Best Capacity Building Grants for Nonprofits in Vermont

OneRural provides essential technical assistance to rural organizations, fostering the development of affordable housing and community initiatives. This program offers tailored support, helping organizations enhance their operational capabilities and drive impactful change. By accessing expert resources and training, participants can effectively navigate challenges, improve program outcomes, and strengthen community resilience. This initiative targets nonprofits and tribal entities, ensuring that rural communities receive the guidance needed for sustainable growth and development.

The Sparkplug Foundation Grant supports innovative projects from early-stage organizations and established non-profits in education, community organizing, and music. The foundation emphasizes community-led initiatives that address systemic injustices and engage marginalized populations. Grants are available for one year and prioritize projects with small budgets that lack extensive funding sources. The foundation encourages applications from diverse communities, particularly those led by Black, Indigenous, People of Color, and LGBTQ individuals, fostering equitable access to resources.

The Fiscal Year 2026 Wildlife Crossings Pilot Program aims to enhance public safety by reducing wildlife-vehicle collisions and improving habitat connectivity for various species. With approximately $80 million available through cost reimbursable grants, this initiative supports eligible projects that address these critical environmental and safety concerns. The program may also distribute leftover funds from previous years, contingent on availability, fostering innovative solutions in wildlife management and transportation safety.

The Louis N. Cassett Foundation provides grants to support a variety of charitable endeavors, particularly focusing on organizations in the Philadelphia and South Florida areas. As a private foundation operating under Section 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code, it empowers tax-exempt organizations to apply for funding. The Foundation does not impose religious affiliation requirements on recipients, ensuring that support is inclusive and aimed at a broad range of charitable, cultural, and educational projects.

The Firehouse Subs Public Safety Foundation Scholarship Program supports students aiming to enroll in firefighter, law enforcement, or emergency medical programs at accredited institutions. Established in 2005, the foundation provides $5,000 scholarships to eligible candidates, including high school seniors and current college students. The program emphasizes commitment to public safety and community service, assisting those pursuing careers as first responders. This initiative highlights the foundation's dedication to enhancing lifesaving capabilities within local communities.

The ALA Spectrum Scholarship Program offers a one-time $5,000 scholarship to support diverse students pursuing graduate education in library and information studies. Recipients must enroll in an accredited program by fall, receiving funds in two installments. This initiative, supported by the American Library Association, enhances opportunities for over 800 past scholars through mentoring, networking, and professional development, fostering leadership within the library profession across North America.

The SHAPE America Major of the Year Award recognizes exemplary undergraduate students in health, physical education, recreation, and dance. This prestigious accolade aims to highlight nominees who demonstrate academic excellence and commitment to service within their communities. Faculty members from colleges and universities are encouraged to nominate one outstanding student per major, ensuring that the next generation of health educators is celebrated for their achievements and contributions to the field.

The Sidney R. Baer, Jr. Foundation focuses on improving the lives of individuals with schizophrenia and bipolar disorder through education grants. By funding programs that enhance educational opportunities, the foundation aims to reduce isolation and promote understanding. Grants are awarded to qualified organizations that prioritize mental health initiatives, ensuring that those affected have access to the resources and support necessary for a better quality of life. The foundation's mission is rooted in the belief that education can be transformative for those facing mental health challenges.

The Turtle Trackers - Linda Zambelli Family Scholarship Fund, established in 2025 by the Turtle Trackers Board, honors Linda Zambelli's legacy through scholarships for students pursuing higher education in Marine Biology and Environmental Sciences. This initiative supports high school seniors from Beaufort and Jasper Counties, ensuring they have opportunities to excel academically while fostering a commitment to marine conservation. The fund is managed by the Community Foundation of the Lowcountry, which has invested over $125 million in local communities.

The EPSCoR Research Infrastructure Improvement (RII): EPSCoR Research Fellows program, funded by the National Science Foundation (NSF), aims to enhance research capacity and workforce development in STEM. This initiative fosters collaborations between underrepresented researchers and leading institutions, providing essential resources and support. With two tracks available—one focusing on NSF and the other on NASA—this program uniquely positions Fellows to leverage transformative research experiences and contribute to sustainable advancements in their respective fields.

The Tribal Solar Accelerator Fund (TSAF) empowers tribal communities across the U.S. by promoting renewable energy projects and workforce development. Launched by GRID Alternatives, TSAF provides critical funding for solar initiatives, enhancing energy sovereignty and resilience. Since its inception, TSAF has integrated community participation into its projects, ensuring that tribes can access sustainable energy solutions. By prioritizing education and equity, TSAF supports a transition to a clean energy economy, aiming for a sustainable future for generations to come.

