Best Capacity Building Grants for Nonprofits

Raytheon Technologies, through its Connect Up initiative, fosters transformative social impact by empowering underserved communities and inspiring future generations. They focus on lifelong learning in STEM fields, support veterans in their transition to civilian careers, and enhance local community welfare through strategic investments. Their commitment helps create a prosperous and equitable society, ensuring that diverse talent is developed for the workforce of tomorrow. This holistic approach aims to build a better future for all.

The Mabel Y. Hughes Charitable Trust Grant provides financial support to charitable organizations operating in Colorado. Established through the will of Mabel Y. Hughes, the trust focuses on arts, education, environment, health, human services, and religion. Eligible applicants must be 501(c)(3) exempt organizations and can apply once a year. This grant reflects Ms. Hughes' enduring legacy of philanthropy, fostering community development across various sectors.

The Ashtabula Foundation offers grants of $5,000 or less to support non-profit organizations serving Ashtabula County. With a focus on Human Services, the foundation also considers requests from categories such as Arts, Education, and Community Development. Eligible organizations must have a 501(C)(3) status and utilize funds for the benefit of local citizens. Applications are limited to one per year, ensuring careful consideration for impactful projects.

The Ralph C. Sheldon Foundation Grant Program supports organizations in southern Chautauqua County, NY, focusing on the arts, education, environment, health, and youth. Grants range from $100 to $500,000, with larger requests considered in annual installments. Eligibility requires 501(c)(3) status or government/religious affiliation serving the community. Ineligible are grants for individuals, scholarships, and expenses incurred before a funding decision. The foundation promotes sustainability, adaptability, and intergenerational impact.

The Meserve Memorial Fund, established in 1983, is a private foundation that supports impactful public, charitable, and educational projects in the Greater Danbury area of Connecticut. It prioritizes organizations that demonstrate measurable benefits and enhance service capacity. Eligible projects include those in arts, education, environment, and health, with a focus on 501(c)(3) organizations serving specific towns. The fund does not support individual grants or projects primarily benefiting religious groups.

The Northland Community Foundation Grant seeks to enhance life quality in the Northland by connecting donors with community needs. Focusing on mental health, senior care, childcare, and transportation, it aims to address gaps identified in the 2023 Community Needs Assessment. Grants are available to 501(c)(3) organizations and public agencies serving Clay and Platte counties, promoting sustainable programs for children's well-being. This initiative encourages philanthropic investment where it has the greatest impact.

Maryland Department of Natural Resources

Inspired by nature and rooted in science to improve and grow stewardship for Maryland’s natural resources. Watershed and Climate Services operates as a connector and leader within Maryland, leveraging science, funding and policy, partnerships and adaptive management to restore ecosystems, build resilience, foster equitable well-being and promote sustainable communities and economies. 

Innovative Technology Fund

The understanding and knowledge of the Bay restoration effort itself continues to evolve, as does the value of specific non point source best management practices for ensuring its protection. At the 2007 Chesapeake Bay Program Executive Council Meeting, the State of Maryland and the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) agreed to promote investments in technologies that could accelerate Bay restoration efforts. The Innovative Technology Fund was created in partnership with the University of Maryland and with funding from the Maryland’s Chesapeake and Atlantic Coastal Bays Trust Fund and the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA).

Though the Innovative Technology Fund, the State is taking a leading role in financing the advancement of knowledge in the areas that most impact restoration programs, processes, and policies. The goals of the Innovative Technology Fund are to reduce nitrogen, phosphorus and sediment from any non-point source sector; support the development of successful Maryland businesses while creating and retaining green jobs in Maryland; and to ensure the State is always on the cusp of the most cost-effective and efficient technologies.

About Us

Our Mission

We create lasting impact through asset development, nonprofit capacity building, and community leadership. 

Our Vision

To enrich the lives of Wabash County residents by fostering opportunity, inspiring generosity, and building a thriving connected community. 

Our Scholarships

For High School Seniors & Non Traditional Students who are beginning college more than one year after high school.

