoting and advancing Maine's agricultural resources; protecting and enhancing our vast forestland, which comprises 89% of our state's land base; managing more than 700,000 acres of state parks and public lands; and administering numerous science-based programs focused on resource management, wise land use planning, and conservation, while strengthening the base of scientific research and information for effective decision-making.  

WoodsWISE Resilience Program

The Maine Forest Service has a new program to support Maine forestland owners. The WoodsWISE Resilience Program provides financial incentives for eight stewardship practices designed to enhance the resilience of Maine’s forests.

What is Resilience?

Forest resilience measures how well forests adapt and respond to changing conditions. A resilient forest can resist disturbances, such as intense windstorms, or recover after insect outbreaks. While some trees or species may be lost, the forest ecosystem endures.

Information for Landowners

Landowners interested in participating in the program should contact their District Forester for a site visit. To enroll in the program, landowners must work with a Resilience Forester. Find a Resilience Forester to work with in your area.

Information for Foresters

Foresters interested in working with landowners in the program must complete a Resilience Forester training with the Maine Forest Service. This training is required for all foresters who want to participate in currently open program funding, as well as a new funding opportunity opening in November. 

Eligible Practices

The program covers three categories of practices: early stand tending, regeneration support, and forest health.

Early Stand Tending Practices:

  • Pre-commercial thinning: Reducing the number of trees in young or sapling-sized forest:
  • Early commercial thinning: Reducing the number of trees in a forest where part of the trees can create a commercial forest product
  • Crop tree release: Removing trees to favor those of the preferred form, vigor, or species

Regeneration Support:

  • Regeneration management to promote tree regeneration: The intentional removal of trees to create space and resources for regeneration (seedlings, sprouts, or established small trees).
  • Tree planting: Planting tree seedlings to meet landowner objectives
  • Regeneration protection: Temporary tree cages or exclosures to protect small trees or seedlings from animal browsing.

Forest Health Practices:

  • Sanitation cutting: Removing specific trees or tree species to reduce the threat of diseases, insects, fungi, or other health concerns
  • Invasive plant control: Using mechanical or chemical methods to remove invasive plants

Financial Incentives

This is a reimbursement program for landowners. Landowners may request reimbursement for expenses incurred at multiple points throughout the program. Eligible expenses include planning costs, forester time, and practice implementation. Reimbursement is based on Not-to-Exceed rates for each eligible expense.

Underserved Landowners

Underserved landowners, as defined by the US Department of Agriculture, are eligible for an 90% reimbursement rate. All other landowners are eligible for a 60% reimbursement rate. US Department of Agriculture definitions for historically underserved landowners can be found HERE.

Forestry

N.C. Forest Service - Urban and Community Forestry Financial Assistance Program: Professional Staff Development Assistance

North Carolina Forest Service
State/Local Government
North Carolina
Unspecified amount

N.C. Forest Service - Urban and Community Forestry Financial Assistance Program

The goal of the North Carolina Urban and Community Forestry (U&CF) Program is to help municipalities reach a level of sustainable U&CF management that matches their goals and capacity. We define urban and community forestry as follows:

Urban forestry is defined as the management of the planting, maintenance and protection of tree populations in urban settings to enhance the economic and ecosystem services trees provide to the community.

Community forestry is a branch of forestry that engages the community in the completion of urban forestry practices in support of local government, serves broader community needs and works for positive change.

When municipalities and partners accomplish urban and community forestry practices and activities in an ordered manner, they enhance the level of management in the community, leading to sustainable program success.

We use the accomplishment of six specific standards to measure and classify the development status of a community’s U&CF program into one of four management classifications. This helps a community measure its progress, celebrate accomplishments, and allows us to best serve each community’s individual needs.

The Urban and Community Forestry Project Financial Assistance Program is designed to help communities climb this sustainable management hierarchy. The program accomplishes this by providing financial assistance and guidance in the development and completion of U&CF projects comprised of urban and community forestry practices and activities. A Request for Applications (RFA) process is offered several times a year to help you plan and apply for these assistance opportunities. Definitions of the practices, activities and project deliverables can be found in the following document: NCFS U&CF FAP Glossary of Deliverables and Requirements

Financial Assistance Program Packages

We offer the following packages of specific practices and activities, each designed to help move a community up the management hierarchy or address a specific need.

