Best Capacity Building Grants for Nonprofits

The Health and Wellness Grant, offered by the Barberton Community Foundation, supports tax-exempt nonprofits that benefit Barberton residents. This grant emphasizes projects focused on health and wellness, education, and economic development. Organizations are encouraged to submit a Letter of Inquiry prior to applying. The foundation aims to foster collaboration and strengthen the Barberton community through transformational partnerships, ultimately creating a lasting legacy of giving.

In collaboration with Cummins Inc., the American Library Association (ALA) invites applications from U.S. public libraries to participate in A Year of STEM, 12 months of curated STEM programming to foster curiosity and STEM-mindedness in early childhood learners across the country. 

Twenty-five libraries will be chosen to participate in A Year of STEM, receiving professional development to prepare them for the project, copies of a newly created A Year of STEM programming guide developed by librarian advisors, a $5,000 programming stipend, four STEM kits (to be delivered quarterly), and support from ALA’s Public Programs Office staff throughout the project implementation period.

The Paul Culberson Agricultural Development Fund, established in 1991, supports agricultural advancement in the Polk County community. This fund honors Paul Culberson's contributions and funds projects such as community gardens and farmers markets. Eligible applicants include 501(c)(3) nonprofits and public school systems serving Polk County. However, grants cannot support fundraising, political activities, or scholarships. Interested organizations should submit a Letter of Intent to confirm eligibility before applying.

The Capacity Building Grants for Non-Land-Grant Colleges of Agriculture Program, administered by the USDA's NIFA, aims to enhance the capabilities of eligible institutions in agriculture and related fields. By providing financial support, the program encourages institutions to compete for federal funding, disseminate vital information, and foster community engagement in educational and research initiatives. This initiative is crucial for developing infrastructure, promoting faculty development, and establishing graduate assistantships to address national and regional agricultural priorities.

The Friends of Loutit Library Fund Scholarship, established by the Friends of Loutit Library in 2005, aims to assist students pursuing an advanced degree in Library Science. This scholarship is open to individuals who either reside or have resided in the Tri-Cities area of Northern Ottawa County. Financial need is not a consideration, ensuring that all eligible students can apply for this essential educational support from the Grand Haven Area Community Foundation.

Alabama Historical Commission

The Commission is the agency designated to carry out the state’s responsibilities under the National Historic Preservation Act of 1966 as amended and operates under the provisions of the Code of Alabama 1975.

We work to accomplish our mission through two fields of endeavor: Preservation and promotion of state-owned historic sites as public attractions; and, statewide programs to assist people, groups, towns and cities with local preservation activities.

State law makes the Commission responsible for the acquisition and preservation of state-owned historic properties and education of the public on historic sites in Alabama. 

Historic Sites Education Trust Fund (ETF) Grant

The Alabama Historical Commission (AHC) will administer a $3,600,000 Historic Sites grant program with funds appropriated by the Alabama Legislature for improvements to and educational programming at historic sites in Alabama.

Preference will be given to:

• any property listed in or eligible for the National Register of Historic Places that was built before 1840 and is publicly owned and accessible to the public;
• any property built in or before 1943 that is listed in or eligible for the National Register of Historic Places;
• any property built after 1943 that significantly contributed to the Civil Rights Movement.

American Chemical Society

The American Chemical Society (ACS) is a non-profit organization founded in 1876 and chartered by the U.S. Congress. ACS is committed to improving all lives through the transforming power of chemistry. Our mission is to advance scientific knowledge, empower a global community, and champion scientific integrity. Our vision is a world built on science.

What We Do

More than 145 years after our founding, we remain a champion for chemistry, its practitioners and our global community of members.

We’re recognized as a leading publisher of authoritative scientific information. Our 80+ peer-reviewed journals are ranked the “most-trusted, most-cited and most-read.”

We empower our members to advance chemistry, elevate their career potential, expand their networks, inspire future generations, collaborate globally and build communities that provide scientific solutions.

We provide broader networks that facilitate connections and open doors in a way no other professional organization can match!