The Community Foundation of Wabash County offers a wide variety of post-secondary education scholarships to traditional, non-traditional, and graduate students. With nearly 70 different scholarship endowments created through the generosity of our donors, many students are eligible to apply.    

Terry D. and Carol A. Agness Memorial Scholarship Endowment

Terry and Carol Agness’ children created this scholarship to honor their parents who believed in supporting local community projects like Meals on Wheels, the Honeywell Center, education, and students. The scholarship is awarded to a Purdue student pursuing a degree in engineering or business and is based on academic performance, school activities, church involvement, work experience, and financial need.

The Harold Johnson Law Enforcement Scholarship honors the legacy of Police Chief Harold "Hal" Johnson by providing financial support to aspiring law enforcement professionals. Established for students in the greater San Francisco Bay Area, it encourages those with a passion for public service and a commitment to criminal justice. Eligible applicants include high school seniors and college students with a minimum GPA of 2.5, showcasing leadership qualities and financial need, ensuring a new generation of dedicated law enforcement personnel.

The City of Franklin Nonprofit Funding Program supports local nonprofit organizations by providing funding to enhance their community impact. Eligible organizations, including 501C3, 501C6, and 501C4 entities, can apply for allocations to promote the welfare of Franklin residents and create job opportunities. The program emphasizes compliance with state regulations and non-discrimination principles, ensuring fair access to funds for all qualified applicants.

The Jackson County Community Foundation Grant Program, established in 1992, provides grants to local nonprofits addressing community needs. Grants typically range from $1,500 to $3,000, focusing on issues like food insecurity, youth safety, and substance abuse. Eligible organizations include 501(c)(3) charities and local government units. Special consideration is given to those serving Jackson County's vulnerable populations. This program empowers donors and strengthens community assets through competitive annual grantmaking.

The Housing Solutions Grantmaking program by the Charlevoix County Community Foundation aims to enhance the availability of housing units across various price points in Charlevoix County. With grants of up to $25,000, the program supports nonprofits dedicated to fostering mixed-income neighborhoods and compatible developments. It is designed to empower local organizations to address housing needs while promoting community goals and improving the overall quality of life for residents.

The Manhattan Community Health Foundation (MCHF) is committed to enhancing health and wellness in Manhattan, Kansas, by funding innovative projects that address critical health needs. The Community Grants program focuses on improving healthcare access for underserved populations, tackling social determinants of health, and promoting mental health initiatives. By partnering with local organizations, MCHF aims to create sustainable solutions that significantly improve health outcomes in the community, with applications accepted on a rolling basis.

The Elmer L. & Eleanor J. Andersen Foundation Legacy Grants, a part of the Minneapolis Foundation, has been enhancing lives since 1957 through family grantmaking. With a focus on arts, education, and social change, these grants support Minnesota organizations, particularly in the Twin Cities. They prioritize funding for operational projects rather than capital campaigns, ensuring community engagement and sustainability. Eligible applicants are 501(c)(3) nonprofits with requests typically between $1,000 and $3,000.

Berks County Community Foundation

Berks County Community Foundation was founded in 1994 to help individuals, families, organizations and businesses achieve their charitable objectives. Since that time, the foundation has grown to manage hundreds of charitable funds. Each year, the funds distribute millions of dollars in scholarships and grants to support local students and nonprofit organizations and causes.

 Northern Berks Connects - Building Relationships and Access to Support Our Communities' Needs

In 2024, United Way’s Asset Limited, Income Constrained, Employed (ALICE) report revealed that many working families in Berks County earn above the Federal Poverty Level yet still struggle to meet basic living costs. These challenges are particularly pronounced in rural areas, including Northern Berks County, where access to social services is limited. Notably, nearly half of the households in the Hamburg Area School District meet the ALICE threshold, underscoring a critical need for coordinated, localized support.

In response, Berks County Community Foundation launched a community-driven engagement initiative and partnered with the Institute for Conservation Leadership to convene more than 40 community leaders across Northern Berks County over the course of the past year. These discussions identified community assets and needs, a lack of coordination of services, as well as first-step strategies. This collaborative effort resulted in the formation of Northern Berks Connects, a community-led initiative focused on building relationships among community leaders and increasing knowledge and access to needed services.  

