Best Capacity Building Grants for Nonprofits

The Hypertherm Good Neighbor Grant, offered by the HOPE Foundation, provides financial support of up to $500 to non-profit organizations. Founded in 2010, the Foundation aims to foster collaboration and sustainable change within communities. Grant allocations are made quarterly by a team of volunteer Associates, ensuring alignment with the Foundation's mission of respect and inclusivity. Eligible organizations must be 501(c)(3) or educational entities focused on health, education, and environmental initiatives in specific geographic areas.

Cascades Donations and Sponsorships focuses on building sustainable partnerships in education, entrepreneurship, and amateur sports. They support community organizations, promote healthy lifestyles, and recognize student engagement through grants. Cascades prioritizes projects in its operational regions and encourages initiatives that address climate change and foster inclusivity. Their funding approach is rooted in creating lasting positive impacts and supporting the next generation of leaders while adhering to their values and philosophy.

The Cook Family Foundation Grant aims to enhance the quality of life for residents in Shiawassee County by supporting local nonprofits. Focusing on diverse community needs, the foundation prioritizes projects that build capacity, foster collaboration, and protect the environment. Grants are available for various charitable purposes, with a preference for initiatives that involve multiple stakeholders. The foundation is committed to inclusivity and seeks to empower organizations that address critical community issues while promoting sustainable development.

2027 New Faculty Awards Request for Proposals

Funding Opportunity Overview

The California Sea Grant College Program is now soliciting proposals for applied research projects by new faculty that address California Sea Grant’s 2024-2027 Strategic Plan goals and objectives in Resilient Communities and Economies (RCE), Sustainable Fisheries and Aquaculture* (SFA), and Healthy Coastal Ecosystems (HCE). Proposals addressing our priorities in Resilient Communities and Economies will be given priority in order to best complement our existing investments in Sustainable Fisheries and Aquaculture and Healthy Coastal Ecosystems. 

Proposals can only be submitted by, and support the applied research of, a new faculty member (see Eligibility) employed at a California-based university. Applied research (as defined in NOAA Administrative Order NAO 216-115B) is original investigation undertaken in order to acquire new knowledge, and is directed primarily towards a specific practical aim or objective. Projects that demonstrate meaningful impacts and benefits to coastal California communities and natural resources management agencies will be prioritized.

The Wild Rivers Coast Alliance offers large grants by invitation, focusing on community projects along the southern Oregon coast. They support initiatives that balance conservation, community, and economic growth. Eligible organizations can submit introduction forms to access funding aimed at enhancing fish habitats, sustainable tourism, and community collaboration. Their objectives include strengthening local economies and fostering partnerships to secure resources for nonprofits and businesses that align with their mission.

Mayor’s Office on Volunteerism and Partnerships

The Mayor’s Office on Volunteerism and Partnerships – ServeDC (ServeDC), is the DC Commission on National and Community Service as such ServeDC provides oversight and support to applicants selected as sub-grantees. Oversight includes monitoring and programmatic site visits, fiscal monitoring, and reporting requirements. Support includes AmeriCorps trainings, program director meetings, and one-on-one technical assistance.

AmeriCorps State Formula Grant Competition

This application applies to Single State applicants operating only in the District of Columbia.

AmeriCorps Agency

ServeDC receives federal funding from AmeriCorps to support National Service programs in the District of Columbia, including the AmeriCorps State program. The mission of AmeriCorps is to improve lives, strengthen communities, and foster civic participation through service and volunteering. Through AmeriCorps, Senior Corps, and the Volunteer Generation Fund, AmeriCorps has helped to engage millions of citizens in meeting community and national challenges through service and volunteer action.

AmeriCorps grants are awarded to eligible organizations (see Eligible Applicants) proposing to engage AmeriCorps members in evidence-based interventions to strengthen communities. An AmeriCorps member is an individual who engages in community service through an approved national service position. Members may receive a living allowance and other benefits while serving. Upon successful completion of their service, members earn a Segal AmeriCorps Education Award from the National Service Trust that members can use to pay for higher education expenses or apply to qualified student loans. 

