Best Capacity Building Grants for Nonprofits

The Land and Water Conservation Fund's Outdoor Recreation Legacy Partnership Program aims to enhance recreational opportunities in underserved communities through significant funding. Offering matching grants up to 50%, with awards ranging from $300,000 to $15,000,000, this program encourages applicants to connect with the Connecticut Department of Energy and Environmental Protection early in the application process for guidance. This initiative supports large-scale projects that improve access to recreational facilities.

The Stocker Foundation Grants support innovative educational programs aimed at bridging the literacy gap in underserved communities. With a focus on STEAM initiatives, the Foundation seeks to partner with 501(c)(3) organizations in specific counties across Ohio, California, and Arizona. The goal is to enhance reading and writing skills through cross-disciplinary learning, while also providing essential support services that promote student engagement and academic success. Grants are not awarded for capital campaigns or individual projects.

The City of Naperville has allocated $100,000 from the National Multistate Opioid Settlement for Opioid Remediation Grants. These funds will support programs and services aimed at combating opioid misuse and must qualify as approved abatement programs. Eligible organizations do not need to be non-profit, but must serve the Naperville community. The grants intend to address various aspects of opioid addiction, including treatment, recovery, and educational initiatives.

Community-based Juvenile Services Aid Program Enhancement

Pursuant to NRS §43-2404.02, the Community-based Juvenile Services Aid Program (CBA) shall be apportioned as aid in accordance with a formula based on the total number of residents per county and federally recognized or state-recognized Indian tribe who are twelve years of age through eighteen years of age and other relevant factors as determined by the Commission. Funds not awarded through the CBA Request for Application (CB RFA) will be distributed as the Enhancement (EB) grant.

Enhancement funding is distributed on a competitive basis to eligible counties and tribes with a demonstrated need in the Community-based Juvenile Services Aid funding areas. This announcement is an extension of the FY2026 CBA RFA released October 29, 2024. Please refer to the CBA RFA, found here, for detailed funding purpose, funding limitations, funding requirements, and application instructions. All CBA requirements and restrictions apply.

Applicants must be able to demonstrate additional need in the funding areas.

Community-based Juvenile Services Aid Program Purpose

The Juvenile Services Act (NRS 43-2401 to 43-2412) was created due to a Legislative finding that the incarceration of juveniles in adult jails, lockups, and correctional facilities is contrary to the best interests and well-being of juveniles and frequently inconsistent with state and federal law requiring intervention by the least restrictive method. The Legislature further found the lack of available alternatives within local communities is a significant factor in the incarceration of juveniles in such adult jails, lockups, and correctional facilities. To address such lack of available alternatives to the incarceration of juveniles, the Legislature declared it to be the policy of the State of Nebraska to aid in the establishment of programs or services for juveniles under the jurisdiction of the juvenile or criminal justice system and to finance such programs or services through the Community-based Juvenile Services Aid Program, the Juvenile Services Commission Grant Program, and funds acquired by participation in the federal act (Juvenile Justice and Delinquency Prevention Act of 1974) (NRS 43-2403).

The Community-based Juvenile Services Aid Program shall be used in alignment with the Juvenile Services Act purpose' and to promote the development and implementation of community-based programs designed to prevent unlawful behavior and to effectively minimize the depth and duration of the juvenile's involvement in the juvenile justice system. Programs and services shall be designed to serve and target youth who are eleven through eighteen years of age. Programs focused on reducing excessive absenteeism may serve and target students in grades kindergarten - twelfth grade (ages five through eighteen). Aid recipients shall prioritize programs and services that will divert juveniles from the juvenile justice system, reduce the population of juveniles in juvenile detention and secure confinement, and assist in transitioning juveniles from out-of-home placements.

For purposes of the Community-based Juvenile Services Aid Program, the population of youth being served must be youth in the juvenile justice system or be at risk of entering the juvenile justice system. Youth at risk shall include youth who are identified as being at risk of violating the law, those whose behavior is such that they endanger themselves or others, youth with low protective factors,?youth with risk factors for delinquency, youth with criminogenic needs factors, and at-risk youth as defined by the federal act.

Programs and services targeting non-criminogenic risk factors alone (such as mental health, anxiety, low self-esteem, creative abilities, and medical needs) for a general population of youth that are not for the specific purpose of including in the programming of the at-risk population do not align with the purpose of this grant program. Low self-esteem is a prime example of a non-criminogenic factor. Although a youth's low self-esteem may suggest a need for counseling, it is not a risk factor for delinquency, and changing a youth's self-esteem level will not change the likelihood of reoffending®.