The Laura Bush 21st Century Librarian Program aims to enhance the library and archival workforce by addressing community information needs and strengthening institutional capacities. It supports innovative projects that explore alternative pathways into library services, advance continuing education, and foster recruitment and retention of future professionals. By focusing on diverse training and development, the program seeks to cultivate a new generation of library leaders equipped to meet evolving challenges.

About Us

We are a philanthropic organization committed to catalyzing the impact of social entrepreneurs who are expanding access and opportunity in America. 

At New Profit, we partner with social innovators, philanthropists, and other impact leaders who are creating a more inclusive and prosperous America. We invest in and support leaders and organizations that are transforming our education, economic, and democratic systems. And we are guided by the belief that those who are most proximate to the communities we serve are the best positioned to develop effective and sustainable solutions.

We seek and support leaders and organizations with scalable solutions that match the size of the problems we face and expansive visions that match the scale of our ambitions for America.

Connected Futures Cohort Grant

New Profit is launching Connected Futures, a Catalyze cohort for organizations that bridge divides and bring people together to solve problems collectively. Submit a Discovery Form to signal your interest and to be considered to submit an application for this funding cycle. 

New Profit’s Catalyze cohorts support innovative social impact organizations expanding access and opportunity in America. This model brings together cohorts of organizations with similar focus areas and stages, providing each with a one-year $100,000 unrestricted grant, a $10,000 grant for leadership development, and strategic advisory support.

Social Entrepreneurs* participate in a year-long cohort experience designed to build community, facilitate peer learning, and provide capacity-building support, including workshops on topics such as board development, fundraising, scenario planning, and storytelling. 

About Connected Futures

Connected Futures is a new Catalyze cohort for organizations that help people move across active divides to take action toward common goals. We are looking for organizations that build trust, strengthen collaboration, and create ways for people to act together when mistrust, polarization, exclusion, or disconnection would otherwise keep them apart and prevent them from solving problems together.

These organizations may work in the health, economic mobility, democracy, and/or education sectors. What connects them is not a single issue area, but a common approach to bridgebuilding: creating the relationships, skills, and structures people need to work together toward positive change.

Catalyze cohorts are at their best when cohort members are fully engaged. The Social Entrepreneurs that lead selected organizations are expected to participate in the Catalyze support model and peer learning community in the following ways:

• Social Entrepreneurs attend three in-person convenings, each of which are held over 3-4 days in cities across the United States. Convening dates for this cohort will be shared with organizations invited to complete a full application.
• Social Entrepreneurs attend three virtual learning sessions, each lasting 2-3 hours. Webinar dates for this cohort will be shared with organizations invited to complete a full application.
• Social Entrepreneurs engage with the New Profit team via 1:1 strategic advising, including a minimum of six virtual sessions over the yearlong cohort.
• Entrepreneurs receive a $10,000 stipend specifically to support their own leadership development goals.
• Programming requires a commitment of 6-8 hours per month on average. New Profit covers the cost of travel, accommodation, and meal expenses for each in-person convening.

The Prof. Rahamimoff Travel Grants for Young Scientists support PhD students in research requiring expertise unavailable in their home countries. Named after renowned scientist Prof. Rami Rahamimoff, the grants fund trips to higher education or research facilities in the U.S. or Israel, lasting up to two months. Eligible applicants must be U.S. or Israeli citizens conducting supervised research at accredited institutions. This program honors Prof. Rahamimoff's legacy in science and medicine.

The Ruby Bridges Walk to School Day Mini-Grant supports events that honor civil rights activist Ruby Bridges by encouraging students to walk to school and engage in discussions about activism, anti-racism, and anti-bullying. Grants of $500 or $1000 are available based on the number of students reached. This initiative aims to inspire positive changes within communities and promote meaningful dialogue among young people about social justice issues.

The Ruth Abernathy Presidential Scholarship, established by SHAPE America, honors outstanding graduate students in health and physical education. Awarded annually since 1995, it recognizes two graduate recipients based on academic excellence and leadership. Along with financial support, winners receive a three-year SHAPE America membership, enhancing their professional network. This scholarship underscores the organization's commitment to advancing health education and supporting future leaders in the field.

The Ruth Abernathy Presidential Scholarship is awarded annually by SHAPE America to honor outstanding undergraduate and graduate students in health and physical education. Established in 1995, this scholarship supports three undergraduate and two graduate recipients. Candidates must be SHAPE America members, majoring in relevant fields, and demonstrate academic excellence and leadership. In addition to financial support, recipients receive a three-year membership to SHAPE America, fostering a commitment to health education and physical activity.

