Grants for Nonprofits - Capacity Building

This funding opportunity provides financial support for Native American communities to develop sustainable economic projects, preserve cultural heritage, and enhance local infrastructure and social systems.

The New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection (NJDEP) is offering the Solid Waste Recycling Enhancement Act (REA) Higher Education Research Grant Program. This grant program is designed to fund projects that align with and support the objectives of the Recycling Enhancement Act. The core mission is to enhance existing resources, tools, or methodologies, or to create new ones, all in furtherance of the REA's goals. This initiative demonstrates a strategic priority to foster innovation and practical advancements in recycling within New Jersey, reflecting a theory of change that posits that targeted research and development will lead to improved recycling practices and outcomes for the state. The target beneficiaries for this grant program are New Jersey institutions of higher education. These institutions may implement projects in conjunction with, or by subcontracting or partnering with, other entities as permitted by law. The primary impact goal is to support the objectives of the REA through various projects. This includes enhancing the capabilities of the higher education sector to contribute to environmental sustainability, specifically in waste management and recycling. The program aims to leverage academic expertise to generate solutions that have tangible benefits for the state's recycling infrastructure and policies. The grant prioritizes projects in several key areas: recycling demonstration, research, or education, including professional training. This focus allows for a broad range of initiatives, from practical applications and pilot programs to in-depth academic studies and workforce development. The expected outcomes include the development of new or improved resources, tools, and methodologies that directly contribute to the objectives of the Recycling Enhancement Act. Measurable results could include, but are not limited to, new recycling technologies implemented, increased public or professional understanding of recycling best practices, and data-driven insights that inform future policy decisions. Approximately $1 million in grant funding has been allocated for this opportunity, with individual grant amounts ranging from $500,000 to $1 million. Awardees and grant amounts will be determined based on the strength of the proposal, adherence to selection criteria, and the availability of funds. The grant is designed to cover personnel costs (salaries/fringe benefits), other direct costs such as supplies, printing, mailings, mileage, and contractual services, as well as indirect costs. Indirect, fringe benefits, or administrative costs should be estimated using an approved negotiated cost agreement, or a rate of 10% of modified total direct costs if such an agreement is not available. This structure ensures that funded projects are adequately resourced to achieve their stated objectives and contribute effectively to the REA.

The Cultural Capacity Building grants, provided by Iowa Arts & Culture, offer general operating support over a three-year period to eligible arts, cultural, and humanities organizations in Iowa. This program is designed to enhance the cultural and managerial excellence and community service of these organizations. Funding is made possible through an annual appropriation from the Iowa Legislature to the Iowa Arts Council, which is part of the Iowa Economic Development Authority, and by the National Endowment for the Arts, a federal agency. This aligns with a mission to foster a vibrant cultural landscape within Iowa by supporting the operational needs of key cultural institutions. The target beneficiaries of this grant program are Iowa 501(c)3 nonprofit organizations whose primary mission is focused on arts or culture, as well as arts or cultural divisions of municipal governments. Eligible entities must maintain an annual cash operating expense budget of no less than $10,000 and have a minimum of one dedicated year-round staff or volunteer position responsible for oversight and management. The impact goal is to strengthen the operational capacity and community engagement of these organizations, ensuring their long-term sustainability and ability to deliver cultural services across all counties in Iowa. The program prioritizes organizations with annual operating expenses above $10,000 that can demonstrate a commitment to improving their cultural and managerial excellence and community service. The focus is on providing stable, multi-year funding to help these organizations achieve their goals. Grant recipients will receive up to $5,000 in each fiscal year, for a total maximum award of $15,000 over three years, specifically to support operating expenses incurred within each eligible funding period. The funding period for the current cycle is from July 1, 2024, to June 30, 2027. Expected outcomes include enhanced cultural programming, improved organizational management, and stronger community service among recipient organizations. Measurable results would involve the effective utilization of funds for operational expenses, leading to greater organizational stability and the continued delivery of arts and cultural experiences to Iowa communities. While the document does not explicitly detail a "foundation's strategic priorities and theory of change," the funding structure and eligibility criteria reflect a strategic priority of the Iowa Arts Council and its partners to invest in the foundational strength of cultural organizations. The implicit theory of change is that by providing consistent operational support, these organizations will be better equipped to fulfill their missions, enrich the lives of Iowans, and contribute to the state's economic and cultural vitality.

