Best Capacity Building Grants for Nonprofits

The Community Health Partnerships (CHeP) Trailblazer Award invites proposals for community-engaged research projects aiming to enhance health equity and address social determinants of health. With funding up to $25,000 over two years, the award supports collaborative efforts between university and community partners. Key focus areas include substance use, obesity prevention, and health disparities in rural areas. Projects should demonstrate sustainability and community engagement, ensuring all participants are committed to improving health outcomes in Indiana.

The Community Health Partnerships (CHeP) Trailblazer Planning Grant aims to foster community-university partnerships in Indiana to enhance health equity and address social determinants of health. This initiative will fund activities such as meetings and conferences that lead to collaborative research proposals. Awards of up to $5,000 support partnership growth and the development of future grant applications. Eligible applicants must include both university-based and community-based partners actively engaged in Indiana.

The J. Thomas Dutro Jr. Student Award, presented by the Paleontological Research Institution, recognizes the significance of systematic research in paleontology. This $500 award is open to graduate students (Masters or Ph.D.) engaged in systematic paleontology research. Eligible expenses include research supplies, bench fees, and travel for fieldwork or conferences, supporting the academic growth of promising paleontologists.

The Sundance Institute's Feature Film Producers Track is a yearlong program designed to support emerging film producers starting July 2026. Selected candidates will receive mentorship, networking opportunities, and workshops aimed at enhancing their creative and problem-solving skills. Eligibility requires experience in film production and a completed scripted project. This initiative fosters the development of independent artists, aiming to elevate their work within the film industry and connect them with audiences.

The Finish Line Grant program, administered by College Foundation, Inc., aims to assist community college students in North Carolina who are facing unexpected financial hardships that could hinder their education. This initiative provides crucial support for expenses such as housing, medical needs, and childcare. The program, which transitioned to state-appropriated funds in FY 2023-2024, seeks to empower students to overcome financial barriers and complete their academic goals.

The Flavorful Futures Scholarship, established by Talking Rain Beverage Company, offers a $5,000 award to high school seniors pursuing higher education. Applicants must be U.S. citizens or permanent residents with a minimum GPA of 2.5, graduating between August 1, 2025, and July 31, 2026. This scholarship aims to support students who are passionate about contributing to their communities while pursuing vocational or academic programs.

The Harris Family Scholarship, established by the Connecticut Community Foundation in 1923, supports local students pursuing post-secondary degrees in agriculture-related fields. As one of the largest scholarship providers in the Greater Waterbury and Litchfield Hills region, the Foundation aims to address community needs and enhance educational opportunities. This scholarship reflects the generosity of many donors dedicated to helping students achieve their academic goals and contribute to the community.

The Malcolm Baldrige School of Business Scholarship, offered by the Connecticut Community Foundation, provides a one-time award to first-year or transfer students pursuing a full-time undergraduate degree at Post University in Waterbury, CT. Established in 1923, the Foundation supports local residents through scholarships, aiming to help students achieve their educational dreams. As one of the largest scholarship providers in the region, it reflects the commitment of numerous donors dedicated to fostering academic success.

The Dr. and Mrs. Arthur F. Sullivan Scholarship, established in 1923 by the Connecticut Community Foundation, supports students entering or currently enrolled in accredited medical schools. As one of the largest scholarship providers in the Greater Waterbury and Litchfield Hills region, this scholarship is available only in even years (2026, 2028, 2030), helping students achieve their educational aspirations through the generosity of local donors.

The Active Fund Grant, offered by the Kelly Brush Foundation, supports individuals with paralysis from spinal cord injuries in acquiring adaptive sports equipment. This initiative aims to foster active lifestyles and inclusivity through sports. First-time applicants are prioritized for the Fall 2025 cycle, with grants averaging around $3,500, though they can vary. Eligible applicants can receive full or partial awards or a Try-It-First grant to gain experience with the equipment. For guidelines, please refer to the provided FAQs.

