Best Capacity Building Grants for Nonprofits

The SCI Research on the Translational Spectrum (SCIRTS) portfolio aims to promote innovative research that enhances function and alleviates complications following spinal cord injuries. It encourages studies that involve individuals with SCI, emphasizing translational significance in research designs. SCIRTS grants support diverse research areas, including mechanistic, preclinical, and clinical studies, to develop effective interventions. Funding categories include Postdoctoral Fellowships, Pilot Research Grants, and Senior Research Grants, targeting early-career and senior investigators to advance spinal cord injury research.

The Small Town Grants program, part of the Clean Water State Revolving Fund, provides matching grants to municipalities with populations of 10,000 or less. With over $10.1 million allocated since July 2020, the program aims to subsidize costly wastewater treatment and sewer projects. Eligibility requires completion of a Needs Survey and a median household income below the state average, ensuring support for communities facing financial hardship.

The Best in Class Grant Program in North Dakota aims to enhance early childhood education through targeted investments in high-quality programs. By fostering supported interactions and developmentally appropriate experiences, the program ensures that children and families receive exceptional services. Teaching staff will be provided with coaching to implement effective play-based curricula and assessments. Continuous monitoring and evaluation will guarantee that the program's impact is measurable and meaningful, supporting children's growth before they enter kindergarten.

The Child Care Start-Up and Expansion Grant offers financial assistance of up to $10,000 for child care centers and $5,000 for child care homes to enhance service capacity. Eligible applicants include individuals, groups, and existing programs aiming to meet licensing requirements or expand services. This initiative supports new quality child care programs and modifications to existing ones, ensuring providers can maintain operations and child care subsidy enrollment for three years.

The High Ability Program Grant, provided by the Indiana Department of Education, aims to enhance inclusive access to high ability services for Indiana students. This grant focuses on specific expenses that extend beyond general education, ensuring increased access to vital services. It promotes the retention of qualified educators, raises community awareness, and significantly impacts program success, thereby fostering an environment that nurtures high ability learners.

The Film Festival Support and Promotion Grant, provided by the Colorado Office of Economic Development & International Trade, offers financial assistance to over 40 film festivals annually in Colorado. This grant particularly supports emerging festivals in rural areas, aiming to enhance local economies by attracting visitors. Applicants must ensure their festivals are located in Colorado and submit the necessary interest form three months prior to the event. This initiative fosters community engagement and promotes the film industry.

Extreme Terrain’s Clean Trail Initiative Program aims to enhance trail integrity by supporting groups in the U.S. with grants for projects like trail clean-up, restoration, and expansion. Eligible applicants include Wrangler and 4x4 clubs, environmental organizations, and those managing public or private trails. The initiative emphasizes responsible off-roading while encouraging volunteers to engage in improving our natural landscapes. This program fosters community involvement and promotes sustainable practices in outdoor activities.

The Category 5 - Statewide Agriculture Education Organization Grant, administered by Maine Agriculture in the Classroom (MAITC), provides funding up to $2,000 for projects that enhance agricultural education for Pre K – 12th grade students. Eligible nonprofit organizations in Maine can apply for funds to support educational programs and materials that promote understanding of agriculture's role in society. Grants aim to impact over 77,000 students annually, fostering a deeper appreciation of local agricultural practices.

The John and Mary Alford Foundation Grant, established in 1996 by Ronald B. Alford and Barbara Alford Cantlin, aims to enhance the quality of life in Licking County through support for educational, social, religious, and cultural programs. The Licking County Foundation, a private charitable organization, manages this grant, ensuring it serves community needs while promoting philanthropic leadership. Eligible organizations must be 501(c)(3) charities, with a focus on projects that have broad community impact.

The Community Partnership Grant, administered by the Sons of Norway Foundation, offers up to $5,000 for projects that promote and preserve Norwegian culture and heritage. Open to individuals and groups from Norway and the U.S., the grant encourages initiatives that reflect the foundation's core values such as lifelong learning and community generosity. Applications must be submitted online in English and should demonstrate a commitment to celebrating Norwegian cultural traditions.

