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Best Capacity Building Grants for Nonprofits

Get support for nonprofit growth with capacity building grants that fund training, infrastructure, strategic planning, and technology upgrades.

33,000+

Available grants

$8.25B

Total funding

$6K

Median grant

33,000+ grants
$8.25B total
$6K median

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32,595 Results based on applied filters

Lebbeus F. Bissell Scholarship Fund

Greater Hartford Gives Foundation
Private
Hartford County, Connecticut
US $4,000
The Lebbeus F. Bissell Scholarship Fund, established in 1971 by Lebbeus F. Bissell, offers scholarships to graduating high school seniors from Rockville, Ellington, and Tolland, Connecticut. Managed by the Hartford Foundation for Public Giving, which has awarded nearly $30 million since 1945, this fund aims to support local students in their pursuit of higher education. Typically, 3-4 awards are granted annually, focusing on those with financial need and strong community involvement.
Education - Higher Education Academic Scholarship Programs

Linda Starikov Singer Memorial Scholarship Fund

Greater Hartford Gives Foundation
Private
Hartford County, Connecticut
US $1,500 - US $2,000
The Linda Starikov Singer Memorial Scholarship Fund, established by the Hartford Foundation for Public Giving, supports students pursuing careers in musical theater and the performing arts. This scholarship is aimed at high school seniors in the Greater Hartford area who demonstrate academic excellence and financial need. With a legacy dating back to 1945, the Hartford Foundation has awarded millions in scholarships to empower local students in their educational pursuits.
Education - Higher Education Academic Scholarship Programs

Mae Passini and Juliet Anderson Memorial Fund

Greater Hartford Gives Foundation
Private
Hartford County, Connecticut
US $1,000 - US $2,000
The Mae Passini and Juliet Anderson Memorial Fund, established by Frank T. Passini, honors his wife and step-daughter, both dedicated to nursing. This scholarship supports nurses pursuing graduate studies, prioritizing Simsbury residents. Since 1945, the Hartford Foundation for Public Giving has awarded nearly $30 million in scholarships, aiding local students in their quest for higher education. With a commitment to educational advancement, this fund exemplifies community support and the importance of healthcare professionals.
Education - Higher Education Academic Scholarship Programs

Mari Shinoda Scholarship Fund

Greater Hartford Gives Foundation
Private
Hartford County, Connecticut
US $2,000 - US $2,500
The Mari Shinoda Scholarship Fund, established by the Hartford Foundation for Public Giving, supports local students from the Greater Hartford area who demonstrate academic excellence and financial need. This scholarship targets those pursuing careers in helping professions such as social work and public health. With a history of nearly $30 million awarded, the program continues to empower students in their pursuit of higher education, fostering community commitment and professional ambition.
Education - Higher Education Academic Scholarship Programs

Meyer-Kimball Memorial Scholarship Fund

Greater Hartford Gives Foundation
Private
Hartford County, Connecticut
US $3,000
The Meyer-Kimball Memorial Scholarship Fund, established by Harry and Mary Meyer in memory of Mabel Meyer and Alberta Kimball, supports students from the Greater Hartford area pursuing a four-year college degree. Administered by the Hartford Foundation for Public Giving, this fund exemplifies a commitment to education and aims to empower local youth by providing essential financial assistance. Since its inception, the fund has aimed to honor the legacy of lifelong learning and generosity, impacting future generations.
Education - Higher Education Academic Scholarship Programs

Michael J. Vanderlaan Scholarship Fund

Greater Hartford Gives Foundation
Private
Hartford County, Connecticut
US $5,000
The Michael J. Vanderlaan Scholarship Fund, managed by the Hartford Foundation for Public Giving, supports students majoring in Accounting or Finance at public four-year colleges in Connecticut. Established in 1945, this fund aims to assist junior and senior students from the Greater Hartford region who demonstrate financial need and academic potential, contributing to their pursuit of higher education.
Education - Higher Education Academic Scholarship Programs

