Best Capacity Building Grants for Nonprofits

The CFSCNY Small Grants Program supports nonprofits in Broome, Chenango, Delaware, Otsego, and Tioga counties. Prioritized projects address critical areas such as equity, housing, and mental health. Grants range from $250 to $5,000 and may cover operational costs, capacity building, or small capital purchases. Applications are accepted quarterly, with the next cycle due on the fourth Monday of January, March, May, and September. This program aims to empower organizations aligned with community needs.

The TSBVI Access Grant, awarded by the Texas Education Agency, aims to enhance access to core and expanded curricula for students with visual impairments. This project will provide refreshable braille tablets to eligible braille-reading students in Texas, addressing funding gaps due to changes in federal quota fund availability. Through this initiative, the Texas School for the Blind and Visually Impaired will support educational equity for visually impaired learners in the 2025-2026 academic year.

About Us

Marshfield Area Community Foundation, Inc. is a public, 501-C-3 charity. There are 30 community foundations in Wisconsin and more than 750 in the nation. The purpose of all community foundations is to accumulate charitable dollars that impact a specific geographic region in areas such as education, the arts, economic development, recreation, environmental protection, health care, and social services. They may be relatively small, as we are (assets of $14 million), or very large, as is the Greater Milwaukee Foundation (assets over $400 million).

Most people are familiar with private foundations, established by individuals, families, or corporations. Typically, in order to establish a private foundation, one has to have considerable wealth. You could say Community Foundations are much more democratic. We are, in a sense, an umbrella foundation containing many small foundations. We call those small foundations “funds.”

Marshfield Area Community Foundation Scholarships

The mission of the Marshfield Area Community Foundation is “Connecting people who care with causes that matter to enrich the quality of life in the Marshfield area”. Education is a valuable tool and a cause that matters to all of us. Through assisting students with financial support to receive an education, not only do students and the families of those students benefit, but also our community benefits, which further allows us to achieve our mission of enriching the quality of life in the Marshfield area.

Sophia Smrz Memorial Scholarship (2025)

The Jeanne Marandon Scholarship is available for American nationals attending an American university, with a focus on literature, arts, music, history, social sciences, and communication. Candidates must be fluent in French and become members of the SPFFA. Scholarship amounts range from $4,000 to $25,000, based on the level of study and duration. Eligible applicants include post-doctoral researchers, doctoral and graduate students, and undergraduates with a GPA above 3.00.

The Missouri Building Entrepreneurial Capacity: Operations Support Grant, provided by the Missouri Technology Corporation, aims to enhance the growth of high-tech companies in Missouri. This grant supports the operational needs of organizations fostering entrepreneurship and innovation. With funding amounts ranging from $150,000 for one year to $500,000 for three years, it facilitates day-to-day operations and strategic projects, excluding those already receiving MOBEC Project Support funding.

The Russell Family Foundation Grant, established in 2007 in Duluth, Minnesota, supports charitable causes in the areas of arts, education, environment, health, human services, public benefit, and religion. This private foundation awards grants exclusively to organizations that qualify under Section 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code, with a focus on those primarily located in Duluth. Their mission emphasizes fostering community welfare through diverse initiatives.

The Disputanta Volunteer Fire Department Joshua A. Culler Memorial Scholarship Endowment supports students from Prince George County pursuing higher education in medical fields or emergency services. Established in 2012 to honor Joshua A. Culler, a dedicated volunteer firefighter, the scholarship prioritizes applicants who volunteer with the department or are dependents of volunteers. Eligible students must demonstrate academic achievement and community involvement, ensuring a commitment to service and education.

The Earl and Maxine Claussen Trust, established in 1984, aims to support the residents of Grand Island, Nebraska, particularly in Hall, Merrick, and Howard counties. While primarily focused on local charitable initiatives, the Trust also considers other worthy causes at the trustee's discretion. Program areas include arts, education, health, and human services, with eligibility limited to public charities under IRC section 501(c)(3). No geographic restrictions exist, but preference is given to local organizations.

The Electric School Bus Grant Program in New Jersey aims to transition the state's school bus fleets to electric, addressing the health impacts of fossil fuel-powered buses. With a funding limit of $15 million annually for three years, the program supports individual school districts and contractors in acquiring electric buses and charging infrastructure. Eligible applicants include school districts and bus contractors, with a focus on those serving Overburdened Communities. The program also offers reimbursement options for upfront costs of new buses and chargers.

