Best Capacity Building Grants for Nonprofits

The Gadsden Family Fund, established in 1983, supports residents of Berkeley and Dorchester Counties in South Carolina by providing scholarships for education at Winthrop and Clemson Universities. Managed by the Coastal Community Foundation, the fund exemplifies community commitment, addressing pressing needs through strategic grantmaking and fostering local initiatives. This initiative reflects a dedication to equity and opportunity, ensuring that deserving students can pursue their academic goals and contribute positively to their communities.

Amanda’s Scholarship Fund, established in memory of Amanda Welling Dykes, supports students from Berkeley, Charleston, and Dorchester counties. Funded through the Coastal Community Foundation, it honors Amanda’s love for learning and character. The foundation invests in community needs, promoting equity and opportunity through scholarships and grants, while addressing critical challenges like education access. This initiative reflects a commitment to nurturing the potential of young learners in South Carolina.

Local Food for Schools and Child Care Food Hub Grant 

The Vermont Agency of Agriculture, Food & Markets (VAAFM) is seeking applications from non-profit food hubs in Vermont to provide local food to eligible School Food Authorities. This funding opportunity is part of the Vermont Farm to School and Early Childhood Program and is funded by a one-time state appropriation for Local Food for Schools and Child Care (LFSCC) grants.

The purpose of this funding opportunity is to provide local food to Vermont K-12 students through non-profit food hubs. This opportunity is open to non-profit food hubs headquartered in Vermont. This opportunity is modeled after the Vermont Local Food for Schools program, which was piloted in School Year 2023-2024, using one-time funding from the U.S. Department of Agriculture. 

Food hubs will apply for grant funding to work with a particular subset of School Food Authorities (SFAs) that they have capacity to reach with distribution. Each SFA has a pre-determined amount of grant funding that they will access through this program. The amount of grant funding allocated to each SFA is based on enrollment data from the Vermont Agency of Education. Grant request amounts will be directly tied to the specific mix of SFAs that a food hub is applying to serve. 

If awarded, the SFA’s assigned food hub will make available the allocated amount as credit at the food hub, which the SFAs can use to purchase local food from the food hub’s catalogue.

The review committee will ensure that every eligible SFA in Vermont is served by a local food hub and provided access to free, local food. This grant opportunity is effectively using food hubs as a pass-through entity to provide local food funding to SFAs directly. Food purchased with LFSCC funds must meet the Vermont local definition (Act 129 of 2020).

A total of $300,000 is available through this competitive funding opportunity. There is no award minimum or maximum for this grant. Grantees will have up to two years to complete projects. Pre-award costs may also be available, with permission from the grant program manager. No matching funds are required for this grant.

South Carolina Department of Agriculture

The South Carolina Department of Agriculture was established in 1879 to oversee and promote agriculture in the Palmetto State. With services as diverse as food safety inspections, entrepreneurship development, and the Certified South Carolina branding program, we help the state’s farmers and agribusinesses grow and prosper.

The mission of the South Carolina Department of Agriculture is to promote and nurture the growth and development of South Carolina’s agriculture industry and its related businesses while assuring the safety and security of the buying public.

Cold Storage Cost Share Program

The South Carolina Department of Agriculture and South Carolina Specialty Crop Growers Association are pleased to announce continued funding for the Cold Storage Cost Share Program. Through the USDA Specialty Crop Block Grant Program, farmers who are members of the South Carolina Specialty Crop Growers Association may receive reimbursement up to $750 for the purchasing and installing up to two (2) Cool Bot cooler systems. Nonmembers may receive reimbursement up to $325, for installing one (1) Cool Bot cooler system. The Cool-Bot utilizes a traditional window-unit air conditioner, multiple sensors, a heating element, and a programmed micro-controller to direct your air conditioner’s compressor to cool the room to 36° F, without ever freezing up.

South Carolina Department of Agriculture

The South Carolina Department of Agriculture was established in 1879 to oversee and promote agriculture in the Palmetto State. With services as diverse as food safety inspections, entrepreneurship development, and the Certified South Carolina branding program, we help the state’s farmers and agribusinesses grow and prosper.

