Best Capacity Building Grants for Nonprofits

The Major Richard L. Ridder Memorial Scholarship, established by Mary Ann Ridder, honors her husband’s dedication to the Indiana National Guard and the value of education. Open to Indiana residents, it supports current or former members of the National Guard and their families. Applicants must show financial need and maintain a GPA of 2.0 or higher. Scholarships can be used for tuition, fees, and educational expenses at accredited institutions in Indiana.

The MSCRF Commercialization Program aims to advance human stem cell research for the prevention and treatment of diseases. It supports Maryland-based companies in developing technologies with commercial potential, offering up to $500,000 in funding for collaborative projects. The program encourages partnerships between public and private sectors to enhance research and technology development, emphasizing the importance of stem cell therapies in addressing critical health challenges.

Fremont Area Community Foundation

The mission of the Fremont Area Community Foundation is to improve the quality of life in the Fremont area by connecting donor interests with community needs and serving as a leader and catalyst in the development of solutions. Since 1980, generous donors in the Fremont and surrounding areas have invested their charitable dollars to be transformed, through careful stewardship and deep community knowledge, into positive local impact. Over $20 million in grants has been given through the Foundation.

Uehling Area Foundation

The Uehling community has always been proud of its alumni, community people and friends of Uehling. Our friendly small town atmosphere is something that can’t be found in a large city. The term “town pride” is what Uehling people have believed in and it shows in our support for our town and Logan View School.

To help ensure our town’s life style we have developed the Uehling Area Community Foundation in 2010. It’s purpose is to receive, administer and distribute funds for community improvements. These funds can only be used for community projects such as park and town improvements. Our Foundation can guarantee progress for town improvements for years to come: Working together for the best small town in Nebraska.

The local foundation is an affiliate fund of the Fremont Area Community Foundation, a tax exempt, 501(c)(3) non-profit organization whose funds must be utilized for charitable needs.

Uehling Area Foundation Grant

The Uehling Area Foundation's mission is to support activities, which provide civic, educational, health and recreation, or arts and culture benefits to the Uehling, Nebraska area. Requesting organizations must be tax-exempt; no grants are made to individuals, for ongoing operating expenses, or to religious organizations for religious purposes.

The LEGO Foundation Fellowship

Advancing the science and practice of supporting children to thrive

The LEGO Foundation Fellowship is a global initiative supporting researchers working to deepen our understanding of how children thrive. Spanning disciplines from education and psychology to public health, data science, and humanitarian studies, the fellowship brings together early- and mid-career scholars whose work has the potential to generate evidence that matters for children’s lives.

Fellows receive three years of flexible support to pursue rigorous, practically relevant research, and join a cohort of peers working across the fellowship’s themes. In addition to funding research, the program fosters a community of scholars engaged in meaningful exchange with one another and with research, policy, and practice audiences.

The LEGO Foundation Fellowship is developed in partnership with the LEGO Foundation, and administered by SSRC as part of its commitment to supporting scholars whose work bridges research and real-world impact.

Research themes

The LEGO Foundation Fellowship welcomes research proposals that advance understanding of children’s thriving through one of the following three themes: the youngest children in crisis and conflict settings; inclusion and wellbeing of neurodivergent children; and children’s learning and development in an AI-enabled world. Applicants may explore the role of play where it is relevant to the research question. The consideration of play is optional and not a condition of eligibility.

Fremont Area Community Foundation

The mission of the Fremont Area Community Foundation is to improve the quality of life in the Fremont area by connecting donor interests with community needs and serving as a leader and catalyst in the development of solutions. Since 1980, generous donors in the Fremont and surrounding areas have invested their charitable dollars to be transformed, through careful stewardship and deep community knowledge, into positive local impact. Over $20 million in grants has been given through the Foundation.

The Fremont Area Community Foundation focuses its grant dollars in five interest areas including arts and culture, civic improvements, education, health and recreation and social services. Field of Interest Funds are also available in these areas to give donors the option to focus their charitable giving in a specific interest area.