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 Joseph S. Sudarsky Memorial Scholarship Fund, established by the Hartford Foundation for Public Giving, honors the legacy of Joseph and Edith Sudarsky. This scholarship supports graduating seniors from Hartford public high schools pursuing a four-year undergraduate degree. Applicants must demonstrate financial need and active participation in community service or extracurricular activities. The program has awarded significant funding since 1945, helping local students achieve their educational goals.

The Joyce and Philip Acquaviva Fund, established by the Hartford Foundation for Public Giving in 2012, supports local students pursuing undergraduate studies in nursing, science, or mathematics. With a rich history since 1925, the Hartford Foundation has awarded nearly $30 million in scholarships. This fund aims to assist students from the Greater Hartford region, fostering their educational aspirations and community engagement. Awards range from 1 to 5 scholarships annually, emphasizing the importance of financial aid for higher education.

The Wisconsin Women’s Alliance Foundation Scholarship offers three non-renewable awards of $2,000 each for students attending an accredited 2- or 4-year institution. These awards are intended to assist with the first semester's cost of attendance. Students must maintain part-time or full-time enrollment to retain eligibility. This scholarship seeks to empower women in the community through education and support.

The Early Childhood Education Infrastructure Expansion Grant, established by Senate Bill 460 in June 2025, allocates $4 million to enhance early childhood education facilities in underserved areas of Nevada. This initiative aims to provide high-quality education at little to no cost, ensuring accessibility for all children. The Department of Education will distribute funds up to $150,000 for every 800 square feet of facility expansion, fostering community growth and educational opportunities.

The Peter E. Palmquist Memorial Fund Grant provides vital support for research into under-researched women photographers and Western American photographers from the Great Depression era. Open to both individual researchers and nonprofit institutions, this grant emphasizes the importance of quality proposals and the ability to execute projects efficiently. Recipients will contribute their findings to the Humboldt Area Foundation, thus enriching the Peter Palmquist Archive and promoting the legacy of photography history.

The Robert and Amy Sanders Experienced Student Scholarship, a $500 non-renewable award, supports adult learners at pivotal points in their lives, inspired by the founders' own educational journeys. This scholarship aims to assist individuals seeking to commence new careers or advance in their current roles through education. To maintain eligibility, recipients must register as part-time or full-time students at Fox Valley Technical College for the fall semester.

The Richard Newcomb and Janice Schreiber-Newcomb Scholarship, established by Effie Schreiber in memory of her children, supports students in the Shawano area pursuing higher education. Full-time students can receive $1,000, while part-time students are eligible for $500. This non-renewable scholarship encourages annual applications as long as students maintain enrollment at accredited institutions. The scholarship honors the legacy of Richard and Janice, who were community-oriented and dedicated to education.

The Paul Keyes Memorial Scholarship honors a dedicated individual who participated in various sports and served in the Navy. Established by his family, this scholarship supports students pursuing careers in skilled trades, reflecting Paul's belief in the importance of trade professions. A single, non-renewable award of $500 will assist with educational costs for students enrolled in accredited programs in Wisconsin. This initiative aims to inspire future generations to excel in their trades.

The Michael J. O’Brien Scholarship honors the legacy of Dr. Michael O’Brien, a dedicated educator and author from Green Bay, WI. This $700 non-renewable scholarship supports students pursuing degrees in history, political science, or international relations at a UW institution. Eligible candidates must maintain part-time or full-time enrollment. The scholarship, established in memory of Michael by his family, aims to recognize individuals with outstanding character and leadership, reflecting his commitment to education and mentorship.

The Southwest Suspended Artwork Grant invites artists to create a major suspended artwork for the Houston Airports West Concourse Expansion at William P. Hobby Airport. This public art will enhance the City of Houston’s Civic Art Collection and be visible to millions of travelers, embodying the dynamic spirit of the city. Artists are encouraged to draw inspiration from the interplay of natural light and the surrounding environment, reflecting the beauty of Houston's landscape.

The Coolidge Scholarship is a prestigious, full-ride scholarship for undergraduate students in the U.S., covering tuition, room, board, and expenses for four years. It is open to high school juniors from all backgrounds, promoting academic excellence and interest in public policy. Recipients are selected through a rigorous process involving interviews at the Coolidge Historic Site. The program also includes a senators' summit for top applicants, fostering connections among high-achieving students.