ACS Catalyst Scholarship

Description

The ACS Catalyst Scholarship is an education initiative designed to support undergraduate students pursuing chemistry or chemistry-related fields. This scholarship offers support to undergraduate students who demonstrate financial need or hardship. This program provides $10,000 in funding, with the possibility of renewal in future years, to help students continue their academic journey.

Must plan to pursue a career in the chemical sciences.

Funding for this scholarship is paid directly to accredited colleges or universities to cover essential educational expenses, such as tuition, fees, and books.

The Greenwall Faculty Scholars Program supports junior faculty in bioethics research, offering 50% salary support for three years and project funding of $5,000 annually. Scholars engage in community-building through semi-annual meetings, mentoring, and philosophical seminars. Priority is given to applicants from underrepresented backgrounds and those not yet considered for tenure. This program aims to drive innovative research that addresses pressing ethical issues in clinical and public health settings, fostering future bioethics advancements.

The Charlie O’Neill Research Grant, established in 1993 by the California Native Plant Society's Orange County Chapter, supports graduate and undergraduate students conducting field research on California’s native plants. The grant aims to protect native plant habitats through research, education, and stewardship. Awards may cover supplies, equipment, and travel costs, and recipients receive a one-year CNPS membership. Preference is given to studies focused on species within Orange County.

The Community Based Organizations: Project Support Grant, offered by the Delaware Division of the Arts, aims to support arts initiatives led by non-profit organizations whose primary mission is not the arts. This grant encourages community engagement through artistic projects, allowing for diverse cultural expressions and collaboration among various groups. Eligible applicants include Delaware-based organizations with stable governance and the capacity to manage projects exceeding $5,000 in direct cash expenses.

The NE-AIPG Angelo Tagliacozzo Memorial Geological Scholarship (ATMGS) supports junior and senior undergraduate geology students in the NE Section, honoring Angelo Tagliacozzo's legacy. Established in 1986, the scholarship aims to encourage young geologists to pursue careers in geological sciences. Eligible candidates must be enrolled in accredited programs, on track for required credit hours, and can only receive the scholarship once. This initiative fosters early engagement with AIPG, emphasizing professional affiliation and support for the next generation of geologists.

American Physical Society

The American Physical Society is a nonprofit membership organization working to advance physics by fostering a vibrant, inclusive, and global community dedicated to science and society. APS represents more than 50,000 members, including physicists in academia, national laboratories, and industry in the United States and around the world.

APS Honors recognizes and celebrates the accomplishments of the global physics community. Guided by our core values, APS Honors encourages nominations that reflect the full range of talent, distinction, and experience in our field, and supports broad canvassing for professional achievement across diverse backgrounds, perspectives, and expertise.

Improving Undergraduate Physics Education (IUPE) Award

The American Physical Society's (APS) Committee on Education (COE) seeks to recognize improvement in undergraduate physics education and support effective practices in education at the undergraduate level with the COE Award for Improving Undergraduate Physics Education.

This award will recognize up to three undergraduate physics programs, organizations, alliances, and networks each year and will focus on the entire undergraduate physics institution, organization, alliance, and/or network, rather than individual members of a department.

• Applicants may submit only one application per year.
• We encourage applicants not recognized in a particular year, to submit new applications after the award period has ended.
• To encourage broad participation and to motivate programs, organizations, alliances, and networks to commit to sustained improvement and achievement, awardees may submit new applications after three years.

The Bigglesworth Family Foundation's Access Grants aim to strengthen nonprofit organizations in delivering essential legal services to underserved communities. Ranging from $1,000 to $3,500, these grants provide access to critical tools and resources. The application process is streamlined, ensuring a review within 30 days, with a limit of two applications per organization annually. Eligible organizations must be 501(c)(3) nonprofits focused on legal services, as applications outside this area will not be considered.

American Chemical Society

The American Chemical Society (ACS) is a non-profit organization founded in 1876 and chartered by the U.S. Congress. ACS is committed to improving all lives through the transforming power of chemistry. Our mission is to advance scientific knowledge, empower a global community, and champion scientific integrity. Our vision is a world built on science.

What We Do

More than 145 years after our founding, we remain a champion for chemistry, its practitioners and our global community of members.

