Best Capacity Building Grants for Nonprofits

Kansas Department of Transportation

KDOT delivers transportation that keeps Kansans moving forward.

We maintain thousands of miles of roadways to keep people and goods moving smoothly across the state. Our dedicated team plans, builds, and maintains highways, bridges, and other infrastructure with a focus on safety and innovation.

By working closely with local communities and stakeholders, KDOT aims to enhance the quality of life for all Kansans, support economic growth, and improve travel experiences. 

FTA Section 5311 Formula Grants for Rural Areas

Section 5311 (General Public Transportation) Program Overview

The Section 5311 program provides funding to support rural and small urban (under 50,000 population) transportation projects that serve the general public. Funds are available for both capital and operating assistance. A focus of the Section 5311 program is to coordinate transportation funding sources and systems, in order to alleviate wastefulness created by duplication. 

Eligible Capital Expenses 

Transit vehicles and associated equipment (e.g., wheelchair lifts, ramps, restraints) 

Eligible Operating Expenses 

• Drivers and dispatchers 
• Fuel, oil, and tires 
• Repairs and vehicle license tags 
• Insurance and marketing 

Capital (Vehicle) Purchase Matching Requirement: KDOT share 80%, local share 20%

Operating Expense Matching Requirement 

• KDOT covers 50% of operating expenses, with the local share covering the remaining 50%. 
• The state may contribute up to 20% to assist with the local match, subject to availability.  

Mandatory Coordinated Transit District Membership

KSA 75-5057 states that any recipient of Federal or State grants (including Section 5311 grants) to provide rural public transportation services in Kansas shall be required to be a member of a Coordinated Transit District (CTD). An applicant must be an active member of their CTD prior to the submission of their grant application to be eligible to receive Federal and/or State public transportation program funding.

In order to make the best use of existing resources, all applicants for Section 5311 funding are required to carefully explore the possibilities of coordinating their operations with other transportation service providers in the area, who may be able to provide the needed transportation services.

The Quality of Life Grant, funded by Lehigh County, aims to enhance community well-being through civic, cultural, and recreational initiatives. This grant supports volunteer-based activities that promote citizen engagement and participation in the arts and physical wellness. By fostering opportunities for meaningful involvement, the grant seeks to improve the overall quality of life for residents, making it a vital resource for community development and enrichment.

The 2027 Thomas R. Pickering Foreign Affairs Fellowship Program aims to enhance the skills of aspiring Foreign Service Officers by providing essential financial and administrative support throughout their academic journey. This program, managed by the U.S. Department of State, is designed to ensure timely graduation and successful entry into the Foreign Service. Key objectives include robust financial oversight, comprehensive onboarding support, and professional development opportunities, creating a pathway for future diplomatic leaders.

The U.S. Department of State's Bureau of Human Resources is seeking an organization to manage the selection process for the 2027 Thomas R. Pickering Foreign Affairs Fellowship Program. This initiative includes a 3-to-6 month Cooperative Agreement aimed at identifying 10 qualified candidates dedicated to Foreign Service careers. The recipient will ensure a rigorous evaluation, handle logistics, and maintain scoring platforms to facilitate a timely selection process.

The Department awards grants from State appropriations, federal awards, and other funding sources. Since the award and appropriation of these funds do not always conform to the State Fiscal Year, the information included in this directory is based on anticipated grant awards that will begin in the period from July 1 through June 30 of each State Fiscal Year. The ability of the Department to make grant awards is expressly dependent upon the availability of funds appropriated by the State Legislature from State and/or federal revenue or such other funding sources as may be applicable.

Personal Responsibility Education Program NOFA

Statewide implementation of comprehensive sexual health education with the goal of preventing teen pregnancy and sexually transmitted infections through sexual risk reduction including use of condoms, birth control, and sexual delay. Grantees will replicate evidence based programs to prevent teen pregnancy and reduce transmission of STI's with a focus on 3 adult preparation subjects (healthy relationships, adolescent development, life skills, or parent/child coummunication).

Estimated amount of money in the grant program

• $ 1,073,000

The goal of the Virginia Housing Trust Fund Homeless Reduction Grant program is to reduce homelessness in the Commonwealth of Virginia. DHCD will support Continuum of Care (CoC)/balance of state local planning group (LPG) strategies and homeless service projects that are or will be a part of an effective emergency crisis response system to ensure that homelessness is rare, brief, and one-time.