AmeriCorps

AmeriCorps is a National Service program funded by the federal government. Locally, ServeDC supports the AmeriCorps State program in Washington, DC. AmeriCorps projects address a combination of the national service priorities, meet critical needs of our nation, achieve national service goals, and address community problems. These include disaster services, economic opportunity, education, environmental stewardship, healthy futures, and veterans and military families. Within these focus areas programs may submit proposals that address specific problems of local communities. Full-time members who complete their service earn an Eli Segal AmeriCorps Education Award to pay for college, graduate school, or to pay back qualified student loans. Members who serve part-time receive a partial Award. Some AmeriCorps members may also receive a modest living allowance during their term of service.

The Wild Rivers Coast Alliance Small Grants program, initiated by the Bandon Dunes Charitable Foundation, aims to support projects that enhance conservation, community well-being, and economic development in Southern Oregon. By leveraging funds from Bandon Dunes Golf Resort, the program prioritizes initiatives that foster healthy ecosystems and vibrant local communities. Eligible applicants include organizations serving the Coquille and Winchuck Watersheds, focusing on sustainable tourism, education, and workforce housing to ensure long-lasting impact.

Marathon Petroleum Corporation's Community Investment Grants aim to enhance community welfare through strategic partnerships with 501(c)(3) non-profits and government entities. The focus areas include workforce development, sustainability, and thriving communities, reflecting the company's commitment to making a measurable impact in regions where they operate. Eligible organizations must be U.S.-based and recognized as non-profits. The foundation prioritizes initiatives that align with its values and community needs, ensuring support for impactful projects.

Housing Opportunities for People Living with HIV/AIDS

Funding Opportunity Description:

This funding opportunity is to support rental assistance and housing-related supportive services for eligible District and Maryland residents living with HIV through the Housing Opportunities for Persons with AIDS program.

Overview

The mission of DC Health is to promote and protect the health, safety, and quality of life of residents, visitors, and those doing business in the District of Columbia. The agency is responsible for identifying health risks; educating the public; preventing and controlling diseases, injuries, and exposure to environmental hazards; promoting effective community collaborations; and optimizing equitable access to community resources.

The mission of HAHSTA is to protect and improve the health of District residents by preventing, diagnosing, treating, and reducing the transmission of HIV, viral hepatitis, sexually transmitted diseases, and tuberculosis, while ensuring access to high-quality, coordinated, and culturally responsive care and support services for individuals and communities most impacted by these conditions.

The mission of the Capacity Building, Housing and Community Partnership Division (CBHCP) is to strengthen the HIV service delivery system by expanding access to stable housing, enhancing organizational and workforce capacity, and fostering strategic community partnerships that improve health outcomes, promote service coordination, and address structural barriers impacting people living with HIV in the District of Columbia.

The mission of the Housing Opportunities for Persons with AIDS (HOPWA) program is to provide stable, affordable housing and housing-related supportive services for low-income individuals living with HIV and their households, recognizing housing stability as essential to improved health outcomes, sustained engagement in care, and overall well-being.

Purpose

The purpose of this funding is to support the delivery of HOPWA-funded housing assistance and housing-related supportive services for eligible District and Maryland residents living with HIV and their households. Funding is intended to prevent homelessness, reduce housing instability, and promote long-term housing stability through time-limited and facility-based housing interventions, coordinated supportive services, and intensive case management.

Funds awarded under this opportunity will be used to implement HOPWA-allowable activities that support housing stability, improve continuity of care, and advance health outcomes, in alignment with federal HOPWA requirements and DC Health program priorities.

The John A. Hartford Foundation offers scholarships for the Age-Friendly Health Systems Cohort as part of the AHA Next Generation Leaders Fellowship. This initiative targets healthcare leaders aiming to implement the 4Ms Framework, enhancing care for older adults. Selected fellows will receive a program fee scholarship of $13,995, enabling them to focus on transformation efforts in health systems. This fellowship seeks diverse leaders to address critical healthcare challenges and improve quality, safety, and affordability.

What is Sea Grant?

