Best Capacity Building Grants for Nonprofits

The Sidney R. Baer, Jr. Foundation focuses on improving the lives of individuals with schizophrenia and bipolar disorder through education grants. By funding programs that enhance educational opportunities, the foundation aims to reduce isolation and promote understanding. Grants are awarded to qualified organizations that prioritize mental health initiatives, ensuring that those affected have access to the resources and support necessary for a better quality of life. The foundation's mission is rooted in the belief that education can be transformative for those facing mental health challenges.

T32 Postdoctoral Training Awards in Translational Research

The Indiana Clinical and Translational Sciences Institute (CTSI) T32 Postdoctoral Training Awards, funded in part by NCATS, are designed to provide promising postdoctoral fellows with the opportunity to be mentored in research-intensive multi-disciplinary settings toward the goal of developing careers across the spectrum of translational research.

The emphasis of the Indiana CTSI postdoctoral training awards in translational research is to move findings from basic laboratory and pre-clinical research (referred to as T1 research) toward the development of new treatment options or interventions or clinical trials (referred to as T2 research) to eventual dissemination or clinical implementation (referred to as T3 research) to studying population health outcomes and health metrics (referred to as T4 research). The phases of translational research may not necessarily be linear and can jump steps depending on the research project and the starting point. The goal of the Indiana CTSI is to make awards at all of these stages.

Funding for all postdoctoral training awards is for up to two years (with the 2nd year of funding contingent upon review and demonstration of satisfactory progress). Benefits include salary support as well as health insurance and research training related expenses.

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.

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 Raymond J. and Mary C. Reisert Foundation Grant aims to enhance community well-being by supporting local 501(c)(3) organizations in education, healthcare, and housing initiatives. Grants typically range from $500 to $15,000, with an emphasis on projects in Eastern North Carolina, Long Island, NY, and Central Maine. The foundation has awarded over 300 grants since its inception, reflecting its commitment to impactful community partnerships and ongoing evaluation of funded projects.

Background & Purpose

The California Arts Council (CAC) is a statewide agency committed to serving California artists, arts organizations, and communities of all sizes and needs. Guided by racial equity principles, the CAC continuously evaluates its grantmaking practices to ensure fair and inclusive funding opportunities that sustain a vibrant, safe, and resilient creative ecosystem across the state.

Through regionally based Administering Organizations (AOs), the Individual Artists Fellowship (IAF) program uplifts and celebrates California artists across all disciplines and traditions, highlights their excellence and acknowledges their leadership in shaping traditional and contemporary cultures. The program includes three fellowship tiers with a different award amount:

CAC Emerging Artist Fellows – $5,000

Emerging artists are those in the beginning stages of making their work public and engaging the larger community in their practice.

CAC Established Artist Fellows – $10,000

Artists in the Established tier regularly make their work public and engage the larger community in their practice.

CAC Legacy Artist Fellows – $50,000

Artists in the Legacy tier can point to a significant body of work, produced over a substantial period of time, that has engaged their communities and that has made significant social impact.

The CAC approved eight regional AOs for the fellowship in September 2025. Each of the AOs has information and  details regarding their Individual Artists Fellowship programs, including application deadlines. If you are an individual artist, apply to the statewide fellowship program through the Regional AO listed below that serves your county. Please note: Individual artists must live in the region they are applying to and may submit an application to only one region.

• Bay Area (Kala Art Institute) - Counties: Alameda, Contra Costa, Marin, Napa, San Francisco, San Mateo, Santa Clara, Sonoma

• Central Valley & Sierra (Kern Dance Alliance) - Counties: Amador, Calaveras, Fresno, Inyo, Kern, Kings, Madera, Mariposa, Merced, Mono, San Joaquin, Stanislaus, Tulare, Tuolumne

• Inland Empire & South Coast (ArtsOC) - Counties: Riverside, San Bernardino, Orange

• Far South (Commission for Arts and Culture / Cultural Affairs) - Counties: Imperial, San Diego

• Central Coast (Arts Council Santa Cruz County) - Counties: Monterey, San Benito, San Luis Obispo, Santa Barbara, Santa Cruz, Ventura

• Capital (Teatro Nagual) - Counties: Yolo, Solano, Sacramento, El Dorado, Alpine

• Upstate (Nevada County Arts Council (NCArts)) - Counties: Del Norte, Siskiyou, Modoc, Humboldt, Trinity, Shasta, Lassen, Mendocino, Tehama, Butte, Plumas, Lake, Glenn, Sierra, Colusa, Sutter, Yuba, Nevada, Placer

• South (Los Angeles Performance Practice) - County: Los Angeles

Region 6: South Administered by Los Angeles Performance Practice (Los Angeles County)

In partnership with California Arts Council (CAC), Los Angeles Performance Practice (LAPP) is thrilled to serve as the Administering Organization for the Individual Artist Fellowships in Los Angeles County.

