Best Capacity Building Grants for Nonprofits

The Master's Degree Scholarship Program for Under-Represented Minority Students, offered by the Environmental Engineering and Science Foundation, provides three scholarships of $2,500 each. These scholarships aim to support students from diverse backgrounds who are pursuing a Master's Degree in Environmental Engineering or a related field. Applicants must demonstrate academic excellence with a minimum GPA of 3.0 and must identify as part of specific under-represented groups.

The Andre Ellingson Film Scholarship, offered by Montana State University, supports students in the School of Film and Photography. This opportunity is designed for those pursuing degrees in Film Option, Film Foundations, or Integrated Lens-Based Media. Applicants must demonstrate financial need and possess sophomore standing or higher, showcasing strong creative potential. While academic records are considered, this scholarship emphasizes artistic ability. Award amounts vary, aligning with the university's commitment to fostering creativity in the arts.

Whiteis Fine Arts and Agriculture Scholarship Fund

Ms. Bonnie Whiteis opened the Whiteis Fine Arts and Agriculture Scholarship Fund in 2008 to benefit graduating seniors from Archer or Wichita County high schools. The Whiteis Scholarship can be used at any college or university in Texas in pursuit of an undergraduate degree in Fine Arts or Agriculture. Students must have a 2.5 GPA, financial need, and will be evaluated on participation in high school and community activities. This is a $5,000 per year scholarship, renewable for up to 4 years based on academic performance.

Mission & Vision

Rochester Area Community Foundation, in partnership with generous philanthropists and community partners, works to improve the quality of life for people who live and work in the eight-county region through its leadership and strategic grantmaking.

Our Mission:

We are cultivating a thriving Greater Rochester region — powered by philanthropy, grounded in community, and sustained across generations.

Our Vision:

We envision a Greater Rochester region transformed by enduring philanthropy, where every person, neighborhood, and future generation can thrive.

Everest Institute Alumni Fund Scholarship

Purpose of Scholarship

To provide financial assistance to a graduating senior from a community of color residing in our 8-county region who plans to attend Golisano Institute for Business & Entrepreneurship or pursue a similar post-secondary business degree or certificate program.

Number and Size of Awards

Number of recipients and award amounts vary; paid in one lump sum.

Donor Information

This scholarship was created by contributions from Everest Institute alumni; the fund was transferred from a bank to the Community Foundation in 1991.

The New York Community Trust

The New York Community Trust (The Trust) is a public charity founded in 1924. As New York’s community foundation, The Trust engages in enduring and innovative philanthropy to promote equitable and thriving communities in New York City, Long Island, and Westchester. 

Roosevelt Island Public Purpose Fund

The Roosevelt Island Public Purpose Fund (The Fund) in The New York Community Trust is now accepting proposals from Roosevelt Island nonprofits that provide direct services or benefits to Roosevelt Island residents. 

The Opportunity

The Fund expects to award $260,000 through one-year grants of up to $30,000 to nonprofits currently operating regular, ongoing programming on Roosevelt Island. Grant funds will support programs or projects that provide important services—including, but not limited to, educational opportunity, artistic and cultural enrichment, improved health, or a better environment— for the Roosevelt Island community. Priority will be given to projects that reach underresourced communities on the Island, and that have plans for long-term engagement with project beneficiaries.

The Ivan L. Leigland Memorial Scholarship at Montana State University supports second-, third-, and fourth-year students pursuing a degree in Environmental Design. Designed for high school graduates from Montana, this scholarship aims to nurture future leaders in architecture and design. With varying award amounts, it reflects MSU's commitment to student success and community engagement, enhancing educational opportunities in the region while fostering innovation and quality of life for Montanans.

The Environmental Engineering and Science Foundation offers six Master's Degree scholarships of $2,500 each for students pursuing advanced studies in Environmental Engineering or related fields. Eligible candidates must be U.S. citizens or permanent residents, have a strong academic record with a minimum GPA of 3.0, and be accepted into an accredited graduate program. This initiative aims to support future leaders in environmental engineering and science.

The Idaho Workforce Development Council offers an Employer Grant to support local businesses in expanding their workforce or retraining existing employees for economic growth. Grants can provide up to $500,000 per project, aimed at enhancing skills for better job opportunities. The program emphasizes innovation, best practices in talent development, and improving economic mobility. Eligible employers must meet wage standards and provide health benefits, while temporary positions are not eligible for funding.