  • Climb to Tree City USA Package (Consolidated Program Grant (CPG); Hurricane Helene Recovery (HHR); and Inflation Reduction Act (IRA))
  • Climb to Managing Community Package (Consolidated Program Grant (CPG); Hurricane Helene Recovery (HHR); and Inflation Reduction Act (IRA))
  • Tree Maintenance and Planting Packages: i) Tree maintenance and planting project (Hurricane Helene Recovery (HHR); and Inflation Reduction Act (IRA)) and ii) Bad Tree Bounty Project);
  • Professional Staff Development Assistance
  • N.C. Arbor Day Celebration Assistance
  • Special Projects: Climb to Tree City USA Services (Hurricane Helene Recovery (HHR); and Inflation Reduction Act (IRA)).

Professional Staff Development Assistance

This assistance package is designed to help municipalities add urban forestry expertise to their organization by providing financial assistance for a staff member to obtain professional urban and community forestry credentials.

Forestry

N.C. Forest Service - Urban and Community Forestry Financial Assistance Program: Tree Maintenance and Planting Packages - Bad Tree Bounty Project

North Carolina Forest Service
State/Local Government
North Carolina
Unspecified amount

N.C. Forest Service - Urban and Community Forestry Financial Assistance Program

The goal of the North Carolina Urban and Community Forestry (U&CF) Program is to help municipalities reach a level of sustainable U&CF management that matches their goals and capacity. We define urban and community forestry as follows:

Urban forestry is defined as the management of the planting, maintenance and protection of tree populations in urban settings to enhance the economic and ecosystem services trees provide to the community.

Community forestry is a branch of forestry that engages the community in the completion of urban forestry practices in support of local government, serves broader community needs and works for positive change.

When municipalities and partners accomplish urban and community forestry practices and activities in an ordered manner, they enhance the level of management in the community, leading to sustainable program success.

We use the accomplishment of six specific standards to measure and classify the development status of a community’s U&CF program into one of four management classifications. This helps a community measure its progress, celebrate accomplishments, and allows us to best serve each community’s individual needs.

The Urban and Community Forestry Project Financial Assistance Program is designed to help communities climb this sustainable management hierarchy. The program accomplishes this by providing financial assistance and guidance in the development and completion of U&CF projects comprised of urban and community forestry practices and activities. A Request for Applications (RFA) process is offered several times a year to help you plan and apply for these assistance opportunities. Definitions of the practices, activities and project deliverables can be found in the following document: NCFS U&CF FAP Glossary of Deliverables and Requirements

Financial Assistance Program Packages

We offer the following packages of specific practices and activities, each designed to help move a community up the management hierarchy or address a specific need.

  • Climb to Tree City USA Package (Consolidated Program Grant (CPG); Hurricane Helene Recovery (HHR); and Inflation Reduction Act (IRA))
  • Climb to Managing Community Package (Consolidated Program Grant (CPG); Hurricane Helene Recovery (HHR); and Inflation Reduction Act (IRA))
  • Tree Maintenance and Planting Packages: i) Tree maintenance and planting project (Hurricane Helene Recovery (HHR); and Inflation Reduction Act (IRA)) and ii) Bad Tree Bounty Project);
  • Professional Staff Development Assistance
  • N.C. Arbor Day Celebration Assistance
  • Special Projects: Climb to Tree City USA Services (Hurricane Helene Recovery (HHR); and Inflation Reduction Act (IRA)).

Tree Maintenance and Planting Packages: Bad Tree Bounty Project

Working directly with the NCFS, this assistance package is designed to assist a municipality with enhancing urban forest protection and management through a project that identifies and mitigates “bad” trees. Bad trees may include invasive tree species and/or risk trees, trees that pose an unacceptable risk to people and property. Assistance will be awarded to one municipality or tribal government. The RFA opens in January each year.

