Capacity building is a vital component of non-profit organizations, allowing them to develop the skills, knowledge, and resources they need to carry out their missions and achieve their goals effectively. However, many non-profit organizations struggle to find the funding they need to invest in capacity-building initiatives.
Fortunately, there are a variety of grants available to non-profits that can help them build their capacity and achieve their objectives.
Capacity Building Grants for Non-Profits
Table of Content
- The Community Foundation for Greater New Haven
- The Fidelity Charitable Trustees’ Initiative
- The Ford Foundation
- The Kresge Foundation
- The Nonprofit Finance Fund
- The William and Flora Hewlett Foundation
- The David and Lucile Packard Foundation
- The California Wellness Foundation
- The Robert Wood Johnson Foundation
- The W.K. Kellogg Foundation
- The James Irvine Foundation
- The Andrew W. Mellon Foundation
- The Charles Stewart Mott Foundation
- The Annie E. Casey Foundation
The Community Foundation for Greater New Haven
The Community Foundation for Greater New Haven offers a Capacity Building Grant Program that provides funding to non-profit organizations in the Greater New Haven area. The grants are designed to help organizations build their capacity by investing in leadership development, strategic planning, program evaluation, and other areas.
Eligibility Requirements
To be eligible for the Capacity Building Grant Program, organizations must meet the following criteria:
- Non-profit status: The organization must have 501(c)(3) tax-exempt status or be a fiscally sponsored project of a 501(c)(3) organization.
- Location: The organization must be located in the Greater New Haven area of Connecticut, which includes the following towns: Ansonia, Bethany, Branford, Cheshire, Derby, East Haven, Guilford, Hamden, Madison, Milford, New Haven, North Branford, North Haven, Orange, Oxford, Seymour, Shelton, Wallingford, West Haven, and Woodbridge.
- Organizational budget: The organization must have an annual operating budget of at least $100,000.
- Mission: The organization must have a mission that aligns with the Foundation’s funding priorities. These priorities include promoting equity and inclusion, fostering thriving communities, and supporting nonprofit effectiveness.
- Capacity-building need: The organization must have a demonstrated need for capacity-building support, which can include leadership development, strategic planning, fundraising, board development, or other areas of organizational infrastructure.
How to Apply
- Review the eligibility requirements and funding priorities to ensure that your organization is a good fit for the program.
- Contact the Foundation’s program officer for nonprofit effectiveness to discuss your capacity-building needs and the application process. The program officer can provide guidance and support throughout the application process.
- Complete the online application form, which includes questions about your organization’s mission, capacity-building needs, and project goals. You will also be asked to provide financial information and supporting documents, such as your most recent audit or 990 forms.
- Submit your application and supporting materials through the Foundation’s online grant management system. You will receive a confirmation email once your application has been received.
- The Foundation’s program officer will review your application and may contact you for additional information or clarification.
- The Foundation’s grants committee will review your application and make a funding decision. If your organization is selected for funding, you will receive a grant agreement outlining the terms of the award.
- If your organization is not selected for funding, you will receive feedback on your application and may be invited to reapply in the future.
The Fidelity Charitable Trustees’ Initiative
The Fidelity Charitable Trustees’ Initiative is a program that offers capacity-building grants to non-profit organizations that are working to improve the lives of individuals and families.
The grants are awarded to organizations that are focused on addressing social and economic issues, and they can be used to fund a variety of capacity-building initiatives, such as board development, strategic planning, and program evaluation.
Eligibility Requirements
- Non-profit status: The organization must be a 501(c)(3) public charity or be fiscally sponsored by a 501(c)(3) public charity.
- Location: The organization must be located in the United States.
- Organizational budget: The organization must have an annual operating budget of at least $750,000.
- Mission: The organization must have a mission that aligns with the Foundation’s funding priorities. These priorities include promoting economic mobility and financial wellness and increasing access to quality health care.
- Capacity-building needs: The organization must have a demonstrated need for capacity-building support, which can include leadership development, strategic planning, fundraising, board development, or other areas of organizational infrastructure.
