Best Capacity Building Grants for Nonprofits

The Alfred Bersted Foundation Grants aim to support quality educational, human services, and healthcare programs for underserved populations in DeKalb, DuPage, Kane, and McHenry counties, Illinois. Established in 1972, the foundation typically offers one-year grants and prioritizes organizations with a physical presence in these areas. Notably, grants are not awarded to degree-conferring institutions or for endowment campaigns, ensuring resources are focused on immediate community needs.

The LAMC Community Mitigation Scholarship Endowment, established in 2016 by the Coastal Community Foundation of South Carolina, aims to support students in underserved neighborhoods of North Charleston, SC. This fund provides scholarships for tuition and living expenses, addressing educational disparities and fostering community growth. By investing in local youth, the foundation helps empower future leaders and strengthens community resilience, ensuring equitable access to educational opportunities in the region.

The Santa Fe Hestia Fund provides general funding to organizations that support the academic and emotional development of middle school students in Santa Fe County. This initiative aims to boost confidence and wellness, ensuring students are prepared for high school and graduation. By utilizing the Whole Child Framework, the fund emphasizes the importance of strong relationships with supportive adults. Organizations are encouraged to seek diverse funding sources and can apply annually to contribute to this enriching educational environment.

The Santa Fe Hestia Fund provides grassroots funding to support organizations that enhance the academic and emotional well-being of middle school students in Santa Fe County. Grants up to $2,500 are available for programs under three years old. The fund aims to empower students through strong relationships with supportive adults, fostering a holistic approach to education and personal growth. This initiative encourages diverse funding sources and community engagement for lasting impact.

The Guitar Center Music Foundation is an independent 501c3 organization. Through instrument grants and donations, we help ensure schools and music education programs get the resources they need to keep music alive and accessible. We believe in a world in which music is cherished and respected for the immense value it brings to humanity, where every person who seeks to pursue music has the means to do so.

Our mission is to give everyone the power to create and express themselves through music. Since 2005, we have supported hundreds of music education and therapy programs and reached over 300,000 people. With your generous support, we aim to assist many more.

Guitar Center Music Foundation Grants

The Guitar Center Music Foundation awards musical instruments and equipment in-kind to public schools and music programs in need. 

Instrument grants range from up to $1,000 to $5,000 based upon need.

STEM Competition Team Grants

The STEM+C Competition Grant application is available to schools seeking to establish a new STEM+C competition team or to enhance an existing team. Eligible schools may request up to $5,000 per team, with a maximum of two teams funded in a division during the academic year. The total award per division may not exceed $10,000. 

The purpose of the STEM+C Competition Grant is to: 

• Increase awareness of career pathways in science, technology, engineering, mathematics, and computer science (STEM+C) among educators and students. 
• Engage students in extracurricular STEM+C-related activities through problem-based and project-based team competitions. 
• Support the development and expansion of STEM+C competition teams across the Commonwealth. 
• Strengthen STEM+C literacy through hands-on, problem-driven, integrated learning experiences that promote collaboration, communication, creativity, critical thinking, and ethical decision-making while exploring the challenges and opportunities central to the STEM+C Competition Team Grant Initiative. 

The Long Island Aquaculture Infrastructure Grants aim to enhance aquaculture operations by providing funding for equipment and infrastructure projects. Administered by the New York State Department of Agriculture and Markets, the program offers two funding rounds: Round 1 for equipment on a rolling basis and Round 2 for infrastructure through a single proposal process. This initiative supports the long-term viability of the marine economy and encourages growth in New York's aquaculture sector.

Tennessee Department of Economic and Community Development

The Tennessee Department of Economic and Community Development (TNECD) is the state agency that helps businesses large and small succeed in Tennessee. We recruit new businesses to the state, support the growth of existing businesses and market the state as a premier business destination.

In pursuit of sustainable job-creation and investment in Tennessee, TNECD works closely with public- and private-sector partners at the state, regional and local levels.

Tourism Enhancement Grant

Tourism is one of the largest industries and most important economic drivers in Tennessee. The purpose of this grant is to support Tourism Development projects by eligible grantees to allow for the creation or expansion of physical attractions, facilities, or events that are available and open to the public, that improve the appeal of the destinations to tourists, and that enhance tourist experiences that are primarily promoted to or used by tourists.

• Extra consideration will be given to innovative, cost-effective projects with robust partnerships. Projects must be completed within an approximate 12 -18-month timeframe. Additional requirements may apply for specific projects, depending on their nature. 

• Project must be completed on applicant-owned property, or property leased by the applicant from TVA or the US Army Corps of Engineers that has a remaining term of at least the useful life of the project.