The mission of the South Carolina Department of Agriculture is to promote and nurture the growth and development of South Carolina’s agriculture industry and its related businesses while assuring the safety and security of the buying public.

Market Development Educational Conference Cost Share Program

The SC Specialty Crop Growers Association is partnering with the SC Department of Agriculture (SCDA) to promote the specialty crop industry through a cost share program that will assist growers in attending domestic industry trade show and educational conferences. Attendance at various trade shows and conferences will equip South Carolina’s specialty crop growers with the latest and most current research based educational information on topics such as pest management, sustainability, production practices, food safety, and regulatory issues, which are essential in expanding the specialty crop industry.

Through funding from the USDA Specialty Crop Block Grant, this cost share program will cover 50% of registration fees for attending a specialty crop-focused educational conference for up to 2 growers per company. The cost share will not cover costs of merchandise, travel, food, or lodging.

Reimbursements are available on a first come first serve basis until funds are depleted. A farm may submit their application and primary source receipts after each event or following the end of the conference season.

Graduation Rule

Growers cannot exceed more than two consecutive years in the program, although they can reapply after one year hiatus.

Utah Division of Arts & Museums

As the first and oldest state arts agency in the nation, the Utah Division of Arts & Museums (UA&M) celebrated its 125th anniversary in 2025.  

UA&M Mission: Our agency enhances Utah’s quality of life. We champion opportunities to experience culture by investing in arts and museums, offering professional development, facilitating connections, and providing direct services.

Our agency acts as a state coordinator and advisor on topics of importance to arts and museums communities. We manage the State of Utah Alice Merrill Horne Art Collection, the Utah Percent-for-Art Act public art program, and traveling exhibitions, reaching every county in the state. UA&M is the primary agency in Utah that distributes state and federal funds to stimulate and encourage growth in the creative industries. These funds are appropriated directly for arts and museums by both the Utah State Legislature and the National Endowment for the Arts. We are a division of the Department of Cultural & Community Engagement within Utah state government.

Creative Aging Grant

Our Creative Aging program fosters a network of cultural organizations, senior service organizations, libraries, and artists who are trained in creative aging best practices.

This grant is available to organizations or artists who participated in the Lifetime Arts 'Foundations' or 'Essentials' training.

Program Impact

Utah Division of Arts & Museums (UA&M) has been training Utahns in the best practices of creative aging and funding grants for creative aging projects for four years. Our Creative Aging Grant projects pay a professional artist to teach an art class to adults 55 years and older. These classes teach older adults an art form and celebrate their accomplishments at the end of the class. Older adults in Utah have learned a variety of artforms, including dance, theatre, fused glass, ceramics, watercolor, music appreciation, printmaking, and many more. These classes reduce isolation by providing older adults an opportunity to foster meaningful connections.

The Edith Schwab Memorial Scholarship, established by the Blue Grass Community Foundation in honor of Edith Schwab, aims to support graduate students in Kentucky pursuing careers in public service. This non-renewable scholarship offers at least $1,000 to candidates with excellent academic records and demonstrated financial need, focusing on fields such as public administration, teaching, public health, or social work. The foundation seeks to empower future leaders dedicated to community enhancement.

The W&L’s Johnson Scholarship is a prestigious merit-based program that rewards up to 44 incoming students annually for their academic achievements, leadership, and integrity. The scholarship covers tuition, fees, housing, meals, and includes $10,000 for a summer experience, totaling over $89,000 per year. Students demonstrating additional financial need may receive higher awards. Finalists participate in a selection event at Washington and Lee University, with all associated costs covered.

The Families First Community Grants, administered by the Tennessee Department of Human Services, aim to empower low-income families by facilitating access to employment and essential support services. Through collaboration with local non-profits, this initiative seeks to enhance independence and self-sufficiency among families across Tennessee, fostering a stronger community. Organizations that align with this mission are encouraged to apply and partner in this transformative effort.