The Nita M. Lowey 21st Century Community Learning Centers Program Subgrant, administered by the South Carolina Department of Education, aims to enhance academic enrichment opportunities for students in low-performing schools. This initiative supports a range of activities, including tutoring, youth development, health education, and family engagement, fostering a holistic approach to education that complements the regular academic curriculum and prepares students for successful futures.

The Nita M. Lowey 21st Century Community Learning Centers Grant, managed by the Missouri Department of Elementary and Secondary Education, aims to enhance student learning through various programmatic components. These include academic enrichment, family engagement, and a range of additional services that support students, particularly those in low-performing schools. The grant is designed to create safe environments for students after school hours, promoting holistic development through tutoring, arts, sports, and community service.

The School Age Community Grant supports school-based programs catering to children aged 5 to 12, including those with disabilities. It aims to enhance academic achievement through various activities such as tutoring, mentoring, and enrichment programs. The grant encourages applications from local education agencies, with funding options for single or multiple sites. Priority points are awarded for targeting schools with higher needs and for year-round programming, ensuring that diverse community needs are met effectively.

The Kentucky 21st Century Community Learning Centers (CCLC) Grant aims to enhance student achievement and social development through effective out-of-school programs. Targeting high-poverty and low-performing schools, it provides academic, artistic, and cultural enrichment opportunities. Local school districts, community organizations, and other eligible agencies are invited to apply, with a maximum award of $150,000 available and no matching funds required, fostering collaboration for student success.

Welcome to the New Jersey Department of Education

Mission

The New Jersey Department of Education supports schools, educators and districts to ensure all of New Jersey's 1.4 million students have equitable access to high quality education and achieve academic excellence.

Vision

Become a model organization that strengthens teaching, leading and learning in order to increase educational equity for all students.

CTSO: Skills USA

It is the intent of the Career & Technical Student Organization (CTSO) – SkillsUSA Year 1/4 Competitive grant program to identify an organization to provide statewide leadership (state advisors) for the Career and Technical Student Organization (CTSO) identified below. CTSOs are student-led organizations that develop student competencies and career readiness designed to 1) prepare them for success in environments in different broad industry areas, 2) gain self-confidence and pride in their work and accomplishments, 3) learn good leadership qualities and skills, and 4) identify and make realistic career choices that encourage individual achievement and recognition. Local chapters of a CTSO are established at LEAs serving secondary students. SkillsUSA (SkillsUSA) empowers its members to become world-class workers, leaders and responsible American citizens.

The New Jersey Department of Education (NJDOE) has established a four-year grant program. This limited-competitive grant program is open to public secondary school districts and 2-year and 4-year institutions of higher education in the State of New Jersey.

Funding

Total Amount Available: $158,500 

Welcome to the New Jersey Department of Education

Mission

The New Jersey Department of Education supports schools, educators and districts to ensure all of New Jersey's 1.4 million students have equitable access to high quality education and achieve academic excellence.

Vision

Become a model organization that strengthens teaching, leading and learning in order to increase educational equity for all students.

Family, Careers and Community Leaders of America (FCCLA) Grant

It is the intent of the Career & Technical Student Organization (CTSO) – Family, Career, and Community Leaders of America (FCCLA) Year 1/4 Competitive grant program to identify an organization to provide statewide leadership (state advisors) for the Career and Technical Student Organization (CTSO) identified below. CTSOs are student-led organizations that develop student competencies and career readiness designed to 1) prepare them for success in environments in different broad industry areas, 2) gain self-confidence and pride in their work and accomplishments, 3) learn good leadership qualities and skills, and 4) identify and make realistic career choices that encourage individual achievement and recognition. Local chapters of a CTSO are established at LEAs serving secondary students. Family, Career and Community Leaders of America (FCCLA) promotes career opportunities in the family and consumer sciences, to enhance the delivery of quality family and community services to all people.

The New Jersey Department of Education (NJDOE) has established a four-year grant program. This limited-competitive grant program is open to public secondary school districts and 2-year and 4-year institutions of higher education in the State of New Jersey

Funding

Total Amount Available: $158,500  

The State Tutoring Grant, administered by the Arizona Department of Education, aims to provide tutoring for students attending schools rated D or F. This program enables parents to select approved tutoring services to enhance educational outcomes. With a focus on equity, the initiative seeks to support students in need, ensuring that tutoring complements existing educational frameworks. Eligible Arizona schools can apply, fostering improved academic performance and collaboration among educators and communities.