Forestry

N.C. Forest Service - Urban and Community Forestry Financial Assistance Program: Tree Maintenance and Planting Project - Hurricane Helene Recovery (HHR)

North Carolina Forest Service
State/Local Government
Alleghany County, North Carolina, Ashe County, North Carolina +10 more
US $2,200,000

N.C. Forest Service - Urban and Community Forestry Financial Assistance Program

The goal of the North Carolina Urban and Community Forestry (U&CF) Program is to help municipalities reach a level of sustainable U&CF management that matches their goals and capacity. We define urban and community forestry as follows:

Urban forestry is defined as the management of the planting, maintenance and protection of tree populations in urban settings to enhance the economic and ecosystem services trees provide to the community.

Community forestry is a branch of forestry that engages the community in the completion of urban forestry practices in support of local government, serves broader community needs and works for positive change.

When municipalities and partners accomplish urban and community forestry practices and activities in an ordered manner, they enhance the level of management in the community, leading to sustainable program success.

We use the accomplishment of six specific standards to measure and classify the development status of a community’s U&CF program into one of four management classifications. This helps a community measure its progress, celebrate accomplishments, and allows us to best serve each community’s individual needs.

The Urban and Community Forestry Project Financial Assistance Program is designed to help communities climb this sustainable management hierarchy. The program accomplishes this by providing financial assistance and guidance in the development and completion of U&CF projects comprised of urban and community forestry practices and activities. A Request for Applications (RFA) process is offered several times a year to help you plan and apply for these assistance opportunities. Definitions of the practices, activities and project deliverables can be found in the following document: NCFS U&CF FAP Glossary of Deliverables and Requirements

Financial Assistance Program Packages

We offer the following packages of specific practices and activities, each designed to help move a community up the management hierarchy or address a specific need.

  • Climb to Tree City USA Package (Consolidated Program Grant (CPG); Hurricane Helene Recovery (HHR); and Inflation Reduction Act (IRA))
  • Climb to Managing Community Package (Consolidated Program Grant (CPG); Hurricane Helene Recovery (HHR); and Inflation Reduction Act (IRA))
  • Tree Maintenance and Planting Packages: i) Tree maintenance and planting project (Hurricane Helene Recovery (HHR); and Inflation Reduction Act (IRA)) and ii) Bad tree bounty project);
  • Professional Staff Development Assistance
  • N.C. Arbor Day Celebration Assistance
  • Special Projects: Climb to Tree City USA Services (Hurricane Helene Recovery (HHR); and Inflation Reduction Act (IRA))

Tree Maintenance and Planting Packages: Tree Maintenance and Planting Project

This assistance package is designed to help municipalities that have achieved Tree City USA standards meet tree maintenance (pruning and removal) and planting needs. This package includes assistance to complete a tree inventory to identify tree maintenance needs and planting sites, develop work plans and complete the tree maintenance and planting. The RFA opens in January each year.

Funding Program Options

A grant will be funded by one of the two funding programs. You will need to select one. (Contact NCFS U&CF program staff for guidance, if needed):

  • Hurricane Helene Recovery (HHR)
  • Inflation Reduction Act (IRA)

Hurricane Helene Recovery (HHR)

  • Tribal government or a municipality located in Alleghany, Ashe, Avery, Buncombe, Caldwell, Henderson, Madison, Mitchell, Polk, Rutherford, Transylvania or Yancey counties. 
  • Cost share %: Reimbursement of 100% of eligible purchased goods and services.
  • Indirect administration – 15% de minimis/total purchased goods and services.
  • $2.2 million in assistance is available for award of all CPG funded RFAs.

Forestry

Specialty Crop Block Grant Program

New York State Department of Agriculture and Markets
State/Local Government
New York
US $50,000 - US $200,000

New York State Department of Agriculture and Markets

Our mission is to promote New York State agriculture and its high-quality and diverse products, foster agricultural environmental stewardship, and safeguard the state’s food supply, land, and livestock to ensure the viability and growth of New York’s agriculture industries.

