Best Capacity Building Grants for Nonprofits

The Tribal Colleges Research Grants Program (TCRGP) aims to enhance research capacity at Tribal colleges, focusing on agriculture, natural resources, and human sciences. By fostering leadership skills and knowledge, the program prepares students for competitive careers in agriculture and related fields. Projects involving innovative agricultural technologies, such as AI and data science, are encouraged. TCRGP also emphasizes training opportunities for undergraduate students to equip them for success in a digital society and explore pathways in AI for food and agricultural sciences.

The F26AS00084 Aquatic Invasive Species Grants to Great Lakes Tribes, funded by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, aim to support the development and implementation of Tribal Aquatic Invasive Species Management Plans. Eligible Great Lakes tribes can apply for competitive grants to address invasive species issues within the Great Lakes Basin, including outreach and prevention efforts. This initiative focuses on early detection and control, significantly contributing to the health of the Great Lakes ecosystem.

Columbia Bank Foundation

Since 1927, Columbia Bank has evolved alongside the communities and businesses we serve. What began as a single branch in Fair Lawn has grown into a regional bank serving New Jersey, Staten Island and Brooklyn. Throughout that growth, we have remained focused on providing the stability, convenience and service customers expect from a trusted financial partner. Today, we offer the strength and capabilities of a larger financial institution while continuing to provide the personal service and practical financial guidance that have long defined Columbia Bank.

Alongside Columbia Bank’s mission to serve the community, the Columbia Bank Foundation helps support local charitable causes and communities with grants on a sustained basis. Our goal is to make a difference in as many people’s lives as we can and to do our part to help make our communities better, stronger and safer.

Columbia Bank Foundation Micro Grants

The Columbia Bank Foundation is committed to serving the needs of its local communities. The Foundation actively seeks and focuses on innovative programs that provide a measurable impact in the communities that it serves.

Our Micro Grant Program allows organizations that meet one of our focus areas to apply for smaller grants under a streamlined application process. Applications under the Micro Grant Program will be accepted anytime throughout the year for $1,000 to $4,999. These are reviewed internally each month. Our Focus Areas:

• Housing Programs
• Community Investment and Economic Development Programs 
• Financial Literacy and Education 
• Health & Human Services
• Food Insecurity 
• Environmental Sustainability 
• The Arts

Rose’s Youth Philanthropists (RYP) empowers youth in Chemung and Southeastern Steuben counties through responsive grantmaking. Funded by the S. Roberts Rose Fund, RYP encourages proposals for projects that involve youth in community needs across arts, education, mentoring, and mental health. The initiative supports diversity, personal responsibility, and civic pride while addressing issues like literacy and home safety. RYP aims to engage youth in meaningful activities that foster creativity and community involvement.

The PF Fund for the Baldwin Area, managed by the Maine Community Foundation, aims to enhance the quality of life in Baldwin, Maine. This grant supports nonprofit organizations and initiatives that foster self-reliance, education, and sustainable resource management. Priority is given to projects that can leverage additional funding or address gaps in support. Eligible applicants include nonprofits, municipalities, and public agencies, ensuring diverse community engagement in local development.

Oakland Human Services Department

The Oakland Human Services Department exists to make our city a place that works for all. We offer free programs and provide public resources to community organizations that make sure all of our residents can access what they need to be safe, healthy and realize their full potential.

Oakland Fund for Children and Youth

The Oakland Fund for Children and Youth (OFCY) is a cornerstone initiative of the City of Oakland, operating within the Children and Youth Services Division of the Human Services Department. As the city’s largest grantmaking program, OFCY plays a vital role in supporting the well-being and success of Oakland’s children, youth, and families. 

Through strategic funding of community-based organizations, OFCY invests in programs that uplift, empower, and protect Oakland’s most vulnerable populations, ensuring access to critical resources, enriching opportunities, and brighter futures for the next generation.

Mission Statement: We provide strategic funding to support Oakland's children and youth from birth to 21 years of age to become healthy, happy, educated, engaged, powerful and loved community members.

OFCY Request for Proposals (RFP) for Children, Youth, & Family Services

Scope of Services

The City releases the Request for Proposals (RFP) to solicit program proposals from non-profit organizations and public agencies to provide services to children, youth, and their families in Oakland. OFCY will fund programs that are prevention and early intervention oriented.

Programs should be culturally responsive, age-appropriate, and child, youth, and family-centered. Investments are designed to support all children in Oakland, particularly those who experience the greatest disparities in the city.

