Best Capacity Building Grants for Nonprofits

The Gloucester Community Foundation (GCF) offers Community Impact Grants to nonprofit organizations in Gloucester County, aiming to foster a vibrant community through innovative, collaborative, and sustainable initiatives. This annual competitive grants program focuses on areas like cultural vibrancy, economic prosperity, educational success, and health & wellness, ensuring positive and lasting change. GCF encourages proposals that directly address community needs and challenges, making a significant impact in the region.

About

The Greater New Orleans Foundation is the philanthropic institution dedicated to driving positive impact through philanthropy, leadership, and action in the Greater New Orleans Region.

Our roots extend back to the Community Chest of New Orleans established in 1923. For 100 years, we’ve connected our donors and fundholders with causes that they’re passionate about to affect transformational change. It’s how we help people make the most of their investment, while helping the members of our communities that need it most.

New Orleans Youth Climate Action Fund

The Youth Climate Action Fund provides funding to engage youth aged 15 through 24 in designing, implementing, and overseeing urgent climate solutions, from tree planting to policy making.

The City of New Orleans, in partnership with the Greater New Orleans Foundation, has been selected for Round 1 (2026-27) of the Bloomberg Philanthropies Youth Climate Action Fund (YCAF), reinforcing the City’s commitment to empowering young people as leaders in climate resilience. Through this initiative, New Orleans will receive $50,000 in grant funding to support at least 8 youth-led climate projects to be completed between November 2026 – March 2027. 

Goal 

To activate youth-led initiatives and address urgent climate challenges in the City of New Orleans. All projects must fit within one or more of the following New Orleans Climate Action Plan priorities: 

• Energy Efficiency 
• Transportation 
• Adaptation & Nature-Based Solutions 
• Circular Economy & Waste Reduction 

This program is a key step in embedding youth participation in the City’s climate action strategy by:  

• Providing youth with resources, mentorship, and funding to implement high-impact climate projects that align with the City’s Climate Action Plan.  
• Creating a platform for young leaders to co-govern climate initiatives and partner with city officials on long-term sustainability goals.  
• Develop a selection committee that includes City officials and community leaders to review applications and ensure an equitable grant process.  
• Sustaining successful projects beyond initial funding, allowing for long-term integration into City programs.  

The Park Foundation Grants: Sustainable Ithaca aims to support initiatives fostering a fully sustainable community in Ithaca and Tompkins County. The foundation prioritizes projects that integrate environmental, social, and economic systems, with a focus on accessibility for low-income and communities of color. Eligible organizations must be 501(c)(3) non-profits, and grants are limited to local sustainability projects. Proposals outside Tompkins County are generally not considered.

The CCCF Standard Grant, administered by the Clay County Community Foundation, aims to enhance the quality of life in Clay County by supporting 501(c)(3) nonprofit organizations and local governments. With over $85,000 available, grants will focus on community betterment projects in education, health, arts, and economic development. Applications are welcomed for initiatives that foster collaboration and address pressing community needs, with funding ranging from $500 to $10,000 for new or expanding projects.

The Green Resiliency Grants (NY) program, administered by the New York State Environmental Facilities Corporation, supports projects improving water quality and addressing extreme weather effects. Funded by the Clean Water, Clean Air, and Green Jobs Environmental Bond Act of 2022, grants range from $1 million to $10 million, covering up to 90% of eligible costs. Priority is given to disadvantaged communities, ensuring at least 35% benefit from the funding, promoting sustainable infrastructure across New York State.

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 City of Carlsbad's Community Arts Grants program supports emerging arts organizations in Carlsbad, CA. Aimed at fostering artistic and cultural activities, these grants provide up to $5,000 for projects that engage diverse communities. Applicants must be recognized as nonprofit entities, with a focus on inclusive practices and artistic expression across various mediums. The program emphasizes collaboration and community impact, aligning with the city's cultural values and commitment to enriching local arts.

Northern Border Regional Commission

The Northern Border Regional Commission (NBRC) is a partnership between the federal government and the states of Maine, New Hampshire, New York, and Vermont. The NBRC targets resources to promote economic growth strategies and projects in designated counties within its member states. The Commission was enacted by Congress through the 2008 Farm Bill which amended 40 US Code to include the creation of the NBRC as well as other similar Commissions nationwide.

The mission of the Northern Border Regional Commission is to catalyze community vitality and economic prosperity in the northern border region with flexible funding and strategic support. We envision a future where heritage industries are celebrated, preserved, and supported, vibrant local communities form a rich tapestry of culture, ideas, and experiences, and the seamless integration of emerging technologies fosters a new era of prosperity and economic resiliency.

Timber for Transit Program - Feasibility Award

The Timber for Transit Program advances the use of domestic forest products in transportation infrastructure projects across Maine, New Hampshire, New York, and Vermont to showcase the capabilities of wood in these applications. Highly competitive projects will demonstrate and widely promote the utility of high value forest products (e.g. glued laminated timber, cross laminated timber, composite materials, etc.) in transportation infrastructure and commit to enhancing climate resilience in rural communities. Transportation Infrastructure shall mean construction, alteration, or repair of physical transport facilities, systems and structures, including fixed installations and rights of way necessary for transporting from one point to another, that: are open to the general public for use, facilitate reliable movement of people and goods, and influence local and regional economies.  

