Best Capacity Building Grants for Nonprofits

The Alvah H. and Wyline P. Chapman Foundation offers grants to support charitable, educational, and community-focused initiatives, primarily in Florida and Georgia. Eligible applicants must be IRS-recognized 501(c)(3) organizations. The foundation prioritizes projects that address children's welfare, education, multicultural understanding, substance abuse prevention, and homelessness. Grants typically do not exceed $15,000, and proposals must be endorsed by a Foundation Director. Interested parties should submit a Letter of Inquiry for consideration.

The Duke Energy Foundation offers Local Impact Grants of up to $20,000 aimed at promoting vibrant economies, climate resiliency, and justice, equity, and inclusion. These grants are available year-round and support workforce development, community revitalization, and environmental projects. Eligible organizations must have tax-exempt status and serve communities in Florida counties served by Duke Energy, while ensuring non-discrimination and measurable community impact.

Impact100 Metro Denver offers a transformative $100,000 grant aimed at empowering Denver-area non-profits to enhance their mission and community impact. With a focus on underserved populations, this initiative encourages innovative solutions across various sectors, including arts, education, health, and social services. By fostering a community of informed women philanthropists, the program not only provides funding but also promotes engagement in local needs, ensuring that the grant supports sustainable and meaningful projects.

The Mary Owen Borden Foundation, established in 1934, focuses on supporting disadvantaged youth in New Jersey's Mercer and Monmouth counties. The foundation provides grants averaging $10,000, with a maximum of $15,000, to nonprofit organizations addressing critical needs such as health, education, and counseling. It emphasizes local impact and requires organizations to demonstrate efficient use of funds. This commitment to enhancing community welfare reflects its founding principles and ongoing dedication to improving lives.

Men Giving Back SPBC Grants aims to enhance the lives of South Palm Beach County residents by funding charitable initiatives focused on education, mental health, food stability, and children. Grants of up to $100,000 are available for registered 501(c)(3) organizations with a minimum budget of $250,000 that operate in the area. The program prioritizes impactful projects while ensuring funds are not used for religious purposes, fostering community development through collective action.

The C.H. Robinson Foundation's Twin Cities Grants Program, established in 2005, focuses on enhancing local communities through grants that support basic needs such as hunger, shelter, education, and workforce development. Organizations eligible for funding must be 501(c)(3) tax-exempt entities and serve the Minneapolis-St. Paul area. The program prioritizes initiatives that address food insecurity, provide housing solutions, and improve educational opportunities, ultimately aiming to foster a stronger, more resilient community.

The Menorah Heritage Foundation's Unrestricted Operating Support Cycle aims to provide vital operating support to organizations in the Greater Kansas City area. This funding is directed towards essential services such as emergency assistance, shelter, and health care, allowing grantees to allocate resources towards administrative needs and employee benefits. Eligible organizations must maintain 501(c)(3) status and demonstrate a commitment to the community's changing needs, ensuring impactful support for those in need.

The BCF Emergent Needs Grants provide funding for urgent projects and emergencies that fall outside the typical annual grant cycle. This initiative is designed for 501(c)3 organizations and governmental agencies in Branford that can demonstrate a significant need for funding. Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis starting May 15th, allowing for timely support to innovative or unforeseen initiatives.

The BHACF Community Action Grant offers $20,000 to nonprofit endowment holders that focus on creative solutions, community partnerships, and sustainable practices. Eligible organizations must have an agency endowment fund with BHACF and operate within specific counties. This grant supports diverse initiatives, including those in education, environmental conservation, and social services. It aims to empower nonprofits to implement innovative projects that address pressing community needs while fostering collaboration and sustainability.

The CNX Foundation Grant aims to enhance the Appalachian region through strategic investments totaling $30 million. With a focus on sustainability and community development, the grant addresses pressing socio-economic challenges such as food insecurity, health and wellness for children, and technological access. By fostering local initiatives, CNX Foundation aspires to create measurable impacts that uplift communities and promote long-term growth, embodying their commitment to environmental, social, and governance principles.