The Esping Family Foundation Grant supports nonprofit organizations in Dallas County, Texas, focusing on education, human services, health, and arts and culture. It prioritizes projects that target underserved communities, demonstrate innovation, and show collaboration. Eligible applicants must be 501(c)(3) organizations, with specific waiting periods for previous grant recipients. The foundation seeks to catalyze impactful initiatives that enhance community well-being and educational outcomes for children.

About Scholarships

Through the incredible generosity of our donors, the Community Foundation of South Puget Sound manages 26 scholarship funds that offer a wide range of scholarship awards and encourage students of all backgrounds and educational interests to apply. We also want to extend a sincere thank you to our many scholarship donors, advisors, and scholarship committee members for their investment in our student's bright futures this year and for many years to come!

Learning Seed Foundation Scholarship

The Learning Seed Foundation Scholarship Fund was established by the Learning Seed Foundation to assist graduating high school seniors in Thurston and Pierce counties in obtaining a higher education. This scholarship is designed to benefit primarily students of color who have overcome significant obstacles and demonstrate a commitment to others. The scholarship has the potential to be renewed for up to an additional 3 years of undergraduate education. Reapplication each year is required.

The Stanford Children's Health Center for IBD and Celiac Disease offers Intramural Seed Grants to promote innovative research in pediatric diseases. This program supports high-risk, high-reward projects, encouraging multi-PI collaborations across disciplines. Awards of up to $100,000 per year for two years are available, aimed at generating preliminary data for future funding applications. Eligible applicants include Stanford faculty holding specific university positions. Proposals should focus on advancing understanding of pediatric IBD and celiac disease through various research approaches.

The Lead-Safe Homes Program (LSHP) in Wisconsin is seeking partner organizations to provide lead investigation services for children and pregnant women eligible for Medicaid or BadgerCare. This initiative aims to reduce childhood lead poisoning by coordinating environmental investigations and remediation efforts for lead hazards in homes. The program is set to begin on October 1, 2025, and will prioritize projects based on the blood lead levels of children, ensuring safe living conditions for families across the state.

The Fash Foundation Grants aim to support and enhance children's education and the arts in Tarrant County, Texas. The Foundation prioritizes contributions to higher education institutions that align with its mission statement. Grants are awarded to initiatives that promote health and educational advancements in various disciplines including sciences and the arts. The Foundation seeks to foster a nurturing environment for children's educational growth.

The Seymour Siegel Youth Achievement Award, offered by the Jewish Community Foundation, provides financial support for high school students pursuing post-secondary education or vocational training. Open to applicants of the Jewish faith, this award prioritizes those from single-parent households, orphans, or foster children. Interested candidates must submit a personal narrative detailing their qualifications. The foundation, established in 1979, is a leading community resource in South Jersey, managing over $35 million in assets.

The Tucker Foundation Grant Program aims to support nonprofit organizations that foster character development in youth and conserve the environment. The foundation focuses on education, environmental conservation, arts, and social improvement, primarily in Tennessee and Wyoming. Eligible organizations must have IRS 501(c)(3) status, while ineligible activities include political lobbying, purely religious efforts, and requests benefiting individuals. The foundation seeks to empower communities through meaningful projects.

The Dr. Chao-ying & Sue Wu Early Learning Scholarship, established by the Chuckanut Health Foundation in 2022, honors the vital contributions of Dr. Chao-ying and Sue Wu to the health and education of Whatcom youth. This scholarship aims to eliminate financial barriers for local students pursuing careers in early learning, reflecting the Foundation's commitment to investing in community potential and fostering opportunities for future generations.

Oregon Parks and Recreation Department

The mission of the Oregon Parks and Recreation Department (OPRD) is to provide and protect outstanding natural, scenic, cultural, historic and recreational sites for the enjoyment and education of present and future generations. Its vision is to take the long view to protect Oregon's special places and provide the greatest experience while creating stable future funding.

The department was created as a branch of the Highway Department in 1921. The 1989 Legislature created a separate Parks and Recreation Department, effective in 1990. State park user fees, Oregon Lottery dollars, and recreation vehicle license fees are the main fund sources for department activities.

Recreational Trails Program

The Recreational Trails Program (RTP) is a federally funded grant program administered by the Oregon Parks and Recreation Department. Since 1993, Oregon has funded over 500 projects with RTP funds to develop, improve, or expand motorized and non-motorized trails and their facilities.