Muriel S. and Gordon A. Wilson Scholarship Fund

Greater Hartford Gives Foundation
Private
Hartford County, Connecticut
US $1,500 - US $5,000
The Muriel S. and Gordon A. Wilson Scholarship Fund, established by dedicated church members, supports college scholarships for students from the Center Congregational Church in Manchester, CT, or local residents. Managed by the Hartford Foundation for Public Giving, which has awarded nearly $30 million in scholarships since 1945, this fund aims to assist students pursuing higher education at accredited institutions. With 1 to 10 awards available, it continues to foster educational opportunities in the community.
Education - Higher Education Academic Scholarship Programs

Christopher Guerrini Memorial Scholarship Fund

Greater Hartford Gives Foundation
Private
Hartford County, Connecticut
US $1,500 - US $2,500
The Christopher Guerrini Memorial Scholarship Fund, established by the Hartford Foundation for Public Giving, supports high school seniors from the Greater Hartford region who demonstrate financial need. Eligible students must attend a four-year college, show interest in business or history, and have a record of community involvement, particularly in sports, with a preference for soccer. This scholarship reflects the Foundation's commitment to fostering educational opportunities for local youth.
Education - Higher Education Academic Scholarship Programs

Daniel R. DiNardi Memorial Scholarship Fund

Greater Hartford Gives Foundation
Private
Hartford County, Connecticut
US $1,500 - US $2,000
The Daniel R. DiNardi Memorial Scholarship Fund, established by the Hartford Foundation for Public Giving, supports graduating seniors from Rocky Hill High School with a sports background, particularly basketball. This scholarship honors Daniel R. DiNardi and aims to assist students pursuing higher education. The Hartford Foundation has a long history of providing scholarships to local students, having awarded nearly $30 million since 1945 to facilitate access to post-secondary education.
Education - Higher Education Academic Scholarship Programs

Donald and Dorothy Bonelli Puerto Rican Education Fund

Greater Hartford Gives Foundation
Private
Hartford County, Connecticut
US $5,000
The Donald and Dorothy Bonelli Puerto Rican Education Fund, established by Dorothy Bonelli's educational trust after her passing in 2012, aims to support graduating high school seniors of Puerto Rican descent from the Greater Hartford region. This scholarship fund provides financial assistance to help these students pursue post-secondary education, reinforcing the Hartford Foundation for Public Giving's commitment to educational opportunities since 1945.
Education - Higher Education Academic Scholarship Programs

The Health Foundation: Challenge Grants

The Health Foundation
Association/Society
Wilkes County, North Carolina
Unspecified amount
The Health Foundation's Challenge Grants aim to enhance health and well-being in Wilkes County, North Carolina, by promoting community-driven solutions that tackle health equity and social determinants of health. These grants support organizations in developing sustainable fundraising programs to meet identified healthcare needs. Eligible applicants include non-profits and governmental entities, while funding is not available for religiously affiliated services. The program encourages innovative approaches to health improvement in the local community.
Health Disparities & Social Determinants of Health Nonprofit Growth & Development

The Church of Christ (Christian Disciples) Memorial Scholarship Fund

Stark Community Foundation
Private
United States
More than US $500

Stark Community Foundation is one of the area’s major sources of college scholarship support— thanks to the generosity of caring individuals, families and businesses that have created scholarship funds.

The Foundation currently manages more than 100 scholarship funds that support hundreds of deserving students each year from Stark and Carroll counties. In 2025, more than $1,000,000 was awarded to local students to help them achieve their educational dreams.

The Church of Christ (Christian Disciples) Memorial Scholarship Fund

The Church of Christ (Christian Disciples) Memorial Scholarship Fund was established to help students who have permanent residence in Carroll County, Ohio or had a permanent residence on the date they began their post high school education.

Education - Higher Education Christianity

Acacio “Roger” Rodrigues Memorial Scholarship

Community Foundations of the Hudson Valley
Private
New York
More than US $2,000

Community Foundations of the Hudson Valley 

Community Foundations of the Hudson Valley (CFHV) empowers individuals, families, businesses, and organizations to fulfill their philanthropic goals through the establishment of charitable funds that support the needs of Dutchess, Putnam and Ulster counties. With over $100 million in assets, CFHV manages nearly 600 charitable funds and has distributed more than $777 million in grants and scholarships since January 2000. We lead initiatives to address urgent community needs such as food insecurity and educational challenges, offering both immediate relief and long-term support.

