Best Capacity Building Grants for Nonprofits

The Boschee Engineering Scholarship, offered by Montana State University, supports students pursuing a degree in Chemical Engineering. Eligible applicants must be Montana high school graduates and undergraduate students with a minimum 3.25 GPA. This scholarship aims to promote diversity by giving preference to American Indian students who are enrolled members of federally recognized tribes. The award amount varies, providing essential financial assistance to deserving students in the field of engineering.

The Black Belt Community Foundation is launching its 2025 Arts and Community Grants Cycle on January 7, 2025, offering grants to support arts organizations and community-based nonprofits in Alabama’s Black Belt region. Grants range from $500 to $3,500 for arts initiatives and $500 to $5,000 for community projects. Organizations from 12 counties are encouraged to apply, and attendance at virtual workshops is recommended for first-time applicants.

The Community Foundation of the New River Valley's Responsive Grant Program provides annual funding of up to $4,000 to nonprofits addressing community needs. Established in 1994, CFNRV supports various local initiatives, ensuring flexibility in funding for essential services. This program responds to the evolving challenges faced by the communities of Floyd, Giles, Montgomery, Pulaski, Wythe, and Radford. By fostering collaboration and charitable giving, CFNRV aims to enhance the quality of life in the New River Valley.

The Minster Community Fund supports civic projects, education, recreation, health, conservation, and the arts within the Minster School District. It aims to enhance community resources through unique projects, volunteer involvement, and efficient collaboration among organizations. Grants are awarded based on available funds, with a focus on addressing diverse community needs and promoting innovative solutions. The Fund encourages proposals that cannot be funded by other sources, strengthening local non-profits and fostering citizen participation.

The Third District Discretionary Grant Funding in California offers financial support to community-serving organizations located within the district. Supervisor Horvath reviews grant requests, emphasizing that not all can be funded due to high demand. Eligible organizations include non-profit entities focused on various initiatives, including education and public safety. Each organization may submit one event and one regular grant request per year. Grants are limited to a one-year period and cannot be used for religious promotion or ongoing funding.

The Knights of Columbus Endowment Fund, established to support the sick, disabled, and needy families in Pittsburg, Kansas, continues its mission through annual grants. Eligible organizations include 501(c)(3) charities, churches, schools, and government agencies. Grants support housing assistance, health services, and community improvements for vulnerable populations, ensuring their well-being and security. This initiative reflects the commitment of the Knights of Columbus to enhance the quality of life for those in need.

Helen Frankenthaler Foundation

The Helen Frankenthaler Foundation supports the artist’s legacy through a variety of initiatives, including exhibitions, loans of artworks, research and publications, conservation, grants, educational programs for the public and the scholarly community, and the publishing of a catalogue raisonné. It is dedicated to promoting greater public interest in and understanding of the visual arts.

Established and endowed by the artist during her lifetime (1928-2011), the Foundation became active in 2013, on the closing of Frankenthaler’s estate. As the principal beneficiary of Frankenthaler’s estate, the Foundation maintains an extensive collection of her work in a variety of mediums, as well as her collection of works by other artists and original papers and materials pertaining to her life and work.

Frankenthaler Climate Initiative

The Frankenthaler Climate Initiative (FCI) is a pioneering grantmaking program established by the Helen Frankenthaler Foundation. Since its inception in 2021, FCI has distinguished itself as the foremost private national initiative in the United States dedicated to combating climate change specifically within the visual arts sector.

FCI provides visual arts institutions with up to $100,000 to undertake ambitious sustainability and energy efficiency initiatives that directly address carbon reduction and energy efficiency. The scope of its support is broad, encompassing everything from modest, rapid-response projects to comprehensive efficiency audits and feasibility studies, and extending to financial contributions for significant infrastructural renovations and strategic planning for new buildings and major initiatives.

