Best Capacity Building Grants for Nonprofits

BGE Charitable Contributions supports community enhancement through focused corporate giving in four key areas: building Exelon's future workforce, energy empowerment, local vitality enrichment, and equal access to arts and culture. By investing in diverse nonprofit organizations, BGE aims to create sustainable improvements in education, environmental conservation, and cultural access, fostering an inclusive environment that reflects the values and needs of the communities it serves.

Scientific & Regulatory Consultants, Inc. Scholarship

Science plays a vital role in our daily lives and includes a wide range of fields such as physician or veterinary services, nursing, microbiology, biology, chemistry, engineering, mathematics, psychology, music, etc. This scholarship views “scientific” very broadly and invites you to be creative.

Your application will be reviewed based upon the quality, not quantity, of the response to each question.

Applicants may apply every year.

The FMG Agriculture Scholarships support two first-year agriculture students at Massey, Waikato, Otago, or Lincoln University with a $5,000 payment towards course fees. This scholarship is renewable for up to three years, contingent on maintaining a B- average. Eligible fields include Agriculture, Agribusiness, and Environmental Policy, among others. Applicants passionate about the agriculture industry are encouraged to apply.

The Irene E. & George A. Davis Foundation provides grants to nonprofit organizations serving Hampden County, Massachusetts. Funding areas include early education, health, economic mobility, and arts. The Foundation supports general operating, capital, program, capacity building, and emergency funding to foster community development and address pressing needs. Eligible organizations must demonstrate measurable outcomes and a commitment to sustainable change while enhancing collaboration among local nonprofits.

The Solid Waste Disposal and Recycling Project Funding aims to enhance solid waste management across South Dakota by providing grants and low-interest loans. Eligible applicants include municipalities, counties, and tribes that can develop facilities for waste management or recycling. Projects should align with the state's waste management hierarchy, focusing on source reduction, recycling, and energy production. Funding primarily comes from the Solid Waste Management program, ensuring sustainable practices while protecting the environment.

The McMurry Foundation Grant, established in 1998, focuses on enhancing the well-being of communities in Wyoming, particularly in Natrona County. It supports a range of initiatives, including education, health services, and the arts, aimed at fostering innovation and self-sufficiency among local organizations. The Foundation provides funding for both new and established programs to create lasting community impact while adhering to values of excellence and compassion.

The Welfare Foundation Grant focuses on supporting nonprofits in Delaware and southern Chester County, emphasizing capital grants. With an annual budget of around $5 million, the Foundation has contributed approximately $130 million over 25 years. Eligible organizations must hold 501(c)(3) status and comply with non-discrimination policies. The Foundation prioritizes sectors such as social services, housing, health, education, environment, civic engagement, and the arts, while excluding annual support and political activities.

The Richard L. Blinder Award, presented biennially by the James Marston Fitch Charitable Foundation, recognizes architects and professionals in historic preservation for innovative proposals that advance architectural preservation in the U.S. The award encourages originality, whether through real projects or polemical exercises. With a funding limit of $15,000, recipients must demonstrate a need for their study and a realistic dissemination plan within 24 months, contributing to the preservation community.

The Chatham Fund, part of The Cape Cod Foundation, provides grants to 501(c)(3) organizations that positively impact Chatham residents. With grants typically ranging from $2,500 to $5,000, the Fund focuses on proven programs, pilot projects, and organizational development. Priorities include addressing hunger, children's needs, and environmental concerns. Organizations must wait a year to reapply after receiving a grant, ensuring a fair process for all applicants.

The AFI Grant, administered by the Adient Foundation, Inc., aims to support philanthropic organizations in the U.S. that are tax-exempt. While primarily offering one-time grants, the Foundation evaluates proposals based on organizational structure, community impact, and management capacity. The Foundation complements public institutions and does not guarantee future funding based on past contributions. Grantees must operate with equal opportunity objectives, and past recipients must submit new applications each year.

The AFI Grant, administered by the Adient Foundation, Inc., supports charitable organizations across the U.S. with a focus on philanthropic efforts. These one-time grants do not guarantee future funding, emphasizing a need for organizations to demonstrate sound management and community impact. Each year, past recipients must reapply under the standard application process, ensuring that support aligns with equal opportunity objectives and the Foundation's mission to complement public funding.

The AmeriCorps State and National Rhode Island Grants, offered by ServeRI, empower organizations to tackle community needs by recruiting and training AmeriCorps members. These grants aim to enhance civic engagement and support pathways for participants to advance their careers or education. Successful proposals must demonstrate how AmeriCorps service positions address specific community challenges while providing meaningful benefits to the members. This initiative fosters collaboration among nonprofits, schools, and government agencies to improve lives and strengthen communities across Rhode Island.