Acacio “Roger” Rodrigues Memorial Scholarship

Established by the Rodrigues family, in memory of Acacio “Roger” Rodrigues, scholarships will be awarded to graduating high school seniors or current undergraduate who reside in Dutchess, Putnam or Westchester County, New York or Fairfield County, Connecticut and who plan to study in a field which will lead to a career in the building/construction industry. These fields include but are not limited to engineering, construction management, electrical construction technology, plumbing and heating, welding and fabrication, etc. The scholarships will be awarded to individuals who are or will be full time students at any accredited vocational school, college or university in the United States.

Renewable for up to three additional years and payable to the school.

Current High School

Any high school in Dutchess, Putnam or Westchester County, New York or Fairfield County, Connecticut

Education - Higher Education Vocational & Trade Education

Willard and Patricia Hennings Scholarship

Innovia Foundation
Private
Adams County, Washington
US $500 - US $10,000

About Us

As the community foundation for Eastern Washington and North Idaho, we partner with people who want to improve their communities and make the world better. We work together to identify and respond to our region’s greatest opportunities, help those in need, and leave a lasting impact.

Scholarship

Each year, Innovia awards over $500,000 in scholarships to deserving students like you who are college-bound or pursuing vocational or technical training. Single scholarship awards range between $500 and $10,000.

Willard and Patricia Hennings Scholarship

The scholarship is open to any graduating senior or graduate of Lind-Ritzville, Washtucna, Connell, or Kahlotus High Schools. Homeschooled students from the region of the listed high schools are also eligible to apply. The scholarship may be applied to all levels of post-secondary education, including 2- and 4-year college and technical/vocational schools, with full-time enrollment status required. Financial need, academic excellence, and evidence of good personal character are considered.

Previous recipients of this award are eligible to reapply provided they have maintained a minimum 3.2 college GPA and are enrolled full-time.

Education - Higher Education Vocational & Trade Education

Valley Scholarship and Innovation in Education Award-Teacher Innovation Award

Innovia Foundation
Private
Stevens County, Washington
Unspecified amount

About Us

As the community foundation for Eastern Washington and North Idaho, we partner with people who want to improve their communities and make the world better. We work together to identify and respond to our region’s greatest opportunities, help those in need, and leave a lasting impact.

Valley Scholarship and Innovation in Education Award - Teacher Innovation Award

Applicants must be teachers of the K-12 grade level in the Valley School District #70, Stevens County, WA.

Preference will be given to new or experienced teachers who: cultivate educational environments that enable students to meet college and career goals, experiment and apply new approaches, technologies, curricular enhancement, course design and assessments, or improve teaching skills.

Education - K through 12 Teacher Development & Training

The Delano & Aldrich/Emerson Fellowship

Architects Foundation
Private
United States
US $20,000
The Delano & Aldrich/Emerson Fellowship, established by the Architects Foundation, provides a unique opportunity for a young French architect to travel and study in the U.S. for three months. With a budget of $20,000, the fellowship emphasizes contemporary issues in architecture, including sustainability and inclusive design. Candidates aged 23 to 35, holding a degree in architecture, are eligible. This program aims to foster cross-cultural understanding and inspire future architects through immersive experiences.
Architecture

Valley Scholarship and Innovation in Education Award Scholarship

Innovia Foundation
Private
Stevens County, Washington
US $500 - US $10,000

About Us

As the community foundation for Eastern Washington and North Idaho, we partner with people who want to improve their communities and make the world better. We work together to identify and respond to our region’s greatest opportunities, help those in need, and leave a lasting impact.

Scholarship

Each year, Innovia awards over $500,000 in scholarships to deserving students like you who are college-bound or pursuing vocational or technical training. Single scholarship awards range between $500 and $10,000.

Valley Scholarship and Innovation in Education Award Scholarship

Applicants must be graduating high school seniors or graduates who have attended the Valley School District #70 in Stevens County, WA for a minimum of 4 years. Home-schooled students from the area may also apply if they participated in in-person activities at the Valley School District #70. Applicants must demonstrate financial need and have a minimum high school cumulative GPA of 2.5.