How to Apply
- Review the eligibility requirements and funding priorities to ensure that your organization is a good fit for the program.
- Complete the online application form, which includes questions about your organization’s mission, capacity-building needs, and project goals. You will also be asked to provide financial information and supporting documents, such as your most recent audit or 990 forms.
- Submit your application and supporting materials through the Foundation’s online grant management system. You will receive a confirmation email once your application has been received.
- The Foundation’s grants team will review your application and may contact you for additional information or clarification.
- The Foundation’s grants committee will review your application and make a funding decision. If your organization is selected for funding, you will receive a grant agreement outlining the terms of the award.
- If your organization is not selected for funding, you will receive feedback on your application and may be invited to reapply in the future.
The Ford Foundation
The Ford Foundation is a leading funder of non-profit organizations that are working to address social justice issues. The foundation offers a variety of capacity-building grants to non-profits that are focused on strengthening their organizations and achieving their goals.
The grants can be used to fund a variety of initiatives, such as leadership development, strategic planning, and program evaluation.
Eligibility Requirements
To be eligible for the Ford Foundation Capacity Building Grant Program, organizations must meet the following criteria:
- Non-profit status: The organization must be a tax-exempt 501(c)(3) organization, a charitable organization registered in Canada, or an indigenous and/or community-based organization.
- Mission: The organization’s mission must align with the Foundation’s priorities, which include promoting democratic values, reducing inequality, and advancing human dignity.
- Organizational budget: The organization must have an annual operating budget of at least $250,000.
- Capacity-building needs: The organization must have a demonstrated need for capacity-building support, which can include leadership development, strategic planning, board development, financial management, or other areas of organizational infrastructure.
- Impact: The organization must demonstrate the potential for significant social impact, both in terms of the organization’s operations and the broader community it serves.
How to Apply
- Review the eligibility requirements and funding priorities to ensure that your organization is a good fit for the program.
- Complete the online application form, which includes questions about your organization’s mission, capacity-building needs, and project goals. You will also be asked to provide financial information and supporting documents, such as your most recent audit or 990 forms.
- Submit your application and supporting materials through the Foundation’s online grant management system. You will receive a confirmation email once your application has been received.
- The Foundation’s grants team will review your application and may contact you for additional information or clarification.
- If your application is approved, the Foundation will work with you to develop a customized capacity-building plan that aligns with your organization’s goals and needs.
- If your organization is selected for funding, you will receive a grant agreement outlining the terms of the award.
- The Foundation may also provide additional support, such as technical assistance or networking opportunities, to help your organization achieve its goals.
The Kresge Foundation
The Kresge Foundation is a national funder of non-profit organizations that are working to address social and economic issues.
The foundation offers a variety of capacity-building grants to non-profits that are focused on strengthening their organizations and achieving their goals. The grants can be used to fund initiatives such as leadership development, strategic planning, and program evaluation.
Eligibility:
- Organizations must be tax-exempt under section 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code.
- Organizations must be based in the United States or its territories.
- Organizations must have a demonstrated commitment to addressing issues related to social justice, urban poverty, and the environment.
- Organizations must have a budget size of at least $500,000.
How to Apply:
- Before submitting an application, organizations should contact a program officer to discuss their eligibility and the fit of their project with the Kresge Foundation’s priorities.
- Review the guidelines and application process on the Kresge Foundation website to ensure that you have all the necessary materials and understand the process.
- Complete the online application form and upload all required materials, including a proposal narrative, budget, and financial statements.
- Submit the application by the deadline, which is typically in March and September of each year.
The Nonprofit Finance Fund
The Nonprofit Finance Fund is a national organization that provides funding and resources to non-profit organizations. The organization offers a variety of capacity-building grants to non-profits that are focused on strengthening their financial management, improving their operations, and achieving their goals.
Eligibility:
- Organizations must be tax-exempt under section 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code.
- Organizations must be based in the United States.
- Organizations must have a demonstrated commitment to addressing issues related to social justice, equity, and economic opportunity.
- Organizations must have an annual operating budget of at least $500,000.