Maryland Forestry Foundation

The Foundation is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization and a member of the Maryland Association of Forest Conservancy District Boards. We act as the fiscal agent for several programs of the 24 local Forestry Boards and provide important tax deductibility for their donors.

From advocating for innovative legislation that impacts Forestry in Maryland to overseeing Maryland's largest private property tree-planting operation, we're committed to making a greener and healthier future. We also actively support Urban Forestry programs, nurture the next generation of environmental leaders with the largest college fellowships in Natural Resources in the mid-Atlantic, and serve as the fiduciary agent for programs like the Natural Resources Careers Camp for high school students and the Maryland Urban & Community Forest grant program.

Mel Fellowship Program

The Maryland Forestry Foundation is pleased to offer four annual Mel Fellowships to Maryland college students for $10,000 per Fellowship.

Made possible by an annual grant from the Maryland Department of Natural Resources, the Mel Fellowship program is intended to encourage students to pursue careers in Natural Resources and Urban Forestry and to help them matriculate in a Natural Resources-related field of study.

The Dirk Nowitzki Foundation Grant supports 501(c)(3) non-profit organizations dedicated to improving children's wellbeing, health, and education. Established by NBA star Dirk Nowitzki, the foundation aims to uplift children affected by illness, poverty, and neglect. Grants are awarded annually to projects that align with these goals, ensuring impactful experiences for children. Organizations are encouraged to apply, but the foundation does not fund the same organization twice in a calendar year or cover salaries, travel costs, or religious programs.

The Kings County Conservation Futures Grant provides essential funding for the Land Conservation Initiative, aimed at preserving vital natural and urban green spaces. This grant supports projects like parks, community gardens, and habitat restoration, particularly in underserved areas. Eligible recipients include local governments and qualified nonprofits. The initiative seeks to enhance community access to open spaces, ensuring that all residents can benefit from nature and recreational opportunities.

The Water & Waste Disposal Loan & Grant Program in New Mexico provides crucial funding for rural areas to establish clean drinking water systems, sanitary sewage disposal, solid waste management, and storm water drainage. Eligible applicants include state and local governments, private nonprofits, and federally-recognized tribes. The program aims to enhance public health and environmental quality while supporting communities in achieving reliable water services. This initiative is vital for households and businesses in underserved regions.

The Kaulunani Grant Program, managed by Arbor Day Hawaiʻi, invites proposals for projects that promote the benefits of trees within communities, celebrating Arbor Day on November 2, 2024. Competitive proposals should focus on community capacity building, including workshops on tree planting and care, engaging volunteers, and promoting accessibility to the public. Eligible applicants include non-profits, schools, and community groups from all islands in Hawaiʻi, ensuring projects contribute positively to environmental stewardship.

The Columbus Audubon Conservation Grant Program, established in 2013, aims to support projects that conserve Ohio's native bird species through habitat management, protection, and scientific research. With over $20,000 awarded to date, the program encourages community involvement in creating bird-friendly environments. Eligible applicants include non-profits, businesses, educational institutions, and individuals. Projects must primarily focus on innovative conservation strategies within central Ohio, aligning with the National Audubon Society's initiatives.

The Water & Waste Disposal Loan & Grant Program in New York provides crucial funding for the development of clean drinking water systems, sewage disposal, solid waste management, and storm water drainage in eligible rural areas. This program supports state and local governments, private nonprofits, and federally-recognized tribes in their efforts to enhance public health and environmental quality. Eligible applicants can use the funds for construction, improvement, and related activities to ensure reliable service delivery.

Womens Foundation Of California

Since our founding in 1979, our work at Women’s Foundation California has evolved and expanded. Over the decades, we have celebrated our milestones and reflected on our journey as we continue to push towards what’s next. The Women’s Foundation California is a statewide, publicly supported foundation dedicated to achieving racial, economic, environmental, and gender justice by centering the experience and expertise of communities most impacted by systemic injustice. Our vision is to build a feminist future for California.

We amplify, mobilize, and redistribute power and resources to community leaders advancing racial, economic, environmental, and gender justice. This is achieved through grants to community-led organizations, grassroots leadership training through the Solís Policy Institute, and convenings to unite advocates, donors, policymakers, grantmakers, academics, and others, sharing knowledge to strengthen California’s social justice movement.

Bea Solís Power Fund

Our Bea Solís Power Fund invests in the leadership of our Solís Policy Institute alum as they continue to build racial, economic, environmental, and gender justice beyond our training.

This year, our Bea Solís Power Fund solidified our commitment to empowering transformation by disbursing $18,000 in small grants for essential resources to support alums to continue with their advocacy work.