The review committee will consider school activities, community service, and employment/work experience. Previous recipients of this award are eligible to reapply.

Education - Higher Education Vocational & Trade Education

Swinton Scholars Fund

Innovia Foundation
Private
Spokane County, Washington
US $500 - US $10,000

About Us

As the community foundation for Eastern Washington and North Idaho, we partner with people who want to improve their communities and make the world better. We work together to identify and respond to our region’s greatest opportunities, help those in need, and leave a lasting impact.

Scholarship

Each year, Innovia awards over $500,000 in scholarships to deserving students like you who are college-bound or pursuing vocational or technical training. Single scholarship awards range between $500 and $10,000.

Swinton Scholars Fund

This scholarship is open to applicants who are 1st or 2nd generation immigrants to the United States and are graduating seniors from John R. Rogers High School or Ferris High School in Spokane, WA. Applicants must be accepted or enrolled at a public 2- or 4-year college or vocational school, or a private 4-year college in Washington State. Applicants must demonstrate financial need and have a minimum GPA of 2.5.

Education - Higher Education Vocational & Trade Education

Stoll Scholarship

Innovia Foundation
Private
Adams County, Washington, Asotin County, Washington +18 more
US $500 - US $10,000

About Us

As the community foundation for Eastern Washington and North Idaho, we partner with people who want to improve their communities and make the world better. We work together to identify and respond to our region’s greatest opportunities, help those in need, and leave a lasting impact.

Scholarship

Each year, Innovia awards over $500,000 in scholarships to deserving students like you who are college-bound or pursuing vocational or technical training. Single scholarship awards range between $500 and $10,000.

Stoll Scholarship

This scholarship is open to all graduating seniors and graduates in Innovia’s 20-county service region who demonstrate financial need and academic achievement. Applicants must be accepted or enrolled at a public 2-year or 4-year college or university, or any vocational or technical school.

Preference will be given to students who plan to attend community college prior to transferring to a public four-year college/university, as well as students who intend to re-apply for additional aid throughout college. Involvement in extracurricular activities, community service, and work experience are also considered. Previous recipients are eligible to re-apply. 

Education - Higher Education Vocational & Trade Education

Dorothy E. Hofmann Pembroke Scholarship Fund

Greater Hartford Gives Foundation
Private
Hartford County, Connecticut
US $5,000 - US $10,000
The Dorothy E. Hofmann Pembroke Scholarship Fund, established by a dedicated teacher, provides scholarships for female residents of Hartford who plan to attend specific colleges. Since 1945, the Hartford Foundation has awarded nearly $30 million to support local students in their pursuit of higher education. This fund honors the legacy of Dorothy E. Hoffman, encouraging young women to pursue their academic dreams at institutions like UConn and Brown University. Award range: 2-6 annually.
Education - Higher Education Academic Scholarship Programs

Dr. Booker T. DeVaughn and Dr. Elena L. Haynes DeVaughn Endowed Scholarship Fund

Greater Hartford Gives Foundation
Private
Hartford County, Connecticut
Unspecified amount
The Dr. Booker T. DeVaughn and Dr. Elena L. Haynes DeVaughn Endowed Scholarship Fund, established by the Hartford Foundation for Public Giving, aims to support African-American students from Greater Hartford in pursuing undergraduate degrees. Since 1945, this fund has contributed to the scholarship program, which has awarded nearly $30 million to local students. This initiative addresses the rising costs of college education and encourages academic success among underrepresented communities.
Education - Higher Education Academic Scholarship Programs

Listos California CERT Support Grant (LC) Program

California Governor's Office of Emergency Services
State/Local Government
California
Up to US $500,000

California Governor's Office of Emergency Services

With over 38 million residents (12 percent of the US population), the State of California is the most populous state in the nation and has the third largest land area among the states (163,695 square miles). California is culturally, ethnically, economically, ecologically, and politically diverse, and maintains the eighth largest economy in the world with 13 percent of the U.S. gross domestic product. California also faces numerous risks and threats to our people, property, economy, environment and is prone to earthquakes, floods, significant wildfires, prolonged drought impacts, public health emergencies, cybersecurity attacks, agricultural and animal disasters, as well threats to homeland security. Cal OES takes a proactive approach to addressing these risks, threats, and vulnerabilities that form the basis of our mission and has been tested through real events, as well as comprehensive exercises that help us maintain our state of readiness to plan for and mitigate impacts.

