Best Capacity Building Grants for Nonprofits

The Bedford Community Health Foundation Grant supports non-profit organizations delivering direct health services to the Bedford community. It prioritizes proven programs and innovative initiatives that address health disparities, including access to healthy foods and neighborhood conditions. First-time applicants must discuss their organization's leadership, mission, and financial status prior to applying. The foundation has awarded over $6 million to enhance the health and well-being of local residents.

The CCI Quick Grant program offers financial support to artists and nonprofit arts organizations in San Francisco and San José. Eligible applicants can receive up to $600 annually for professional development activities, such as workshops and conferences. The program aims to enhance the administrative capacity and business skills of participants, ultimately strengthening the financial resilience of their artistic practices and organizations. Applications are accepted monthly, with deadlines on the 15th.

Our Mission

Empower donors to fulfill their passions and dreams by establishing charitable vehicles designed to create a positive and enduring impact on Jewish Buffalo, Western New York and the World.

Dr. Louis Sklarow Award

The Dr. Louis Sklarow Award was established in 1995 in honor of prominent Buffalo Physician and State University of New York at Buffalo Medical School Graduate Dr. Louis Sklarow.

The award is given to an outstanding graduate of Jewish faith from the Jacob’s School of Medicine who has shown by character and medical accomplishment great promise in becoming a fine physician and a person most likely to make a contribution to mankind and bring honor to the Jacob’s School of Medicine.

The Louis Sklarow Memorial Fund continues to fund research for the treatment and cure of Down Syndrome, Alzheimer’s disease and cancer through research performed at the University of Buffalo, Roswell Park Comprehensive Cancer Center and other renown institutions.

Indiana Office of Community and Rural Affairs

The Indiana Office of Community and Rural Affairs works with Indiana communities to build relevant and economically thriving places where people want to live, work and grow.

Mission: The Indiana Office of Community and Rural Affairs works with local, state and national partners to provide resources and technical assistance to aid communities in shaping and achieving their vision for community and economic development.

CDBG Planning Grant - Economic Recovery Plan

The Planning Grant Program leverages Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) funding from the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development to encourage communities to plan for long-term, holistic improvement. The Office of Community and Rural Affairs (OCRA) seeks applications from local units of government for programs funded through the State CDBG program. Eligible local units of government are counties, cities, or incorporated towns not located within an entitlement community. Unincorporated areas must apply through the county in which they are located. Eligible planning activities consist of all costs associated with data gathering, study, analysis, and preparation of plans and the identification of actions to implement such plans.

Economic Recovery Plan identifies strategies to recover and bolster the local economy in the aftermath of the COVID-19 pandemic. 

The Ralph Franzen Charitable Foundation Grant supports faith-based organizations that provide social services, with a focus on Evangelical Christian groups in Illinois. Eligible applicants must be 501(c)(3) nonprofit organizations with an annual budget of at least $1 million. The foundation does not accept applications from individuals, ensuring that funding is directed towards established charitable entities. This grant aims to enhance the impact of social services within the community.

The Regional Arts & Culture Council (RACC) invites artists and artist teams to submit qualifications for a mural or low relief artwork at CityFleet's Swan Island facilities. Funded by the City of Portland’s Percent for Art Program, this opportunity includes a budget of $150,000 for two artworks: one for functional aluminum gates and a large-scale sculpture. RACC seeks to enhance cultural richness and support historically underrepresented artists.

Our Mission

The Community Foundation’s mission is to improve the quality of life in Greater Kansas City by increasing charitable giving, educating and connecting donors to community needs they care about, and leading on critical community issues.

Scholarships

We offer hundreds of different scholarships for students in and around Kansas City.

Frederic S. Lee Heterodox Economics Scholarship Fund

The purpose of the Fund shall be to provide scholarships for tuition and fees, up to three classes per semester, for doctoral heterodox economics students.

The fund will not provide scholarship aid for dissertation credit hours or for credit hours that are not directly relevant for the completion of the doctoral program’s course work.

Scholarships will be awarded prior to the fall and spring semesters on an annual basis.

Scholarships are not automatically renewed; however, previous recipients may reapply.