Early-stage activities—such as planning, inventory assessments, engineering, design, cost benefit analysis, permitting, site assessments, and environmental assessments—that support future Timber for Transit implementation projects are eligible for up to $1,000,000.  

The Unifour Foundation Endowment Fund, established in 1998, supports qualified charitable organizations in Alexander, Burke, Caldwell, and Catawba counties. With over $3 million awarded since 1991, grants typically range from $5,000 to $10,000. The fund prioritizes projects addressing early childhood education, mental health, and community needs like housing and food insecurity. Eligible organizations include 501(c)(3) charities and local government units, with applications open to those serving the designated areas.

Delaware Community Foundation

The Delaware Community Foundation (DCF) is a nonprofit organization focused on partnering with donors to build opportunity and advance equity in Delaware.

Our mission is to strengthen Delaware by maximizing community-based philanthropy.

Healthy Communities Delaware

Healthy Communities Delaware (HCD) is pleased to announce this Request for Proposals for work that advances community level-change and improves the Vital Conditions that all people and communities need to thrive—humane housing, lifelong learning, a thriving natural environment, meaningful work and wealth, basic needs for health and safety, reliable transportation, a sense of belonging and civic muscle. This funding aims to support projects that align with their mission of working with communities, investors and systems to create thriving places for thriving people.

The Community Grants program, formerly known as PCAF, supports individuals and organizations in implementing community-based conservation projects. With an annual funding of approximately $150,000, the program emphasizes hands-on initiatives that enhance public awareness and conservation efforts. Eligible projects focus on the restoration and maintenance of native freshwater species and habitats, with a requirement for a volunteer component. Grants typically range from $2,500 to a maximum of $20,000 over the project's lifetime, fostering community engagement in environmental stewardship.

The Charitable Trust Stabilization Fund Grant aims to support small nonprofits in Illinois by providing funding for programs in food, housing, and workforce development. Established in 2007, this initiative utilizes filing fees from nonprofits to sustain its efforts. The Spring 2024 Grant Cycle will focus on food and housing, while the Fall 2024 cycle will address food and economic development. Eligible organizations must meet specific criteria to ensure effective use of funds.

Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services

The Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services supports and promotes Florida agriculture, protects the environment, safeguards consumers, and ensures the safety and wholesomeness of food. Our programs and activities are so varied and extensive, they touch the life of just about every Floridian.

Southern Pine Beetle Assistance and Prevention Program

The Southern Pine Beetle Assistance and Prevention Program is offered to eligible non-industrial private forest landowners by the Florida Forest Service through temporary grants from the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) Forest Service.

Periodic southern pine beetle outbreaks in Florida have resulted in millions of cubic feet of pine timber killed on thousands of acres. The goal of this program is to minimize southern pine beetle damage in Florida by helping forest landowners conduct management practices that can make their pine stands less susceptible to this destructive insect pest.

Forest management practices such as thinning, prescribed burning, other competition control, and use of less-susceptible pine species can improve the health of pine stands and decrease their likelihood of developing southern pine beetle

All payments are made at specified per-acre or per-seedling rates.

The New Orleans Jazz & Heritage Foundation is offering Community Partnership Grants to support music, arts, and cultural education programs. Nonprofit organizations in Louisiana can apply for up to $5,000 to cover professional fees for artists and educators. This initiative aims to enrich community engagement through artistic instruction and cultural preservation, reflecting Louisiana's unique heritage. Since 1979, the Foundation has distributed over $13.5 million in grants to foster local arts and culture.

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.

Each year, Innovia awards over $500,000 in scholarships to deserving students like you who are college-bound or pursuing vocational or technical training. Single scholarship awards range between $500 and $10,000.

Harold Balazs Creating Wonder Scholarship

The Creating Wonder Scholarship is for graduating high school seniors in Spokane County who are planning to attend a post-high school program at full-time status. Applicants must pursue one of the following fields: Art, Art Education, Architecture, Landscape Architecture, Interior Design, Advertising, Marketing, Photography, Cinematography, Publishing or Graphic Arts. Samples of artwork are required for the scholarship program.

This is not intended for performing art students. Talent, discipline, commitment, passion, experience and ability to express through art are primary factors for consideration. Financial need and academic achievement are also considered. Previous recipients of this award are eligible to reapply.

The Forest Conservation Program, initiated in 2006, aims to enhance California's native forests through conservation, restoration, and management. Funded by Proposition 84 and 68, it supports diverse projects such as meadow restoration and post-fire recovery. The program seeks to improve ecological integrity and economic stability while addressing water resource conservation and wildfire mitigation. This initiative aligns with the Board's strategic goals, ensuring long-term sustainability and protection of vital forest ecosystems.