AGC Education and Research Foundation

Thanks to visionary volunteer leadership of AGC industry leaders, the AGC Education and Research Foundation, founded in 1968, has for 50 years made good on its commitment to support the future of our industry through its robust scholarship program and innovative projects.

Workforce Development Scholarship

In 2015, the National Center for Construction Education and Research (NCCER) and its Build Your Future initiative made a generous contribution to help fund the first Workforce Development scholarships for students pursuing craft and technical programs, allowing 19 applicants to receive the inaugural scholarships. Scholarships are $1,000 per year, renewable for up to two years.

This is the application for the Workforce Development Scholarship. This scholarship is for students pursuing associate degrees, technical training or certificates to enter the construction industry. Please review the Criteria Page to ensure you qualify for the Workforce Development Scholarship. Scholarships are $1,000 per year, renewable for up to two years. If you are attending a four year university and intend to earn a Bachelor's degree please make sure to apply for our Undergraduate Scholarship application.

The AAO-HNSF/ANS Herbert Silverstein Otology/Neurotology Research Award supports innovative clinical or basic science research focused on auditory and vestibular diseases. Established by Herbert Silverstein, MD, this award aims to assist young academic investigators in launching new projects. Since 2000, it has funded seven grants totaling $175,000, emphasizing projects with clear clinical relevance and potential for future funding. Applicants must demonstrate commitment to research and secure institutional support, with a priority for junior faculty and fellows.

The AAO-HNSF Percy Memorial Research Award offers $25,000 for one year to support innovative research projects in otolaryngology-head and neck surgery. This grant aims to fund projects with clinical significance, encouraging the development of new long-term research initiatives. Applicants must submit a detailed budget and secure letters of support from their Department Chair and key personnel involved in the project. Funds cannot cover salaries or purchase equipment exceeding $500.

Who We Are

Buiding a stronger, More Vibrant Community

For over 70 years, the Scranton Area Community Foundation has served Northeastern Pennsylvania as a steward of charitable resources, a grantmaker, and a catalyst for positive change. Guided by our core values of collaboration, trust, integrity, innovation, and inclusivity, we work to ensure that our communities thrive with opportunities for all.

This scholarship is awarded to a student matriculating at a college, university, or business in the year of the scholarship.

The Fisheries Innovation Fund's Electronic Monitoring and Reporting Grant Program aims to enhance fisheries management through electronic technologies. Administered by the National Fish and Wildlife Foundation (NFWF), this initiative will support U.S. fisheries in implementing electronic monitoring tools to improve data collection, accessibility, and management. The program is open to various fisheries, including commercial and recreational sectors, promoting sustainable practices and fostering stakeholder involvement for better fishery information systems.

The National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases (NIAID) aims to enhance the development of diagnostic tests for infectious diseases through strategic partnerships between academia and industry. By fostering collaborations, NIAID seeks to overcome barriers to commercialization, ensuring promising diagnostics reach the market effectively. This initiative aligns with NIH's mission to advance innovative technologies that improve treatment and prevention strategies for infectious diseases, ultimately contributing to public health advancements.

The National Bycatch Reduction Engineering Program (BREP) for FY2026/27 offers competitive grants aimed at supporting non-Federal researchers. This initiative, governed by the Magnuson-Stevens Fishery Conservation and Management Act, focuses on developing innovative fishing practices and gear technologies to minimize bycatch and reduce post-release mortality of non-target species. By addressing bycatch reduction, the program seeks to enhance the sustainability of U.S. fisheries and aquaculture, aligning with the National Marine Fisheries Service's conservation goals.

The Frankenthaler Climate Initiative's Catalyst Grant supports organizations in the visual arts sector to take quick, impactful actions toward sustainability. Since 2021, the initiative has awarded over $10 million, fostering a shift to carbon-neutral operations. Eligible applicants include nonprofit entities that prioritize visual arts, aiming to reduce environmental impact through clean energy, efficiency improvements, and innovative practices. This grant promotes a greener future while enhancing the importance of arts education and ecological stewardship.

The Jeffers, Danielson, Sonn & Aylward Law Scholarship supports Chelan and Douglas County high school graduates pursuing a degree in Law or Paralegal studies. Applicants must maintain a minimum 3.0 GPA and demonstrate financial need through the FAFSA. This scholarship encourages local students to advance their legal education, fostering a new generation of legal professionals committed to serving their communities.

The Start-Up Research Grant aims to support early-career researchers establishing independent research careers. Grants are awarded for two years, enabling applicants to submit future proposals. The program emphasizes scientific excellence and collaboration between Israeli and American scientists. Eligible junior principal investigators (PIs) must be within ten years of their PhD or MD completion. Notably, the grant does not cover PI salaries and requires adherence to BSF's application standards.