As nonprofit organizations, local governments and businesses strive to tackle issues of concern, the Fremont Area Community Foundation collaborates with other organizations in the community to work toward a common goal. Through these collaborations, community partners leverage collective knowledge, creativity and resources for a greater impact than any of us can make alone.

Arlington Community Fund (ACF) Grant

The Arlington Community Fund (ACF) is a volunteer-founded and volunteer-run affiliate of the Fremont Area Community Foundation. ACF was founded in 1998 to:

• Support activities which provide civic, educational, health, human services, or cultural improvements for the community of Arlington.
• Build an endowment which can receive, administer, and disburse funds for community improvement.

The St. Catherine of Alexandria Scholarship, established by Robert and Elaine Damler, aims to support Marion County residents facing significant personal hardships. This scholarship is designed for students pursuing higher education at accredited institutions, with a strong preference for those demonstrating financial need and overcoming challenges such as being first-generation college students or from single-parent households. The scholarship covers essential educational expenses and encourages applicants who are committed to improving their lives.

The TeenWorks Scholarship, offered by the Central Indiana Community Foundation, supports Indiana residents participating in TeenWorks programs. Eligible applicants must maintain a minimum GPA of 2.5 and demonstrate financial need. This scholarship can be used for educational expenses at accredited institutions, including tuition, required fees, and books. Preference is given to applicants attending Indiana schools. The scholarship aims to enhance educational opportunities for students committed to their academic success.

The NIDCD Research Career Enhancement Award (K18) supports established investigators in enhancing or redirecting their research efforts. This program is crucial for acquiring new skills relevant to hearing, balance, smell, taste, voice, speech, and language sciences. Key deadlines for applications span from June 2024 to February 2027, including specific dates for AIDS-related grants, ensuring timely funding opportunities for innovative research.

The Bertie-Hertford Women's Fund Grant, operated by the North Carolina Community Foundation, empowers local organizations supporting women, children, and families in Bertie and Hertford counties. Grants range from $500 to $2,500 and prioritize initiatives in health, education, and human services. Eligible applicants include tax-exempt charities and local government units, with a focus on non-discrimination. The fund emphasizes women’s leadership in philanthropy and community engagement, making impactful contributions to enhance local lives.

The NIDCD Research Career Enhancement Award for Established Investigators (K18) supports seasoned researchers in enhancing or redirecting their research through new skills acquisition. This funding opportunity addresses critical questions in hearing, balance, smell, taste, voice, speech, and language sciences. Key deadlines for applications span from June 2024 to February 2027, ensuring ample opportunity for researchers to apply and contribute to these vital fields.

Homecare Assistance Grant

MS Focus understands the daily needs and challenges that must be met by both those with MS and their caregivers. In order to meet these needs in the most timely and efficient way possible, our Homecare Assistance Grant connects you to the best available local services. Should resources within your community not be available, direct support may be provided on a temporary basis.

Available Services include:

• Home Care - Personal hygiene services, light housekeeping, grocery shopping, meal preparation, and transportation to and from appointments are all services that can be provided for a limited time.
• Therapy Visits - Based upon individual need, an appointment with an occupational, physical, or speech therapist can be arranged. Through education and training, these therapists can help to foster independence, self-esteem, and better quality of life for the person living with MS.
• Respite Care - Respite allows primary caregivers the opportunity to tend to themselves, or other family business, with the assurance that their loved one is being cared for by a properly trained individual. This service is provided on a short-term basis for a scheduled period of time. 
• Coming Home - Returning home from a stay at the hospital can be a difficult time of transition. We offer a four-hour visit from an aide who will meet the patient at the hospital, provide transportation home, and then get the patient settled comfortably at home.

The Local Government Emergency Housing Support Program (LGEHS) provides essential assistance to local governments and nonprofits in response to housing crises caused by disasters. This program ensures that communities affected by emergencies can access safe, temporary housing and stabilization services, fostering recovery and resilience. Applications for funding are accepted year-round and reviewed quarterly, emphasizing the importance of timely submissions for consideration.