Berks County Community Foundation, in partnership with Northern Berks Connects, invites proposals from schools and nonprofit entities to support a one-year pilot program. The selected organization will provide and oversee staff responsible for developing and maintaining a localized resource guide for the Hamburg area and its surrounding municipalities, coordinating community networking events, and supporting collaboration among community leaders. This initiative seeks to improve access to essential resources for meeting basic human needs.

Applicants are expected to demonstrate the capacity to carry out the following activities:

• Coordinate, plan, and host two to three (2–3) Northern Berks Connects networking events annually.
• Collaborate with the Northern Berks Connects Steering Committee to respond to identified community needs.
• Create and maintain a Northern Berks Connects website and localized digital and printed resource guide.
• Regularly update and maintain the web-based and printable resource guide.
• Distribute resource information to participants in Northern Berks Connects.
• Explore and develop strategies to support the sustainability of the initiative over the next two to three years.

The Lindberg Foundation Trust Grant, established in 1954, supports various charitable causes in Washington. Founded by W. H. and Isabel P. Lindberg, it has a history of philanthropy that includes contributions to the Tacoma Art Museum and the Humane Society. The trust focuses on areas such as arts, education, health, and human services, offering grants to 501(c)(3) organizations in the state. This commitment reflects the Lindbergs' legacy of community support and cultural enrichment.

The Trull Foundation Grant supports charitable and educational initiatives focused on children in rural areas, those affected by substance abuse, and environmental projects in coastal Texas. Applications are accepted year-round, but early submission is encouraged. Eligible applicants include organizations with 501(c)(3) status and government entities. The foundation prioritizes projects that align with its focus areas and may not fund events that have already occurred or make long-term commitments.

The Mt. Pleasant Area Community Foundation offers competitive grants to address community needs in Isabella County. It supports nonprofit organizations, schools, and government units focused on critical issues such as job creation and reducing crime. The foundation is particularly interested in innovative programs that address local challenges and leverage additional resources. However, it does not fund general operating expenses, projects benefiting those outside Isabella County, or religiously affiliated initiatives unless they serve a general community need.

The Meramec Regional Affiliate Grantmaking Program, administered by the Community Foundation of the Ozarks, supports 501(c)(3) organizations and IRS-approved entities in the Crawford, Dent, Gasconade, Maries, Phelps, Pulaski, Osage, and Washington counties. With a total funding of $1,500, two grants of $750 will be awarded. The program emphasizes flexible grantmaking to address community needs without discrimination based on race, gender, or other factors.

The Aurora Area Affiliate Grantmaking Program, managed by the Community Foundation of the Ozarks, offers up to $10,000 for 501(c)(3) organizations and other IRS-approved entities serving the Aurora area. Grant proposals are accepted on a rolling basis, prioritizing projects that address pressing community needs. The program emphasizes equitable access, ensuring no discrimination based on race, color, sex, religion, national origin, age, disability, sexual orientation, gender identity, or veteran status.

Community Foundation of Greater Des Moines

The Community Foundation of Greater Des Moines improves quality of life for all by promoting charitable giving, connecting donors with causes they care about and providing leadership on important community issues…we’re simply better together. 

Monroe County Iowa Community Foundation

The Monroe County, Iowa Community Foundation was formed in 1994 to coordinate and provide philanthropic support for community betterment projects in Monroe County. The foundation is made up of community minded individuals who have the ability to assess community needs, implement asset development, evaluate area grant applications, encourage partnerships and initiate activities to enhance Monroe County and its communities. Beginning in 2006, the Foundation has granted awards to worthwhile projects located in the county that are identified through a community grants application process. Our foundation’s areas of emphasis include:

• Arts & Culture
• Community Betterment
• Education
• Health & Human Services
• Recreation & Environment
• Youth Development

The Monroe County Fund is an affiliate of the Iowa Community Affiliate Network, a collaboration of the Greater Des Moines Community Foundation (GDMCF) and the Iowa Area Development Group Community Foundation, who have recognized the need for new avenues to encourage philanthropy throughout Iowa. The Iowa Community Affiliate Network currently serves 31 counties throughout Iowa, including an “umbrella” or “Family” of related funds benefiting specific communities and projects. Each Affiliate advises on a geographically focused collection of funds. They are components of the GDMCF sharing in its tax-exempt status and developed to increase the philanthropic base for Monroe County.

