Grants for Nonprofits - Capacity Building

This grant provides funding to nonprofit organizations in Palm Beach and Martin Counties to support projects that enhance community capacity, economic opportunity, education, and overall community well-being.

The Catalyst Endowment Fund, managed by the Hartford Foundation for Public Giving, is offering a competitive funding opportunity centered on "Empowering Future Leaders and Community Builders through Youth Sports in Greater Hartford." This initiative aligns with the foundation's broader mission to foster well-being and development within the community. The program aims to leverage the positive effects of youth sports, such as developing teamwork, leadership, and promoting physical and mental health, to create resilient, confident, and empowered individuals. The fund's focus on bridging access gaps to youth sports directly supports the foundation's strategic priority of creating sustainable support systems for the region's youth. The primary beneficiaries of this grant program are youth in Greater Hartford, particularly those in underserved communities who face barriers to accessing sports programs. The overarching impact goal is to empower these young individuals, transforming them into future leaders and community builders. By focusing on sustainable support systems, the program seeks to create lasting positive change beyond the grant duration, addressing systemic inequalities in access to enriching activities. This aligns with a theory of change that posits that providing equitable opportunities in youth sports will lead to enhanced individual development and stronger, more engaged communities. The program's priorities and focus areas are clearly defined to achieve these goals. Infrastructure Development aims to improve existing sports facilities and equipment, ensuring long-term accessibility. Training and Capacity Building initiatives will equip coaches, volunteers, and staff with the skills to deliver high-quality programs, fostering a robust support network. Partnerships and Collaborations are encouraged to strengthen relationships with schools, community organizations, and local businesses, pooling resources and support. Finally, Health and Wellness Integration seeks to embed physical and mental health services within youth sports, promoting holistic well-being and sustained participation. Expected outcomes and measurable results include improved accessibility to youth sports in underserved communities, an increased number of trained coaches and volunteers, stronger community partnerships supporting youth sports, and enhanced physical and mental well-being among participants. The program anticipates fostering increased participation in youth sports, leading to the development of critical life skills such as leadership, teamwork, and resilience. Ultimately, the Hartford Foundation for Public Giving expects these initiatives to contribute to a more equitable and vibrant Greater Hartford, producing a generation of empowered individuals who are prepared to lead and build their communities. The fund has $69,000 available to award, with one or more grants totaling this amount, contingent on the project's size, funding need, and the quality of the proposals submitted in response to the forthcoming Request for Proposal.

The Arbor Day Foundation (ADF) is launching the Community Roots Program, a grant initiative designed to foster investments in tree planting, maintenance, planning, and capacity building within selected communities. This program directly aligns with the ADF's mission to inspire people to plant, nurture, and celebrate trees, contributing to healthier communities and environments. By providing significant funding and expert support, the program aims to amplify the impact of community-based efforts in urban and rural forestry, reinforcing the Foundation's strategic priority of expanding tree cover and green infrastructure nationwide. The target beneficiaries of the Community Roots Program are community-based nonprofit organizations that support and/or represent communities and specific populations within them. These organizations must lead work that directly impacts disadvantaged communities, as defined by the Council on Environmental Quality’s Climate and Economic Justice Screening Tool (CEJST) or the Environmental Protection Agency’s EPA IRA Disadvantaged Communities tool, and ultimately benefit historically underserved or underrepresented communities. The program’s impact goals include enhancing community engagement in environmental stewardship, improving local ecological health through increased tree canopy, and building the long-term capacity of local organizations to manage and sustain urban and community forestry initiatives. The program prioritizes activities such as tree planting and maintenance, strategic planning for urban forestry, and capacity building for local organizations. It focuses on creating a cohort of subawardees who will benefit from peer-to-peer learning and access to experts within the Arbor Day Foundation and the Urban and Community Forestry Society (UCFS)’s networks. This collaborative approach, combined with mentorship opportunities, is central to the program's theory of change: by empowering local leaders and fostering a network of knowledge, the program can drive sustainable environmental improvements and social equity in communities across all states and counties. Expected outcomes and measurable results include a significant increase in tree planting and maintenance activities, leading to expanded urban and community tree canopies. Subawardees will demonstrate improved organizational capacity in program management and community engagement. Individual subawards, ranging from $100,000 to $1,000,000 over a three-year period, are expected to facilitate impactful projects tailored to the unique needs of each community. With a minimum of $4,300,000 in total funding available, the program anticipates a broad reach and a substantial collective impact on environmental health and community well-being, measured by the scope of work completed, the number of trees planted, and the engagement of disadvantaged communities.