About

Created by the community for the good of the community, the GLCCF is here to turn problems into opportunities through strategic grant making and initiatives created to address our region’s most pressing needs. We work with you to identify your charitable goals, and we ensure that they are carried out efficiently.

Work with us to make the kind of impact you want to see in your community. Let us take on the financial complexities and paperwork, while you focus on the important things like fostering good works throughout our community.

When you give to the Greater Lake City Community Foundation, you are making an investment that will benefit the community, now and in the future.

GLCCF Schreck Family Soccer Scholarship

To award annually a scholarship to a qualified applicant who intends to pursue education toward a 4-year college degree.

The Lower Flathead Valley Community Foundation Grant supports projects aimed at preserving cultural, natural, and human resources in the Lower Flathead Valley. With a mission to unite Tribal and non-Tribal members, this foundation emphasizes children's needs while offering nearly $150,000 annually in grants. Since its inception, it has grown from a $3 million endowment, providing nearly $2 million in funding for community projects. Collaboration and partnerships are encouraged to enhance community development.

The Douglas County Disaster and Welfare Fund, managed by the Boreal Waters Community Foundation, provides essential financial support ranging from $5,000 to $10,000 to nonprofit organizations. This funding aims to assist Douglas County residents during disasters by addressing critical needs such as food, shelter, healthcare, and education. Eligible organizations must be 501(c)(3) certified and serve the local community, ensuring targeted aid during challenging times.

Our mission is to enhance quality of life, today and in the future, by:

• Enabling donors to fulfill their charitable desires
• Building a permanent endowment
• Facilitating prudent management and care of funds
• Meeting needs through grants, awards, and scholarships

CF Sunshine Scholarship

Amount

Varies

Geographic focus

Students qualifying to graduate or are a graduate from a Cloud County or Washington County, Kansas, high school.

Renewals

Scholarship recipients are eligible to apply for renewal by meeting the criteria.

About Us

Our History

Since its founding, The H & R Block Foundation has been committed to assisting underserved individuals and improving the quality of all aspects of life. The Foundation supports nonprofit organizations that increase access to the arts, build stable neighborhoods, offer diverse learning opportunities, and expand access to services that respond to all individuals’ physical and emotional needs. The Foundation continues to support the H&R Block culture by aligning resources and leadership to create positive social change.

Grants

Community Impact

The H & R Block Foundation awards grants that help nonprofits improve or strengthen services, enhance operations, and achieve greater results. The Foundation’s grant strategy focuses on the following:

• Helping underserved individuals pursue and attain post-secondary education
• Improving the quality of life throughout neighborhoods in greater Kansas City
• Enhancing nonprofits’ operational efficiency and service delivery and strengthening major community assets and institutions

Since its inception, The H & R Block Foundation has invested over $84 million in various charitable organizations.

Grants FAQ

The Foundation’s areas of focus are:

• Arts & Culture
• Education
• Health & Human Service
• Neighborhood Revitalization

There are no fixed minimum or maximum amounts, though most grants do not exceed $150,000.  

The Foundation’s sister organization, the Marion and Henry Bloch Family Foundation makes single-year and multiyear grants that typically fall in the range of $150,000 to $500,000. Grants may be funded by either Foundation, as determined by Foundation staff.

The Thelma Doelger Trust for Animals provides grants to 501(c)(3) non-profit organizations in California focused on improving the lives of animals. Organizations are encouraged to submit a Letter of Inquiry before applying, especially if they have not received funding before. The Trust prioritizes applications from Northern California and the San Francisco Bay Area, although they accept applications from across the state.

The NYSAR Community Reuse Grant supports community-based groups, municipalities, businesses, and non-profits in New York State to implement reuse initiatives. This year, $15,000 is available, with each awardee receiving up to $5,000. Notably, projects focusing on recycling or organics will not be considered. Applicants must submit a budget and answer all questions for consideration. Grant winners will be contacted in mid-October and are encouraged to attend the NYSAR3 Annual Conference to receive their awards.

The AAO-HNSF/ANS Herbert Silverstein Otology/Neurotology Research Award supports innovative clinical or basic science research focused on auditory and vestibular diseases. Established by Herbert Silverstein, MD, this award aims to assist young academic investigators in launching new projects. Since 2000, it has funded seven grants totaling $175,000, emphasizing projects with clear clinical relevance and potential for future funding. Applicants must demonstrate commitment to research and secure institutional support, with a priority for junior faculty and fellows.

The River Cats Foundation Grant aims to support qualified 501(c)(3) organizations that have a strong history of engaging in youth and family activities in the greater Sacramento area. Focus areas include youth activities, family activities, and various educational programs in arts and sciences. The Foundation encourages community involvement and aims to enhance the quality of life for local families and children. Applications must demonstrate financial stability and a commitment to community service.