Grant Opportunity: Colorado Springs Health Foundation Capacity-Building Funding Funder: Colorado Springs Health Foundation Award Details: The capacity-building funding opportunity offered by the Colorado Springs Health Foundation is designed to support organizations addressing health and well-being in El Paso and Teller Counties, Colorado. The mini-grants available through this program have a maximum amount of $5,000. The funding can be used for various capacity-building activities such as strategic planning, evaluation, board development, staff training, communication consulting, equity and inclusion coaching, and technology upgrades. Applications are accepted on an ongoing basis, and grant award decisions are expected within one month of submission. Eligibility: Nonprofit organizations, startups, researchers, local governments, small businesses, and other types of organizations operating in El Paso and/or Teller Counties in Colorado are eligible to apply for the capacity-building funding opportunity. Applicants must ensure that their projects align with one of the five funding focus areas identified by the foundation. For-profit organizations and individuals are not eligible for this grant. Grant Opportunity: Colorado Springs Health Foundation General Operating, Program/Project or Capital Funding Funder: Colorado Springs Health Foundation Award Details: The general operating, program/project or capital funding opportunity provided by the Colorado Springs Health Foundation supports initiatives that align with their mission and four funding focus areas. These areas include expanding access to healthcare for those in need; preventing suicide; preventing or healing trauma; and cultivating healthy environments in underserved communities through efforts such as promoting physical activity, increasing access to healthy food, and providing affordable housing. Grant sizes vary significantly depending on the project's scope and budget. Multiyear grants are considered for new approaches to community needs but not for ongoing operations or capital requests. Eligibility: Eligible applicants include tax-exempt organizations (501(c)3), organizations operating under fiscal agency of a tax-exempt organization, and tax-supported entities like schools or local/state governments. The applicant organizations must serve El Paso and/or Teller Counties in Colorado.

This grant provides financial support to New Jersey-based nonprofit organizations focused on history and humanities, helping them address specific operational challenges and enhance their stability through targeted projects.

The City of Hyattsville's Commercial Façade Improvement Program is a grant initiative designed to enhance the visual appeal, quality, and vitality of the city’s commercial districts. The program aims to facilitate private sector investment in exterior improvements for commercial buildings, aligning with the city's broader mission of supporting local businesses and fostering a vibrant urban environment. It recognizes that individual façade improvements contribute significantly to the overall aesthetic and economic health of the commercial areas. This program targets business or property owners within three specific investment areas: the West Hyattsville Transit District, the Route One/Gateway Arts District, and the Prince George’s Plaza Transit District. The primary impact goals are to remove accessibility barriers, stimulate further investment in commercial properties, and achieve significant visual enhancements in commercial façade appearance. Projects that directly address these goals will receive preferential consideration, ensuring that the grants contribute effectively to the city's development objectives. The program prioritizes well-designed façade improvements that extend the longevity of buildings. Eligible improvements are diverse and include signage, exterior painting, storefront reconstruction, siding, exterior lighting, window and door upgrades, public-facing masonry or cornices, murals, and the removal of unattractive exterior finishes, as well as roof repairs and other approved uses. Eligibility requirements stipulate that structures must be commercially zoned and in use, or planned for commercial use, within Hyattsville. Correction of building code violations must be integrated into the improvement work, and vacant properties must secure a tenant within six months of project completion. The grant operates on a dollar-for-dollar matching basis, providing financial assistance ranging from $5,000 to $35,000. This structure is intended to leverage private investment and maximize the program's reach. The expected outcome is a series of visually improved commercial facades that enhance the city's commercial districts, attract new businesses, and encourage community engagement. While specific measurable results are not explicitly detailed beyond the scope of "significant visual improvements," the program implies that an increase in commercial vitality and accessibility, alongside the tangible improvements listed, will serve as indicators of success. The city's strategic priority is to empower the private sector to make these improvements, underpinned by a theory of change that postulates that financial assistance for façade upgrades will directly lead to a more attractive and economically robust commercial landscape.

