Best Capacity Building Grants for Nonprofits

The Oklahoma City Community Foundation administers the Kirschner Trusts, established to honor Phil and Roberta Kirschner's philanthropic legacy. These trusts focus on supporting young individuals with disabilities, Muskogee nonprofits, and Jewish causes. Since their transfer to the foundation in 2013, the trusts have continued to provide vital grants to organizations that align with the Kirschners’ values, ensuring their charitable impact persists in the community.

The Park Foundation Grants for the Environment focus on ensuring clean and accessible drinking water while opposing shale gas extraction and infrastructure expansion. They fund diverse initiatives aimed at promoting sustainable practices and policies, particularly within New York State. The Foundation supports advocacy, organizing, and corporate responsibility efforts that align with their mission to foster a just and sustainable environment, empowering communities to protect their natural resources.

The 410 Grant aims to foster a new generation of philanthropic leaders in Northern Kentucky by pooling resources among members who contribute $410 annually. This initiative focuses on building a vibrant culture of giving and civic engagement through innovative grant-making practices that support local nonprofits and projects. By cultivating leadership and community investment, the 410 Grant seeks to ensure the region's growth and prosperity for both current and future generations.

The Park Foundation Grants: Community Needs program focuses on supporting low-income residents of Tompkins County, NY. Emphasizing equity, the foundation funds initiatives in health, youth services, social justice, and capacity building. Priority is given to historically disenfranchised groups, encouraging proposals that engage these communities in developing solutions and addressing barriers. This approach aims to foster sustainable and equitable outcomes, reflecting the foundation's commitment to advancing social justice and improving community well-being.

The Cameron Charitable Trust Grant, established by Edward Alexander Cameron, aims to support underprivileged individuals and those in poor health. The trust primarily funds organizations in North Carolina's triangle region that qualify as 501(c)(3) charities. Grants focus on health and human services, prioritizing those that demonstrate efficient use of funds and have a significant impact on their communities. The trust has no strict geographic limitations, but it favors local charities.

The Beckley Area Foundation Community Grant Program supports charitable organizations in Raleigh County by providing discretionary grants focused on pressing community needs. Priorities include innovative projects, seed funding for new initiatives, and efforts that address underserved populations. Eligible applicants must be nonprofit entities or public institutions, with projects benefiting Raleigh County within a defined grant period. The foundation emphasizes projects that ensure sustainable support and address urgent needs.

Mid-America Arts Alliance

Mid-America Arts Alliance (M-AAA) believes art can be a catalyst for expression, connection, collaboration, and community. This philosophy is reflected in our mission and values.

M-AAA is a nonprofit, regional arts organization representing Arkansas, Kansas, Missouri, Nebraska, Oklahoma, Texas, and beyond. We focus on strengthening communities and improving lives by supporting artists, elevating arts organizations, and connecting people to extraordinary cultural experiences.

Artistic Innovations Grants for Individual Artists

Program Objectives

The Artistic Innovations program supports the development of new or original works of art across all disciplines, created exclusively by in-region individual artists and art-based organizations in M-AAA’s six-state region (Arkansas, Kansas, Missouri, Nebraska, Oklahoma, Texas, and the Native Nations in this geography). Eligible applicants include individual artists and nonprofit 501(c)(3) arts organizations in the region.

Individual Artist Grant Considerations

The Artistic Innovations grant program supports direct project expenses incurred in the art-making process and production of public-facing engagements to individuals through private funds. These grants are funded through private support and, unlike Artistic Innovations grants to organizations, are not supported by the National Endowment for the Arts.

The Frank S. Flowers Charitable Trust, established in 1979, aims to enhance the quality of life in Gloucester County, New Jersey. It provides grants to educational, health-related, youth, and religious organizations that meet specific criteria. With an average grant size of $10,000 and around 20 grants awarded each year, the Trust prioritizes support for local public high schools, non-profit hospitals, and organizations focused on the welfare of mentally disabled children.