The Homeless Reduction Grant program must be coordinated with other community-based activities. All CoCs, LPGs, and DHCD homeless services grantees use a local centralized or coordinated assessment/entry system. A local centralized or coordinated assessment/entry system is the best practice for a housing-focused approach targeted toward helping households experiencing homelessness quickly regain stability in permanent housing.

Priority consideration will be given to efforts to reduce the number of youth and families experiencing homelessness. Funding will be awarded to projects best aligned with state and federal goals to end homelessness in communities throughout the commonwealth. 

Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity

The mission of the Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity (DCEO) is to create equitable economic opportunities across the State of Illinois. By attracting and supporting major job creators, investing in communities, strengthening Illinois’ world-class workforce, fostering innovation, and ushering in the new clean energy economy, DCEO works to fortify Illinois’ reputation as a global economic powerhouse while ensuring Illinois is the best state to live, work and do business.

Manufacturing Training Academies

Program Description

The Manufacturing Training Academies Grant Program will provide capital grants to establish advanced workforce training facilities at downstate Illinois community colleges (defined as community college districts located outside Cook and the collar counties). The workforce training to be subsequently provided will foster development in manufacturing operations aligned with priority industries identified in the Illinois Economic Growth Plan. Priority industries relevant to this opportunity include:

• Life Sciences;
• Quantum Computing, AI, and Microelectronics;
• Clean Energy Production and Manufacturing;
• Advanced Manufacturing; and
• Next Generation Agriculture, Ag Tech and Food Processing.

These capital grants may fund the construction of facilities and purchases of durable equipment needed to establish manufacturing training academies. Specialized manufacturing training academies will foster development of priority industries, greater opportunities in high-wage careers, increased specialization, and increased industry support and collaboration in manufacturing workforce training. 

Arizona Department Of Transportation

Mission: We provide highway infrastructure and transportation services.

Rural Transit Assistance Program (RTAP)

The Rural Transit Assistance Program (RTAP) provides funding support to assist in implementation of training and also provide technical assistance to meet the specific needs of section 5311 Rural Transit Program and 5310 Coordinated Mobility Program. RTAP funds may be used to support transit activities in these categories: 

• Training is fundamental to the transit programs. National RTAP is the organization tasked with providing training materials and technical assistance for rural transit grantees. The state RTAP program offers training through a variety of delivery methods. Training opportunities include online and in classroom options, national and local conferences, workshops, webinars, audio conferences and free National RTAP training products.

• Technical Assistance and Research is a comprehensive set of services that are available to help small urban and rural communities create transit options and succeed in addressing rural transit issues. RTAP Technical Assistance may include: operational or management assistance, coordination plans, marketing, strategic planning, training materials, transit conference scholarships, workshops, webinars, reports, studies, surveys, planning, programming and/or funding assistance.

• National RTAP provides many tools for Transit programs. Procurement Pro provides federal procurement language, checklists, and assistance in developing compliant procurement processes. National RTAP also provides assistance in building website and putting your bus stops into Google Maps. We encourage the use of the training materials and technical assistance provided free at www.NationalRTAP.org.

The Foundation

The Foundation is recognized by the Internal Revenue Service as a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization. The Foundation supports the American Academy of Audiology and all of the partners in the Audiology Enterprise which includes the Student Academy of Audiology (SAA), the American Board of Audiology, (ABA), and the Accreditation Commission for Audiology Education (ACAE).

The Foundation’s programs and initiatives impact audiologists, audiology doctoral students, consumers, and those with hearing impairments and balance disorders. Our portfolio of research grants, educational humanitarian, and public awareness scholarships, lectureships and more strive to broaden the knowledge base and understanding of the impact hearing loss and balance problems have on an individual. Our mission areas of public awareness, research, and education attempt to address these issues across the spectrum through improved understanding of normal hearing and balance processes to determine effective treatment of deficits when they occur.

Scholarships

The Foundation is committed to doctoral students as they continue their academic career learning exceptional clinical skills and exploring contemporary avenues of research that will advance the treatment of people with hearing and balance problems. Our scholarships are funded by corporate, industry, and individual donors who support hearing and balance wellness.