The State and Local Cybersecurity Grant Program (SLCGP), managed jointly by the Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency (CISA) and Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA), aims to bolster cybersecurity across state, local, and territorial governments, including rural areas. This initiative directly aligns with a foundational mission to safeguard critical infrastructure and enhance the resilience of essential services provided by these governmental entities. By making targeted investments in cybersecurity, the program seeks to mitigate cybersecurity risks and combat threats to information systems, thereby protecting public services and data. The primary beneficiaries of the SLCGP are state, local governments, rural areas, and territories. The program's impact goals are centered on improving the security posture of these governmental agencies, ensuring the continuity and integrity of their services. This is achieved through direct financial assistance and the establishment of robust cybersecurity practices. A key priority is the pass-through requirement, mandating that at least 80 percent of federal funds reach local governments, including those in rural areas, to ensure a broad and equitable distribution of resources. The program's focus areas include addressing existing cybersecurity risks and proactively defending against emerging threats to information systems. CISA contributes subject-matter expertise, defining allowable activities that ensure investments are strategic and effective. FEMA oversees eligibility and grant administration, ensuring compliance with legal and regulatory frameworks. The emphasis on a certified pass-through process underscores a commitment to direct local impact and accountability in fund utilization. Expected outcomes include a significant reduction in successful cyberattacks against state, local, and territorial government systems, leading to improved data security and service reliability. Measurable results will stem from the effective implementation of cybersecurity enhancements and the documented distribution of funds to local entities. The underlying strategic priority is to create a more secure and resilient governmental infrastructure across the nation, operating under a theory of change where targeted federal investment and collaborative management lead to tangible improvements in cybersecurity capabilities at all levels of government, ultimately benefiting the communities they serve.

This funding opportunity supports nonprofit organizations and government agencies in Philadelphia to secure existing urban gardens and farms from development threats, aiming to increase their long-term preservation and community impact.

Amway offers grants to 501(c)(3) nonprofits in Kent County, Michigan, focusing on health, wellness, and empowerment programs, particularly those that increase access to healthy foods, support mental wellbeing, provide life skills education, and promote youth leadership, primarily serving children, families, and traditionally underserved populations.

The City of San Diego's Economic Development Department is offering a grant of $10,000 to $100,000 to nonprofit organizations that can assist small businesses in under-resourced communities, with funds to be used for capacity building expenses such as technical assistance, website creation, and event programming, with priority given to organizations with modest budgets and proposals aligning with the Economic Development Strategy.

This grant provides financial support to nonprofit organizations serving residents of Franklin County, Ohio, to enhance community services focused on public improvements, health equity, and community engagement.

