Best Capacity Building Grants for Nonprofits

The Water & Waste Disposal Loan & Grant Program in Wisconsin provides essential funding for rural areas to develop clean drinking water systems and effective waste disposal. Eligible applicants include local governments, nonprofits, and tribes who struggle to secure commercial credit. Funds can be utilized for various projects, such as drinking water sourcing and storm water drainage, ensuring communities have reliable access to necessary services.

Marshall Community Foundation: Mini Grant

Funding Amount

• Up to $750

The Marshall Community Foundation reviews/awards grants quarterly and yearly based upon the size of the grant request. (Grant applications can be submitted at any time.) Grants are awarded to agencies across Calhoun County that benefit residents of the City of Marshall and surrounding townships. Grants are intended to be a flexible local funding opportunity that can respond to community needs.

Application priorities include, but are not limited to:

• Yields substantial community benefits for the resources invested
• Facilitates cooperation and enhances collaboration among organizations
• Avoids duplication of services
• Benefits the greatest number of people in the community and attracts volunteer resources
• Strengthens or improves the self-sufficiency and efficiency in areas such as, but not limited to:
  • Capacity Building
  • Workforce Development
• Represents innovative, start-up efforts
• Supports low income/underserved populations with:
  • Access to Resources
  • Poverty Intervention
  • Food Insecurity
• Promotes youth development in areas such as, but not limited to:
  • Student Performance
  • Teacher Training
  • Supplemental Programs
  • Youth Mental Health
• Examines and addresses underlying causes of local challenges
• Seeks challenge or matching financial resources

The Marshall Community Foundation will only consider granting to organizations who have submitted final reports for all previous grants. Final reports must be approved by the Board of Trustees. The approval process may take up to three months.

The CFES Mini Grants program, offered by the Community Foundation of the Eastern Shore, supports local 501c3 nonprofits and certified schools with funding under $1,000 for diverse programs. These grants address crucial community needs in areas like health, arts, and education, enhancing services for vulnerable populations. Applications are accepted monthly, but first-time applicants may require a consultation. The program emphasizes collaboration and aims to empower organizations making a positive impact in Somerset, Wicomico, and Worcester counties.

The Cultural Facilities Grant supports organizations focused on cultural programming through funding for renovation, construction, or acquisition of cultural facilities. Eligible applicants must conduct arts and cultural programming at least 85% of the time, meet legal status requirements, and have matching funds documented. The program excludes funding for projects such as parking facilities and commercial endeavors. This grant aims to enhance the cultural landscape in Florida by ensuring facilities are accessible and adequately funded for community engagement.

The Water & Waste Disposal Loan & Grant Program in Wyoming offers essential funding for rural communities to access clean drinking water and proper waste disposal systems. Eligible applicants include local governments, nonprofits, and federally-recognized tribes. Funding can be used for various infrastructure improvements such as water treatment and sewage systems, ensuring reliable services in rural areas with populations of 10,000 or less. This initiative aims to enhance public health and environmental standards in underserved regions.

The Tickets for Kids Grant Program, offered by the Tickets For Kids Foundation, aims to support low-income, at-risk children and youth by providing access to ticketed experiences at no cost. Organizations eligible for partnership include nonprofit agencies, schools serving primarily low-income students, and government agencies. The application process typically takes 2-4 weeks, with responses expected within five business days after review. This initiative enriches existing programming through valuable experiences.

The Safe, Clean Water and Natural Flood Protection Mini-Grants program by Valley Water supports community-led projects in Santa Clara County focused on safe drinking water, conservation, and flood protection. With grants up to $10,000 and no matching funds required, the program aims to empower diverse organizations to implement impactful projects. Recent updates streamline the application process and expand eligible costs, making it easier for community members to contribute to environmental stewardship and public benefit.

The Sidney R. Baer, Jr. Foundation offers Criminal Justice Grants aimed at improving the lives of individuals with serious mental illnesses, particularly schizophrenia and bipolar disorder. With an emphasis on effective programs and support services, the foundation seeks to address the challenges faced by mentally ill individuals in the criminal justice system. The foundation prioritizes organizations that demonstrate a commitment to making a meaningful impact and improving the quality of life for those affected by these conditions.