• A few examples of projects funded previously include: stage and boat ramp improvements, seating, electrical, lighting and sound system upgrades for tourism venues and attractions, wayfinding signage to direct visitors to tourism attractions, enhancements to sports facilities that host large travel tournaments.

• You can propose multiple projects in multiple parts of the county as long as you do not request more than the maximum permitted grant amount.

• Match amount for a county is determined by tier level designation at the time of application submission. Please see the TN Jobs Tax Credit map for your designation. Tier 1: 50/50 match; Tier 2: 70/30 match; Tier 3: 90/10 match; Tier 4: 95/05 match .

Examples of Eligible Projects

• Stages such as music, theatre, etc. if used for tourism events
• Lighting/electrical for tourism-related public spaces
• Boat ramps with public access
• Historic preservation of tourism property or facility
• ADA compliancy resources for tourism assets
• Wayfinding signage (with proper approval from TDOT as needed) 

Forest Sustainability Fund for Local Government

Forestland provides many benefits to landowners, but also to communities. Landowners directly realize timber, wildlife and recreational values, while the benefits of watershed protection, clean air and scenic beauty are enjoyed by society at large. Realizing this, the Virginia Code enables localities to provide use value taxation that can assist owner in keeping their land as forests. Under use-value taxation, properties are taxed based on the productive value of the land rather than the current market value, which results in lower property taxes.For county and city governments, maintaining forest land is beneficial, as land devoted to forest land use generally requires less cost in providing services than more intensive uses. However, property in forest land use does result in less revenue to local governments. As a result, the General Assembly established the Forest Sustainability Fund in 2022 for localities to apply for an allocation from the Fund to help offset lower, or forgone tax revenue. Forgone revenue is the fair market value of forest land minus the forest use value of forest land times the locality tax rate.The Code states that monies will be used for public education, outdoor recreation or forest conservation.

The Harry A. Saunders III Memorial Fund, established in 2025 by the Hawai‘i Community Foundation, supports Hawaii high school graduates pursuing higher education. This fund aims to empower students demonstrating financial need and maintaining a minimum GPA of 2.0. Preference is given to recipients who were awarded in the previous year, provided they continue to meet eligibility requirements. The fund embodies a commitment to fostering educational opportunities and enriching the lives of young Hawaiians.

The IATSE Local 700 Hardship Relief Fund provides emergency financial assistance to eligible members of the performing arts and entertainment industry during critical times. This support helps cover essential living expenses, such as housing and healthcare, to prevent eviction and utility shut-offs. To qualify, members must have met minimum dues requirements or be officially retired. The fund does not cover expenses like credit cards, loans, or business-related costs.

The Hill-Weatherford Post of the American Legion Scholarship, established in 2017, provides financial assistance to veterans and their direct descendants residing in South Carolina. This initiative, supported by the Coastal Community Foundation, aims to empower individuals by addressing educational needs and fostering community growth. By investing in the future of these students, the scholarship promotes equity and opportunity within the region, ensuring that those who have served our country receive the support they deserve.

The Dorothy Jean Coates Scholarship Foundation Fund, established by the Community Foundation for Northern Virginia, supports nontraditional students in higher education. This fund honors Dorothy Jean Coates, a dedicated lifelong learner who balanced family and education. It prioritizes applicants who attend college part-time, work full-time, or face unique challenges in returning to school. Preference is given to those attending Northern Virginia Community College, reflecting the fund's commitment to fostering educational equity and opportunity.

The Hillcrest Foundation Grant, established in 1958, supports Texas charitable organizations focused on education, health, and poverty relief. It prioritizes unique and essential projects that do not duplicate existing services, with grants typically ranging from $10,000 to $300,000. Most funding is directed to Dallas County and the surrounding areas, emphasizing the foundation's commitment to community support. Organizations receiving grants must adhere to specific eligibility criteria, ensuring effective use of resources for the greater good.

The No Kid Hungry Grant, provided by Share Our Strength, aims to support schools and community groups in ensuring children have access to nutritious meals. Grants are allocated for essential equipment rather than food, addressing the unique needs of programs serving children. With a focus on reducing financial barriers, the initiative prioritizes funding for the School Breakfast Program and summer meals, ultimately striving for equitable access to resources that help combat childhood hunger and promote community engagement.

The IATSE Local 600: Traditional Hardship Fund Grant provides emergency financial assistance to performing arts and entertainment professionals in times of unexpected need. This grant supports basic living expenses like healthcare and housing, aiming to prevent eviction or shut-offs. Eligible members must have been in good standing for at least two years and have faced work loss due to illness or disasters. The fund ensures support during critical times, promoting stability within the community.