The Bliss, Gross, Horowitz Fund, established at the Rhode Island Foundation, is dedicated to supporting charitable Jewish community organizations that serve the greater Providence area. This fund aligns with the foundation's broader mission to enhance community well-being by specifically addressing the needs and fostering the culture of the Jewish community within the region. The grant program's overview emphasizes a commitment to strengthening Jewish life while also promoting connections and understanding with the wider Rhode Island population. The target beneficiaries for this grant are primarily Jewish community organizations located in and serving the greater Providence area, with an overarching goal to impact both the Jewish community and all Rhode Islanders. Impact goals include fostering connections between the Jewish community and other Rhode Islanders, deepening understanding of Jewish life and culture, providing essential human needs, and supporting the organizational development of Jewish institutions. Projects must be non-sectarian and reach beyond an institution's core constituency, highlighting a focus on broad community benefit. The program prioritizes projects that develop connections between the Jewish community and all Rhode Islanders through community service, those that deepen understanding of Jewish life and culture through scholarship and historic preservation, initiatives that provide basic human needs (food, clothing, housing, prescription assistance), and efforts supporting organizational development such as strategic planning, board development, and program evaluation. Capacity building requests require a scope of work. Capital requests are explicitly not considered, focusing resources on programmatic and organizational development. Expected outcomes include clearly stated goals, objectives, and measurable results from funded proposals. The foundation anticipates that successful organizations will demonstrate the capacity to implement their proposals effectively and outline clear sustainability plans. Ultimately, the grants aim to result in stronger Jewish institutions, increased community understanding, improved provision of basic human needs, and more vibrant connections between the Jewish community and the broader Rhode Island population. The foundation's strategic priorities for this fund revolve around fostering community connections, preserving cultural heritage, addressing fundamental human needs, and enhancing the operational capabilities of Jewish organizations. Its theory of change appears to be that by investing in these key areas, it can strengthen the Jewish community in Providence, facilitate greater integration and understanding with the wider population, and ensure the long-term vitality and impact of Jewish institutions in the region. The emphasis on non-sectarian projects that reach beyond a core constituency further underscores a commitment to inclusive community building.

This funding opportunity provides financial support to California-based nonprofits and government entities for arts education projects that engage and empower young people, particularly those from underserved communities.

The General Operating Grants (GOG) program, offered by the Allegany Arts Council (AAC), is designed to support the daily operations of 501(c)3 arts agencies within Allegany County, Maryland. The program aims to address critical funding gaps that often hinder arts organizations from compensating professional staff, maintaining facilities, or pursuing capital improvements. This initiative aligns with the AAC's mission to foster and sustain a vibrant arts community by providing essential operational support, thereby ensuring the continued availability of arts-related programming and general organizational functionality in the region. The target beneficiaries of the GOG program are non-profit, 501(c)3 arts organizations (or those eligible for IRS tax-exempt status) based in Allegany County, with programming and business primarily conducted within the county. The program seeks to impact the local community by ensuring that arts-related programs and events funded by GOG money are accessible to the general public. The overarching impact goal is to stimulate, rather than replace, community support for the arts and to promote broad participation and engagement in artistic endeavors, free from discrimination based on race, color, national origin, sex, age, or handicap. The program prioritizes the use of funds for arts-related programming or general organizational operations. It explicitly excludes funding for capital purchases, fundraising events, or social functions. A significant focus is placed on community engagement and support, as evidenced by the requirement of a 1:1 cash match, where GOG funding cannot exceed one-half of the proposed program budget. Funds from the Maryland State Arts Council and in-kind or donated services are not eligible for this match, emphasizing the need for direct community and organizational investment. Furthermore, programs that proselytize for specific political actions or religious beliefs are strictly not eligible for funding. Expected outcomes include enhanced operational stability for local arts organizations, leading to a greater capacity to offer diverse arts programming to the Allegany County public. Measurable results will include the provision of final grant reports at the conclusion of the grant period, detailing how the funds were utilized and the impact achieved. Grantees are also required to notify the AAC of any major program changes and comply with various civil rights and anti-discrimination acts, ensuring equitable access and participation. The program's strategic priority is to strengthen the local arts infrastructure, and its theory of change posits that by providing direct operational support and encouraging community matching funds, local arts agencies will be better equipped to deliver high-quality, accessible arts experiences, thereby enriching the cultural landscape of Allegany County.

This grant provides funding to nonprofit organizations in northwest Ohio and southeast Michigan for innovative programs that improve community well-being, focusing on safety, family support, and youth development.

The Philadelphia City Fund is offering a one-year grant of $15,000 to Philadelphia-based organizations working towards long-term environmental justice and community resilience, with activities including community organizing, education, youth leadership, and project implementation, to be used within 12 months of being awarded.

