Capacity Development Grant 2025

The Community Foundation for McHenry County (CFMC) serves as a philanthropic engine for the region, working to enhance the well-being of local communities through targeted grantmaking and donor partnerships. With a deep understanding of the county's evolving needs, CFMC structures its grant programs to support organizations that are committed to long-term community development and improved service delivery. The 2025 cycle includes refinements aimed at better responsiveness to local challenges and fostering more inclusive and sustainable nonprofit operations. The Capacity Development Grant, newly offered for 2025, is one of the foundation’s strategic investments in the nonprofit infrastructure of McHenry County. This grant opportunity is designed specifically to help small or emerging nonprofits strengthen their operational capacity, thereby enhancing their ability to deliver services and achieve their mission. By combining financial support with capacity-building resources, CFMC is taking a dual-track approach to ensure these nonprofits grow in a healthy and sustainable way. Eligible applicants for the Capacity Development Grant must either have an annual operating budget of $100,000 or less or have been established for fewer than five years. These criteria ensure that the funding targets the organizations that stand to benefit the most from foundational support. Organizations must also fall into one of the recognized tax-exempt categories, including 501(c)(3) nonprofits, units of local government, not-for-profit educational institutions, or faith-based entities that offer community services without promoting specific religious doctrines. Grant recipients will receive both a monetary award and mandatory participation in a structured capacity-building experience. This includes tools, training, or advisory services that equip organizations with the knowledge and resources needed for long-term stability and impact. Specific details on the capacity-building components are not listed but are described as required, emphasizing the funder’s focus on sustainability and strategic development. Applications for the Capacity Development Grant open on July 1, 2025, and close on July 31, 2025. Funding recipients will be announced in August 2025. This one-month window requires applicants to prepare materials in advance, though there are no listed requirements for pre-applications or letters of inquiry. Interested applicants should direct questions to Jake Schlicht, the Manager of Grants and Scholarships, who is available by phone at (815) 338-4483 or by email at jake@thecfmc.org. All applications must be submitted through the foundation's grant portal. Though no specific application questions or tips are provided, the process will involve documentation of eligibility and presumably a project plan or operational overview to justify funding. The emphasis on emerging organizations and mandatory growth-oriented programming makes this a significant opportunity for nonprofits seeking to expand their capabilities and community impact.