Together, we can ensure that the creative doers and thinkers, movers, and shakers across our SPI alum network have the resources they need to build our shared feminist future. 

About the DNR

In keeping with our mission, the DNR is dedicated to working with Wisconsinites while preserving and enhancing the natural resources of Wisconsin. In partnership with individuals and organizations, DNR staff manage fish, wildlife, forests, parks, air and water resources while promoting a healthy, sustainable environment and a full range of outdoor opportunities.

Weed Management Area - Private Forest Grant Program (WMA-PFGP)

The WMA-PFGP assists eligible weed management groups (WMG) in addressing invasive plants, both by dealing directly with the invasives and by providing education, information and outreach to others. This is a reimbursement program that covers up to 75% of the eligible costs, 25% match is required.

The Ka Papa O Kakuhihewa Fund, part of the Community Grants Program by the Hawai‘i Community Foundation, aims to support nonprofit organizations focused on resource conservation. It prioritizes projects that promote environmental education, energy conservation, and stewardship initiatives, particularly benefiting the Wai‘anae Coast and Kapolei communities. The fund emphasizes youth engagement and local economic support, advocating for partnerships with community organizations to enhance conservation efforts and instill a sustainable mindset among future generations.

The Community Forestry Grant (SD) aims to enhance urban tree cover and forest maintenance through educational programs, financial assistance, and technical support. Awarded by the South Dakota Department of Agriculture & Natural Resources, grants up to $5,000 are available for local governments and eligible nonprofits. This initiative promotes awareness of tree benefits, encourages sustainable practices, and implements tree planting programs to improve air quality and combat climate change.

The Cooperative Agreement to Support Activities Related to Analgesics, Anesthetics, and Addiction (U01) aims to enhance research in Anesthesia, Addiction Medicine, and Pain Medicine. It focuses on critical areas such as clinical trial endpoints for chronic pain, outcome measures in stimulant use disorders, and neurodevelopmental assessments in pediatric patients. The initiative encourages applicants to propose comprehensive, evidence-based plans to improve the prescribing of analgesic and anesthetic drug products, with multiple awards available.

The Water & Waste Disposal Loan & Grant Program in Missouri provides essential funding for rural households and businesses to access clean drinking water, sanitary sewage disposal, solid waste management, and storm water drainage. This program aims to support areas that cannot secure commercial credit, helping eligible applicants such as local governments and nonprofits. Funds can be used for construction, improvements, legal fees, and equipment, ensuring a sustainable and reliable infrastructure for communities.

About Us

The Rural Maryland Council

The Rural Maryland Council (RMC) brings together citizens, community-based organizations, federal, state, county and municipal government officials as well as representatives of the for-profit and nonprofit sectors to collectively address the needs of Rural Maryland communities. We provide a venue for members of agriculture and natural resource-based industries, health care facilities, educational institutions, economic and community development organizations, for-profit and nonprofit corporations, and government agencies to cross traditional boundaries, share information, and address in a more holistic way the special needs and opportunities in Rural Maryland.

Our goals are to:

• Encourage healthy, connected communities throughout Rural Maryland through convening of stakeholders, education, public relations, and advocacy.
• Support the development and growth of vibrant economies in Rural Maryland.
• Foster stewardship of Maryland’s natural resources.
• Maximize RMC outreach, resources and mission through financial and organizational development.

As a collaborative partnership, the RMC operates in a nonpartisan and nondiscriminatory manner. Policy-makers and managers from stakeholder agencies and organizations at all levels of government and the private sector are valued participants. Where practical, the decision-making undertaken by the RMC is made by reaching consensus.

RMC’s vision is a future where all of Rural Maryland is prosperous with thriving resources, vibrant economies, and healthy, connected communities.

Maryland Rural Health Transformation Program (RHTP)

Purpose:

To support initiatives that improve access to healthy, locally sourced food across rural communities. The program will support projects that expand post-harvest infrastructure for small farms, enhance food distribution through food hubs and mobile markets, and increase procurement of local foods by institutions such as schools, hospitals, and community organizations. Additional priorities include advancing nutrition education and supporting regional coordination to address food insecurity in rural “hot spot” communities.

The Rhode Island Foundation's RIF Capacity Building Grants program supports 501(c)(3) nonprofits in Rhode Island. It aims to empower organizations that align with community priorities, focusing on diversity, equity, inclusion, and access (DEIA). Grants provide funding and technical assistance for strategic planning, business development, and operational improvements to enhance community impact. Proposals are evaluated based on need, readiness, and expected outcomes, ensuring a commitment to addressing systemic inequities in the region.