Working together, our Divisions: promote New York’s agricultural producers and products and the state’s food and beverage companies; connect the New York's farmers to new markets to grow the agricultural economy; improve access to fresh, local foods to consumers across New York through farmers’ markets and farm-to-school programs; protect and enhance New York State’s natural resources and working landscapes; maintain plant health by detecting and preventing the spread of diseases and harmful invasive species, promoting integrated pest management, regulating the sale of seed and fertilizers, and ensuring the health of honey bees; promote sustainable animal production agriculture; protect the safety of the animal origin food supply; inspect companion animal shelters; protect the safety of the food supply in New York State from the producer to the consumer through inspection and testing; and assure measurement accuracy of scales and gas pumps, as well as thousands of different packaged commodities for a fair and equitable commercial marketplace.

Specialty Crop Block Grant Program

All proposals must seek to enhance the competitiveness of specialty crops. Applicants should describe how the project creates measurable outcomes for the specialty crop industry rather than a single organization, institution or individual. Specifically, this RFP seeks work that will achieve the following outcomes:

  • Improve Pest & Disease Control Processes
  • Develop New Seed Varieties & Specialty Crops
  • Expand Specialty Crop Research and Development
  • Improve Environmental Sustainability of Specialty Crops

Each outcome has measurable indicators established by the USDA SCBG program. A focus on these outcomes and indicators is critical to a competitive proposal. The USDA document that describes these outcomes and indicators is provided below.

Agricultural Crops Farms & Farming Sustainable Agriculture & Agroecology +1 more

Illinois Economic Empowerment Centers (EEC) Program

Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity
State/Local Government
Illinois
US $250,000 - US $500,000

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.

Illinois Economic Empowerment Centers (EEC) Program

Short Description

Pursuant to 20 ILCS 605/605-503, the purpose of the EEC program shall be to provide training, support, resources and opportunities to minority group members, women, individuals with a disability, dislocated workers, veterans, and youth entrepreneurs.

Objective

The objective is to create an inclusive business ecosystem for communities that have traditionally faced systemic barriers to entry and growth, including those who have been justice-involved. The Department will award grants to eligible applicants who provide Socially and Economically Disadvantaged Individuals (SEDI) business owners, entrepreneurs and/or dislocated workers with technical assistance, training, and access to resources necessary for their start-ups or existing businesses.

Youth Development & Leadership Minority Services Entrepreneurship +2 more

HOME Grants

Vermont Housing and Conservation Board
State/Local Government
Vermont
Unspecified amount

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.

HOME

VHCB administers the federal HOME Investment Partnership Program for the State of Vermont. Developments with HOME funds serve low- and very low-income Vermonters, increasing affordability in rental housing developments.

For detailed information on the HOME Program, see the HOME Program Handbook and our housing resources.

HOME Program Overview

The Home Investment Partnership Act (HOME) was created by Title II of the National Affordable Housing Act of 1990. HOME is a federally funded, block grant program for housing. The HOME Program has great flexibility and can be used to fund many types of housing activities: first time homebuyer and homeowner rehabilitation; rental housing production and rehabilitation; and tenantbased rental assistance. In Vermont, statewide HOME funds can be used for acquisition and rehabilitation of multi-family rental housing, and new construction of multi-family rental housing where there is a documented need.

Preference shall be given to projects located in the State's Designated Downtowns, Village Centers, neighborhood development areas and other areas that are consistent with the state's historic settlement pattern and "Smart Growth”

Homeownership Equitable & Affordable Housing

FastTrack Economic Development Fund

Tennessee Department of Economic & Community Development
State/Local Government
Tennessee
Unspecified amount
The FastTrack Economic Development Fund provides crucial grants to local communities in Tennessee for public infrastructure projects that support job creation and significant capital investments. These grants necessitate local matching funds and are aimed at enhancing community development. The program promotes strategic investments that lead to long-term economic growth, helping to offset costs for companies as they expand or establish operations in the state.
Urban Planning Job Creation Business Development +2 more