We’re recognized as a leading publisher of authoritative scientific information. Our 80+ peer-reviewed journals are ranked the “most-trusted, most-cited and most-read.”

We empower our members to advance chemistry, elevate their career potential, expand their networks, inspire future generations, collaborate globally and build communities that provide scientific solutions.

We provide broader networks that facilitate connections and open doors in a way no other professional organization can match!

ACS Graduate Student Success Grant

Purpose

To support graduate students (M.S. and Ph.D.), within one year of degree completion, whose education and training were disrupted due to termination or cancellation of research grants. Funding will be given to the Principal Investigator (PI) of the lab. This one-year award, the ACS Graduate Student Success Grant, will enable students to complete their degree programs. The grant seeks to lower the risk of a declining number of U.S.-trained chemists with advanced degrees, thereby preserving the strength and continuity of the scientific community.

Description

The ACS Graduate Student Success Grant provides $25,000 for one year to a faculty member who lost funding after October 1, 2024, that supports one or more graduate students. The award will also connect supported graduate students to ACS career development resources and programming to catalyze their transition into the workforce.

The grant funds will be awarded to exclusively support graduate students (M.S. and Ph.D.) who are within one year of degree completion and in need of funds to ensure degree completion. This grant supports currently enrolled graduate students who conduct research related to the chemical sciences in a department at a U.S.-based institution of higher education. Each institution of higher education can receive a maximum of one ACS Graduate Student Success Grant.

Applicant must provide a signed letter on institutional letterhead from the Vice President of Research (or equivalent), confirming the institution’s support, including the following:

• The PI’s loss of funding due to grant termination or cancellation after October 1, 2024.
• The names, current academic status, and anticipated graduation time of the impacted graduate students.

The Minnie M. Jones Trust Grant, established in 1953, aims to enhance educational opportunities for underserved children in Texas. This private trust focuses on supporting organizations that provide quality education programming, with a preference for those serving youth in Denison and Grayson County. Grants are awarded for a duration of one year, emphasizing the importance of sustainable educational initiatives.

The Coast Central Credit Union Grant supports local non-profit organizations in Humboldt, Del Norte, and Trinity counties. Grants range from $3,000 to $25,000, with a total of $150,000 available each funding round. Eligible organizations must have 501(c)(3) status or be public benefit entities. Priority is given to projects that demonstrate a positive impact on the community and are already in progress, fostering collaboration and support among various community groups.

The Betsy Palmer Graduate Student Scholarship at Montana State University supports graduate students pursuing degrees in Education, Health, and Human Development. This scholarship offers varying award amounts based on merit and is part of a robust financial assistance program that aims to recognize and reward academic excellence. Montana State University is committed to providing opportunities for students who demonstrate outstanding promise for success in their academic endeavors.

The Barnard Companies Scholarship, offered by Montana State University, provides financial support to undergraduate students pursuing degrees in Civil Engineering. With varying award amounts, this scholarship aims to recognize and assist students with strong academic records and potential for success. It highlights the university's commitment to making quality education accessible and encourages aspiring engineers to advance their studies in a supportive environment.

The PLTW Launch grant, funded by Chevron, aims to enhance educational experiences for students in San Ramon by expanding Project Lead The Way programs. With a total award of $10,000 distributed over two years, the grant supports schools that commit to implementing at least two PLTW Launch modules. Since 2009, Chevron has invested over $17 million in PLTW, benefiting nearly 250,000 students and 8,100 teachers across multiple states. This initiative underscores Chevron's dedication to quality education.

About Us

We come to work every day because we believe in the power of possibility.

We believe the Sioux Falls area is a great place to live, work, and play. We also believe we have a responsibility to help preserve and sustain what’s good here, and to champion ideas and movements that have the potential to make our community even better.

We believe that meaningful and important social impact comes from thinking outside the box and having the courage to dream big dreams.

We believe strongly in the power and purpose of philanthropy. To us, philanthropy is more than just gifts and grants — philanthropy is thinking about how we can leverage financial, intellectual and human capital to help create a stronger, more vibrant community.

Finally, we believe philanthropy challenges us all to consider two important questions about our future – questions that drive and inspire our work every day: If we don't join together to build a better tomorrow, who will? And if not now, when?