Minnesota Historical Society

The Minnesota Historical Society preserves Minnesota's past, shares our state's stories and connects people with history in meaningful ways, for today and for tomorrow. Because history matters!

We're part of Minnesota's rich history. Since 1849, we've grown to become one of the largest and most prestigious historical societies in the country. We play an important role in our state's historic preservation, education and tourism; and provide the public with award-winning programs, exhibitions and events.

We owe it to future generations to be good stewards of the past.

Native American Museum Fellowship

The Native American Museum Fellowship (NAMF) Program is a ten-week paid fellowship that will introduce Native community members to the museum field through three weeks of seminar and workshops and seven weeks of an MNHS internship program. These ten weeks are designed to engage and expose fellows to relevant cultural resources within MNHS and partnership sites, the broader public history of Minnesota and neighboring states, and professional opportunities within the museum field– ranging from Tribal historic preservation to exhibit curation. Fellows will learn about career paths and the various requirements for working in museum spaces, both on and off of reservation lands, as well as the particular challenges faced by Native American communities in terms of preserving tribal history and disturbing the institutionalized historical narratives of who Native people were and are.

The first three weeks of the program will be an in-depth seminar that will focus on the function of museums, cultural resources, public history, and tribal historic preservation fields. Through a mix of readings, podcasts, videos, discussions, exhibit analyses and guest speakers, fellows will come to have a better understanding of the day-to-day workings of museums and historic sites, and the values and practices that inform these institutions. The cohort will travel often to MNHS partnering sites and will have the opportunity to visit various Native organizations in or around the Twin Cities. Fellows will be placed within the Minnesota Historical Society network for the remainder of the fellowship where they will complete a hands-on internship experience of their choice.

Participants in the program will receive a living expense stipend for the duration of the program as well as travel expense reimbursement, a stipend pending completion of the seminar portion of the program, and a paid internship for the remaining seven weeks.

Topics covered

• Collections
• Conservation
• Tribal and Institutional Partnerships
• Tribal Historic Preservation
• Cultural Resource Stewardship
• Exhibitions
• ​Archaeology/NAGPRA
• Section 106
• And more!

Program Requirements

NAMF is designed as a ten week hybrid program with a home base of the Minnesota History Center, located in St. Paul. The 3-week seminar portion of the program has mandatory in-person attendance to receive the full stipend. A 20-hour per week paid internship could be all in-person or hybrid, depending on the internship supervisor. Travel to historic sites and communities will be required throughout the program period with travel arranged through program staff. 

Please Note: Fellows are expected to find their own housing upon accepting their letter of admittance. Mileage accumulated from out-of-town trips and lodging used during seminar will be reimbursed (within reason) to eliminate financial barriers during your time as a NAMF fellow. 

The NICF: Miami County Grants - Community Support Grant aims to support various community projects in Miami County, offering funding from several hundred to thousands of dollars. These grants have no application deadline and prioritize initiatives in education, health, human services, arts and culture, environmental efforts, community development, recreation, and youth development. The foundation encourages innovative projects that address unmet community needs and foster collaboration among organizations.

The Zero KC Grant is a vital initiative by the City of Kansas City aimed at addressing homelessness through innovative funding. By fostering collaboration among local agencies, the grant seeks to create a comprehensive system of services, including outreach, transportation, and permanent housing. It encourages partnerships to effectively support individuals facing barriers to housing, such as mental health issues and substance use disorders. This initiative not only addresses immediate needs but also promotes long-term solutions, ensuring that every Kansas Citian has access to safe shelter.

The NICF Micro Grant program offers funding up to $2,000 for projects in Miami County, Indiana, with no application deadlines. Target areas include education, health, arts, environmental initiatives, and community development. The program prioritizes projects that reach underserved communities and foster collaboration. However, it does not support ongoing operating budgets or projects solely funded by the foundation. This initiative aims to stimulate innovative solutions to community needs, encouraging self-sustainability and effective charitable organizations.