Student Mexico Mission Scholarship Program

Hearing the Call Mexico Outreach Program provides audiology students with the opportunity to deliver hearing healthcare in underserved communities while gaining hands-on clinical and cultural experience. Working alongside local providers, students conduct screenings, ear cleanings, and hearing aid fittings, while also supporting education and training to ensure sustainable care continues after the outreach. The program emphasizes collaboration, cultural immersion, and long-term impact, guided by the principles: Go beyond ourselves, Give from the heart, Grow as a community. Through this experience, students strengthen their clinical skills, broaden their cultural awareness, and contribute to advancing global hearing health.

The CFF Champions Award celebrates organizations in the NY-NJ-CT region that drive food system change towards equity, sustainability, and economic viability. Each year, the award promotes exemplary work, offering a $10,000 grant to support transformative initiatives. Awardees present their efforts at the Annual Gathering, share updates with the CFF network, and contribute to future selection committees, fostering collaboration and community engagement in building a better food system.

Supporting Career Shifters

The Texas Workforce Commission (TWC) has authorized the use of one million dollars ($1,000,000) in Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act (WIOA) funds to develop career exploration initiatives serving participants who want to shift careers to a Targeted or High Demand Occupation.

Eligible Applicants under this Application are the Texas Local Workforce Development Boards. Applicants, that are not a Texas Local Workforce Development Board will be disqualified and will not be evaluated.

The Cultural Assets Program Special Events Partnership Grant supports nonprofit organizations in Hillsborough County, focusing on arts and cultural events that foster community engagement and economic growth. The grant aims to enhance cultural assets by facilitating events that tell the County's story and enrich residents' lives. Funding is competitive, with a maximum award of $100,000, encouraging projects that leverage additional financial support while meeting specific eligibility criteria.

The Arcora Foundation offers sponsorships ranging from $1,000 to $10,000 to support Washington state organizations focused on reducing barriers to oral health care. Their mission emphasizes equity, aiming to uplift community-led initiatives that promote health and prevent disease. Applications should be submitted at least 8 weeks before the event, as sponsorship requests are considered monthly. This funding is not available for individual dental care.

The California Deaf and Hard of Hearing Grant aims to provide essential employment and training services tailored for individuals who are deaf or hard of hearing. By enhancing access to specialized counseling, interpretive services, and job placement opportunities, the program ensures equitable support in job readiness and retention. It targets those actively seeking employment, facilitating their integration into the workforce while upholding a commitment to effective communication and advocacy.

ALSC Architects Scholarship

Award

• Varies

Scopes

• Architecture, Arts and Architecture

The U.S. Department of State is seeking a partner for the 2027 Charles B. Rangel Graduate Foreign Affairs Fellowship Program to manage the candidate selection process. This 3-to-6 month Cooperative Agreement will ensure a rigorous evaluation cycle for selecting top-tier Rangel Fellows dedicated to Foreign Service careers. Key tasks include application screening, virtual panel management, and data transfer to facilitate a transparent and efficient selection process.

The 2027 Donald M. Payne International Development Graduate Fellowship Program invites qualified organizations to manage the selection process for this prestigious fellowship. Aimed at identifying top graduate talent for the Foreign Service, the program emphasizes a standardized selection infrastructure including panel formation, training, and finalist assessment. The successful organization will oversee candidate screening, conduct structured interviews, and facilitate the onboarding of selected fellows, ensuring a rigorous approach to advancing U.S. foreign policy and international development goals.

The Mini Grant for Transportation, known as Ride for Health, aims to assist residents of the Greater Phoenixville area who lack transportation to essential healthcare or social service appointments. This initiative by the Phoenixville Health Care Foundation provides funding for rideshare services like Lyft and Uber, as well as SEPTA transportation passes. Eligible organizations can apply for grants to support their clients' transportation needs, ensuring access to vital health and social services.