The Secular Distribution Grant supports charitable activities aimed at enhancing community well-being, particularly within 100 miles of Coatesville, PA. Focused on health and human services, the grant encourages projects that address community needs, foster self-reliance, and promote civic engagement. With a commitment to philanthropic impact, funding is reserved for organizations demonstrating 501(c)(3) tax-exempt status and a proven need, while maintaining strict eligibility criteria to ensure effective resource allocation.

The GMF: Cycle 3 - General Operating grant by the Greater Milwaukee Foundation supports community projects aligned with their strategic vision for an inclusive Milwaukee. This grant prioritizes arts education, healthcare equity, and early childhood education initiatives, focusing on racial equity and community engagement. Organizations that demonstrate diversity in leadership and serve Milwaukee and surrounding counties are encouraged to apply for funding up to $50,000 per year for three years to foster impactful community change.

Competitive Community Grant- Environment ( Fall cycle)

RESULT: All communities have equitable access to our earth’s critical resources: land, water, air and food for a sustainable and healthy ecosystem

We will support requests that address climate change through efforts to:

• Protect or improve watershed and water quality
• Preserve open space
• Remediate land
• Energy from renewable sources
• Environmental justice
• Create sustainable food production systems

Through direct service, policy advocacy and/or collaboration efforts, priority strategies will address:

• Training and development of diverse food and farming enterprises and distribution infrastructure for sustainable food economy that represent a rich and diverse farming tradition.
• Fostering connection and collaboration among multi-sector stakeholders for environmental advocacy and community development that support equitable access and stewardship of land, air, water and ecosystem for future generations.
• Promotion of renewable energy sources through coordinated efforts to increase consumption, production, workforce training, enterprise development and investment.
• Ensuring the fair treatment and meaningful involvement of all people regardless of race, color, national origin, or income, with respect to the development, implementation, and enforcement of environmental laws, regulations, and policies.

Grant Size

We offer $5,000, $10,000, $15,000, or $20,000 general operating support depending on your annual budget:

• Organizations with an annual budget up to $50,000 may apply for a $5,000 grant;
• Organizations with an annual budget between $50,001 - $150,000 may apply for a $10,000 grant;
• Organizations with an annual budget between $150,001 - $500,000 may apply for a $15,000 grant; and
• Organizations with an annual budget of $500,001 or more may apply for a $20,000 grant.

Speedway Children's Charities (SCC) is a 501(c)(3) non-profit dedicated to supporting children in need across various communities. Through local chapters, SCC addresses unique challenges such as homelessness, foster care, and health issues by providing funding to non-profit organizations focused on children's welfare. Priority is given to applications from organizations aiding the homeless and victims of trafficking. SCC aims to ensure every child has equal opportunities regardless of their circumstances.

Speedway Children's Charities (SCC) is committed to improving the lives of children in Sonoma County by providing essential support through grants to local nonprofit organizations. With a focus on vulnerable children facing challenges such as homelessness and food insecurity, SCC has distributed $180,000 in 2024 alone. By fostering community partnerships, SCC empowers the next generation, ensuring every child has the opportunity to thrive and succeed, regardless of their circumstances.

The GNH Green Fund Micro Grants support initiatives aimed at improving environmental quality and public health in New Haven. The fund addresses local challenges such as pollution and aims to promote sustainability through community engagement and innovative projects. Eligible applicants include 501c(3) non-profit organizations seeking to implement impactful environmental solutions. By funding various community activities, the grant fosters collaboration among organizations to create a healthier and more sustainable environment for all residents.

Speedway Children's Charities, a private organization, is committed to improving the lives of children in need across Georgia. In 2024, they allocated $100,000 through the SCC Atlanta Grant Program to support local nonprofit organizations addressing critical issues such as homelessness, foster care, and victims of sex trafficking. Their mission emphasizes action and compassion, ensuring every child has access to essential resources for a brighter future.

Florida Small Cities Community Development Block Grant Program

Overview

The Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) Program is a federal program that provides funding for housing and community development activities. Congress created the program when it passed the Housing and Community Development Act of 1974.

The program, which is administered by the United States Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD), consists of two components:

FloridaCommerce administers the State Program in Florida through the Small Cities CDBG Program. This is a competitive grant program that awards funds to units of local government in small urban and rural areas. FloridaCommerce receives between 18 and 26 million dollars annually from HUD to award subgrants to eligible units of local government.