Jim & Caroline Deinema Canton Community Foundation

Founded in 1997, the Jim and Caroline Deinema Canton Community Foundation was created to improve the quality of life right here in our community. Gifts to the Foundation grow over time thanks to the benefit of a pooled investment that generates long-term asset growth.

Through the power of endowment, more than $100,000 has been granted to nonprofits and causes throughout the Canton area since our founding, touching the lives of people right here at home.

The Indigenous Energy Support Program (IESP) aims to enhance the capacity of First Nation and Métis communities to engage in energy projects. By providing funding for education and skill development, this program empowers communities to take advantage of energy opportunities, promoting cleaner and more affordable energy systems. The program focuses on community capacity-building initiatives, project-readiness training, and innovative projects that align with its objectives, fostering sustainable energy solutions.

The Yukon Community Development Fund: Tier 3 offers substantial financial support for projects aimed at enhancing the economic and social well-being of Yukon communities. With funding available for up to 90% of total project costs exceeding $75,000, eligible organizations include registered non-profits, municipalities, and First Nations. Projects that generate local employment, foster community involvement, and create measurable benefits for residents are prioritized, ensuring sustainable development in the region.

The Mechanical and Aerospace Merit Scholarship offers $1000 per semester to attract and retain high-achieving students in mechanical and aerospace engineering. Eligible applicants must be enrolled in the respective programs, maintain a minimum GPA of 3.0, and commit to research projects with faculty. An additional $1000 is available for those in the accelerated MS degree program, awarded after project completion. This initiative fosters academic excellence and research engagement within the College of Engineering and Applied Sciences.

The BJA FY26 Paul Coverdell Forensic Science Improvement - Formula Grants Program supports state agencies in enhancing forensic science capabilities. The program aims to improve public safety by funding initiatives that strengthen forensic science and support law enforcement efforts. Eligible applicants can submit their full applications through JustGrants by November 6, 2026. This funding is crucial for addressing ongoing challenges in the justice system, including violent crime and public safety concerns.

The BJA FY 2026 Paul Coverdell Forensic Science Improvement- Competitive Grants Program aims to enhance forensic science and medical examiner/coroner services across the U.S. This funding opportunity supports state and local government laboratories in improving their capabilities to ensure justice and public safety. Applications are due by November 5, 2026, at 8:59 p.m. ET, promoting advancements in forensic practices to better serve law enforcement and communities.

The Lewis M. Yost Scholarship, offered by Western Michigan University, provides financial support to undergraduate mechanical engineering students for competitive projects. Awarded twice a year, this scholarship grants up to $500 to individual students for project-related expenses. To apply, students must be majoring in mechanical engineering and designate a competitive project. Re-applications are allowed each semester, contingent on eligibility and available funds.

About Us

The Tennessee Office of Homeland Security (TOHS) has primary responsibility and authority for directing statewide activities pertaining to the prevention of and protection from terrorist related events. This responsibility includes the development and implementation of a comprehensive and coordinated strategy to secure the state from terrorist threats and attacks. Further, TOHS serves as a liaison between federal, state and local agencies, as well as the private sector, on matters relating to the security of our state and citizens.

Houses of Worship State Security Grant Program

The State of Tennessee’s Houses of Worship Security Grant is a competitive grant for eligible 501(c)(3) organizations intended to fund contracted security personnel for their religious institutions. This grant has a 12-month grant period and funds will be disbursed through a Tennessee cost reimbursement grant contract.

The Tennessee Department of Safety and Homeland Security ("Department") has been appropriated funding, from the Tennessee General Assembly, to disburse through Tennessee cost reimbursement grant contracts. No more than one (1) grant award will be made to an eligible organization in a single state fiscal year. An applicant must demonstrate the threat and vulnerability to their organization and how the grant funding will address gaps and deficiencies in their current program and capabilities. Only one applicant can apply per building, facility, physical structure, or address. As a competitive grant, funds are not awarded on a first-come, first-served basis. Each item in the application has been assigned a point value, each application will be evaluated and scored, and grant contracts will be awarded based on scores and funding availability.