Monroe County Iowa Community Foundation Grants

The Monroe County, Iowa Community Foundation makes grants to tax exempt organizations including units of government to assist in fulfilling the Foundation’s mission to foster private giving, strengthen service providers and improve the conditions of our County and its communities. Our foundation promotes endowment building, community grantmaking, organizational collaboration, and public leadership for the benefit of the Monroe County area.

The Green Haven Family Advocates, Geraldine “Gerri” Newman Memorial Scholarship provides financial support to students from specific high schools in Southern Wisconsin. This scholarship emphasizes good character, volunteerism, and a commitment to human services careers. Applicants are evaluated based on their citizenship, leadership, academics, financial need, and personal hardships. This initiative is part of the Community Foundation of Southern Wisconsin, which manages over 700 charitable funds to enhance community quality of life.

The Tulalip Cares: Charitable Fund Grant aims to promote a sustainable community by providing financial support to eligible charitable organizations in Washington State. Since 1993, this initiative has significantly impacted local communities, focusing on arts, education, social services, and youth programs. With over 50 million dollars allocated to more than 245 organizations, the Tulalip Tribes encourage collaborative efforts to enhance the quality of life in the region, prioritizing funding for those located in Snohomish County.

The Community Foundation of Henderson County offers Field of Interest Grants to support 501(c)(3) nonprofits in fulfilling their missions and addressing community needs. These grants are awarded periodically based on emerging needs, allowing donors to focus on specific causes or program areas, such as arts or youth initiatives. Established in 1982, the foundation empowers donors to make lasting contributions through professionally managed charitable funds.

The Sam F. Weller Family Foundation Grant supports charitable projects in Mitchell, South Dakota, aimed at enhancing economic development and addressing community issues. Eligible non-profit organizations can apply for funding for innovative programs that require startup funds, community studies, and educational initiatives. The foundation prioritizes projects that foster social change and improve the effectiveness of local organizations. However, it does not fund ongoing operational support or sectarian purposes.

The Fisheries Innovation Fund's Electronic Monitoring and Reporting Grant Program aims to enhance fisheries management through electronic technologies. Administered by the National Fish and Wildlife Foundation (NFWF), this initiative will support U.S. fisheries in implementing electronic monitoring tools to improve data collection, accessibility, and management. The program is open to various fisheries, including commercial and recreational sectors, promoting sustainable practices and fostering stakeholder involvement for better fishery information systems.

About DHHL Grants

As part of the Native Hawaiian Development Program Plan, the Department of Hawaiian Home Lands (DHHL) makes available annual grant funding to nonprofit organizations that demonstrate a purpose to benefit native Hawaiians. DHHL has offered grants in several program areas over the years as a means of implementing the community development component of the rehabilitation fund. Grant offerings reflect the department’s priorities and community interests.

Grant for Improvements to Facilities located on Existing Homesteads (Statewide)

DHHL is seeking grant proposals statewide for improvements to facilities located in existing homesteads on Hawaiian Home Lands. The facility must serve existing homestead communities and benefit DHHL homestead lessees. Proposed projects may include but are not limited to any project listed in any HHC-approved DHHL Regional Plan, including those listed as "Potential" or "Priority" Projects. For more information on DHHL Regional Plans, visit: Department of Hawaiian Home Lands | Regional Plans. Projects may include but are not limited to all project phases: planning, due diligence, design, construction for infrastructure, and community facilities in existing homesteads. Projects must benefit DHHL homestead lessees in implementing their homestead visions as described in DHHL Regional Plans. Partnerships and teams of DHHL beneficiaries and non-beneficiaries, including individuals and organizations, are encouraged to apply. Projects must be beneficiary-driven, demonstrate beneficiary leadership and assistance, and benefit existing DHHL homestead lessees.