The ESHPF Disaster Relief Assistance Grant Program, administered by the Virginia Department of Historic Resources, has received $2,000,000 from the NPS to document historic resources in areas affected by Hurricane Helene. This program aims to support community-driven efforts for surveying architectural and archaeological sites in 37 localities across Virginia. Eligible projects may include preservation planning and nominations for the National Register of Historic Places, ensuring the protection and recognition of Virginia's rich cultural heritage.

The Environmental Initiative Grant Program by the Laura Jane Musser Fund aims to support public and nonprofit entities in enhancing the ecological integrity of open spaces. It promotes community involvement in planning and implementing projects that improve quality of life and public health while protecting ecosystems. Grants range from $8,000 for planning to $35,000 for implementation, targeting projects in specific states, fostering sustainability, and ensuring active local participation.

The Two Oaks Scholarship, offered by the Central Indiana Community Foundation, supports Ivy Tech Community College graduates who plan to pursue a bachelor's degree at IUPUI. Eligible applicants must graduate with an associate degree, demonstrate financial need, maintain a GPA of 3.0 or higher, and pursue a degree in a helping profession such as nursing, teaching, or social work. This scholarship aims to foster a community of opportunity and service.

The Wallach Scholarship Fund, managed by the Central Indiana Community Foundation, provides financial assistance to high school students and those with equivalent credentials from Marion, Hamilton, Hancock, and Henry counties. This fund aims to support individuals facing financial need or barriers to education, enabling them to pursue post-secondary credentials. Awards cover educational expenses such as tuition and fees, with a preference for applicants maintaining a 3.0 GPA. The initiative fosters educational opportunity for all.

The ANCA-Assoc Vasculitis and Granulomatosis with Polyangiitis Fund, established by the HealthWell Foundation, aims to reduce financial barriers for underinsured patients suffering from this rare and serious condition. The fund assists with copays, premiums, and out-of-pocket expenses related to treatment, ensuring that affected individuals have access to necessary medications. With over $1.2 billion in grants awarded since 2004, the foundation has helped over 1.1 million patients access critical healthcare services.

The Solon E. Summerfield Foundation Grant focuses on empowering youth in the NYC-Metro area by fostering partnerships with nonprofit organizations. The foundation aims to transform systems and pathways of opportunity, ensuring that young people facing social and economic injustices can lead choice-filled lives. Priorities include promoting mental health, addressing climate change, and enhancing youth participation in civic engagement. Through flexible, multiyear grants, the foundation supports initiatives that advance equity and create lasting impact.

The Minority Health Month Grants, initiated by the Ohio Commission on Minority Health, aim to promote health awareness and disease prevention among economically disadvantaged minority populations. Celebrated in April, this campaign engages African Americans, Asian American/Pacific Islanders, Hispanics/Latino Americans, and Native Americans through various activities. The goal is to enhance health knowledge and practices, benefiting not only minority Ohioans but anyone seeking appropriate health services.

The Eastern Shore of Virginia Community Foundation's Field of Interest Grant Program aims to support organizations addressing child labor exploitation. Grants will prioritize initiatives that assist affected individuals and combat labor trafficking. Eligible applicants must be tax-exempt under Section 501(c)(3), with a focus on projects serving Accomack County. Funding will cover basic needs, legal services, youth programs, education, and nonprofit capacity-building efforts. Application deadlines are March 1 for Spring and September 1 for Fall.

Department for Local Government

​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​The Department for Local Government (DLG), under the Office of the Governor, provides financial help in the way of grant and loan assistance, as well as advising local governments in matters of budget, personnel and other issues relevant to those entities.​

Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) Program

The Department for Local Government (DLG) administers approximately $26 million annually from the U.S. Housing and Urban Development’s (HUD) Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) program.