Building on the core values of the Helen Frankenthaler Foundation, the initiative aligns a commitment to environmental stewardship with a belief in the vital importance of the visual arts and arts education. Through strategic funding and partnerships focused on tangible infrastructure, FCI aims to catalyze a sector-wide shift toward zero carbon operations, promoting a future where the visual arts thrive—while contributing to a more sustainable and ecologically conscious world.

Who We Fund

FCI funds nonprofit institutions in the United States and its territories whose primary focus rests in the visual arts. The visual arts includes but is not limited to painting, drawing, sculpture, printmaking, photography, and installations in clay, glass, metal, wood, fiber, paper, film, and mixed media.

Most of our grantees are art museums, nonprofit galleries, archives, noncollecting institutions, art schools, university museums, and artist-endowed foundations.

What We Fund

FCI funds energy efficiency and clean energy generation projects.

FCI meets arts institutions at every stage of the work, through four kinds of grants:

• Catalyst — first actions and stand-alone projects with a quick turnaround
• Scoping — energy audits and assessments that establish a baseline
• Technical Assistance — detailed planning for technically demanding projects
• Implementation — comprehensive capital work addressing a building's environmental impact at multiple levels

Technical Assistance Grants

Technical Assistance grants support projects that have finished initial assessments, and need procurement and financing support for an identified efficiency project. This may include providing designs, specifications, or fees for working with energy services companies (ESCOs) for project support. These grants also support more complex studies or analysis required for pursuing major implementation projects. At the conclusion of a Technical Assistance grant, the applicant should be sufficiently informed to implement a project.

The Richard S. Reynolds Foundation, established in 1955 in Richmond, Virginia, supports diverse community initiatives in education, healthcare, the arts, and the environment. With over $71 million granted to date, it aims to strengthen communities and foster future generations. The foundation prioritizes requests from IRS-recognized 501(c)(3) organizations while typically avoiding contributions to annual operational costs. Its commitment to impactful projects ensures a lasting positive influence both locally and globally.

The Robert W. Deutsch Foundation focuses on enhancing the quality of life in Baltimore through innovative grants that support creative individuals and projects. By engaging with local young creatives and understanding their needs, the foundation aims to foster a thriving creative economy. Its initiatives include funding community-driven projects and addressing racial inequality, ensuring that marginalized voices are amplified. The foundation's approach is characterized by flexibility, responsiveness, and a commitment to building sustainable paths for emerging talent in the region.

The MCCF: Impact Madison Grants provide essential funding to nonprofit organizations in Madison County, addressing local needs through strategic grantmaking. Established by the Madison County Community Foundation, this fund supports projects in various areas including arts, health, education, and community welfare. Since 1992, MCCF has aimed to improve the quality of life for residents by fostering long-term solutions and responding to emergencies, ensuring that community needs are met effectively and sustainably.

The George Klein Scholarship at Western Michigan University supports undergraduate political science majors for study abroad in Central and East European Studies. Established in memory of Dr. George Klein, this annual award ranges from $500 to $750, encouraging students to immerse themselves in the political landscape of eligible countries such as Poland and Hungary. Preference is given to those in the WMU study abroad program, particularly in the Czech Republic, fostering international academic experiences.

The Shelton Hardaway Short, Jr. Trust Grant, established in 1974, supports charitable organizations primarily in Central and Southern Virginia. Grants, typically between $10,000 and $50,000, are given as memorials to Mr. Short's family members. The foundation prioritizes various program areas including arts, education, health, and human services, and aims to enhance the community's welfare. Eligible organizations must be 501(c)(3) entities, with no geographic limitations, although local organizations are favored.

West Bend Insurance Company's Charitable Fund, established at the West Bend Community Foundation, aims to enhance the lives of residents in the greater West Bend area. The fund prioritizes grants for nonprofit organizations focused on aging, arts, education, environment, housing, medical research, mental health, and workforce development. It supports collaborative projects that boost organizational capacities and community service. Grants are available for new programs, capital projects, and operating support, with a focus on innovative solutions.