Founded in 1968, the University of Hawaiʻi Sea Grant College Program (Hawaiʻi Sea Grant) is part of a national network of 34 programs that engage in the better understanding, conservation, and use of coastal ecosystems. Hawaiʻi Sea Grant works in partnership with the University of Hawaiʻi’s prestigious School of Ocean and Earth Science and Technology and the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) to identify Hawaiʻi’s key environmental management issues and guide cutting-edge scientific research to address these challenges.

Pacific Islands Coastal Health Fellowship Program (PICH)

The Pacific Islands Coastal Health Fellowship is a place-based program for recent graduates from the Pacific Islands who want to return home and gain meaningful, hands-on experience in environmental and community work. Fellows will be placed with organizations in Hawaiʻi, American Samoa, the Republic of the Marshall Islands, the Federated States of Micronesia, Palau, the Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands, and/or Guam. Placement is dependent on fit between applicant and host organization.

Coordinated by the Hawai‘i Sea Grant Center for Pacific Ocean and Island Health and the Pacific Islands Ocean Observing Systems (PacIOOS), the fellowship places early-career professionals full-time within local government agencies or community organizations working on projects related to fisheries and coastal health. Fellows will work in partnership with participating government agencies or community-serving institutions to work on priorities identified by those agencies and their communities. Focus areas include fisheries, ciguatera, water quality, marine debris, and human health, reflecting the everyday land–sea issues island communities face.

Fellows can expect to gain skills in research, management, outreach, and education. They will receive professional training and support throughout their fellowship period. This fellowship should equip recent graduates to transition into graduate school or into a meaningful career at the conclusion of the year. We hope they will build lasting relationships with host organizations and mentors that will support long-term collaborations and project support.

The GreenState Foundation, part of GreenState Credit Union, is dedicated to enhancing community welfare through financial education, affordable housing, and children's health. They actively support local nonprofits and schools, prioritizing projects that empower underserved communities. With a commitment to fiscal responsibility and community impact, they ensure funding is available within specific regions including Iowa, Illinois, and Nebraska, fostering a brighter future for all.

The Icicle Fund Community Grants support nonprofit organizations in North Central Washington that promote the arts, history, and environmental stewardship. These unrestricted grants allow organizations to address community needs flexibly and innovatively. With funding typically ranging from $3,000 to $35,000, the program prioritizes engaging local communities in appreciation and understanding of their unique cultural and natural heritage. Eligible organizations include public schools, governmental entities, and faith-based groups focusing on these core areas.

The Snoqualmie Tribal Organization Grant for Family Services offers up to $50,000 to 501c3 nonprofit organizations in Washington State. This grant supports vital services for families, including homelessness assistance, youth programs, rehabilitation, and domestic violence support. Since 2010, the Snoqualmie Tribe has donated over $8 million to various initiatives, illustrating their commitment to community welfare. Eligible organizations are encouraged to apply and specify their services in the application.

Prince George’s Stormwater Stewardship Grant Program

The Prince George’s County Government and the Chesapeake Bay Trust announce the ninth year of partnership for the Prince George’s County Stormwater Stewardship Grant Program. This grant program encourages on-the-ground restoration activities that improve communities, improve water quality, support the County’s Climate Action Plan, and engage Prince George’s County residents in the restoration and protection of the local rivers and streams of Prince George’s County.

Program Goals

This program seeks projects that improve aesthetics of communities and treat the stormwater runoff that comes from various types of properties, thus reducing the negative impact of this runoff on the County’s local streams, rivers, and other natural resources in areas where community residents live and recreate. Projects must accomplish on-the ground restoration to result in improvements in water quality and watershed health (e.g., reducing pollutants carried by stormwater, reducing carbon emissions, increasing tree canopy, greening areas for beautification and increased community use/enjoyment, and better habitat for wildlife).

As part of an effort to more fully engage underrepresented groups in its grant-making, the Trust strongly encourages projects that increase awareness and participation of multicultural communities to improve watershed health and local ecological ownership. The strongest proposals will show committed collaborators that provide funding, technicalassistance, and/or other in-kind services to support the successful implementation of the project. 

Applicants can request funds from the following project tracks.