Listos California CERT Support Grant (LC) Program

The purpose of the LC Program is to provide funding to a fiscal administrator which will in coordination with Cal OES, support new and existing CERT programs to build their capacity to prepare vulnerable and underserved populations including, but not limited to: providing CERT training in languages other than English, providing CERT training to underserved populations and/or populations that are at high risk for disasters, providing accommodations for training participants that have access and functional needs, such as English as a Second Language (ESL) interpretation, and building capacity to respond to disasters.

English for Speakers of Other Languages (ESOL) Education Disaster Preparedness

YouthReach Grant

Mass Cultural Council
State/Local Government
Massachusetts
US $15,000

Creative youth development (CYD) is an intentional practice that fosters active creative expression through the arts, humanities, and sciences, while developing core social, emotional, and life skills, for youth of all ages. Creative youth development programs approach young people as active agents of their own change, with inherent strengths and skills to be developed and nurtured. The overall goal is that culture plays a major role in supporting the growth of creative, productive, and independent minded citizens and thriving communities.

YouthReach Program Description

The goal of YouthReach is to promote integration of substantive out-of-school arts, humanities, and science opportunities into a collaborative response to the needs of young people and communities. The program aims to develop and deepen opportunities for young people to create a more just and equitable society through their art-making and to position creative youth development programs as key leaders in discovering and developing opportunities to improve the livability and economic vitality of their communities. To this end, YouthReach works to foster dynamic cross-sector collaborations to ensure young people’s academic, professional, and personal success.

YouthReach supports innovative programs that:

  • Provide safe and healthy youth spaces
  • Are assets-based
  • Are youth driven
  • Foster the development of positive relationships and social skills
  • Set high expectations for growth and learning
  • Address the broader, cross-sector context in which creative youth development exists
Youth Involvement in the Arts

Dr. Nicholas J. Piergrossi Memorial Scholarship Fund

Greater Hartford Gives Foundation
Private
Hartford County, Connecticut
US $1,000 - US $1,500
The Dr. Nicholas J. Piergrossi Memorial Scholarship Fund, established by family and friends, supports first-year students at the University of Connecticut School of Dental Medicine. Since 1945, the Hartford Foundation for Public Giving, a community foundation serving Greater Hartford, has awarded nearly $30 million in scholarships to local students pursuing higher education. This fund honors Dr. Piergrossi, a dedicated president of the Hartford Dental Society and admissions committee member, ensuring future dental professionals receive essential support.
Education - Higher Education Academic Scholarship Programs

Dr. Sidney Rafal Memorial Fund

Greater Hartford Gives Foundation
Private
Hartford County, Connecticut
US $1,000 - US $1,500
The Dr. Sidney Rafal Memorial Fund, established by Dr. Rafal's family, honors his legacy in dentistry. Managed by the Hartford Foundation for Public Giving, this fund supports scholarships for Connecticut residents pursuing dental education at the University of Connecticut. Since 1945, the Hartford Foundation has awarded nearly $30 million in scholarships, aiding local students in their pursuit of higher education. This fund reflects a commitment to fostering future dental professionals.
Education - Higher Education Academic Scholarship Programs

Drs. Nima Patel and Daniel McNaughton Scholarship Fund - 2-Year

Greater Hartford Gives Foundation
Private
Hartford County, Connecticut
US $1,000
The Drs. Nima Patel and Daniel McNaughton Scholarship Fund provides financial support for students in the Greater Hartford area, including Hartford, East Hartford, West Hartford, and Bloomfield, as well as military veterans. This scholarship aims to assist those pursuing a certificate or associate's degree at eligible community colleges, with a focus on fields such as science, medicine, engineering, or technology. Annually, 1-2 awards are offered to aid students in need of financial assistance.
Education - Higher Education Academic Scholarship Programs