The Ohio Environmental Protection Agency is offering grants under the Clean Water Act Section 319(h) to support projects that improve water quality in Ohio streams. With a total funding of $2.5 million, eligible applicants include local governments and nonprofit organizations. Projects aimed at reducing nonpoint source pollution and restoring impaired stream segments are prioritized. This initiative provides 100% funding for projects lasting up to three years, enhancing habitats and reducing pollutants.

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.

DC Health aims to reduce racial/ethnic  disparities in preterm and birth and infant mortality in the District of Columbia. Funding under this RFA will support the implementation of evidence-based strategies to reduce mental risk factors and the occurrence of preterm births among  high-risk District residents. 

Singing for Change Grant Program

Singing for Change empowers people to become more self-sufficient.

Singing for Change supports nonprofit organizations that inspire, empower, and equip people to become more self-sufficient.

Our grantees encourage personal growth among people who are marginalized. They care about the community as a whole, as well as promote the belief that collectively, people can bring about positive change and sustainable self-sufficiency through connected, diverse communities.

Most likely to be considered are organizations that keep their overhead low and collaborate with other groups in their community to find innovative ways of solving a common problem.

Singing for Change (aka SFC Charitable Foundation, Inc.) was created by Jimmy Buffett in 1995, and receives one dollar from each ticket Jimmy sells at his shows. We envision a world where nonprofit organizations, large and small, provide compelling opportunities for individuals to discover their power to make a difference. The foundation promotes work on the forefront of social change - helping people and communities become smarter, safer, stronger, healthier, and whole. 

Singing for Change (SFC) partners with progressive, community-based organizations addressing the root causes of social or environmental problems. We recently narrowed our focus to projects designed to promote self-sufficiency. 

Specifically, we look for groups that are: 

• Working to engage individuals in their communities 
• Helping people realize their full potential
• Creating lasting change in the communities they serve

We will fund operating expenses for those organizations that we feel are accomplishing these goals.

Areas Of Interest:

Children and families: Grants are awarded to programs fostering self-sufficiency and stability. Individual therapy is not funded, nor are therapeutic or recreational camps or wish-fulfillment programs.

Disenfranchised groups: SFC defines these groups as people who have been marginalized in society because of their low levels of skill, education or income, people with disabilities, and people who are homeless. 

Grants range in size from $1,000.00 to $10,000.00.

The Water & Waste Disposal Loan & Grant Program in North Dakota provides essential funding for the development of reliable drinking water systems, sewage disposal, and storm water management in eligible rural areas. This program supports entities like state and local governments, nonprofits, and tribes, ensuring access to clean water and sanitation. It covers acquisition, construction, and improvement costs, along with related expenses such as legal fees and equipment purchases, fostering healthier communities.

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 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.

The Water & Waste Disposal Loan & Grant Program in North Carolina offers vital funding to support clean drinking water systems, sewage disposal, solid waste management, and stormwater drainage in rural areas. Eligible applicants include governmental entities, private nonprofits, and federally recognized tribes who struggle to access affordable credit. This program aims to enhance public health and environmental quality through improved infrastructure, ensuring that rural communities receive essential services.

The Community Foundation of West Alabama offers community grants aimed at supporting charitable initiatives in various sectors including arts, education, health, and social welfare. Established in 1999, the foundation prioritizes projects that address critical community needs and foster collaboration. Grants are available to 501(c)(3) organizations in specific Alabama counties, but do not fund individuals or religious purposes. The foundation prefers requests that demonstrate clear impact and sustainable financial planning.

The GreenState Foundation Grant aims to empower communities through initiatives focused on Financial Education, Housing, and Children's Health. By supporting local 501(c)3 nonprofits, the foundation seeks to enhance financial literacy, provide affordable housing solutions, and promote the health of youth. With a commitment to improving quality of life, the foundation invites grant applications that align with its mission, emphasizing community-driven projects that foster sustainable growth and well-being for all.