• Track 1: Water Quality Implementation: ($50,000 to $200,000)
• Track 2: Tree Canopy: Outreach, Education, Maintenance, and Preservation ($50,000 to
• $300,000)
• Track 3: Community Awareness and Engagement ($10,000 to $60,000)
• Track 4: Litter Reduction and Beautification ($10,000 to $50,000)
• Track 5: Additional Project Support Fund ($500 to $5,000)

The Colorado Water Plan Grants aim to support essential actions outlined in the Colorado Water Plan, focusing on sustainable water management strategies. Funded by the Colorado Department of Natural Resources, these grants facilitate projects related to water storage, sharing agreements, conservation, and educational initiatives. By fostering collaboration among local agencies, the program ensures that Colorado's water resources are conserved and managed effectively for future generations. Eligible projects include technical assistance and innovative water solutions.

The Wildfire Prevention Grant Program by the California San Gabriel and Lower Los Angeles Rivers and Mountains Conservancy aims to mitigate the impact of wildfires exacerbated by climate change. This program supports projects that enhance forest health, promote sustainable land use, and develop community resilience. Funding ranges from $300,000 to $2,000,000, focusing on strategic fire prevention planning and management in vulnerable areas, particularly the San Gabriel Mountains and urban wildlife corridors.

The Native Arts & Cultures Foundation's LIFT program offers critical support to early career Native artists through one-year grants of $10,000. This initiative aims to nurture emerging voices and foster community engagement while promoting environmental sustainability. Selected artists will benefit from professional development training and culturally appropriate evaluations to enhance their artistic practices. By providing vital resources, LIFT empowers artists to advance their careers and contribute meaningfully to their communities.

Impact100 Louisville empowers women through collective giving by awarding substantial grants to local nonprofits focused on transforming lives in Jefferson County, Kentucky. Grants, starting at $100,000, are awarded in key areas such as arts, education, environment, family, and health. The organization emphasizes collaboration and community visibility, ensuring that all finalists benefit from the exposure. Eligible nonprofits must demonstrate sustainability, community support, and have operated under a 501(c)(3) status for at least 24 months.

The Missouri State Parks Foundation, a 501(c)(3) organization, manages the Land and Water Conservation Fund (LWCF) grants to enhance outdoor recreation throughout Missouri. Since 1965, over $87 million has been allocated for various projects statewide. These grants, available to local governments and public schools, require a 50% match and ensure projects are maintained for public use for at least 25 years. The initiative aims to create a legacy of quality recreational areas and facilities.

Department of Energy and Environment

The Department of Energy and Environment (DOEE) is the leading authority on energy and environmental issues affecting the District of Columbia. Using a combination of regulations, outreach, education, and incentives, our agency administers programs and services to fulfill our mission. We work collaboratively with other government agencies, residents, businesses, and institutions to promote environmentally responsible behavior that will lead to a more sustainable urban environment.

Clean Water Construction Grant Program

The mission of the District of Columbia’s Clean Water Construction (CWC) program is to fund the design and construction of voluntary projects that provide clean water to District streams and rivers.

Clean Water Construction Treatment Works Projects - Notice Of Funding Availability and Request For Partners (RFP)

DOEE seeks to identify collaborative partners for its fiscal year (FY) 2027 Clean Water Construction (CWC) grant application to the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). Applications are requested for project partners in three categories of work: (1) Sewage Infrastructure Projects, (2) Stormwater Grey Infrastructure Projects, and (3) Stormwater Green Infrastructure Projects. This RFP is competitive.

Clean Water Construction Grant Program - Sewage Infrastructure Projects

Sewage Infrastructure Projects include work on devices or systems that collect liquid municipal waste, including sanitary sewage and combined stormwater and sanitary sewage, convey these waste waters to a central location, process them to reduce their pollutant potential, and provide for proper disposal of residues and byproducts resulting from wastewater treatment.