The program provides an excellent opportunity for communities to obtain funds for projects that they cannot otherwise afford. CDBG funds can also provide administrative support for local governments that may not have the staffing resources necessary to administer their projects. Examples of CDBG-funded projects include:

• Water and Sewer Improvements,
• Rehabilitation of Substandard Housing,
• Street and Sidewalk Improvements,
• Economic Development Activities that Create Jobs for Low-and Moderate-Income People,
• Downtown Revitalization, including Facade Improvements, Streetscaping, and Underground Utilities,
• Park Facilities and Community Centers, and
• Drainage / Stormwater Improvements.

Small Cities Community Development Block Grant Application Cycle

Funding is available for the Neighborhood Revitalization, Housing Rehabilitation, and Commercial Revitalization program areas. Non-entitlement units of local government are eligible to apply for funding in any of the three program areas if they have an open CDBG subgrant in one of the three areas.

FloridaCommerce also has funding available in the Economic Development program area for job creation and/or retention activities. Non-entitlement units of local government that have an open Neighborhood Revitalization, Housing Rehabilitation, Commercial Revitalization, or Economic Development subgrant are eligible to apply for Economic Development funding.

The WACF Opportunity Gap Grant aims to address the disparities in opportunities for children and families, particularly those from low-income backgrounds. By funding innovative projects focused on early childhood education, K-12 engagement, and support for stable families, this grant encourages the development of essential life skills. Organizations in Kandiyohi County, MN, are invited to apply for funding to create impactful programs that promote success and inclusion for underserved youth, with a maximum capital grant of $20,000.

The Reliant Foundation Community Grants support charitable initiatives from 501(c)3 non-profits in Central and MetroWest Massachusetts. Priority is given to programs addressing substance use disorders and mental health services for youth. Collaborations aligned with Community Health Improvement Plans are encouraged. Grants are not available for individuals, for-profit businesses, or funding specific salaries. This initiative aims to enhance the health and wellbeing of all community members.

Greene County Community Foundation

The Greene County Community Foundation (GCCF) was established on January 31, 2005 to serve and enhance the quality of life in Greene County.

The mission of the Greene County Community Foundation (the “Foundation”) is to foster private giving, strengthen service providers and improve the overall well-being of the county’s residents. The Foundation works to build its endowment fund which in turn provides grants to accomplish its goals. 

Greene County Community Foundation Grant

If you can help us with these goals, we encourage you to submit a grant application that does one of the following:

• Supports strong, stable families and provides solid beginnings for children and youth.
• Serves as a catalyst for youth and recreational activities.
• Helps to promote elder care, support services and an active senior population.
• Promotes the health, education and vitality of the community.
• Addresses community needs for police, fire and emergency services.
• Assists in developing quality jobs, tourism and economic development.
• Helps make our community more attractive, livable and cohesive.

Grant awards are generally made once per year in April. Representatives will be encouraged to attend the Greene County Community Foundation Awards Night and must acknowledge the Foundation in project publicity & marketing related to the project for which they receive funds.

Grant recipients are required to complete a Project Completion Form by January 31st of the year following the year of the award. If they fail to do this, the recipients will not be eligible to receive additional grants from the Foundation.

Pulitzer Center

The Pulitzer Center has a bold vision: to be the venue for the world’s most innovative and consequential reporting, with journalism as the key element for mobilizing society through audience engagement strategies.

Founded in 2006 by Jon Sawyer, the Center is an essential source of support for enterprise reporting in the United States and across the globe. The thousands of journalists and educators who are part of our networks span more than 80 countries. Our work reaches tens of millions of people each year through our news-media partners and an audience-centered strategy of global and regional engagement.

Africa - Impact Seed Fund

Themes:

• Climate & Labor
• Rainforest
• Transparency and Governance
• Ocean

The Impact Seed Funding (ISF) is a micro-scale education grant that aims to support a range of education activities that can enrich the perspectives and knowledge on the socio-ecological challenges, solutions, and innovation about issues of rainforest, oceans, climate and labor crisis impact to the university/school community, specifically students and educators.