The Edison Scholars Program, sponsored by Edison International, offers $12,500 annually to thirty high school seniors pursuing degrees in STEM fields at accredited U.S. colleges. This renewable scholarship supports students who demonstrate financial need and reside in Southern California Edison’s service territory. Scholars also gain access to a paid summer internship after their first year. Eligible majors include engineering, mathematics, and computer sciences, fostering the next generation of innovators and leaders.

The Local Environment Fund, managed by the Trust for Oxfordshire's Environment, offers financial support for community-driven nature recovery projects in Oxfordshire and Berkshire. This initiative aims to enhance biodiversity, promote public engagement with nature, and ensure accessibility to local green spaces for all, including those with mobility challenges. Grants focus on projects that foster awareness of the natural world, benefiting both wildlife and community members.

The Grants for Greater Manhattan program supports initiatives in arts, humanities, education, health care, and community development, primarily benefiting residents of Manhattan and Riley County, Kansas. It prioritizes funding for activities requiring ongoing support but excludes school gardening projects and requests from for-profit organizations, unless for scholarships or free services for low-income individuals. This grant aims to enhance the quality of life and community engagement across various sectors.

National Geographic Society: Request for Proposals

Award Overview

The National Geographic Society (NGS) is pleased to announce a Request for Proposals (RFP) for academic researchers and graduate students investigating topics related to geography education in select states and locations. Awards of up to $10,000 (for researchers) and $5,000 (for graduate students) are available to support research projects.

At NGS we spark curiosity, empower exploration, and inspire change. We fund inspiring changemakers around the world who use the power of science, exploration, education and storytelling to illuminate and protect the wonder of our world. 

We welcome submissions from researchers across disciplines but successful proposals must include research related to educational approaches or processes including but not limited to specific learning activities, learning outcomes, or educational tools that advance knowledge. Research that illuminates barriers and/or advances access for those farthest from opportunity is encouraged. 

Research proposals should generate new knowledge, and can either be new or scaled up versions of existing successful projects (e.g. evaluating a different group of learners or geographic area). 

The Chaney Family Foundation Grants aim to enhance the welfare of children and families while promoting public safety in Barry County, Missouri; Cabell County, West Virginia; and Jackson & Josephine Counties, Oregon. Grants up to $15,000 are available for West Virginia organizations, while those in Oregon and Missouri can apply for up to $10,000, focusing on human services, faith-based programs, and public safety initiatives.

The Central Montcalm Community Foundation offers various scholarships aimed at enhancing educational opportunities for local students. Scholarships like the Dr. Victor Beal Jr. Scholarship and the Ronald R. Burkholder Athletic and Educational Scholarship focus on academic achievement and community involvement. With funding sourced from endowed funds, these scholarships support students pursuing further education at colleges and universities, ensuring a lasting impact on the community's youth and fostering a culture of academic excellence and service.

The Robert E & Evelyn McKee Foundation Grant focuses on charitable purposes, primarily supporting organizations that qualify under 501(c)(3) of the IRS Code. It awards funds in various areas including civic, cultural, education, healthcare, and youth activities. Eligible recipients are local charities and certain selected colleges for scholarships. However, the foundation does not fund other foundations, organizations outside the U.S., or individual financial aid. Awards are guided by IRS minimum requirements.

The Nemaha County STEP Foundation aims to enhance life quality in Nemaha County by fostering philanthropy to create a lasting endowment. This fund will address evolving community needs and support cultural, educational, and health initiatives. We encourage local non-profits to apply for grants focused on various areas, including arts, education, and health care, to help make Nemaha County a vibrant place to live and work.

The Community Stewardship Fund Grant, provided by the Community Foundation of Kankakee River Valley, aims to enhance the quality of life in Kankakee and Iroquois Counties by awarding $6,500 to nonprofit organizations. This fund seeks to address evolving community needs by funding impactful projects that are actionable and clearly communicated. Eligible organizations must hold 501(c)(3) status and operate within the Greater Kankakee River Valley area, prioritizing categories such as education, health, and community services.