How to Apply:
- Review the Nonprofit Finance Fund Capacity Building Grant Program guidelines and determine whether your organization is eligible to apply.
- If you are eligible, complete the eligibility quiz and register for the online application portal.
- Complete the online application form and upload all required materials, including a proposal narrative, budget, and financial statements.
- Submit the application by the deadline, which is typically in the spring and fall of each year.
The William and Flora Hewlett Foundation
The William and Flora Hewlett Foundation is a leading funder of non-profit organizations that are working to address social and environmental issues.
The foundation offers a variety of capacity-building grants to non-profits that are focused on strengthening their organizations and achieving their goals. The grants can be used to fund initiatives such as leadership development, strategic planning, and program evaluation.
Eligibility:
- Organizations must be tax-exempt under section 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code.
- Organizations must be based in the United States.
- Organizations must have a demonstrated commitment to addressing issues related to education, the environment, global development and population, performing arts, and philanthropy.
- Organizations must have an annual operating budget of at least $500,000.
How to Apply:
- Review the Hewlett Foundation Capacity Building Grant Program guidelines and determine whether your organization is eligible to apply.
- If you are eligible, complete the online inquiry form to introduce your organization and project to the Hewlett Foundation. The foundation will review your inquiry and contact you if they are interested in learning more.
- If you are invited to submit a full proposal, you will be provided with the application instructions and asked to complete the online application form and upload all required materials, including a proposal narrative, budget, and financial statements.
- Submit the application by the deadline, which is typically in the fall of each year.
The David and Lucile Packard Foundation
The David and Lucile Packard Foundation is a leading funder of non-profit organizations that are working to address social and environmental issues.
The foundation offers a variety of capacity-building grants to non-profits that are focused on strengthening their organizations and achieving their goals. The grants can be used to fund initiatives such as leadership development, strategic planning, and program evaluation.
Eligibility:
- Organizations must be tax-exempt under section 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code.
- Organizations must be based in the United States.
- Organizations must have a demonstrated commitment to addressing issues related to the environment, local communities, and population and reproductive health.
- Organizations must have an annual operating budget of at least $500,000.
How to Apply:
- Review the Packard Foundation Capacity Building Grant Program guidelines and determine whether your organization is eligible to apply.
- If you are eligible, complete the online Letter of Inquiry (LOI) form to introduce your organization and project to the Packard Foundation. The foundation will review your Letter of Inquiry (LOI) and contact you if they are interested in learning more.
- If your Letter of Inquiry (LOI) is invited to submit a full proposal, you will be provided with the application instructions and asked to complete the online application form and upload all required materials, including a proposal narrative, budget, and financial statements.
- Submit the application by the deadline, which is typically in the spring and fall of each year.
The California Wellness Foundation
The California Wellness Foundation is a leading funder of non-profit organizations that are working to address health and wellness issues in California.
The foundation offers a variety of capacity-building grants to non-profits that are focused on strengthening their organizations and achieving their goals. The grants can be used to fund initiatives such as leadership development, strategic planning, program evaluation, and improving organizational infrastructure.
Eligibility:
To be eligible for the Capacity Building Grant Program, an organization must:
- Be a nonprofit organization that is tax-exempt under section 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code and is not a private foundation.
- Be located in California or have a significant presence in California.
- Be engaged in work that aligns with The California Wellness Foundation’s mission to promote health and wellness.
- Have an annual operating budget of less than $10 million.
- Have at least one full-time paid staff member.
Application Process:
The Capacity Building Grant Program has a two-stage application process.
Stage One: Letter of Interest (LOI)
The first step is to submit a Letter of Interest (LOI) through The California Wellness Foundation’s online application system. The Letter of Inquiry (LOI) should provide a brief overview of the organization and the proposed capacity-building project.
Stage Two: Full Proposal
If the Letter of Inquiry (LOI) is accepted, the organization will be invited to submit a full proposal. The full proposal should provide detailed information about the organization, the proposed project, and the expected outcomes.
The California Wellness Foundation typically accepts applications for the Capacity Building Grant Program twice a year, with deadlines in February and August. For more information on the Capacity Building Grant Program and the application process, visit The California Wellness Foundation’s website at calwellness.org.