The Sloan Scholars Program at the University of Montana supports Indigenous graduate students in STEM fields through competitive funding. Established in 2005, it aims to increase the number of Indigenous scholars earning advanced degrees. Students may receive up to $20,000 for master's programs and $40,000 for doctoral programs, along with additional resources such as tuition waivers and mentoring. This initiative enhances educational opportunities and fosters community engagement, contributing to the growth of Indigenous representation in STEM disciplines.

The Batten Disease Clinical Research Consortium (BDCRC) Early Career Investigator Grant aims to enhance the training of emerging clinician-scientists in rare disease research, particularly neuronal ceroid lipofuscinosis (NCL). This grant supports two post-graduate clinician investigators in conducting innovative research to improve care for individuals with NCLs. The program emphasizes the importance of community partnership, operational efficiency, and high-quality data to advance the development of new therapies and improve existing care standards.

The Melvin Arthur Peters Memorial Scholarship honors the legacy of Melvin Peters, a self-taught tradesman and entrepreneur from Shawano County. This scholarship supports high school seniors pursuing education in trades, reflecting Mel's commitment to hard work and skill development. Award amounts vary based on attendance costs, with disbursement in the first semester of college. Eligibility requires enrollment as a part-time or full-time student, emphasizing Mel's values of education and practical skills.

The Jim Henson Foundation offers annual grants for innovative contemporary puppet theater works, with three categories: Workshop Grants ($3,000), Production Grants ($7,000), and Family Grants ($4,000). These grants support puppet creation and performance, encouraging artistic excellence. Eligibility is primarily for IRS tax-exempt organizations, with individual artists needing a fiscal sponsor. International collaborations are welcome if the primary artist is a U.S. citizen. Grants are not available for projects based outside the U.S. or for non-puppet related activities.

The Hispanic Impact Fund Grants, managed by the Austin Community Foundation, aim to enhance economic mobility for Hispanic Central Texans. This program focuses on funding organizations in key areas such as early childhood education, health and wellness, job skills, and leadership development. Eligible applicants include tax-exempt organizations and government units within the Central Texas region. Preference is given to applicants reflecting the Latino community in their leadership and operations.

The Shapiro Foundation Grants, led by Ed and Barbara Shapiro, focus on addressing urgent needs of vulnerable refugee families in Greater Boston. Since 2016, they have fostered partnerships with NGOs and government agencies to provide essential services like shelter and education while tackling systemic issues in refugee resettlement. Their commitment stems from a personal dedication to humanitarian efforts, ensuring that both immediate and structural challenges are effectively addressed.

The Junior League of Collin County Agency Assistance Fund supports local non-profits and government agencies in Collin County by providing financial assistance for short-term program support and emergency needs. Eligible organizations must be 501(c)(3) certified and established for at least two years. The fund prioritizes requests addressing critical human needs and those from agencies that have not previously received assistance this fiscal year, fostering community impact through collaboration and volunteerism.

The CMAB Artist in Residence Grant offers up to $3,500 to support artistic activities in schools and nonprofits, enhancing student learning through collaboration with resident artists. Ideal for organizations in Benton, Sherburne, Stearns, and Wright counties, it promotes arts education and community engagement. Eligible applicants include 501(c)(3) nonprofits, public schools, and local government entities. The program aims to foster creativity and professional development, ensuring a diverse range of artistic experiences for participants.

The Victory Project - Emerging Sports Leaders Scholarship Fund

Five (5) Emerging Sports Leaders Scholarships will provide financial assistance to students whose lives have been impacted by the sport of soccer. This scholarship is available for high school seniors with post-secondary education plans at a university, college, trade, or vocational school. Participation in collegiate soccer is not required. Payment will be made directly to the school.

Award

• $5,000.00

The KJ Foster Memorial Scholarship Fund, established by the Hartford Foundation for Public Giving, honors Kerry "KJ" Foster, Jr., a promising student lost to gang violence. The scholarship supports high school graduates from the Greater Hartford region who demonstrate academic potential, financial need, and community involvement. Since 1945, the Hartford Foundation has awarded nearly $30 million in scholarships, helping local students pursue higher education and achieve their academic goals.

The Laurel M. Cohn Scholarship Fund, established by the Hartford Foundation for Public Giving, supports scholarships for graduating high school seniors in the Greater Hartford area. Candidates must pursue a degree in business, economics, or a related field at an accredited four-year institution. With a history of awarding nearly $30 million in scholarships since 1945, this fund aims to empower motivated students with financial needs to achieve their educational goals.