The USPOULTRY Research Grants program, sponsored by the U.S. Poultry and Egg Association, aims to enhance the poultry industry through comprehensive research funding. Established in 1963, it supports diverse projects related to poultry and egg production. With over $30 million invested, the program emphasizes improving product quality and safety. Proposals are evaluated by a panel of experts, with a funding rate of 15-20%. Eligible projects typically have budgets under $80,000 and timelines of 1-2 years.

The ANCHOR Grants program, funded by Northwestern University, supports collaborative projects aimed at improving community health and resilience in Evanston and Chicago. With over $500,000 available annually, grants range from $25,000 to $65,000, primarily benefiting community-based organizations. Partnerships can involve students, faculty, or staff, focusing on addressing social and economic disparities. This initiative encourages sustainable solutions through co-creation and teamwork, fostering positive community impacts.

The Fredric Rosemore Low Vision Educational Grant, awarded by the American Academy of Optometry Foundation since 2012, aims to foster excellence in low vision education at North American optometry institutions. Each grant provides $1,000 to support various needs such as personnel, equipment, or care, aligning with the mission of the AAOF. Eligible applicants include members of the AAO, whether they are students, candidates, or Fellows.

The Gateway Children’s Charity Grant, offered by YouthBridge Community Foundation, focuses on funding early childhood programs in underserved areas of metropolitan St. Louis. With grants available for capital expenses up to $100,000 and capacity-building support up to $50,000, GCC aims to enhance educational quality and infrastructure. Eligible applicants must be 501(c)(3) organizations serving youth from preschool to kindergarten. This initiative represents a significant opportunity to improve childhood education and community welfare.

Who is OCVA?

The Office of Crime Victims Advocacy (OCVA) is housed within the Department of Commerce. OCVA serves as a voice within government for the needs of crime victims in Washington State. Established in 1990, OCVA serves the state by:

• Advocating on behalf of victims obtaining needed services and resources.
• Administering grant funds for community programs working with crime victims.
• Assisting communities in planning and implementing services for crime victims. 
• Advising local and state government agencies of practices, policies, and priorities that impact crime victims. 

What is this application for?

This application is for victim services that meaningfully address the needs of individuals age 11 and older that have experienced sexual assault.

How much funding is available?

OCVA estimates that $260,000 will be available each year for this grant initiative.

Applicants may propose projects up to $130,000. OCVA anticipates awarding two grants. OCVA has discretion to negotiate any changes to an applicant’s scope of work and budget.

When can the funds be used?

The initial grant award period is January 1, 2027 through December 31, 2027. We anticipate the availability of renewal funding for three (3) years, through December 31, 2030. Renewal funding is contingent on the availability of funding, progress of the project, and/or any extension or amendments to the overarching statewide funding plan.

The Dwane & Velma Wallace Foundation Grant supports charitable organizations in Wichita, Kansas, focusing on areas such as arts, education, community development, social services, and quality of life. Grants are available to entities that enhance community welfare, but requests for fundraising events, operating deficits, and individual scholarships are not eligible. The foundation aims to empower local organizations to create a positive impact, reflecting the legacy of Dwane and Velma Wallace.

The Education Foundation of Sarasota County Scholarship offers a one-time, nonrenewable award of $1,000 to 2025 or recent graduates from Sarasota County public schools. Eligible applicants must be enrolled in an accredited college or vocational school, be under 24 years old, and demonstrate financial need. Preference is given to prior recipients of Education Foundation scholarships. This initiative reflects the Foundation's commitment to enhancing educational opportunities and supporting students in their pursuit of higher education.

The Tribal Cultural Council Program, administered by the Mass Cultural Council, empowers Tribal Cultural Councils to distribute funds for arts, humanities, and science initiatives within their communities. This program prioritizes local decision-making, allowing councils to tailor eligibility requirements based on community input. TCCs can fund diverse projects, from artist residencies to public art and community events, while ensuring a minimum grant amount of $250 to support impactful initiatives.

