Best Capacity Building Grants for Nonprofits

Madison4Kids Grants aim to enhance the quality of life for children and youth organizations in Greater Madison, WI. With grants not exceeding $1,000 and available quarterly, the initiative supports local youth by funding various needs, such as summer camps, playground equipment, and educational tools. Eligible applicants include individuals aged 17 and under, as well as local groups serving children. The grants foster confidence, health, inspiration, and learning among the youth, ensuring a brighter future.

The Gresham Community Enhancement Grant, initiated in 2017, supports various projects aimed at improving neighborhood appearance, enhancing public safety, and preserving local wildlife. Funded by Metro's solid waste collection fees, it prioritizes initiatives that benefit under-served populations and promote community engagement. Eligible applicants include nonprofits, schools, and local government entities, making it a vital resource for enhancing livability in Gresham.

The Goldring Family and Woldenburg Foundation Grant supports non-profits in the Greater New Orleans area, funding initiatives in various fields including Arts, Education, Health, and Jewish Causes. Eligible organizations can apply for financial assistance to enhance community services and promote cultural enrichment. This grant represents an opportunity for local non-profits to secure funding for impactful projects that align with the foundation's mission to improve the quality of life in the region.

The Lubrizol Foundation Grants support nonprofit organizations that align with community investment priorities and the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals, focusing on quality education, health, and sustainable communities. Established in 1952, the foundation emphasizes support for initiatives in Cleveland, Ohio, and Houston, Texas. Grant applications are evaluated based on alignment with Lubrizol's investment pillars, with a commitment to fostering social impact and community well-being through financial support.

The JTMF Foundation Grant focuses on improving the lives of individuals in need, particularly in the Pacific Northwest. By partnering with organizations addressing immediate needs and long-term challenges, the foundation supports children, older adults, veterans, and individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities. Guided by Catholic values, JTMF aims to empower communities while seeking innovative solutions to societal issues. Organizations that align with these focus areas are encouraged to connect, fostering a collaborative effort towards meaningful impact.

The Washington Biologists' Field Club (WBFC) Research Awards Competition offers grants to support field research focused on the Mid-Atlantic Region's natural history. This includes studies on biodiversity, ecology, and conservation, with a particular emphasis on organisms from Plummers Island and the Potomac River. The WBFC encourages proposals that enhance understanding of lesser-known taxa and has funded diverse research topics, such as fish behavior and conservation genetics.

The Health Access Heroes Awards, initiated by Sun Life Financial, aims to enhance health access and outcomes for underserved communities. This initiative highlights the crucial connection between oral health and diabetes, focusing on prevention and management. It recognizes impactful nonprofits and unsung heroes who contribute significantly to community health. Selected awardees will receive a $10,000 donation to support their charitable efforts, promoting diabetes awareness, management, and overall health equity.

The Maryland Sea Grant program provides essential funding for innovative research, outreach, and educational projects that enhance coastal and marine science in Maryland. With awards typically under $10,000, the program supports small-scale projects that demonstrate clear links to conservation and restoration efforts. Applicants must align their proposals with the Maryland Sea Grant Strategic Plan and show relevance to broader audiences beyond academia, making the funding competitive and highly sought after.

The Alaska Sea Grant Biennial Research Call invites innovative proposals for research projects focused on healthy coastal ecosystems, sustainable fisheries and aquaculture, resilient communities and economies, and environmental literacy and workforce development. Established in 1970, the program aims to enhance understanding and sustainable use of Alaska's marine and coastal resources. Proposals should align with the goals outlined in the Alaska Sea Grant 2024–2027 Strategic Plan, addressing priority information needs across the state.

The Fine Arts Fund Grant, administered by the Community Foundation of Kankakee River Valley, aims to enhance cultural initiatives in Kankakee and Iroquois Counties. Grants of up to $2,500 will support non-profit organizations in various artistic disciplines, including music, literature, and visual arts. The foundation seeks impactful projects that demonstrate creativity and community engagement, ensuring that funds are allocated effectively to foster artistic expression and community development.

The Frist Foundation Grant focuses on enhancing the quality of life in Nashville and Middle Tennessee by funding nonprofit organizations. With over 40 years of commitment, it prioritizes projects addressing community challenges in areas such as Arts, Food Insecurity, Health Disparities, and support for underserved residents. The Foundation seeks to empower organizations through General, Technology, and Operational Grants, emphasizing sustainability and long-term impact without funding operational expenses or salaries.

The AACF "Difference Maker" Grants provide support for innovative community initiatives in Alexandria. Targeting 501(c)(3) nonprofits, schools, and government entities, the program focuses on education, social services, health, arts, and civic engagement. Grants aim to empower projects that create sustainable positive impacts, foster collaboration, and enhance community well-being. Applications are encouraged for projects that address pressing community challenges and promote diversity and inclusion, thereby ensuring lasting change in the region.

The City of Bellingham offers Community/Public Facility Improvement Grants aimed at enhancing facilities that benefit low-income individuals and areas. This funding, totaling approximately $250,000, supports various community projects such as food banks, senior centers, childcare facilities, and community centers. Additional funding may be available for housing initiatives. This program aims to strengthen community infrastructure and improve access to essential services for those in need.

The Howard E. Stark Charitable Foundation, established in 2007, supports small, impactful organizations in the Northeast US. The foundation prioritizes projects that alleviate suffering for people or animals and considers applications from 501(c)(3) organizations outside its usual funding parameters. Key areas of support include education, after-school programs, rehabilitation, arts, nutrition, and emotional support initiatives. The foundation is committed to fostering local community development through thoughtful funding.