Project examples

• New, expanded, or rehabilitated wastewater treatment works, including Biological Nutrient Removal;
• Infiltration/inflow correction;
• Replacement/rehabilitation of sanitary and/or storm sewers;
• Replacement/rehabilitation of collector, trunk, and interceptor sewers and of pumping stations;
• Combined sewer overflow abatement;
• Repair or replacement of damaged sanitary or combined sewer infrastructure that leaks untreated sewage into District waters;
• New, expanded, or rehabilitated sludge handling and disposal facilities;
• Water treatment plant filter backwash and sludge treatment; and
• Measures to reduce energy consumption for publicly-owned treatment works.

The Marcia and Otto Koehler Foundation Grant supports 501(c)(3) public charities focused on medical research, arts promotion, and youth development in San Antonio. Eligible organizations must skip one grant cycle before reapplying. The foundation prioritizes projects that enhance the physical, mental, and moral well-being of local youth. Notably, it does not fund individuals or organizations involved in political lobbying. This grant offers a vital opportunity for community support in various essential sectors.

The 100 Men of Dane County Grants provide essential funding to 501(c)3 organizations that focus on supporting children and families in Dane County, WI. The grant process involves a rigorous review by the Executive Board, which selects three organizations to advance based on measurable outcomes. Each selected organization must submit a video proposal to further detail their programs, reinforcing the organization's commitment to making a significant impact in the community.

The ASCA: Harper Arts Touring Fund, managed by the Alaska State Council on the Arts, supports diverse arts initiatives in Alaska. Established in 2002, it provides grants for travel and freight expenses related to touring performances and exhibitions. Eligible applicants include 501(c)(3) organizations and government units. The fund promotes community engagement through arts presentations that reach underserved populations. It aims to enhance access to quality cultural experiences across Alaskan communities, fostering local artist development and audience growth.

The Libra Foundation Grant, established by Elizabeth Noyce in 1989, focuses on supporting charitable organizations in Maine. As of June 20, 2025, the foundation will pause new applications for one year while reassessing its funding priorities. It aims to provide small grants to diverse causes in areas such as arts, education, health, and more, thus empowering communities and enhancing the quality of life for all Maine citizens.

The Jesse Parker Williams Foundation Grant aims to foster a healthy metro-Atlanta region by supporting organizations that provide comprehensive health services for women and children in Clayton, Cobb, Fulton, DeKalb, and Gwinnett counties. The foundation focuses on improving access to quality healthcare, promoting healthy behaviors, and enhancing organizational capacity. Eligible applicants include nonprofit organizations with a strong commitment to addressing social determinants of health, with an emphasis on measurable outcomes and community collaboration.

Community Foundation of Randolph County

Our mission is to bring people and resources together to strengthen the quality of life, both now and in the future, for the residents of Randolph County.

The Community Foundation’s work falls into three major categories: grant-making, donor service, and community convening. Our most visible activities are the grants and scholarships we award each year. Most of these awards come from income earned from permanently endowed funds. Scholarships and other grants come from funds that donors have established for specific purposes.

Women’s Fund Grant

The Women’s Fund of Randolph County, held by the Community Foundation of Randolph County, Inc. (CFRC), supports projects and programs of organizations thatOrganizations with a 5 have a charitable purpose and are consistent with the mission of the CFRC. Generally, the determination of whether an organization’s activities are charitable or not is made by the IRS in assigning a tax-exempt status. The Women’s Fund may also make grants to non-501[c][3] organizations when the grant is for a charitable purpose.

The annual grant cycle of the Women’s Fund of Randolph County seeks applications for programs that provide services for women and/or children that will enhance their futures, especially programs that demonstrate innovation and creativity in providing new solutions to unresolved community needs.

Nonprofits are encouraged to partner for existing program enhancement and/or new program development.

Success should be measured by the ability of program participants to receive services that provide them a picture of a better life beyond today. Program area examples include, but are not limited to:

• Family Crisis Prevention: Family Support, Financial Literacy, Parenting Enhancement
• Women in Crisis: Domestic Abuse, Teen Pregnancy, Divorce, Death of a Spouse
• Education: High School Completion, Postsecondary Education Readiness
• Youth: Leadership, Community-Appropriate Behavior, Life Skills

Only ONE application per EIN will be considered during each grant cycle.