The Brownfields Grant Program in Wisconsin aims to revitalize contaminated industrial or commercial sites, promoting economic growth and community development. This initiative supports applicants with funds for environmental assessments and remediation efforts, turning neglected properties into viable spaces for redevelopment. Eligible candidates must provide recent environmental reports and demonstrate the inability of the responsible party to pay for cleanup. By facilitating the transformation of these brownfields, the program enhances local economies and community welfare.

The USS ST. LOUIS (LCS 19) Scholarship, established by the Commissioning Committee in 2020, supports crew members and their dependents pursuing undergraduate degrees or technical training. Administered by The Scholarship Foundation of St. Louis, it awards up to $12,000 annually, renewable for up to ten semesters. This initiative honors the commitment of the USS ST. LOUIS crew while fostering educational advancement and community engagement.

The Marilyn and Morton Werner Egality Scholarship Fund honors the legacy of its namesakes by supporting students committed to civic engagement and systemic change. Open to residents of the St. Louis metropolitan area, this scholarship prioritizes individuals with a proven record of leadership and community involvement. Award amounts reach up to $10,000 annually for graduate students and $6,000 for undergraduates, with funding available for up to five years. This initiative aims to empower the next generation of leaders in policy and public service.

The Fulbright English Teaching Assistant Programs enable participants to assist local teachers in teaching English while promoting cultural exchange. Participants serve as ambassadors, enriching their host communities through shared experiences. Eligibility requires applicants to apply to one country only, ensuring they meet specific language and recommendation criteria. The program fosters mutual understanding and provides an opportunity for personal and professional growth in diverse educational settings across the globe.

The Small Business Development Grant (SBDG) in Wisconsin aims to enhance local economies by providing financial support to small business development organizations. With awards ranging from $50,000 to $250,000, the program targets local and regional Economic Development Organizations, municipalities, tribal governments, and counties to foster innovative support for small businesses. This initiative addresses the ongoing challenge of accessing capital, encouraging diverse and rural business growth while ensuring community involvement in program development.

The Non-Profit $2,000 Event Promotions Grant by the Franklin County Tourist Development Council supports eligible 501c non-profits and governmental organizations in promoting one-day events. This reimbursement grant aims to help local organizations effectively market their events through various promotional activities, including media outreach. Eligible applicants must have been operational for at least two years and conduct events in Franklin County, ensuring community-focused engagement and visibility.

The Non-Profit $3,500 Major Two-Day Event Promotions Grant is provided by the Franklin County Tourist Development Council to support 501c non-profit and governmental organizations in Franklin County. This reimbursement grant aims to assist in marketing local events through various media outlets. Eligible organizations can apply for one of five available grants, with specific requirements regarding event duration and public accessibility. Applications are open to those with a minimum of two years of operational experience.

The Seymoure, Fred and Mildred (Young) Memorial Scholarship Fund offers a $500 scholarship to a Central Noble High School senior or graduate, or a resident of the Albion area pursuing a BS or MS in education. Established by the Noble County Community Foundation, this fund aims to support future educators in making a positive impact in their communities. Since 1991, the foundation has been dedicated to enhancing the quality of life in Noble County.

The Marjorie Wrezic Scholarship, established by the Hamilton Education Foundation in 2013, honors Ralph Wrezic and supports graduating Hamilton High School seniors. With multiple awards of $10,000 for four-year degrees and $5,000 for technical programs, this scholarship aims to assist students with a 3.25 GPA or higher and financial need. The foundation, founded in 1991, has provided over $2.5 million to enhance educational opportunities within the Hamilton School District.

The Yolo Voter Education Grant aims to enhance voter understanding in Yolo County ahead of the 2024 elections. Funded by the Walter & Evelyn Haas Fund, the initiative focuses on educating communities about the voting process, including changes in voting locations and methods. Nonprofit organizations are encouraged to leverage existing relationships and resources to maximize outreach effectiveness. Training and multilingual materials will be provided to support grantees in their efforts to engage priority communities.