The Barbara and Frank Quadrato Veterinary Scholarship, established by the Connecticut Community Foundation, supports students pursuing veterinary medicine, prioritizing those from Woodbury or Bethlehem. Founded in 1923, the Foundation addresses critical community issues and provides scholarships to help students achieve their educational aspirations. As one of the largest scholarship providers in the Greater Waterbury and Litchfield Hills area, it has a long history of generosity from donors committed to fostering educational opportunities.

English Language Learning Foundation Incorporated

The English Learning Foundation, Inc. is a non-profit 501(c)(3) organization incorporated in 2006 to assist English language learners. The mission of the ELL Foundation is to help English learners to become successful in their academic lives while honoring their cultural identities.

Our vision is to assist English learners in the Greater Cincinnati area so that students:

• Appreciate and are proud of their cultural identities;
• Receive the needed support service for their education;
• Graduate from high school and succeed in college;
• And serve their communities as role models.

ELL Foundation’s Educational Event Grant Program

The ELL Foundation’s Educational Event Grant Program is intended to financially support co-curricular and curricular educational events for K-12 English learners in Greater Cincinnati. Community partners can request up to $2000 for an educational event. Due to funding availability, grantees can only receive one Educational Event Grant per calendar year. The ELL Foundation will accept Educational Event Grant applications at any time, but they will be reviewed on a quarterly basis. 

If you are interested in requesting funds for an educational event, please apply online. If you have any questions about the Educational Event Grant Program, please email the foundation.

Middendorf Foundation Inc

The Middendorf Foundation was founded in 1953 by J. William Jr. and Alice Carter Middendorf to support institutions and projects in their areas of interest within the State of Maryland. Their focus included: education, healthcare, social services, the environment, historic preservation and arts & culture. During their lifetimes, Mr. & Mrs. Middendorf provided inspirational leadership to the Foundation. Upon their deaths, the Foundation received generous bequests, which allowed it to begin making more sizable grants on a regular basis. Current assets are valued at $60 million.

In 2018, upon the death of their last surviving child, Alice Carter Middendorf, the Foundation received another large bequest which has further strengthened its ability to support causes of interest to the Middendorfs. Today the Foundation is governed by trustees who are honored to safeguard the legacy of the Middendorfs. 

Middendorf Foundation Historic Preservation Grants

The Middendorf Foundation has long recognized the importance of preserving historic buildings and sites and has supported those who believe in the preservation of Maryland’s cultural heritage. The Foundation is committed to preserving sites of historical significance so that they will continue to be enjoyed by a broad public well into the future.

The Foundation prioritizes one-time costs such as capital campaigns for building, equipment, and/or technology with the lifespan of 7+ years. 

The Work Ready Kentucky Scholarship (WRKS) provides financial assistance to Kentucky residents who have not earned an associate’s degree, enabling them to pursue industry-recognized certificates or diplomas. This scholarship is aimed at supporting students in high-demand fields such as healthcare, construction, and manufacturing, ensuring they have the opportunity to gain valuable qualifications. With a focus on accessibility, WRKS helps alleviate the financial burden of education for eligible students across the state.

The Montana Shooting Range Grant Program, administered by Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks since 1989, provides funding for the establishment and enhancement of shooting ranges across Montana. Grants are available to private clubs, organizations, local governments, and schools, supporting projects that improve shooting facilities or cover reasonable application expenses. This initiative aims to promote safe and accessible shooting sports in the state, funded through state hunting license sales.

The Jefferson Jump-Start Grant, offered by Jefferson Community and Technical College, aims to support new students by covering their remaining tuition balance after other financial aids are applied. This “last-dollar” grant is available for the first two consecutive semesters up to 30 credit hours for eligible students. To qualify, applicants must meet specific criteria including age, residency, and enrollment in an eligible program, ensuring accessibility to education for those in need.

The Evolve502 Scholarship, offered by Jefferson Community and Technical College, is a last-dollar scholarship for eligible students from Jefferson County Public Schools' Class of 2026. It covers college tuition after federal and state aid, supporting those pursuing an associate degree, workforce credential, or up to 60 undergraduate credit hours at participating Kentucky colleges. To qualify, applicants must be Kentucky residents who graduate from high school or earn a GED.