• Eligible projects include:
  • Construction of new trails
  • Major rehabilitation of existing trails
  • Development or improvement of trailhead or other support facilities
  • Acquisition of land or easements for the purpose of trail development
  • Safety and education projects

Preserving and enhancing the natural resources of Wisconsin

In keeping with our mission, the DNR is dedicated to working with Wisconsinites while preserving and enhancing the natural resources of Wisconsin. In partnership with individuals and organizations, DNR staff manage fish, wildlife, forests, parks, air and water resources while promoting a healthy, sustainable environment and a full range of outdoor opportunities.

Off-highway Motorcycle (OHM) Trail Grants

Revenue collected from off-highway motorcycle (OHM) registrations is available for development, rehabilitation and maintenance of OHM trails in Wisconsin.

Ranking priorities

Trail funds are distributed according to the following ranked purposes (NR 65.11 [exit DNR]). Priority will be given to funding projects in which OHMs are the only designated motorized equipment.

• Maintenance of existing off-highway motorcycle trails.
• Maintenance of existing off-highway motorcycle facilities.
• Major rehabilitation of existing OHM trails and facilities.
• Development of new OHM trails and facilities on publicly owned land.
• Development of trails and facilities on privately-owned land using a lease or easement.
• Acquisition of land for OHM trails and facilities.
• Signage of off-highway motorcycle routes which provide access to OHM trails.
• Other eligible OHM projects.

Eligible items and funding levels include:

• Maintenance of OHM-only Trail: Funded at $53/mile with a $1K surplus for use on rehab that is more than basic maintenance. Requires minimum of 2x maintenance passes per year (includes brushing, spot maintenance related to the treadway and environmental concerns, sign maintenance and the like)
• Maintenance of Motorized Recreation Parks: For OHM only trails within the park, funded at $53/mile with no $1k surplus.
• Maintenance of Shared-use OHM Trails: No set rate, applicants can request an amount based on their evaluation of need. If the trail is shared with ATVs/UTVs, it is presumed that the use by those machines will far exceed that of OHM, but additional expenses may be incurred for signage, etc. Amount of maintenance award will not exceed $50/mile.
• Development of OHM trails and areas reimburseable up to 100 percent of eligible costs;
• Traditional grooming of OHM trails is not a routine component of trail maintenance. In the event there are section of trail that eventually need to be graded, this action will be considered as a separate trail rehabilitation request for each specific section. Grading can only be done by proper and authorized equipment.
• Major rehabilitation of bridge structures reimbursable up to 100% of eligible costs;

The Connecticut GI Charitable Foundation Scholarship Program offers two $2000 scholarships for students diagnosed with chronic gastrointestinal illnesses, including inflammatory bowel disease and chronic liver disease. Aimed at supporting higher education, this initiative recognizes the challenges faced by these students and encourages their academic pursuits. Eligible applicants must be Connecticut residents or enrolled in Connecticut post-secondary programs and must provide documentation and recommendations as part of the application process.

Purpose

The purpose of this request for applications is to seek local partner organizations that want to develop the infrastructure and build organizational capacity to become a provider of in-home asthma education services as part of the Wisconsin Department of Health Services’ (WI-DHS) Asthma-Safe Homes Program.

This program is available through a Children’s Health Insurance Program (CHIP) health services initiative (HSI) funded through the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid (CMS). The Asthma-Safe Homes Program’s target service area for capacity building during 2026–2027 is Brown and Milwaukee counties. 

Background

Through the HSI, WI-DHS has funding available to improve asthma outcomes and reduce disparities in asthma control for children ages 2-18 years old and pregnant individuals who are diagnosed with asthma and enrolled in Wisconsin BadgerCare Plus (Medicaid or CHIP). 

Asthma disproportionately affects communities of color, with Black and Native American populations having 1.5-2 times the current prevalence as the White population (13% and 15%, respectively, versus 9%). These same populations also experience disparities in asthma control, with only 30% of non-White populations reporting well-controlled asthma compared to 64% of the White population.

High rates of uncontrolled asthma result in even more disparate poor health care outcomes among communities of color. In Wisconsin, health care utilization for emergency department (ED) visits and hospitalizations among the Black population are 8 and 5 times higher, respectively, than among the White population; Native Americans have rates over twice that of the White population. Annual household income is another factor that contributes to asthma disparities, with the lowest income group (earning less than $15,000) having over twice the asthma prevalence of those in the highest income group (greater than $75,000).

Social determinants of health such as poor-quality housing, poverty, and other historical and structural factors are known contributors to the disparity in asthma outcomes. This HSI funding opportunity aims to reduce disparities in asthma control and improve asthma outcomes in Wisconsin by promoting access to guideline-based medical management of asthma and healthy living environments.