Grant Opportunity: Brashaber Teacher Enhancement Award Funding Organization: Rush County Community Foundation Contact Information: Phone - (765) 938-1177 Award Details: The Brashaber Teacher Enhancement Award was established in 2017 to support curriculum development for teachers at Rushville Consolidated High School. The award provides funding for activities or projects outside of the classroom, activities or projects within the classroom, and additional schooling to further education enhancement. Priority is given to teachers proposing creative or unconventional ideas for the benefit of the educational process. The deadline to apply is September 1st, and the application can be accessed online at https://www.grantinterface.com/Home/Logon?urlkey=rccf. Eligibility: Non-profit organizations that benefit Rush County or its citizens are eligible to apply. Established agencies must be tax-exempt under Section 501(c)(3) of the IRS code. New organizations with demonstrated need or innovative projects are also invited to apply. However, grants are generally not awarded for ongoing operating expenses, debt reduction, travel expenses, multi-year grants, advocacy or political purposes, religious or sectarian purposes, loans, or endowments. The Rush County Community Foundation does not discriminate based on age, race, religion, sex, or national origin. Other Information: For-profit businesses are not eligible for grants from this foundation. Grants are not available for individuals; Connect2Help 211 is recommended for individual needs. Unrestricted grants to education are traditionally not given; specific funds designated for education purposes can be found on their Fund List. Religious organizations currently do not receive grants from the unrestricted fund pool until all organizations can be fairly supported. Note: Please review the Eligibility & Guidelines page on their website for more detailed information before applying.

The South Dakota State Historical Society is inviting applications for the Deadwood Fund Grant. This initiative aims to support significant restoration or rehabilitation projects for historic properties across the state. Managed by the State Historical Society's historic preservation office, the program offers grants ranging from $1,000 to $25,000. Applicants must match the grant amount with nonfederal and nonstate sources on a dollar-for-dollar basis, with nonprofits allowed to count in-kind services for up to half of their match requirement. Grant renewed every year. Grant Annual Fall deadline: October 1st

This funding initiative provides a $2-to-$1 match for new fundraising efforts by Staten Island-based nonprofits that have previously received significant support from the Foundation, encouraging innovative strategies to enhance their financial capacity and community engagement.

The Greensburg Foundation Fund Grants Program, an initiative of The Community Foundation of Westmoreland County (an affiliate of the Pittsburgh Foundation), seeks to support organizations addressing the needs of the Greensburg community. This endowment, established by over twenty-five Greensburg individuals and families, aligns with the foundation's mission to enhance local community well-being by providing essential resources to nonprofits operating within the specified geographic area. The primary beneficiaries of this grant program are nonprofit organizations serving residents of the 15601 zip code in Westmoreland County, Pennsylvania. The program aims to achieve significant community impact by funding various projects, including the provision of program materials, office technology upgrades, renovations, and capital projects such as new construction. It also supports the implementation of new or existing programmatic initiatives, ultimately seeking to improve the quality of life and address specific needs within the Greensburg area. The program prioritizes a wide range of needs, including technology, personal care items for shelters, food for feeding programs, educational supplies for daycares or schools, and office renovations. Capital projects are also a key focus, emphasizing sustainable improvements to community infrastructure. The fund specifically excludes general operating costs, focusing instead on tangible project-based support. Preference is given to organizations physically located within the 15601 zip code, further concentrating its impact geographically. The expected outcomes include enhanced service delivery by local nonprofits, improved facilities and resources for community programs, and direct support for vulnerable populations through items like food and personal care. While specific measurable results are not explicitly detailed in terms of quantifiable targets, the program's focus on tangible project funding suggests that successful outcomes would include the completion of renovations, acquisition of technology, and the effective distribution of aid, leading to improved community services and living conditions within Greensburg. The maximum funding per grant is $20,000.