The Robert Wood Johnson Foundation
The Robert Wood Johnson Foundation is a national funder of non-profit organizations that are working to address health and wellness issues.
The foundation offers a variety of capacity-building grants to non-profits that are focused on strengthening their organizations and achieving their goals. The grants can be used to fund initiatives such as leadership development, strategic planning, program evaluation, and improving organizational infrastructure.
Eligibility Requirements
To be eligible for this program, organizations must meet the following criteria:
- Be a tax-exempt organization under section 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code or be a governmental entity.
- Have a mission focused on improving health and well-being, reducing health disparities, or addressing the social determinants of health.
- Have an annual operating budget of at least $250,000 and no more than $10 million.
- Be located in the United States or its territories.
How to Apply
To apply for the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation Capacity Building Grant Program, follow these steps:
- Review the program guidelines and eligibility criteria to determine if your organization is eligible.
- Create an account on the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation online system and complete the eligibility quiz to confirm your eligibility.
- If eligible, complete the online application form, which will include questions about your organization, the proposed project, and the capacity-building activities you plan to undertake.
- Submit the completed application and all required supporting documents by the application deadline.
Please note that the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation Capacity Building Grant Program typically accepts applications once per year, with a deadline in the fall. It’s important to check the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation website for the most up-to-date information on application deadlines and other program details.
The W.K. Kellogg Foundation
The W.K. Kellogg Foundation is a leading funder of non-profit organizations that are working to address social and economic issues, with a specific focus on issues related to children and families. The foundation offers a variety of capacity-building grants to non-profits that are focused on strengthening their organizations and achieving their goals.
The grants can be used to fund initiatives such as leadership development, strategic planning, program evaluation, and improving organizational infrastructure.
Eligibility Requirements
To be eligible for this program, organizations must meet the following criteria:
- Be a nonprofit organization with tax-exempt status under section 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code or a government agency.
- Have a mission that aligns with the W.K. Kellogg Foundation’s focus on improving the lives of vulnerable children and families, and addressing systemic racial and social inequalities.
- Be located in the United States or its territories.
- Have a history of working with and representing the communities they serve.
- Have an operating budget of at least $300,000 and no more than $30 million.
How to Apply
To apply for the W.K. Kellogg Foundation Capacity Building Grant Program, follow these steps:
- Review the program guidelines and eligibility criteria to determine if your organization is eligible.
- Complete the eligibility quiz to confirm your eligibility.
- If eligible, complete the online application form, which will include questions about your organization, the proposed project, and the capacity-building activities you plan to undertake.
- Submit the completed application and all required supporting documents by the application deadline.
The James Irvine Foundation
The James Irvine Foundation is a leading funder of non-profit organizations that are working to build a better California. The foundation offers a variety of capacity-building grants to non-profits that are focused on strengthening their organizations and achieving their goals.
The grants can be used to fund initiatives such as leadership development, strategic planning, program evaluation, and improving organizational infrastructure.
Eligibility Requirements
To be eligible for this program, organizations must meet the following criteria:
- Be a California-based nonprofit organization with tax-exempt status under section 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code.
- Have a mission that aligns with the James Irvine Foundation’s focus on improving the quality of life for low-income Californians and advancing racial equity.
- Have an operating budget of at least $500,000 and no more than $30 million.
- Be able to demonstrate a track record of providing effective programs and services to low-income Californians.
- Have a commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion in its policies, practices, and programs.
How to Apply
To apply for the James Irvine Foundation Capacity Building Grant Program, follow these steps:
- Review the program guidelines and eligibility criteria to determine if your organization is eligible.
- Complete the eligibility quiz to confirm your eligibility.
- If eligible, complete the online application form, which will include questions about your organization, the proposed project, and the capacity-building activities you plan to undertake.
- Submit the completed application and all required supporting documents by the application deadline.
The Andrew W. Mellon Foundation
The Andrew W. Mellon Foundation is a national funder of non-profit organizations that are working in the arts, humanities, and higher education.