The CDBG program provides assistance to communities for use in revitalizing neighborhoods, expanding affordable housing and economic opportunities, providing infrastructure and/or improving community facilities and services. With the participation of their citizens, communities can devote these funds to a wide range of activities that best serve their own particular development priorities.

All project activities must meet at least one of three national objectives:

• Benefit to low and moderate income persons
• Prevention or elimination of slums or blight
• Meeting particularly urgent community development needs​

Funds are designated for various program areas including Community Projects, Community Emergency Relief Fund, Economic Development, Housing, Public Facilities, and Public Services (Recovery Kentucky).​

Community Emergency Relief Fund (CERF)

​​​​​​Community Emergency Relief Fund (CERF) funds are provided to give communities a means to restore infrastructure or housing that severe weather or natural disasters have negatively impacted. As part of the Commonwealth's allocation from the CDBG program, these projects will be allocated an amount to be determined based on need.

Only communities that have experienced a disaster and have a Declaration of Emergency from the Governor may submit an application for these funds.

The Classroom Enrichment Grant, offered by the Kent Schools Foundation, aims to enhance educational experiences for students in the Kent School District. This initiative supports projects in art, music, STEM, and emotional well-being, among others, with grants typically capped at $500. Educators, including teachers and counselors, are encouraged to apply, ensuring innovative learning opportunities that resonate with students. The Foundation prioritizes applications that align closely with the grant's mission.

The O'Jays Scholarship Fund, established by the Stark Community Foundation, supports Stark County seniors graduating high school or residents with a GED pursuing higher education. Eligible applicants must maintain a minimum GPA of 2.5 and demonstrate financial need. This initiative reflects the Foundation's long-standing commitment to enhancing educational opportunities and addressing community challenges since its inception in 1963. The program aims to empower students to achieve their academic goals and improve their futures.

The Hypercholesterolemia Grant by the Patient Advocate Foundation offers financial assistance to individuals diagnosed with hypercholesterolemia, helping cover out-of-pocket healthcare costs such as medication copays and insurance premiums. This nonprofit aims to improve patient access to necessary care while supporting over 3.8 million patients since its inception. Eligible applicants must have health insurance and meet specific income requirements to receive assistance in managing their healthcare expenses effectively.

The Zonta Club of Greater Sandusky High School STEM Scholarship Fund provides financial support to female high school seniors from Erie, Huron, or Ottawa County, Ohio, who plan to pursue a degree in STEM or medical fields at accredited institutions. Established by the Zonta Club, this scholarship aims to empower young women to contribute positively to their communities by facilitating access to higher education opportunities. Since its inception, it has fostered academic growth and leadership among recipients.

Scholarships

We partner with donors to administer scholarships for students across the state. Most NCCF scholarships open for applications on Dec. 16, 2025, and close on March 3, 2026.

Undergraduates, graduates, medical and professional school students and adult re-entry students who are attending community colleges, four-year universities, career/technical schools, teaching credential programs and graduate, medical or professional schools in the United States are eligible for scholarships offered at NCCF.

Each scholarship has specific eligibility requirements defined by the donor when the scholarship was established. Be sure to read the requirements of each scholarship carefully as directed through the universal application and address those elements as needed in your application.

Grayce Wills MacDonald and Ivan A. MacDonald Endowment

Shall support students who attended high school in Cherokee, Graham, Clay, Swain, Macon, Jackson, Haywood, Buncombe, and Henderson counties, and who are pursuing a college or post-graduate level degree in the field of nutrition with emphasis on the study of natural foods and the vegetarian lifestyle. Scholarships may be based on both need and merit.

The BioMarin Medical Education Grant offers funding for educational activities aimed at enhancing the knowledge and skills of healthcare professionals. Eligible applicants include accredited providers, medical associations, and patient advocacy groups. The grant focuses on supporting initiatives related to rare diseases, ensuring timely access to treatments and education. Applications are accepted year-round, but a minimum of 60 days is required for review prior to events. This commitment underscores BioMarin's dedication to improving patient care and advancing medical knowledge.