The Minnesota Department of Education offers the Grow Your Own Competitive Grant Opportunity to enhance and diversify the teacher workforce in Minnesota. This grant, with a total of $30,000,000 available, supports programs specifically for people of color and American Indian individuals seeking to obtain their first professional teaching license. Eligible applicants can receive up to $750,000 to create programs that provide tuition scholarships or stipends for teacher preparation.

The Visionary Prize for Women’s Economic Empowerment, established in 2022 by Visionary Women and the Hostetler/Wrigley Foundation, honors a visionary woman leader of a nonprofit focused on advancing women's economic empowerment in the U.S. This prestigious award provides $100,000 in unrestricted funds to support the recipient's agency and its initiatives. Eligible candidates must have a minimum of four years of operation and an annual budget exceeding $500,000, actively working towards women's economic advancement.

The Rural Fire Capacity (RFC) Grant Program, funded by the USDA Forest Service, aims to enhance fire response capabilities in designated rural areas. This program emphasizes the importance of personal protective equipment, communication tools, and adherence to County Wildfire Protection Plans. Eligible applicants must maintain an active Unique Entity Identifier and ensure that funding directly benefits rural populations, particularly those with 10,000 residents or fewer. Prioritizing volunteer fire services, the program seeks to strengthen community resilience against wildfires.

The CATCH Grant, offered by USA Football, provides essential support to organizations facing critical challenges such as natural disasters or theft. This program aims to enhance the athlete experience by assisting with unexpected hardships affecting operations. Eligible organizations enrolled with USA Football can apply for varying award amounts based on their specific circumstances. For more information, refer to the FAQs available on the USA Football website.

The National Meredith Willson Awards provide multi-year operating support to organizations using music for systemic change. The Music Man Foundation will award grants of $50,000 to $500,000 to 5-10 selected organizations in 2026, focusing on their impact through music. Eligible organizations must have 501(c)(3) status, a history of music programming, and a commitment to systemic change. Applications will be evaluated on leadership, organizational capacity, and alignment with grant criteria.

The YouthRoots Routt County Grant, offered by the Yampa Valley Community Foundation, empowers high school students in Routt County to become community leaders. Through a year-long program, participants engage in philanthropy, tackle local issues, and complete 60 hours of community service. This initiative not only develops essential leadership skills but also inspires youth to create positive change in their communities. By fostering collaboration and social responsibility, the grant aims to cultivate a new generation of change-makers.

The Rural Business Development Grants in Texas provide crucial assistance to small rural businesses, aimed at fostering economic growth in underdeveloped areas. This program targets entities with fewer than 50 employees and less than $1 million in revenue, prioritizing smaller funding requests. Eligible projects include training, technical assistance, and economic development initiatives, ensuring that funds are effectively utilized to enhance community and business development in rural locations.

The KaBOOM! Adventure Courses Grant Program offers funding to create engaging playspaces for older children and teens. This initiative encourages community involvement through a collaborative design and build process, aiming to address the need for physical activity in low-income areas. Eligible applicants include organizations that serve youth and can demonstrate community support. Grants are available on a rolling basis, with a focus on priority cities impacted by recent events, including rural Colorado and Hurricane Harvey-affected Texas communities.

The Rural Business Development Grants in Alabama aim to support small rural businesses by providing technical assistance and training. Eligible projects must benefit rural areas outside urbanized regions. Although there is no maximum grant amount, smaller requests are prioritized. Funding can be used for various projects, including community development, training, and feasibility studies, enhancing the economic landscape of rural communities.

The Rural Business Development Grants in Arizona aim to support small rural businesses by providing essential technical assistance and training. Eligible projects must benefit rural areas, with funding prioritized for smaller requests. This program offers two grant types: Opportunity grants, which focus on community and technology-based development, and Enterprise grants, which target small and emerging businesses through various developmental projects. Overall, the program fosters economic growth and sustainability in rural communities.