The Bradley-Turner Foundation Grant focuses on supporting initiatives in Columbus, Georgia, and the Chattahoochee Valley. With an average grant size of $50,000, it funds strategic capital campaigns, scholarships for students in need, and community initiatives tackling systemic challenges. The foundation prioritizes partnerships and considers requests tied to broader programs. However, it does not support annual funds, personal loans, or organizations lacking 501(c)3 status, aiming instead for impactful, one-time gifts.

The Niles Rotary Club Grant, established in 1937, supports local charitable projects in Fremont. With a focus on community significance, eligible non-profit organizations can apply for funding ranging from $500 to $5,000. The grant emphasizes measurable objectives and life-enhancing initiatives. The club also seeks matching funds from Rotary District and International to enhance its outreach, ensuring a lasting impact on the community.

TF Cornerstone's Building Together Grants support vibrant communities through annual funding of up to $10,000 for organizations in key impact areas: education, public realm enhancement, and neighborhood non-profits. By fostering strong partnerships, these grants aim to sustain the cultural, social, and civic fabric of New York City, empowering youth and promoting urban sustainability. This initiative reflects TF Cornerstone's commitment to community engagement and collaborative development.

The Permanente Medical Group (TPMG) Informatics Fellowship offers a 1- to 2-year program focused on clinical informatics, leveraging data science and health technology to enhance care delivery. Nestled within the Kaiser Permanente Northern California Division of Research, this fellowship encourages innovative approaches to address healthcare challenges. Mentored by expert clinician-scientists, fellows will gain hands-on experience and collaborate with healthcare leaders, fostering skills in electronic health records, clinical decision support, and telemedicine.

The Missouri Building Entrepreneurial Capacity (MOBEC) program, led by the Missouri Technology Corporation, aims to foster innovation and entrepreneurship. By providing targeted project support grants, MOBEC facilitates the growth of high-tech companies in Missouri. This initiative strengthens the state's innovation economy and supports entrepreneurs in commercializing new technologies. The funding is strictly allocated to specific projects, ensuring that resources are used effectively to enhance the entrepreneurial ecosystem and promote sustainable economic development.

The Kokua Giving Program, funded by Alexander & Baldwin, aims to enhance the quality of life in Hawaii communities through charitable contributions. It focuses on supporting organizations that address significant community needs, especially in health, education, and social equity. Applications are accepted year-round, with large requests considered bi-annually. The program is dedicated to fostering community engagement and providing essential support to local initiatives.

The Community Fund Grants, managed by the Heritage Fund of Bartholomew County, support local organizations with over $700,000 annually. These grants aim to foster innovative solutions, community collaborations, and sustainable projects in areas like Youth Development and Arts. Organizations are encouraged to submit a letter of intent and application to secure funding, while the foundation prioritizes impactful initiatives that benefit a broad segment of the community.

The LANL Grants and Sponsorships program, operated by Triad National Security, aims to support local nonprofits in New Mexico through funding focused on economic diversity, K-12 STEM education, workforce development, and community nonprofit support. Eligible organizations must be registered 501(c)(3) charities and operate within specific counties. This initiative embodies a strong commitment to community engagement and development.

The Joseph R. & Mercedes McMicking Foundation Grant aims to enhance the quality of life for children and families in the San Francisco Bay Area. It focuses on charitable giving, supporting educational programs in arts, technology, education, and science. The foundation provides grants to 501(c)(3) organizations, promoting access to resources and tuition assistance for local pre-K-12 schools. This initiative strengthens community ties and nurtures the next generation's growth through diverse educational opportunities.

Don and Bern Holcomb Memorial Scholarship

This scholarship was created in memory of Don and Bern Holcomb and is for high school students from any school in Cattaraugus or Allegany county who plans to attend an accredited post-secondary institution, with a preference for a student majoring in an agricultural or conservation-related field or a female pursuing an engineering degree.

The Solar for Non-Profits and Public Libraries Grant aims to promote solar energy adoption among Delaware's nonprofit organizations. Funding is available for eligible 501(c) nonprofits to install solar panels, covering installation costs and necessary system components. This initiative supports sustainable energy practices while ensuring quality proposals through a competitive procurement process. Interested organizations should confirm eligibility with local electric utilities, as some areas may have restrictions on solar installations.

The Goldman Sachs Group, Inc

Since its founding in 1869, Goldman Sachs has been a dominant force in the financial world. Built from the foundation of our renowned investment banking business, the firm has evolved its culture and expanded its offerings over time - but its commitment to client service and excellence endures.

The Goldman Sachs culture values teamwork, client service, and giving back to the communities we serve. It has been described as the foundation of the firm's success. Moreover, the people of Goldman Sachs have long valued their opportunity to give back through public service and volunteerism, humanitarian efforts, and programs that foster economic progress in communities around the world.