The foundation offers a variety of capacity-building grants to non-profits that are focused on strengthening their organizations and achieving their goals. The grants can be used to fund initiatives such as leadership development, strategic planning, program evaluation, and improving organizational infrastructure.
Eligibility Requirements
To be eligible for this program, organizations must meet the following criteria:
- Be a U.S.-based nonprofit organization with tax-exempt status under section 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code.
- Have a mission that aligns with the Andrew W. Mellon Foundation’s focus on supporting the arts and humanities, promoting diversity, equity, and inclusion, and fostering innovation and creativity.
- Have an operating budget of at least $500,000 and no more than $10 million.
- Have a history of providing effective programs and services in the arts and humanities.
- Be committed to diversity, equity, and inclusion in its policies, practices, and programs.
How to Apply
To apply for the Andrew W. Mellon Foundation Capacity Building Grant Program, follow these steps:
- Review the program guidelines and eligibility criteria to determine if your organization is eligible.
- Contact the foundation’s program staff to discuss your proposed project and determine if it is a good fit for the program.
- If invited to apply, complete the online application form, which will include questions about your organization, the proposed project, and the capacity-building activities you plan to undertake.
- Submit the completed application and all required supporting documents by the application deadline.
Please note the Andrew W. Mellon Foundation Capacity Building Grant Program has no specific deadline for applications and accepts them on a rolling basis. It’s important to check the Andrew W. Mellon Foundation website for the most up-to-date information on the application process and program details.
The Charles Stewart Mott Foundation
The Charles Stewart Mott Foundation is a leading funder of non-profit organizations that are working to address social and economic issues.
The foundation offers a variety of capacity-building grants to non-profits that are focused on strengthening their organizations and achieving their goals. The grants can be used to fund initiatives such as leadership development, strategic planning, program evaluation, and improving organizational infrastructure.
Eligibility Requirements
To be eligible for this program, organizations must meet the following criteria:
- Be a U.S.-based nonprofit organization with tax-exempt status under section 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code.
- Have a mission that aligns with the Charles Stewart Mott Foundation’s focus on addressing social, economic, and environmental issues.
- Have an operating budget of at least $300,000 and no more than $10 million.
- Have a history of providing effective programs and services in its area of focus.
- Be committed to diversity, equity, and inclusion in its policies, practices, and programs.
How to Apply
To apply for the Charles Stewart Mott Foundation Capacity Building Grant Program, follow these steps:
- Review the program guidelines and eligibility criteria to determine if your organization is eligible.
- Contact the foundation’s program staff to discuss your proposed project and determine if it is a good fit for the program.
- If invited to apply, complete the online application form, which will include questions about your organization, the proposed project, and the capacity-building activities you plan to undertake.
- Submit the completed application and all required supporting documents by the application deadline.
The Annie E. Casey Foundation
The Annie E. Casey Foundation is a leading funder of non-profit organizations that are working to improve the lives of children and families in the United States.
The foundation offers a variety of capacity-building grants to non-profits that are focused on strengthening their organizations and achieving their goals. The grants can be used to fund initiatives such as leadership development, strategic planning, program evaluation, and improving organizational infrastructure.
Eligibility Requirements
To be eligible for this program, organizations must meet the following criteria:
- Be a U.S.-based nonprofit organization with tax-exempt status under section 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code.
- Have a mission that aligns with the Annie E. Casey Foundation’s focus on improving the well-being of children and families.
- Have an operating budget of at least $500,000 and no more than $25 million.
- Have a history of providing effective programs and services in its area of focus.
- Be committed to diversity, equity, and inclusion in its policies, practices, and programs.
How to Apply
To apply for the Annie E. Casey Foundation Capacity Building Grant Program, follow these steps:
- Review the program guidelines and eligibility criteria to determine if your organization is eligible.
- Contact the foundation’s program staff to discuss your proposed project and determine if it is a good fit for the program.
- If invited to apply, complete the online application form, which will include questions about your organization, the proposed project, and the capacity-building activities you plan to undertake.
- Submit the completed application and all required supporting documents by the application deadline.