The BJA FY 2026 Justice Reinvestment Initiative aims to enhance state and local operations to effectively reduce crime and recidivism. This funding opportunity encourages state, local, and tribal governments to optimize resource allocation within the justice system, targeting urgent challenges through data-driven project proposals. By addressing areas such as law enforcement, prosecution, and probation, applicants can focus on strategies that maximize public safety and reduce the inefficient use of funds.

The Arts Project Support Grants by the South Carolina Arts Commission aim to fund quality arts projects and programs for artists and organizations. Eligible applicants include artists, nonprofit organizations, and government units, with funds supporting project costs such as technical capacity building and professional development. Priority is given to projects in specific counties within South Carolina. Applications should be submitted at least five weeks prior to project commencement, with all activities funded to occur between August 11, 2025, and May 31, 2026.

The NIH Mentored Patient-Oriented Research Career Development Award (K23) aims to enhance the career development of clinical doctoral degree holders dedicated to patient-oriented research. It supports individuals in their commitment to focus their research efforts on improving patient outcomes. The award has multiple application deadlines, including June 12, 2024, and October 12, 2024, among others, catering to various grant types, including standard, renewal, and AIDS-related applications.

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.

About Us

The Wenner-Gren Foundation is a private operating foundation dedicated to providing leadership in support of anthropology and anthropologists worldwide.

Our Mission

The Wenner-Gren Foundation is committed to playing a leadership role in anthropology. We help anthropologists advance anthropological knowledge, build sustainable careers, and amplify the impact of anthropology within the wider world. We dedicate ourselves to broadening the conversation in anthropology to reflect the full diversity of the field.

Hunt Fellowship in Public Writing

General

Anthropologists have important stories to tell about human lives, histories, societies, and futures. Yet many scholars lack the time and resources needed to translate their research into books that reach readers beyond the academy. The Hunt Fellowship in Public Writing supports anthropologists who are writing serious nonfiction books for general audiences.

This program is designed to encourage public writing that brings anthropological knowledge into wider conversations. The Foundation welcomes book projects that are intellectually ambitious, grounded in substantial research, and written in ways that invite nonacademic readers to explore anthropological questions, evidence, and insight. We are interested in projects that demonstrate how anthropological writing can shape public understanding, contribute to urgent debates, and expand the audiences for anthropological work.

The fellowship supports scholars pursuing a book-length project for broad audiences. Through this award, the Foundation seeks to raise the status of public writing within anthropology, especially for earlier career scholars, and promote its recognition in hiring, tenure, promotion, and other forms of professional evaluation.

There is no preference for any methodology, research location, or subfield.

The MN State Arts Board's Cultural Expression Grant supports initiatives that celebrate, express, or explore culture through the arts. This program promotes both traditional and contemporary art forms, allowing funds for cultural festivals, performances, and apprenticeships. Eligible applicants can choose to apply for one of several programs, including Creative Individuals and Arts Education, fostering community engagement and preserving cultural heritage. This grant aims to enhance the vibrancy of cultural expressions in Minnesota.

The Avista Foundation supports non-profit organizations that address community needs in eastern Washington, northern Idaho, southern Oregon, and parts of Montana. Focused on education and cultural vitality, this funding opportunity targets 501(c)(3) organizations and civic groups serving local populations. Note that requests for religious or political activities, as well as support for individuals or private foundations, are not eligible. The Foundation also includes a matching gifts program for Avista employees.

The Toshiba America Foundation offers grants of $5,000 or more to support innovative STEM projects for grades 6-12 in public and nonprofit private schools across the U.S. These grants encourage teachers to implement project-based learning in their classrooms. Founded in 1990, the foundation aims to enhance STEM education by providing necessary resources and support for educators to inspire their students. Applications require school official endorsement and must focus on innovative teaching methods.

The Avista Foundation supports non-profit organizations in eastern Washington, northern Idaho, southern Oregon, and Montana, focusing on education, vulnerable populations, and community vitality. Grants are available for 501(c)(3) organizations, civic groups, and schools addressing local needs. Ineligible requests include those for religious or political activities and funding for individuals. This funding cycle emphasizes projects that foster economic and cultural growth in the communities served by Avista Utilities and Alaska Electric Light and Power Co.