Community Foundation of the Quincy Area

My Community Foundation (also known as The Community Foundation Serving West Central Illinois & Northeast Missouri) is a tax-exempt 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization dedicated to improving quality of life in the communities it serves by connecting compassionate donors with meaningful causes. The foundation works with individuals, families, businesses, and nonprofit partners to gather charitable contributions, grow those funds through professional investment strategies, and grant the earnings in ways that address local needs now and into the future. It builds and manages permanent endowments tailored to donors’ goals, ensuring their philanthropic visions—whether honoring a loved one, establishing a legacy, or supporting community needs—are realized. Serving a 12-county region across West Central Illinois and Northeast Missouri, the foundation acts as a steward of charitable assets, helping donors make a lasting impact through customized giving opportunities, community grants, and strategic support for nonprofit organizations.

Kenneth & Eleanor Lohr Memorial Scholarship Fund

Kenneth & Eleanor Lohr Memorial Scholarship Fund provides scholarship assistance to graduating seniors or graduates of Quincy Senior High School who intend to enter or major in the field of pharmacy. The scholarship supports students pursuing post-secondary education aligned with pharmaceutical studies. Eligibility requirements and application criteria are administered through the school, and interested students should contact their school guidance counselor for details. Awards are granted annually in the spring.

The Neotropical Grassland Conservancy's Student Grant Program (SGP) supports Latin American graduate students pursuing conservation research. Offering $1,500 in funding, the program alleviates financial barriers like transportation and supplies. Awardees must submit a year-end report detailing their project outcomes. Additionally, the Christopher Miller Outstanding Student Award recognizes exceptional grant recipients with a $500 prize. This initiative fosters collaboration between North and South American scientists, enhancing conservation efforts across grasslands and related ecosystems.

The Yancey Fund Grant aims to enhance the quality of life in Yancey County by fostering charitable contributions and supporting impactful community projects. Grants range from $2,500 to $10,000 and prioritize requests that demonstrate significant community benefits. Eligible organizations include 501(c)(3) entities and local governmental bodies. The fund encourages applications from established organizations within Yancey County, with a focus on addressing pressing community needs through various charitable initiatives.

The 2027 Donald M. Payne International Development Graduate Fellowship Program, administered by the Bureau of Human Resources, aims to attract talented individuals to the Foreign Service. This initiative offers financial support for two-year master's degree programs, alongside professional development and mentorship opportunities. By fostering a diverse and skilled workforce, the program seeks to address complex global challenges and enhance diplomatic relations, aligning with the Department of State's strategic goals.

The Hearing Health Fund, part of Sweet Relief Musicians Fund in collaboration with Sweetwater, aims to support musicians and music industry professionals facing hearing difficulties. This initiative addresses the auditory risks inherent in the music industry due to exposure to loud sounds. Eligible applicants must demonstrate financial need and prove that a significant portion of their income comes from music-related work, ensuring that assistance reaches those most affected by hearing challenges.

The CCCF Common Ground Program offers Sustainable Agriculture grants focused on conservation easements and land acquisition. It aims to enhance forest health, support agricultural viability, and manage outdoor recreation impacts. Eligible applicants include accredited land trusts and government agencies. Grants range from $5,001 to $500,000, requiring detailed proposals and a track record for larger requests. The program encourages collaborative approaches and aims to leverage funding effectively to maximize community impact.

The Hazel Patterson Memorial Grant, offered by the Wyoming Community Foundation, supports nonprofit organizations in Johnson County, Wyoming, that meet community needs. With a focus on arts, health, education, environment, and community building, this grant prioritizes collaborative efforts and sustainability. Applicants should be 501(c)(3) organizations and are encouraged to leverage WYCF funding for additional support. However, lobbying efforts and individual grants are not permitted.

The WE Communications Scholarship, established by Waggener Edstrom Worldwide in partnership with UNCF, aims to support female undergraduate students in STEM fields at UNCF Member Institutions. With a focus on academic excellence, applicants must maintain a minimum GPA of 2.5 and demonstrate financial need. This initiative reflects UNCF's commitment to fostering minority education and empowering future leaders, contributing to the overall rise in graduation rates among African American students.

The NC Tobacco Trust Fund Commission Grant aims to support tobacco-dependent communities in North Carolina. Established to assist farmers and businesses affected by the Master Settlement Agreement, the Commission focuses on economic development, increasing farm profitability, and promoting agricultural diversity. Grants are available for organizations that deliver services to impacted populations, with priority given to projects that foster community stability and resource development. The Commission's funding is managed by the State Treasurer and requires strategic project proposals.