The Charles A. and Leona K. Gruber Foundation, established in 1969, supports educational, charitable, religious, scientific, and literary causes primarily in the Lehigh Valley, Pennsylvania. Grants typically range from $2,500 to $5,000, with a focus on organizations that qualify as 501(c)(3). Applications are accepted year-round, with a preference for submissions by September 15 for consideration at the annual meeting in October.

The Arts and Culture Fund by The Community Foundation for South Central New York supports organizations dedicated to the arts, emphasizing access for underserved communities. Eligible applicants include theatres, museums, and non-profit galleries in specified counties. Funding can cover programs, capital improvements, and operating support, with a focus on diversity and inclusion. This initiative aims to enhance community engagement and long-term sustainability in the arts.

Detroit Lake Foundation

Established in 2015, the mission of the Detroit Lake Foundation is to enhance the quality of life for residents and establish a sustainable economic recovery to ensure that the city thrives for current and future generations.

All projects managed by Detroit Lake Foundation are projects that will improve the community infrastructure and benefit the entire community. Detroit Lake Foundation is a 501C3 organization.

Policy and Procedure for DLF Grant Request

The DLF raises funds through events that benefit the local Detroit-Idanha economy and through generous donations from individuals and businesses who want to join together to sustain the strength and future of the Detroit Lake region.

The DLF may, at its discretion, post information about the completed grant projects and programs, including grant funding amounts, on the website and in social media.

This policy and procedure as adopted by the DLF Board provides the structure for granting funding to projects and programs consistent with the mission of the DLF. This policy is reviewed annually by the DLF Board.

DLF Grant

How Grant Funds are Paid

• Unless otherwise specified and approved by the DLF Board, grants shall be on a reimbursement basis and payable upon receipt of expense documents related to the grant activity.

• Grants that provide advance funding will be based on the proposed budget, are subject to Board approval and are required to submit financial documentation upon completion.

The YCF Community Grants provide essential funding for grassroots initiatives focused on Basic Needs and Addiction Prevention in North Central West Virginia. Non-profit organizations and public institutions can apply for support in areas such as housing, utilities, and food, as well as programs aimed at reducing addiction's impact on families. Collaboration with local entities is encouraged, and preference is given to projects addressing high community needs.

The Action Grant, offered by the Habitat Conservation Trust Foundation, fosters collaboration with communities to promote conservation initiatives. This grant supports projects aimed at changing behaviors and practices to enhance fish, wildlife, and their habitats. Eligible projects include habitat restoration, wetland protection, and agricultural practices benefiting local ecosystems. With a focus on measurable outcomes within a two-year term, the Action Grant encourages innovative solutions to mitigate human impacts on biodiversity.

The Greater Cedarburg Foundation Grant supports initiatives that enhance the Cedarburg community's cultural heritage, artistic endeavors, and educational services. The foundation prioritizes projects that preserve local history, enrich artistic experiences, and provide diverse opportunities for community engagement. It does not fund lobbying, political purposes, or annual campaigns. First-time applicants must register and complete an organizational profile to be considered for funding. This grant aims to foster a vibrant community for future generations.

The Bloedorn Foundation offers annual grants to 501(c)(3) nonprofit organizations serving vulnerable children and at-risk citizens in the Washington D.C. area. The foundation focuses on enhancing community well-being through various initiatives, including education, job training, and health support. Grants are awarded after thorough vetting of applicants, ensuring that resources are directed towards efforts that significantly improve the quality of life for those in need.

The Walls & Turner Charitable Fund provides small grants to support educational programs fulfilling the wishes of terminally ill children, alongside initiatives aimed at animal welfare. Eligible agencies must operate in Delaware without discrimination. However, individuals and non-501(c)3 organizations are ineligible, as are requests for office equipment and funding for public educational institutions. This initiative is committed to improving the lives of children and animals in the community.