Meet The Trustees

The Schrafft Candy Company was founded in Boston as a candy company by William F. Schrafft in 1861 before expanding into the restaurant business with stores in Boston and New York. The famous Schrafft neon sign, constructed in 1928, still sits atop the former candy factory in Charlestown, MA, where it can be seen from Route 93. In 1946, William and his wife Bertha Schrafft established a private charitable foundation which today continues their legacy of giving to improve the lives of the citizens of Boston and Massachusetts, especially its young people.

Schrafft Charitable Trust

Mission

The William and Bertha Schrafft Charitable Trust invests in community-based organizations to expand access to educational and artistic opportunities for young people in Boston and New Bedford.

Vision

We envision a future where every young person in Boston and New Bedford has the opportunity and resources to thrive and achieve their full potential.

How We Invest

Schrafft Charitable Trust is committed to investing in communities that have faced long-standing systemic disinvestment, aiming to increase access to life affirming services and opportunities.

Focus Areas

We have a special interest in building effective pathways to economic independence in New Bedford through education, entrepreneurship and economic development. Our New Bedford partners leverage the strengths of the region (its people, culture, history, agriculture, fishing and seacoast resources) to provide pathways to life success for youth and young adults.

The Gloria Barron Wilderness Society Scholarship encourages graduate students to contribute to wilderness protection, honoring Gloria Barron's legacy. The Wilderness Society prioritizes projects addressing climate change and equitable access to public lands. Applicants must be enrolled in a U.S. graduate program, possess strong academic qualifications, and focus on long-term wilderness conservation. Research proposals on biodiversity, climate adaptation, and social-ecological contexts are particularly welcome, aiming for inclusive and impactful conservation efforts.

The Water Quality Protection and Restoration Program (WQPRP) provides funding for projects aimed at safeguarding Suffolk County's water resources. This program allocates 11.75% of the revenues from the ¼% Drinking Water Protection Program to support municipalities and non-profits in initiatives like pollution prevention, habitat restoration, and education. Grants range from $50,000 to $250,000, ensuring impactful projects enhance the community's environmental health and sustainability.

The Andrea-Mennen Family Foundation Grant aims to enhance the quality of life for children and young adults facing mental and physical challenges. By supporting registered charitable organizations that align with its mission, the foundation seeks to ensure that 100% of grant funds directly benefit those in need within the US. Emphasizing immediate results and proven success, the foundation is dedicated to making a positive impact in the lives of future generations.

The Andrew and Alice Fischer Charitable Trust, administered by First American Bank in Dundee, IL, focuses on funding education for individuals with various challenges, as well as programs for children, seniors, and U.S. veterans. Grants are primarily awarded to organizations in the greater Chicago metropolitan area that face difficulties in securing funding from other sources. This trust aims to support those in need and enhance community welfare.

The Residential Treatment for Pregnant and Postpartum Women program aims to deliver essential services to women facing substance use disorders. By offering comprehensive residential treatment options, the program supports both recovery and the well-being of mothers and their children. Funded by the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration, this initiative addresses the unique challenges of pregnant and postpartum women, ensuring they receive the care necessary for a successful recovery journey.

The NJ Electric Vehicle Charging Grant Program aims to support the installation of electric vehicle charging stations across New Jersey. This initiative provides financial assistance to residents, businesses, and government entities, encouraging the adoption of electric vehicles. Grants are available on a first-come, first-served basis for Level 1 and Level 2 chargers, while DC Fast Charger applications are accepted during specific solicitation periods. This program is essential for expanding the state's electric vehicle infrastructure.

The NJ Water Bank Technical Assistance Planning and Design Grant provides crucial funding for disadvantaged communities to cover planning and design costs for clean water and drinking water infrastructure projects. This initiative supports various environmental infrastructure projects, including wastewater treatment and stormwater management facilities. Eligible applicants must meet the affordability criteria set forth by the Clean Water and Drinking Water State Revolving Fund and have a pending project application. This grant aims to enhance water quality and accessibility.

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.

About the ASHFoundation

ASHFoundation supports innovators and sparks innovation in communication sciences. We give early support to promising students, researchers, and clinicians exploring bold ideas to transform the field and improve people's lives.

Artificial Intelligence in Communication Sciences and Disorders Research Grant

About

The American Speech-Language-Hearing Foundation (ASHFoundation) invites investigators to submit proposals for up to four research grants ranging from $25,000 to $50,000. The Artificial Intelligence in Communication Sciences and Disorders Research Grant (AI in CSD Research Grant) supports interdisciplinary studies that advance the ethical, clinically and scientifically grounded application and integration of artificial intelligence (AI) into communication sciences and disorders (CSD) practice and service delivery. Funding may be applied to one- or two-year studies.

Specific Objectives of the Funding Opportunity

As part of this initiative, the ASHFoundation invites proposals that implement AI technologies to transform clinical practice, education, and research in CSD. Proposals that are submitted under this funding opportunity must meet the following:

• Include interdisciplinary research teams that integrate clinicians and AI researchers,
• Address clinically relevant questions or have a clear translational potential, and
• Cover one or more of the following priority areas: AI-driven assessment and diagnosis; personalized and adaptive interventions; equitable access to care; data infrastructure for predictive analytics; technology innovation; prevention for public health; and ethical standards for AI integration.