FastTrack Infrastructure Program

Tennessee Department of Economic & Community Development
State/Local Government
Tennessee
Unspecified amount
The FastTrack Infrastructure Program, administered by the Tennessee Department of Economic & Community Development, provides grants to local governments for essential public infrastructure projects. These funds are aimed at supporting new or expanding companies and require local matching contributions. Eligible projects include improvements to water, sewer, and electrical systems, fostering job creation and economic growth in the community.
Urban Planning Economic Services & Development Job Creation +2 more

Capacity Building Grants for Nonprofits Highlights

Capacity building grants help nonprofits strengthen operations, enhance staff training, and improve organizational infrastructure. These grants enable nonprofits to increase efficiency, expand their reach, and ensure long-term sustainability in achieving their mission.


Search Instrumentl's Capacity Building Grants Database


Explore 8,000+ funding opportunities for capacity building, with $3.43B available. Access private, government, and corporate grants to support your nonprofit's growth. Utilize Instrumentl’s tailored tools to track deadlines and optimize your grant strategy.

Grant Insights : Capacity Building Grants for Nonprofits

Grant Availability

How common are grants in this category?

Quite common — grants in this category are more prevalent than in others.

8,000+ Capacity Building grants for nonprofits grants for nonprofits in the United States, from private foundations to corporations seeking to fund grants for nonprofits.

3,000+ Capacity Building grants for nonprofits over $25K in average grant size

3,000+ Capacity Building grants for nonprofits over $50K in average grant size

1,000+ Capacity Building grants for nonprofits supporting general operating expenses

7,000+ Capacity Building grants for nonprofits supporting programs / projects

1,000+ Grants on Instrumentl focused on Workforce Preparation & Job Readiness

300+ Grants on Instrumentl focused on Social Justice / Human Rights

Grant Deadline Distribution

Over the past year, when are grant deadlines typically due for Capacity Building grants for Nonprofits?

Most grants are due in the first quarter.

Q1
29.8%
Q2
23.8%
Q3
23.9%
Q4
22.6%

Typical Funding Amounts

What's the typical grant amount funded for Capacity Building Grants for Nonprofits?

Grants are most commonly $34,887.

$0 $0 Min.
$34,887 $34.9 K Median
$655,609 $655.6 K Average
$188,250,000 $188.3 M Max.

Frequently asked questions

Nonprofits looking to grow and strengthen their organization are eligible for capacity building grants. Those working on leadership skills, technology improvements, or future planning may also apply. Capacity building grant funders support organizational growth and individual projects across many fields.

Grants for capacity building typically have the highest concentration of deadlines in Q1, with 29.8% of grant deadlines falling in this period. If you're planning to apply, consider prioritizing your applications around this time to maximize opportunities. Conversely, the least active period for grants in this category is Q4.

Capacity building grants exist to help nonprofits strengthen their organization. They support sustainable growth by providing the means to improve operations such as staff training. Capacity building grants can also increase efficiency and expand the reach of nonprofits. This support can help organizations fulfill their missions more effectively. Funders across many concentrations award grants to support organizations and individuals.

On average, grants for capacity building provide funding between $0 and $188,250,000, with typical awards falling around $34,887 (median) and $655,609 (average). These insights can help nonprofits align their funding requests with what grantmakers typically offer in this space.

Private foundations, good-hearted philanthropists, and some government agencies fund capacity building grants. Notable organizations are the Ford Foundation and the Hewlett Foundation.

To improve the chances of getting a capacity building grant, nonprofits should:

  • Outline growth plans – Show how the grant will help support long-term improvements.
  • Develop measurable goals – Define what you hope to achieve by receiving this grant.
  • Get leadership onboard – Prove how leaders in your organization have offered their support.

For additional guidance, explore our step-by-step guide to crafting compelling grant proposals.

Instrumentl simplifies the search for capacity building grants by providing an intuitive platform. The platform helps nonprofits find relevant opportunities and track deadlines. It also helps nonprofits manage multiple applications and refine their grant-seeking strategies. Detailed funder insights will help organizations tailor applications.

See how Lutheran Braille Workers scaled their grant submissions by 150%.