The main objective of the grant is to cultivate more curious, informed, empathetic communities on the underreported issues of Oceans and Climate change. Ultimately it aims to inspire change of perspectives, narratives, and actions amongst the communities. The Africa ISF projects will put the Pulitzer Center’s Climate & Labor, Rainforest, Transparency and Governance as well as Oceans Reporting Network (ORN) stories at the center of its engagement and activities. 

The Africa ISF will provide micro-scale grants to:

• Initiate new collaborations or develop existing collaborations among teachers, researchers, students, and journalists;
• Increase engagement between education communities, journalists, and local communities;
• Stimulate the use of creative visuals (e.g., comics, animated videos, photos, short videos, documentary, podcasts), data visuals and information from the reportages in teaching materials, student activities, curriculum and class materials, or scientific publications;
• Stimulate the introduction and promotion of DEI friendly tools in teaching materials, student activities, curriculum and scientific publications. (DEI = Diversity, Equity and Inclusion). Gender equality and Handicap issues among young students to be prioritized.
• Facilitate the adoption of featured findings in the reportages to relevant research and other scientific products.

Requirements

• The project must center around the stories reported by the Rainforest Grantees and Fellows or Climate & Labor grantees;
• The activity must showcase an intended impact towards the audience of the academic/school community (students or Fellow lecturers/researchers), or civil society;
• The project must be implemented in consultation with the relevant Pulitzer Center’s grantees or Fellows;
• The project must demonstrate a strong Diversity, Equity and Inclusion approach;
• Applicants must deliver financial and narrative reports at the end of the grant period, detailing costs and results. 

Type of Activities

Examples of successful ISF grant activities and outputs may include, but are not limited to:

Student Engagement:

• Insertion in teaching materials, on-campus debates, social issues hackathons, student-led debates and dialogues
• Visuals production and dissemination (short videos, documentary, podcast, content);
• On-campus mini exhibition
• Journalism workshop for student press clubs

Mobility/local Community Engagement:

• Knowledge exchange activities, student visits, biodiversity expeditions, citizen journalism 

Support for Research Activities:

• Data adoption to improve ongoing research accuracy, insertion of data or knowledge in a book chapter

The Small Communities Grant Program by the Blandin Foundation aims to empower Minnesota's smallest, most diverse, and economically challenged communities by providing essential funding for projects that enhance community well-being. By fostering collaboration and trust among residents, the program seeks to drive meaningful economic, social, and physical changes. Grant awards typically range from $25,000 to $150,000, with a focus on sustainable initiatives that build local capacity and pride.

The Rees-Jones Foundation, established in 2006, is dedicated to improving the quality of life for residents in North Texas through thoughtful philanthropy. With a mission grounded in the love of Christ, the foundation supports non-profits in various sectors including animal welfare, child welfare, and community benefit. It particularly focuses on initiatives that foster community transformation and is open to grant applications year-round, encouraging early submissions to ensure timely funding.

The Rocky Mountain Health Foundation's Simple Gifts Fund supports organizations focused on community health, including coalitions, gardens, language justice, peer support, and respite care. Grants of up to $15,000 are available, emphasizing a streamlined application process and minimal reporting requirements. A pre-application Zoom call is mandatory for all applicants to ensure eligibility and discuss funding requests. This fund aims to strengthen community health through direct services and support.

The Rising Wildlife Leaders - Amazonia Program aims to cultivate a new generation of conservation leaders in the Amazon basin. This two-year initiative, supported by the Wildlife Conservation Network, offers tailored training, mentorship, and networking opportunities. Participants will engage in workshops, develop personal growth plans, and receive funding for projects, fostering collaboration among conservationists dedicated to protecting the unique biodiversity of the Amazon. Applications are open every two years and require nomination.

The Rocky Mountain Health Foundation's Basic Needs Fund provides vital support for organizations addressing essential services like food, temporary housing, transportation, and safety. This multi-year, general operating grant program emphasizes strengthening community health by funding nonprofits committed to meeting the basic needs of vulnerable populations. Eligible organizations are encouraged to participate in a pre-application Zoom call to discuss their funding requests and organizational details.