Grant funds will reimburse organizations for the following:

• Staff time to participate in capacity building activities at billable rate equal to staff salary and fringe
• Mileage reimbursement for travel related expenses
• Supplies and materials
• Training stipend up to $500 per staff member
• 10% indirect administrative cost
• Client services including:
  • Minimum of two and maximum of six home visits for asthma self-management education and 2-week and 3-month post-intervention follow-ups provided by asthma educator, averaging $1,500 per client that completes the program (includes mileage reimbursement at the federal mileage rate)
  • Purchase and distribution of durables to reduce asthma triggers up to $1,000 per household, including asthma-friendly cleaning kits, HEPA vacuums, air purifiers, and other supplies

The Robin Hood Foundation Grant supports 501(c)(3) organizations in New York City focused on alleviating poverty. This strategic grantmaking initiative partners with promising organizations to create long-term solutions for economic mobility across various life stages. Eligible entities are encouraged to express their interest, as funding opportunities are not available through unsolicited proposals. By fostering collaboration in the community, the Foundation aims to maximize its impact on low-income New Yorkers.

The Leonard Litz LGBTQ+ Foundation, via its TransPLUS Resource Center, supports transgender, gender-nonconforming, non-binary, and intersex individuals. By providing grants and resources, the Foundation aims to address urgent needs in healthcare, housing, and legal services while fostering community connections. They build peer-support networks, publish updates, and support initiatives to empower TGNCNBI individuals and their allies, ensuring that marginalized voices are heard and uplifted.

Mission & Vision

Rochester Area Community Foundation, in partnership with generous philanthropists and community partners, works to improve the quality of life for people who live and work in the eight-county region through its leadership and strategic grantmaking.

Our Mission:

We are cultivating a thriving Greater Rochester region — powered by philanthropy, grounded in community, and sustained across generations.

Our Vision:

We envision a Greater Rochester region transformed by enduring philanthropy, where every person, neighborhood, and future generation can thrive.

Armenian Scholarship Fund in memory of Charles J. Churukian

Purpose of Scholarship

To provide financial assistance to graduating seniors pursuing careers in medicine, science, or music.

Number and Size of Awards

One award of $4,000; paid as $1,000 per year for up to four consecutive years of undergraduate study. Award paid in the Fall and divided equally between the Fall and Spring semesters.

The Hoglund Foundation Grant focuses on enhancing the lives of at-risk children and families in Dallas, Texas. It supports organizations providing family stability and child abuse prevention, alongside educational initiatives that yield data-driven results. Eligible applicants must be 501(c)(3) organizations that demonstrate innovative problem-solving and a commitment to collaboration. The foundation prioritizes programs that serve underfunded areas, emphasizing the importance of sound financial management and impactful community engagement.

The Constantine Youth Advisory Council Fund, managed by the Sturgis Area Community Foundation, supports youth-related programs and projects in the Constantine area. With a commitment to enhancing community quality of life, this fund offers one competitive grant cycle each year exclusively through application. Eligible recipients include tax-exempt organizations and government entities serving St. Joseph County residents. This initiative plays a vital role in empowering local youth and enriching their opportunities for growth.

Kansas Department of Commerce

As the state’s lead economic development agency, the Kansas Department of Commerce strives to empower individuals, businesses and communities to achieve prosperity in Kansas. Commerce accomplishes its mission by developing relationships with corporations, site location consultants and stakeholders in Kansas, the nation and world. Our strong partnerships allow us to help create an environment for existing Kansas businesses to grow and foster an innovative, competitive landscape for new businesses.

Industrial Renovation for Opportunity & New Economic Development (IRONED) Grant

Purpose

The IRONED pilot grant was created to preserve and bring new economic activity to underutilized, vacant, or dilapidated industrial and manufacturing buildings in rural communities, stimulating local economies and supporting business growth. This grant is meant to be gap financing for projects that need one last piece of their funding stack to get the project across the finish line.

Eligible Projects

Renovation of industrial or manufacturing facilities for projects that are ready for implementation and need gap financing. Renovation must be completed within 12 months of award and the tenant operating in the space must be in place within 18 months. 

The NM Agricultural Conservation Easement Program (ACEP) aims to protect agricultural viability by limiting non-agricultural uses on eligible lands. This program benefits private and tribal landowners by preserving croplands, grasslands, and wetlands, ensuring long-term agricultural productivity. The program provides financial assistance for Agricultural Land Easements (ALE) and Wetland Reserve Easements (WRE), contributing significantly to environmental quality, wildlife habitat, and public benefits. Eligible participants include various landowners and governmental entities committed to conservation.