The Milton Community Fund Grant, established in 1996, supports charitable initiatives in the Milton area through annual grants funded by community donations. It aims to enhance historical preservation, environmental projects, education, healthcare, youth programs, and support for the elderly. Grants are awarded to non-profits, local schools, and government agencies, emphasizing collaborative efforts to improve community welfare. Managed by local volunteers, the fund adapts to the evolving needs of the community it serves.

Americorps State And National Funding

Volunteer Tennessee currently funds eighteen (18) AmeriCorps State programs across Tennessee. This Tennessee State AmeriCorps Notice of Funding Opportunity (Notice) will focus on grant-making for fiscal year 2025 in six areas: Disaster Services, Economic Opportunity, Education, Environmental Stewardship, Healthy Futures, and Veterans and Military Families.

AmeriCorps improves lives, strengthens communities, and fosters civic engagement through service and volunteering. AmeriCorps brings people together to tackle some of the country’s most pressing challenges through national service and volunteerism. AmeriCorps members serve with organizations dedicated to the improvement of communities and those serving.

Members may receive a living allowance and other benefits. After successful completion of their service, members earn a Segal AmeriCorps Education Award they can use to pay for higher education expenses or apply to qualified student loans.

Volunteer Tennessee will accept applications from agencies proposing new and continuation AmeriCorps programs for the 2025-26 program year. Non-profit organizations and government agencies in Tennessee are eligible to apply for funds to operate local AmeriCorps programs that meet locally identified needs in disaster services, economic opportunity, education, environmental stewardship, healthy futures, and veterans and military families.

The DC Department of Parks and Recreation's 'Rec for All - Extended Summer Programming' aims to engage underserved youth aged 10 to 13 through four weeks of enriching activities. This initiative promotes physical wellness, social-emotional growth, and community connections while providing equitable access to recreational opportunities. By offering diverse programs that include arts, technology, and career exploration, the aim is to foster skill development and ensure safe, affordable engagement in summer activities for all eligible participants.

The Harry S. and Isabel C. Cameron Foundation, established in 1966, aims to provide charitable support to qualified 501(c)(3) organizations, focusing on the Catholic community's needs. The Foundation prioritizes educational, scientific, and artistic initiatives, ensuring compassionate giving to enhance community well-being within the Archdiocese of Galveston-Houston. Grant requests from political organizations, individuals, and specific programs, such as those involving abortions, are not accepted, maintaining a clear mission of charitable focus.

The AAO-HNSF Percy Memorial Research Award offers $25,000 for one year to support innovative research projects in otolaryngology-head and neck surgery. This grant aims to fund projects with clinical significance, encouraging the development of new long-term research initiatives. Applicants must submit a detailed budget and secure letters of support from their Department Chair and key personnel involved in the project. Funds cannot cover salaries or purchase equipment exceeding $500.

The Pacific Life Foundation Grants aim to positively impact communities through strategic funding in areas such as arts, education, and health. Nonprofits with tax-exempt status can apply for grants up to $15,000 for program support or $25,000 to $100,000 for capital projects. This initiative emphasizes collaboration and innovative solutions to meet community needs while honoring the legacy of Pacific Life and its employees.

Executive Office of Economic Development, Commonwealth of Massachusetts

The Executive Office of Economic Development works to strengthen the state’s economy by supporting business growth, attracting investment, expanding economic opportunity, and helping communities across Massachusetts thrive.

HousingWorks Infrastructure Program (HWIP)

Competitive grant program available to all Massachusetts municipalities for a variety of horizontal infrastructure related activities to support and unlock housing.

The HousingWorks Infrastructure Program (HWIP) is a competitive grant open to municipalities for a variety of infrastructure projects associated with housing development. This grant program awards funds based on the project’s nexus with housing, transportation, infrastructure, and community development needs.

Applicants should request funding to support a complete project or complete phase(s) and must provide clear justification for the requested amount. 

Ineligible entities must apply in partnership with an eligible entity.