The U.S. Venture/Schmidt Family Foundation supports initiatives that drive self-sufficiency and community enrichment for vulnerable populations. With over $4.31 million awarded last year, the foundation prioritizes projects that demonstrate measurable impact and foster stronger communities. Eligible organizations include those designated as public charities by the IRS. The foundation emphasizes collaboration with other funders, avoiding sole financial support to ensure comprehensive community development.

The Acorn Grant, offered by the California Native Plant Society's Orange County Chapter, supports public schools in Orange County for creating school gardens featuring native plants. With awards ranging from $150 to $1000, the grant aims to educate students about Southern California's native plant diversity while enhancing school environments. Recipients must showcase their gardens in the Society's communications, fostering community engagement and environmental awareness among students.

The Charles Montgomery Gray Fellowship at The Newberry Library supports scholars in need of specific collection items for their research. Open to postdoctoral scholars and PhD candidates, it prioritizes projects in early modern or Renaissance studies, English history, legal history, and European history. The fellowship offers a stipend of $3,000 per month for a duration of one month, welcoming applicants from all nationalities and encouraging local scholars from the Chicago metropolitan area.

The OAC Rural Arts Opportunity Grants aim to enhance access to the arts for residents in select rural Oklahoma counties. With grants up to $5,000, this initiative focuses on bolstering arts programming and establishing essential infrastructure in underserved areas. The Oklahoma Arts Council supports capacity building and professional development, fostering economic growth and cultural enrichment. This funding opportunity emphasizes community engagement and artistic collaboration, ensuring that more Oklahomans can participate in vibrant arts experiences.

The Traveler's Grant, offered by the Orange County Chapter of the California Native Plant Society, supports individuals attending conferences on California native plant topics. With awards up to $500, this grant helps cover travel, registration, and related costs. Eligible applicants must submit proof of event registration and a summary of their experience for the OCCNPS eNewsletter. This initiative promotes awareness and appreciation of California's native flora through education and engagement.

Main Street Matters Program Designations 

The Main Street Matters (MSM) program is designed to support our downtown cores and surrounding neighborhoods with tools to create healthy, vibrant, and welcoming communities. Funding is available to support revitalization efforts in planning, business support, aesthetic improvements, and the increase of safety and security.

Communities may wish to consider designation through the MSM program as a Main Street or Elm Street. Designation is an opportunity for targeted investment and development including the identification of specific needs for investment and/or development and the design and implementation of a strategy to address those needs.

Uses

A flexible tool for use in community and economic development for a variety of uses including planning activities, façade grant programs, business improvement grant programs, accessible housing programs, and district development grants.

The American Society for Environmental History (ASEH) Fellowship, supported by The Newberry Library, offers scholars specializing in environmental history the opportunity to conduct research utilizing the Newberry's extensive collections. This short-term fellowship provides a stipend of $3,000 per month for a duration of one month. It is open to faculty members, postdoctoral scholars, and PhD candidates at the ABD stage, encouraging diverse applicants from around the world.

The Gunther & Lee Weigel Medical School Scholarship is an exclusive opportunity for current and former Elks National Foundation scholarship recipients pursuing medical or osteopathic degrees. This scholarship, established in memory of Gunther Weigel, aims to support Elks scholars entering their first year of medical school. The number and amount of scholarships vary annually, reflecting the Foundation's commitment to healthcare education.

The Newberry Center for Renaissance Studies Fellowships offer unique opportunities for one postdoctoral scholar and one PhD candidate to explore medieval, Renaissance, or early modern studies. With a stipend of $3,000 per month for a duration of one month, these fellowships support research that is crucial for scholarly advancement. Open to both national and international scholars, it welcomes those ready to delve into specific items within the Newberry's extensive collections.

The Nike Community Impact Fund focuses on enhancing active, inclusive communities in the Mid-South, specifically in Shelby County (TN) and DeSoto and Marshall Counties (MS). By awarding $100,000 in grants annually, the fund supports local nonprofits and schools that create opportunities for children to engage in play, sport, and physical activity. This community-driven approach ensures that the voices of local Nike employees are integrated into the decision-making process, driving lasting change.

The George F. & Elah P. Evans Foundation Grant focuses on enhancing healthcare and educational opportunities for residents in Harrison and Lewis Counties, West Virginia. This private foundation aims to support charitable organizations that align with its mission, specifically those recognized as 501(c)(3) nonprofits. Notably, individual applicants are not eligible to apply for funding under this grant program.