The Clean Vessel Assistance Program provides crucial funding for marinas to install and maintain pumpout stations, ensuring the proper disposal of recreational boater septic waste. The Information and Education Grant specifically supports municipalities and non-profits in promoting awareness and usage of these facilities. Grants cover up to 75% of eligible costs, with a maximum award of $5,000 per project, facilitating various projects like signage and workshops to enhance public understanding.

The Clean Vessel Assistance Program's Operation and Maintenance Grant supports marinas in maintaining pumpout stations by covering up to 75% of eligible costs, with a maximum of $2,000 for land-based facilities and $5,000 for pumpout boats. Grants are intended for routine replacement items and annual costs, not major repairs. Facilities must adhere to the Clean Vessel Act, including maintaining accessible services and tracking user fees. Funding applications are continuously accepted.

The PLTW Launch program, in collaboration with Huber, offers grants to public schools seeking to initiate or expand their PLTW offerings for the 2026-2027 academic year. Schools can utilize the $5,000 grant to enhance their curriculum by adding new modules, increasing student participation, or training more teachers. Eligible districts span across several states, including Arkansas, Georgia, Illinois, and Texas, providing opportunities for a diverse range of schools to benefit from this initiative.

The Linford & Mildred White Charitable Fund Grant, established in 1956, aims to support quality educational, human services, and health care programs for underserved populations in Waterbury, Connecticut. Eligible organizations must serve this community, and grants are awarded for one year only. Note that requests for capital projects are not considered, and no organization can receive funding for more than three consecutive years. This initiative seeks to enhance the well-being of local residents through impactful programming.

The Clean Vessel Assistance Program (CVAP) offers grants to marinas, municipalities, and nonprofits for the installation and renovation of pumpout stations to manage recreational boaters' septic waste. Funded by the Sport Fish Restoration fund and administered by the New York State Environmental Facilities Corporation, these grants can cover up to 75% of eligible costs, with a maximum of $60,000 for pumpout boats and $35,000 for stationary units, ensuring better environmental practices in marine areas.

The Hennepin County Youth Activities Grants program, in partnership with the USA Swimming Foundation, aims to enhance youth access to aquatic safety through Swim Lessons Grants. These grants support free or low-cost swim lessons and transportation to lesson locations, addressing disparities in youth drowning rates. Since its inception in 2009, the program has allocated over $31.2 million to various youth activities, including sports and arts, providing vital opportunities for the county's youth.

The Hennepin County Youth Activities Grants program provides financial support for youth activities, including lifeguard services for individuals aged 21 and younger. With grants up to $50,000, the initiative addresses the youth lifeguard shortage through innovative recruitment, training, and retention strategies. This program has awarded over $31.2 million since its inception in 2009, funded by the Twins ballpark sales tax, ensuring more youth have access to essential water safety training and opportunities.

The Underground Storage Tank System Upgrades Grant Program in Nevada aims to assist small businesses with the financial burden of complying with federal UST regulations. Grants of up to $90,000 are available for the purchase and installation of necessary equipment, ensuring environmental safety. Approximately $2 million is anticipated annually for upgrades, prioritizing applicants based on need. Eligible applicants must meet specific requirements, including being registered with the state UST program and complying with petroleum fund enrollment.

The Ogden Circle of Giving focuses on conservation and environmental projects in the Greater Ogden area for 2025. Formed in 2019, it pools donations to support local nonprofits through collaborative grant cycles. Notably, it has awarded over $200,000 to enhance community well-being and foster innovation. The giving circle rotates its focus areas to ensure equitable funding opportunities, thereby deepening its collective impact while addressing various community needs.

The Leah Read and Seymour I. Barkowitz Scholarship Fund, established in 1988, supports students from Berkeley, Charleston, and Dorchester counties pursuing a four-year degree at the College of Charleston. This annual scholarship, funded by the Coastal Community Foundation of South Carolina, aims to empower local students by providing financial assistance for their educational aspirations. The foundation’s commitment to community well-being and educational equity is exemplified through this targeted funding initiative.

The Phillip O’Neill Hanvey Memorial Scholarship Fund, established in 1963 and managed by the Coastal Community Foundation since 1990, aims to support Charleston County students in their pursuit of higher education. Through this fund, the Foundation enhances educational opportunities, demonstrating its commitment to fostering equitable access and community well-being. This initiative is part of a broader mission to invest in community resources that help address structural challenges and promote a brighter future for the region's youth.