The Fleur-de-Lis Scholarship, initiated by the Community Foundation of Louisville, supports Jefferson County students who exemplify leadership and community engagement. Established in 1984, it aims to assist those pursuing higher education or vocational training, emphasizing the importance of connection and personal growth. Eligible candidates must be residents of Jefferson County and actively participate in local programs. This scholarship reflects a commitment to fostering educational opportunities and community involvement for deserving students.

The ASPECT program, initiated by the DOE, aims to bolster the U.S. energy future by enhancing domestic critical mineral supply chains and developing innovative chemical technologies. This Notice of Funding Opportunity (NOFO) invites proposals for research and pre-pilot testing of technologies that convert alternative and waste feedstocks into valuable chemicals. By offering distinct pathways for technologies at various stages of development, the program seeks to advance solutions that contribute to sustainable energy practices and promote resource efficiency.

The Montana Recreational Trails Grant Program, managed by FWP, supports the development and maintenance of recreational trails across the state. Funded through the Federal Highway Trust Fund, it aims to enhance outdoor recreational opportunities. Eligible projects include trail maintenance, construction of new trails, and the development of facilities. This program not only promotes accessibility but also fosters environmental education and safety in outdoor activities, benefiting both residents and visitors.

The Northern Cincinnati Foundation Scholarship supports graduating seniors from Butler, Warren, or Hamilton Counties who demonstrate financial need and intend to pursue a 2 or 4-year degree. Applicants must maintain a minimum GPA of 2.0. This scholarship aims to alleviate the financial burden of higher education, empowering students to achieve their academic goals and contribute positively to their communities.

The NCUEA-NEA Urban Grants, funded by the National Education Association Staff Organization, aim to enhance membership growth through focused organizing proposals. These grants specifically support initiatives that promote density growth, bargaining readiness, and the development of new units. By prioritizing these areas, the program seeks to strengthen collective action and empower educators in their bargaining efforts.

The Animal Assisted Therapy Fund, in memory of Cordelia Anne Brinton, supports animal-assisted therapy to aid individuals facing mental and emotional challenges. By prioritizing the well-being of animals in therapeutic settings, this fund promotes programs that enhance emotional growth through animal interactions. Eligible organizations include those providing mental health services and animal therapy programs, particularly within specified regions in Wisconsin and Minnesota. Examples of supported organizations range from local therapy centers to animal rescue initiatives.

The Volcanic and Magmatic Studies Group is offering Student Bursaries of up to £500 for doctoral researchers. These funds support travel to conferences, fieldwork, or laboratory facilities. Eligible candidates must be enrolled in a UK or Irish PhD program, have presented at a VMSG meeting, and not have previously received a bursary. The initiative aims to assist those facing unexpected challenges in their research funding or seeking to expand their studies beyond original projects.

The Wausau East Girls Swim Team Scholarship, established in 2006, honors student athletes who demonstrate exceptional dedication to the sport and their community. Administered by the Community Foundation of North Central Wisconsin, this scholarship supports graduating seniors from Wausau East High School who have been active members of the swim team for at least three years. It celebrates values such as teamwork, perseverance, and a positive attitude, fostering future leaders both in academics and athletics.

The Daily Bread Grants, offered by the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America, aim to support congregations with feeding ministries. Starting from November 1st, organizations can apply for $500 grants to help alleviate hunger in their communities. Priority is given to rural ministries, and applications will be accepted until funds are exhausted or until November 15th. This initiative not only provides immediate assistance but also encourages further financial support for food-based services.

The Petoskey-Harbor Springs Area Community Foundation offers Discretionary Grants to support urgent community needs in Emmet County. With applications accepted year-round, these grants provide up to $1,500 per organization, with a total annual fund of $15,000 available. Eligible applicants include 501c3 nonprofits, governmental institutions, and faith-based organizations focused on community service. Notably, grants cannot fund individual support or projects promoting specific religious doctrines. This initiative fosters philanthropy and addresses diverse community issues.