The Kamp Scholarship Fund, established in 2014, aims to provide scholarships that promote career education and training. It primarily supports students in engineering, business, and medicine. To be eligible, applicants must be residents of Hawaii, demonstrate financial need, and maintain a minimum GPA of 2.0. The scholarship is renewable for up to four years, ensuring ongoing support for deserving students in their educational pursuits.

The Feigenbaum Foundation Grants support organizations in the Berkshires that align with the foundation's mission of promoting education in technology, medical and cultural programs, and community-based initiatives. Founded by Armand and Donald Feigenbaum, the foundation prioritizes funding for 501(c)(3) non-profit organizations that serve the community, ensuring that their contributions positively impact the local area and its residents.

The Charles and Ruth Billingsley Foundation Grant supports a variety of charitable causes primarily in San Diego County, California. Established in 1988, this private foundation aims to enhance community welfare through funding in areas such as arts, education, health, and human services. Organizations eligible for support must qualify as 501(c)(3) exempt entities. Applications are accepted year-round with a deadline of June 30 for review in July.

The Benjamin H. Smyser Foundation, established by Fort Wayne resident Benjamin H. Smyser, focuses on supporting various charitable causes primarily within the Fort Wayne area. The foundation, operational since 1968, emphasizes arts, education, environmental efforts, health, human services, and religious initiatives. Organizations must be 501(c)(3) compliant to qualify for funding, with a preference for local beneficiaries. While there are no strict geographic limitations, preference is given to those serving Indiana residents.

About Us

Our Vision: Thriving Philanthropy, Thriving Communities

The Princeton Area Community Foundation is the philanthropic nexus of central New Jersey. We’re committed to helping our region and its residents – and especially its children – thrive.

As a robust foundation with more than $260 million in assets, we help individuals, families, businesses, and organizations create permanent charitable funds to meet the challenges of changing times. As a community leader we invest and administer these funds, award grants and scholarships, and promote philanthropy and encourage meaningful collaboration, all under the direction of a knowledgeable team.

As your community foundation, we provide services, guidance, and partnership. It’s our job to help you exercise generosity here, and to bring philanthropists together for maximum impact. We strive toward a vibrant, engaged, equitable community, from which all will benefit.

Community Impact Grants

Community Impact Grants provide support to nonprofits working to address the needs of under-resourced individuals, families, and communities in our regional footprint.

Our Community Impact Grant opportunity is focused serving children, families, and communities most impacted by poverty. In 2026, there will be one cycle to apply. Eligible nonprofits in our region may apply for unrestricted funding. If you have received funding through the Summer Initiatives grant, you still may apply for Community Impact Grants. If you have received a 2025 multi-year award, you will not be eligible to apply in 2026.

Funding considerations will prioritize requests that address under-resourced populations in our region such as children and adolescents, low-income seniors, returning citizens, immigrants, victims of domestic abuse, and others.

Funding priorities for this grant cycle:

• Education/Workforce Development
• Critical Needs (Food Security, Homelessness, Mental Health)
• Community/Capacity Building

The Ida Alice Ryan Charitable Trust, established in 1953, prioritizes funding for charitable organizations in the Atlanta area, particularly in health care, education, and the arts. It allocates half of its income to the Catholic Cathedral of Christ the King and the remainder to selected charities. Eligible organizations must be 501(c)(3) entities located within the Metro Atlanta area. The trust emphasizes support for hospitals, educational initiatives, and cultural institutions.

The Truman C. Kuehn Charities Grant supports a variety of charitable causes primarily in San Diego County, California. With an average grant size of $6,000 to $10,000, the charity typically awards four grants each year, totaling between $12,000 and $16,000 in annual giving. Eligible organizations must qualify as 501(c)(3) exempt entities and be located in San Diego County. The foundation focuses on arts, education, health, and human services.