Goldman Sachs Community Development Grant

The Community Development Grants program aims to address critical funding gaps in low- and moderate-income (LMI) communities across New York City, New Jersey, and Salt Lake City. The program provides financial support to high-impact organizations dedicated to advancing economic opportunity and community stability. 

The Equity Builders Initiative

The Equity Builders Initiative: This initiative provides multi-year, general operating funding over three years. It is designed to help organizations build capacity and sustainably deepen their impact. Awardees typically share a mission of creating upward mobility through quality affordable housing, small business development, neighborhood revitalization, and community services. Applications should align with one or more of the following pillars:

• Affordable housing for LMI communities, such as development/preservation of units, homeownership counseling, rental assistance, and eviction prevention
• Community services, such as workforce development, job training, financial health programs, and access to healthcare or early childhood education
• Meeting the needs of small businesses, such as technical assistance for businesses, access to capital, and business incubation
• Revitalizing or stabilizing LMI geographies, such as community improvements, community hubs, transit-oriented infrastructure, and disaster resilience 

The WMU Department of History offers a renewable $1,000 History Fellowship Award for newly admitted full-time freshman students majoring in history or related fields. Applicants must have a minimum 3.5 high school GPA and maintain the same GPA while enrolled. The fellowship is renewable for up to four years, ensuring continued support for students who maintain their academic standing. Applications are due by March 15, and underrepresented groups are particularly encouraged to apply.

The Geoffrey Michael Chan Wing Au Scholarship Fund, established in memory of a beloved science teacher and viola player, supports college juniors, seniors, and graduate students pursuing degrees in Science. Eligible applicants must be Hawaii residents, maintain a GPA of 3.0, and demonstrate financial need. Preference is given to students involved with the Hawai’i Youth Symphony or engaged in cancer research. This scholarship embodies a commitment to fostering academic excellence in the sciences.

The McInerny Foundation, one of Hawaii's largest charitable organizations, supports major capital requests for projects exceeding $500,000. These grants can fund equipment purchases, renovations, and environmental land protection. The foundation emphasizes collaboration, requiring organizations to secure 100% board financial contributions and 75% of their funding goal before applying. By fostering community involvement and ensuring financial accountability, the foundation aims to enhance the impact of its contributions across various sectors, including arts, education, and health.

The Bainbridge Community Foundation's Capacity Building Grant Programs are designed to enhance the effectiveness of nonprofit organizations in Washington State. By providing financial support for core operational improvements, such as strategic planning and staff training, BCF aims to strengthen local nonprofits. Eligible organizations must hold 501(c)(3) status and serve the Bainbridge Island community. Grants range from $1,000 to $2,500, focusing on building internal capacities to better serve community needs.

Community Resilience Centers Round 2

The California Strategic Growth Council (SGC) is pleased to announce the availability of approximately $55 million in funding from the Safe Drinking Water, Wildfire Prevention, Drought Preparedness, and Clean Air Bond Act of 2024 for Round 2 of the Community Resilience Centers (CRC) Program through this Notice of Funding Availability (NOFA). 

Program Summary

The CRC Program will offer Planning Grants and Implementation Grants. Unlike Round 1, the CRC Program will not offer a separate Project Development Grant type. Instead, Round 2’s Implementation Grant will offer a new, funded “Pre-Development Phase” that will support Lead Grantees’ project readiness before implementation. The Pre-Development Phase will last no more than one year from grant execution.

Implementation Grants

Grant Purpose

Implementation Grants will fund new construction and retrofits of facilities to serve as Community Resilience Centers, as well as programs and services that build overall community resilience.

Examples of Eligible Activities

Construction, retrofits, and other upgrades to the CRC Facility itself; Campus Amenity improvements; programs and services; community engagement.

Project Area

CRC applications must be community focused. All CRC Implementation Grant applicants are required to define a Project Area. The Project Area must encompass the physical location of the CRC Facility (the CRC Site), Campus Amenities connected to the CRC Facility, Partner Sites and any programs and services based out of the CRC Facility or Partner Sites.

The AAAE Diversity, Equity & Inclusion Scholarship, provided by the AAAE Foundation, supports ethnic diversity students pursuing aviation studies in the U.S. or Canada. With two awards of $5,000 each, recipients are chosen based on their academic achievements, financial need, and community involvement. Eligible applicants include college juniors, seniors, or graduate students with a minimum GPA of 3.0. This scholarship aims to foster future leaders in the aviation industry, enhancing diversity and inclusion.