The R.J. McElroy Trust, established in 1965 in Waterloo, Iowa, supports educational initiatives for young people. Focusing on nonprofit organizations and governmental entities, the trust offers funding for scholarships, internships, and educational programs primarily in northeastern Iowa counties. With a commitment to youth and education, it aims to continue benefitting deserving individuals, ensuring R.J. McElroy's legacy endures through impactful grants and community engagement.

The Audubon Society offers small grants for field study projects, aimed at reimbursing undergraduate and graduate students for project-related expenses. Grants, generally up to $550, are awarded based on available funds, with applications reviewed throughout the year. Eligible projects focus on Southern California ornithology, local natural sciences, or ecological policy studies impacting the Santa Monica Mountains and surrounding coastal areas. Funding decisions are made approximately 45 days after application deadlines.

Department Information

Department History

The mission of the North Dakota Game and Fish Department is to protect, conserve and enhance fish and wildlife populations and their habitat for sustained public consumptive and nonconsumptive use.

Sponsorship/Education/Conservation Grants

Sponsorship/Education/Conservation Grants provide funding to organizations for projects/events that closely relate to or assist in fulfilling the Department’s mission.

Innovative Pilot Program Grant

This program aims to:

• Support transformative, innovative approaches in rural health communities through cross-sector collaboration.
• Advance integrated care delivery, school-based health, behavioral health partnerships, maternal and child health supports, nutrition-focused initiatives, workforce wellness, and other locally-driven solutions.
• Create sustainable systems that improve health outcomes and address related social determinants of health

The Doula Technical Assistance Grant aims to support and empower doulas serving pregnant and postpartum women in Iowa. This initiative, led by the Iowa Department of Health and Human Services, seeks applications from qualified applicants who can provide essential support and technical assistance to enhance the quality of care for mothers and their families. The grant is a vital resource to strengthen the doula profession and improve maternal health outcomes.

The Crystal Charity Ball Grant has been supporting children's charities in Dallas County since 1952, distributing over $191 million to 160 beneficiaries. In the past year, the committee raised $7,093,665 to aid seven local organizations, providing children with hope and resources for a healthier future. This initiative thrives on the generosity of donors and community members, making a significant impact on the lives of children in need.

About Us

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.

We believe that people and communities who actively engage with systemic challenges will find solutions together. By supporting journalists as they conduct in-depth investigations, produce compelling stories, and engage diverse audiences, we create a ripple effect of world-changing impact. The result? Policy reforms, public awareness, and community empowerment.

Africa Climate and Environment (ACE) Micro Grants

The second cohort of the Africa Climate and Environment (ACE) Micro Grants is receiving applications for outreach projects focused on Transparency and Governance in forest and ocean. Proposals should clearly and creatively integrate one or more Pulitzer Center-supported stories while targeting young professionals or communities. We are seeking proposals that create engagement on issues such as natural resource management, harmful corporate practices, corruption, and their impacts on biodiversity, Indigenous peoples, human rights, and climate. The initiative aims to strengthen public understanding and advocacy through storytelling, emphasizing accountability and sustainable environmental governance.

The Hanger Foundation's Empowerment Grants aim to positively impact individuals with physical challenges by supporting 501(c)(3) organizations in the U.S. The foundation focuses on rehabilitation services, athletic programs, and social activities that empower those with limb loss or differences. Grants are available for one year and prioritize projects that engage communities and enhance the quality of life for those in need. Organizations are encouraged to apply for funding that directly supports these goals.

The Sarasota Bay Estuary Grant Program offers competitive awards up to $10,000 for projects in the Sarasota Bay watershed, focusing on habitat restoration, water quality improvement, and community engagement. With a priority on addressing climate change and resilience, the program encourages innovative solutions to combat rising sea levels and changing weather patterns. Projects that align with these goals are highly encouraged, even if they extend beyond the listed priorities.

The Chambers-Clover Creek Watershed Small Grants Program encourages local nonprofits, schools, and individuals to enhance environmental literacy and improve water quality. By supporting projects like riparian plantings, invasive species removal, and educational initiatives, it aims to foster community involvement in watershed stewardship. Grant funding is available for various collaborative activities, ensuring that projects benefit the Chambers-Clover Creek Watershed and its surrounding environment.

The Huntington offers approximately 140 short-term fellowships for one to three months, providing a stipend of $3,500 per month. These fellowships are accessible to scholars across various fields aligned with The Huntington's extensive collections. Accepted applicants include doctoral candidates, master’s students, faculty members, postdoctoral scholars, and independent researchers. The program encourages collaborative proposals and allows applicants to apply for multiple fellowships, fostering a rich academic environment and creative exploration.

The LaBounty Family Fund supports projects aimed at economic development in the Two Harbors area. Eligible applicants must be 501(c)(3) organizations or have a qualified fiscal sponsor and serve the local community. The fund prioritizes initiatives that directly benefit the public, including business assistance, public land improvements, and social welfare projects. However, funding is not available for endowments, political activities, or individual requests, ensuring resources are directed towards community-enhancing efforts.

The Hyde Family Foundations Grant supports nonprofits in Memphis with a focus on education, community development, arts, and civic engagement. Established in 1961, the foundation has grown to over $175 million in assets, granting about $20 million annually. Organizations can apply for funding three times a year, with specific eligibility criteria. The foundation aims to empower initiatives that foster equity, improve quality of life, and enhance the community's cultural landscape, ensuring a thriving environment for all residents.