The Lumpkin Family Foundation's Austin Fresh Grants program, initiated in 2020, focuses on enhancing access to healthy, affordable food in Chicago's Austin neighborhood. This collaborative effort supports community gardens, local food production, and food assistance programs, aiming to promote equity and sustainability. With a commitment of at least $1 million annually for five years, the program empowers local solutions and addresses food access barriers, fostering community-driven initiatives for a healthier future.

Lowndes Community Foundation (LCF) Grants

Meeting the needs of Columbus and Lowndes County Communities—one grant at a time.

Sustainable Grantmaking

Our mission is to improve the quality of life within Columbus and Lowndes County. As a public foundation, we have a special role to play in creating a sustainable source of funding to address the needs of our community. Rather than relying on yearly fundraising, we draw on the investment earnings of the LCF Endowment, reinvesting a percentage into our communities while the remaining funds continue generating revenue for future projects.

Funding Priorities

Our community guides our grantmaking. Through the LCF's periodic Community Conversations--public gatherings where hundreds of local citizens come together to review current data on the state of the city and county and to engage in a democratic, deliberative process to identify our most pressing needs--we've identified five priority areas. In addition to these priority areas, we generally support initiatives within three areas of interest:

• Civic and Cultural (e.g., beautification, public good, performing arts)
• Education and Human Development (e.g., tuition guarantee, GED, early childhood)
• Health and Human Services (e.g., family enrichment, emergency response)

The African American Community Fund Grant, established by Ernest E. and Ernest A. Bynum, aims to support African American communities in Appalachian Ohio. This fund addresses disparities and enhances the quality of life through initiatives in arts, education, economic development, and health services. Grants range from $500 to $5,000, focusing on projects led by Black organizations across 32 counties. This initiative strengthens both the African American population and the broader community.

The EPSCoR Research Infrastructure Improvement (RII): EPSCoR Research Fellows program, funded by the National Science Foundation (NSF), aims to enhance research capacity and workforce development in STEM. This initiative fosters collaborations between underrepresented researchers and leading institutions, providing essential resources and support. With two tracks available—one focusing on NSF and the other on NASA—this program uniquely positions Fellows to leverage transformative research experiences and contribute to sustainable advancements in their respective fields.

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.

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 Ecolab U.S. Regional NPO Grant Program supports 501(c)(3) organizations in specific geographic areas, focusing on youth education, community development, environmental conservation, and arts initiatives. Eligible nonprofits can apply for funding to enhance their services and impact in underserved communities. Notably, the program emphasizes hands-on learning and sustainable practices, aiming to foster a healthier environment and society. Organizations must align with Ecolab's mission of promoting sustainability and improving quality of life.

The VIA Art Fund provides Artistic Production Grants to support innovative artistic commissions for public spaces. These grants, ranging from $25,000 to $100,000, are awarded twice a year to artists and organizations that exemplify artistic excellence and public engagement. Projects must have a confirmed exhibition venue, ensuring artworks reach diverse audiences and foster meaningful community experiences beyond traditional gallery settings.

The BCBS Oklahoma - Blue Impact Grants support community-focused initiatives aimed at improving health and wellness in Oklahoma. These grants prioritize programs that enhance economic opportunity, nutrition, and overall health outcomes. Eligible organizations include community, civic, or charitable entities that benefit Oklahoma residents. The initiative emphasizes funding for health, wellness, and human services, while excluding requests related to discrimination, tuition, or political activities. This program fosters community growth through targeted financial support.

The Tribal Solar Accelerator Fund (TSAF) empowers tribal communities across the U.S. by promoting renewable energy projects and workforce development. Launched by GRID Alternatives, TSAF provides critical funding for solar initiatives, enhancing energy sovereignty and resilience. Since its inception, TSAF has integrated community participation into its projects, ensuring that tribes can access sustainable energy solutions. By prioritizing education and equity, TSAF supports a transition to a clean energy economy, aiming for a sustainable future for generations to come.

The Rural Community Development Initiative Grants aim to support non-profit organizations, low-income rural communities, and federally recognized tribes in enhancing housing and community facilities. These grants can be utilized for training sub-grantees in homeownership and business entrepreneurship education, as well as providing technical assistance on strategic planning and alternative funding. Eligible recipients include public bodies and organizations in areas with populations under 50,000, ensuring community development in rural settings.

The WAEF Scholarships, supported by the Washington Apple Education Foundation, provide over $1 million in educational awards to more than 300 students this year. Aimed at those with ties to Washington's tree fruit industry, the Brian Kershaw Memorial Scholarship specifically assists children of Kershaw Companies' employees. It covers community colleges and vocational schools, with opportunities for renewal for up to four years, ensuring long-term educational support for eligible applicants.