The OFCY Three-Year Strategic Investment Plan (SIP) outlines how funds should be distributed to meet the four OFCY foundational goals:

• Support the healthy development of young children
• Help children and youth succeed in school and graduate high school
• Prevent and reduce violence, crime and gang involvement among children and youth
• Help youth transition to a productive adulthood 

Eight Funding Strategies were identified to support the four OFCY foundation goals: Strategy 1: Family Resource Centers & Parent Engagement; Strategy 2: Elementary School-Based Expanded Learning; Strategy 3: Middle School-Based Expanded Learning; Strategy 4: Youth Development & Leadership; Strategy 5: Career Access & Employment; Strategy 6: Youth Summer Jobs/Mayor’s Summer Youth Employment Program; Strategy 7: Independent Living; Strategy 8: Placed-Based Innovations for Safety 

Strategy 5: Career Access & Employment

This funding strategy supports employment programming for youth ages 15-21. Programming focuses on connecting youth to job training, employment, and internships. In addition, funded programs should provide wraparound support services to reconnect youth by addressing barriers such as housing instability, immediate financial needs, family, system involvement, and mental health and substance dependency.

The David B. Lichtenstein Foundation, a private philanthropic organization, supports various charitable initiatives in Missouri. Established in 1947, it focuses on cancer awareness, assistance for special needs individuals, health and welfare services, food banks, and zoological education. The foundation aims to foster innovation and outreach in these areas, ensuring lasting impacts on the community through strategic funding and support. Proposals must align with the foundation's mission and be relevant to Missouri-based organizations.

The Ruby Habitat Enhancement Fund supports conservation efforts in Nevada, focusing on projects that benefit sage grouse and pygmy rabbits. With an initial funding of $500,000, eligible projects include habitat restoration, monitoring, and weed treatments within specified counties. Proposals from public entities, universities, and recognized conservation organizations are encouraged. All funds must be allocated within five years, ensuring immediate action towards habitat enhancement and protection.

The Russell Foundation provides grants aimed at enhancing the development of children and youth into confident and responsible individuals. With a focus on education, character building, health, and intervention, the foundation seeks to support programs that address the holistic needs of young people. Their mission emphasizes fostering a positive environment that promotes growth and development, ensuring that children and youth can achieve their fullest potential, regardless of their socio-economic background.

The Judith Ann Mogan Foundation, established in 2020, focuses on enhancing the Southern Oregon Coast's communities by supporting qualified organizations. With over $5.98 million awarded to 84 projects, the foundation prioritizes areas such as Arts & Culture, Community Health, and Economic Development. For the 2025 Grant Cycle, it offers both Small and Large Grant Programs to foster impactful initiatives. Eligible applicants must be Oregon-based, including 501(c)(3) organizations and governmental units.

The Jelley Family Foundation Endowment for Children's Education Fund, established in 2013 by Dr. Carl Jelley, supports educational initiatives for children in Eastern Jackson County, Missouri. With an average grant award of $5,000-$8,000, and a maximum of $10,000, the foundation encourages innovative proposals focusing on at-risk youth. Eligible organizations include 501(c)(3) nonprofits and public education institutions, with a new 3-year funding rule starting in 2024 to enhance sustainability in educational projects.

The Sheltering Arms Foundation Grant supports high-quality direct-service programs for children aged 0-12, focusing on early childhood and youth development along with advocacy efforts. The foundation aims to diminish opportunity gaps and enhance public commitment to children's well-being in Minnesota. Programs must be culturally appropriate and involve family engagement, ensuring children are socially and emotionally ready for kindergarten and prepared for academic success by 7th grade. Eligible organizations must be non-profits based in Minnesota.

The Nisqually Watershed Small Grants program, sponsored by Pierce County, aims to improve environmental literacy and enhance water quality in local watersheds. By supporting nonprofit organizations, schools, and individuals, the program encourages projects such as riparian plantings and community clean-ups. Successful initiatives must align with watershed councils' Action Agendas, promoting sustainability and ecological education within the Nisqually River Watershed and beyond.

The Triangle Fund Grant supports programs in Steuben, Chemung, and Schuyler counties, aimed at fostering relationships among families, schools, and communities to benefit disadvantaged youth. With grants ranging from $5,000 to $15,000, the fund focuses on positive youth development, creative activities, educational achievement, workforce preparation, and support services. Eligible organizations include 501(c)(3) tax-exempt groups whose missions align with the fund's vision of community engagement and support.

The Charles E. Kubly Foundation Grants focus on improving the lives of those affected by depression through funding mental health projects. They prioritize initiatives that raise awareness, reduce stigma, and support suicide prevention. Grant requests are accepted from not-for-profit organizations providing direct services or educational programs. The foundation prefers projects impacting Wisconsin, with measurable outcomes and specific timelines. However, they do not support research, legislative activities, or ongoing operational costs.

The Oregon Sea Grant Biennial Research Competition aims to address critical issues faced by Oregon’s coastal communities through research. Emphasizing environmental literacy, biodiversity, and resilience strategies, this program encourages projects that incorporate community knowledge and prioritize the needs of underserved populations. Research objectives include understanding coastal ecosystems, integrating traditional knowledge, and promoting sustainable practices. Grants are available biennially, contingent on federal funding, to support innovative and impactful research initiatives.