Drs. Nima Patel and Daniel McNaughton Scholarship Fund - 4 -Year

Greater Hartford Gives Foundation
Private
Hartford County, Connecticut
US $3,000
The Drs. Nima Patel and Daniel McNaughton Scholarship Fund, managed by the Hartford Foundation for Public Giving, offers scholarships for 2-3 students from the Greater Hartford region. Established in 1925, the foundation supports local students pursuing higher education in Connecticut. Eligible candidates include high school seniors and military veterans with a GPA of 3.0 or above, demonstrating financial need and an interest in science, medicine, engineering, or technology.
Education - Higher Education Academic Scholarship Programs

Capacity Building Grants for Nonprofits Highlights

Capacity building grants help nonprofits strengthen operations, enhance staff training, and improve organizational infrastructure. These grants enable nonprofits to increase efficiency, expand their reach, and ensure long-term sustainability in achieving their mission.


Search Instrumentl's Capacity Building Grants Database


Explore 8,000+ funding opportunities for capacity building, with $3.43B available. Access private, government, and corporate grants to support your nonprofit's growth. Utilize Instrumentl’s tailored tools to track deadlines and optimize your grant strategy.

Grant Insights : Capacity Building Grants for Nonprofits

Grant Availability

How common are grants in this category?

Quite common — grants in this category are more prevalent than in others.

8,000+ Capacity Building grants for nonprofits grants for nonprofits in the United States, from private foundations to corporations seeking to fund grants for nonprofits.

3,000+ Capacity Building grants for nonprofits over $25K in average grant size

3,000+ Capacity Building grants for nonprofits over $50K in average grant size

1,000+ Capacity Building grants for nonprofits supporting general operating expenses

7,000+ Capacity Building grants for nonprofits supporting programs / projects

1,000+ Grants on Instrumentl focused on Workforce Preparation & Job Readiness

300+ Grants on Instrumentl focused on Social Justice / Human Rights

Grant Deadline Distribution

Over the past year, when are grant deadlines typically due for Capacity Building grants for Nonprofits?

Most grants are due in the first quarter.

Q1
29.8%
Q2
23.8%
Q3
23.9%
Q4
22.6%

Typical Funding Amounts

What's the typical grant amount funded for Capacity Building Grants for Nonprofits?

Grants are most commonly $34,887.

$0 $0 Min.
$34,887 $34.9 K Median
$655,609 $655.6 K Average
$188,250,000 $188.3 M Max.

Frequently asked questions

Nonprofits looking to grow and strengthen their organization are eligible for capacity building grants. Those working on leadership skills, technology improvements, or future planning may also apply. Capacity building grant funders support organizational growth and individual projects across many fields.

Grants for capacity building typically have the highest concentration of deadlines in Q1, with 29.8% of grant deadlines falling in this period. If you're planning to apply, consider prioritizing your applications around this time to maximize opportunities. Conversely, the least active period for grants in this category is Q4.

Capacity building grants exist to help nonprofits strengthen their organization. They support sustainable growth by providing the means to improve operations such as staff training. Capacity building grants can also increase efficiency and expand the reach of nonprofits. This support can help organizations fulfill their missions more effectively. Funders across many concentrations award grants to support organizations and individuals.

On average, grants for capacity building provide funding between $0 and $188,250,000, with typical awards falling around $34,887 (median) and $655,609 (average). These insights can help nonprofits align their funding requests with what grantmakers typically offer in this space.

Private foundations, good-hearted philanthropists, and some government agencies fund capacity building grants. Notable organizations are the Ford Foundation and the Hewlett Foundation.

To improve the chances of getting a capacity building grant, nonprofits should:

  • Outline growth plans – Show how the grant will help support long-term improvements.
  • Develop measurable goals – Define what you hope to achieve by receiving this grant.
  • Get leadership onboard – Prove how leaders in your organization have offered their support.

For additional guidance, explore our step-by-step guide to crafting compelling grant proposals.

Instrumentl simplifies the search for capacity building grants by providing an intuitive platform. The platform helps nonprofits find relevant opportunities and track deadlines. It also helps nonprofits manage multiple applications and refine their grant-seeking strategies. Detailed funder insights will help organizations tailor applications.

See how Lutheran Braille Workers scaled their grant submissions by 150%.