The Olive Smith Browning Charitable Trust, established in 1978, supports qualified 501(c)(3) organizations in various fields including arts, education, health, and religion. Focused primarily on organizations in Twin Falls, Idaho, the Trust encourages applications from eligible entities. There are no restrictions on the number of applications to other foundations, although typically only one application is accepted per year. This grant aims to foster community well-being and support diverse charitable activities.

The Stanley A. and Flora P. Clark Memorial Community Trust Foundation Grant supports charitable initiatives in South Bend and St. Joseph County, Indiana. Established in 1964 to honor Dr. Stanley Clark and his wife Flora, the foundation emphasizes arts, education, health, and human services among its program areas. Organizations eligible for funding must be 501(c)(3) exempt and serve the local community. The foundation continues their legacy of philanthropy and community service.

The First Financial Community Grants, managed by the Hamilton Community Foundation, focus on enhancing community growth in low-income areas. Established in 1951, the Foundation supports programs in neighborhood development, workforce education, and arts initiatives. By prioritizing financial literacy and cultural experiences, the Fund aims to revitalize communities and foster long-term impact, ensuring resources benefit the region sustainably. This initiative reflects a commitment to improving the quality of life for residents in Butler County, Ohio.

The Odessa and Henry Kahrs Trust Grant provides funding for charitable, religious, scientific, literary, and educational purposes in southern New Jersey, particularly Atlantic County. Established in 1970, this private trust aims to support qualified 501(c)(3) organizations. Eligible applicants must be located within the specified region, and preference is given to those within Atlantic County. Applications are accepted year-round, making it an accessible funding source for local nonprofits.

The C. Giles Hunt Charitable Trust Grant supports charities serving Douglas County, Oregon. Its mission is to honor Mr. Hunt's wish to assist local organizations, focusing on areas such as arts, education, health, and human services. Eligible organizations must be 501(c)(3) exempt and primarily benefit Douglas County residents. Preference is given to those operating in the county or directly benefiting its residents, ensuring community-focused charitable efforts.

About BlackRock

We’re a global asset manager and technology provider dedicated to helping more and more people experience financial well-being. We help millions of people invest to build savings that serve them throughout their lives. The BlackRock Foundation which funds and partners with organizations that strengthen financial security for more people,

BlackRock Future Builders

BlackRock Future Builders is a $100 million philanthropic initiative funded by The BlackRock Foundation to expand economic opportunity and power the next generation of America’s skilled trades workers. Through this Request for Proposals (RFP) process, The Foundation seeks to support U.S. nonprofit organizations (i.e., registered 501(c)3 organizations) delivering or supporting high‑quality skilled trades training.

This competitive grant opportunity operates in parallel to other BlackRock Future Builders partnerships and is intended to surface additional, regionally grounded solutions across the skilled trades ecosystem. Organizations may propose direct worker training programs or capacity‑building efforts that enable systems to function more effectively and at greater scale. This first round RFP will be administered by Jobs for the Future (JFF), a national nonprofit that transforms U.S. education and workforce systems.

Focus Areas and Solutions

Applicants may propose worker training or capacity‑building solutions aligned to skilled trades workforce development.

• Worker training interventions may include direct service proposals such as pre-apprenticeship or career navigation programs, workforce training programs, apprenticeship programs, or wraparound participant supports that are supportive of training persistence and completion.
• Capacity-building interventions are organizational and system-focused, rather than in direct service of participants, and may include, but are not limited to, proposals such as ecosystem-building, demonstration projects, technology or tool adoptions, or research, among others.

The Browning Kimball Foundation, established in 1978, focuses on enhancing the quality of life in Central Montana through sustainable agriculture and support for youth and families. With a commitment to good governance, the foundation may limit grants to four consecutive years and encourages grantees to diversify funding sources. Eligible applicants must possess a 501(c)(3) designation, and preference is given to organizations serving Central Montana, particularly in areas like health, education, and community development.