The Nick Traina Foundation is dedicated to supporting organizations focused on mental health issues, particularly manic-depression and suicide prevention. While currently only accepting proposals from the San Francisco Bay Area, the foundation prioritizes smaller nonprofits with annual revenues between $750,000 and $8 million. It also offers assistance to musicians facing mental health challenges, emphasizing a community-centered approach to mental illness treatment and family support.

The Judith Ann Mogan Foundation Grants: Small Grant Program offers financial support to eligible organizations in Oregon, focusing on enhancing community well-being through various priority areas such as Arts & Culture, Community Health, and Economic Development. Established in 2020, the foundation has already contributed over $5.98 million to local projects. Grants usually amount to $25,000 or less and are typically awarded for one year, promoting initiatives that foster successful citizens and vital communities on the Southern Oregon Coast.

The Oregon Sea Grant provides funding up to $2,500 for conferences and activities that engage stakeholders in discussions relevant to OSG's strategic goals. Applications are accepted on an as-needed basis, with a review period of 60 days. Priority will be given to projects that reflect the breadth of the OSG program and align with its non-advocacy philosophy, ensuring that activities benefit OSG personnel and advance its mission.

The United Way of Southern Chautauqua County Grant offers funding extensions for existing programs through June 2025, focusing on community improvement. Established in 1920, this organization partners with various sectors to enhance quality of life. Their mission mobilizes resources to support individuals and families, aiming for academic success, health independence, and workforce readiness. Grants range from $1,500 to $116,000, with a minimum request of $7,500 for the 2022-2024 cycle. Eligibility is limited to registered 501(c)(3) nonprofits.

The SCAR Fellowship Programme, initiated by the Scientific Committee on Antarctic Research in 2002, aims to engage early-career researchers in Antarctic science and foster international collaboration. With over 80 fellowships awarded, the program allows PhD students and recent graduates to work in SCAR member countries, enhancing their research capabilities. This year, 4-5 fellowships will be awarded, each offering up to USD $15,000, with flexibility for remote projects due to ongoing travel challenges.

The WHOI Sea Grant Program offers General Program Development Funds ranging from $1,000 to $5,000 annually to support small research projects, educational initiatives, and outreach efforts. These funds aim to enhance strategic goals, with a preference for projects that align with WHOI Sea Grant’s focus areas such as coastal ecosystems and sustainable fisheries. Applicants must be affiliated with a Massachusetts institution and are encouraged to discuss their project ideas with the Research Coordinator prior to application.

The Andrade-Faxon Charities for Children Grant supports programs directly benefiting at-risk children aged 18 and under. Funded by professional golfers, it prioritizes charitable initiatives in Rhode Island and Southeastern Massachusetts, providing grants for essential items like food, playground equipment, and educational supplies. Organizations must be 501(c)(3) tax-exempt and are limited to one funding request annually. Exclusions include capital campaigns and operating reserves, ensuring funds directly enhance children's welfare.

Joining Hearts Grant, established in 1987, is dedicated to supporting Atlanta-based organizations focused on HIV/AIDS prevention, care, and housing assistance. Initially formed to aid a friend with HIV/AIDS, this 501c3 organization has evolved into a significant annual event, amplifying its impact on the community through expanded services. The grant aims to address the ongoing needs of those affected by HIV/AIDS, reflecting a commitment to both care and prevention.

The Wayne C. Kaufmann Charitable Foundation aims to enhance community welfare and support organizations that provide educational and health services, particularly for disadvantaged individuals. Key focus areas include maternal health, K-12 STEM education, mental health for veterans, support for children with Down Syndrome, and addressing violence against women and children. The foundation gives priority to Lutheran-affiliated organizations and encourages projects that empower communities.

About Pennsylvania Creative Industries

Pennsylvania Creative Industries is the new flagship brand of the Pennsylvania Council on the Arts, a state agency. With this name, the Council aims to elevate the creative sector’s visibility, engage broader audiences, foster collaboration across disciplines, and underscore creativity’s vital role in innovation, economic growth, and community vitality.

In 2025, our Council adopted a new strategic plan with the mission to empower, connect, and amplify creatives and creative industries and their contributions to Pennsylvania's communities, economy, and workforce. Our vision is that Pennsylvania becomes the national leader among states for creative communities, talent, and industries.

Spotlight Program

For smaller creative arts organizations and programs—with an average annual revenue of $10,000 to less than $100,000.

Through the Spotlight Program, smaller creative arts organizations receive support to deliver programs, products, and services that advance Pennsylvania Creative Industries' core strategic priorities. 

In addition to providing essential funding, the program fosters a collaborative network for grantees, offering opportunities to connect and share insights through tailored webinars organized by artistic discipline.

The Hawaii Women's Legal Foundation (HWLF) has been supporting the rights and welfare of women and children in Hawaii for over 30 years. They provide grants to local nonprofits that enhance access to legal systems, health services, and educational opportunities. With priority given to projects benefiting women and children, HWLF awards micro-grants ranging from $500 to $5,000. The foundation considers grant applications twice a year, focusing on initiatives that promote safety and independence in the community.