The Sensata Foundation, established in 2017 as the philanthropic arm of Sensata Technologies, is a 501(c)(3) organization dedicated to strengthening local communities. Its mission aligns with Sensata's sustainability priorities, focusing on community development and STEM education. The Foundation provides grants for specific programs and projects rather than general operating support, prioritizing agencies that serve communities where Sensata employees live and work in the U.S. The Foundation's strategic priorities are centered around two key focus areas: STEM Education and Community Support. In STEM Education, the Foundation aims to ensure equitable access to science, technology, engineering, and mathematics for all youth in grades K-12, particularly those from underserved communities, including racial and ethnic minority groups, students with disabilities, and girls. The goal is to empower critical thinking and problem-solving skills, and to inspire future leaders by providing additional learning avenues like mentorships to further educational growth in STEM. Under Community Support, the Foundation addresses prevailing needs within local communities. Key focus areas include combating food insecurity through support for food banks and distribution centers, assisting individuals experiencing homelessness with shelter and transition services, promoting social and economic mobility to enhance personal stability and quality of life, and supporting environmental programs that create clean and green outdoor spaces for community enjoyment. The expected outcomes and measurable results from these grants involve direct support for qualifying charitable entities, leading to strengthened local communities and advancements in the Foundation's sustainability priorities. While specific metrics are not detailed, the focus on specific programs/projects suggests that the impact will be seen in the successful implementation and outcomes within the two focus areas. The grants typically range from $5,000 to $25,000, are usually one-year awards, and are given to active 501(c)(3) non-profit organizations that have a presence or service area where Sensata Technologies has facilities or employees, and adhere to a non-discrimination policy.

This funding opportunity provides financial support for the construction, renovation, or enhancement of arts facilities in Alabama, benefiting local arts organizations and communities.

This funding initiative provides financial support to Michigan-based nonprofits and higher education institutions that assist startups, aiming to boost innovation and economic development in the state.

The Whatcom Transportation Authority (WTA) offers surplus vanpool vans to not-for-profit organizations and government entities through the Community Van Grant Program. This initiative aims to enhance public transportation options by providing retired vans to organizations that can address community transportation needs unmet by WTA services. Eligible applicants include Whatcom County community organizations with 501(c)(3) status or government organizations. The program is competitive due to the limited availability of vehicles. Selected recipients will receive the vehicle title upon award and must submit performance reports for the first year. Up to eleven retired vanpool vehicles will be available in 2024, with a deadline for applications on August 23, 2024.

This funding opportunity is designed to help libraries in Ohio create innovative projects that address specific community needs while aligning with the State Library's strategic goals.

This program provides funding to non-profit organizations in Pennsylvania to develop and promote tourism initiatives that encourage overnight stays through events, facility improvements, and marketing efforts.

This funding opportunity provides financial support to grassroots organizations in the Chicago area that are actively engaged in urgent social justice efforts and need resources to respond quickly to community challenges.

This program provides financial assistance to Missouri cities and counties for projects that reduce disaster risk and improve community resilience in areas affected by the 2017 disaster.

Now in its 19th year, the Foundation continues its commitment to economically empowering those in need through grants to charitable organizations where P&G Alums are actively and meaningfully involved. The Foundation focuses on job skills development, vocational training, business-related education, and support for entrepreneurial ventures that are viable in local communities. Eligible applicants include tax-exempt 501(c)(3) organizations in the U.S. and charitable equivalents outside the U.S. The deadline for applications is May 11, 2024. Projects or programs seeking funding must demonstrate alignment with the Foundation's mission and present clear metrics for measuring success in creating sustainable employment opportunities. Grant renewed every year.

The Chester County Community Foundation's Fund for ChesCo Capacity Building Grants program is designed to strengthen the effectiveness of nonprofit organizations (NPOs) serving the Chester County region. This aligns directly with the foundation's mission to support and enhance the community by empowering the organizations that work within it. The grants aim to help NPOs achieve a higher level of operational, programmatic, financial, or organizational maturity, enabling them to fulfill their missions more effectively and efficiently. The target beneficiaries for this program are NPOs located in and serving Chester County, specifically those with budgets of $500,000 or less. The impact goal is to enhance the overall effectiveness and sustainability of these organizations. By building their capacity, the program seeks to ensure that essential services and programs continue to be delivered to the community, ultimately leading to a stronger, more resilient Chester County. The program prioritizes several key areas for capacity building, including Mission, Vision & Strategy; Governance & Leadership; Partnerships & Collaborations; Operations & Technology; and Fundraising, Development & Marketing. Within these broad categories, specific focuses include organizational assessments, strategic planning, board development, executive transition planning, coalition building, financial management, technology improvements, and various resource development campaigns. Expected outcomes include improved organizational assessment and strategic planning, more effective governance and leadership structures, enhanced collaborative efforts among NPOs, more robust operational and technological infrastructure, and stronger fundraising and marketing capabilities. Measurable results could include documented strategic plans, increased board engagement, new or strengthened partnerships, implemented technology solutions, and successful development campaigns. The foundation's strategic priority is clearly rooted in a theory of change that posits that by investing in the foundational strength and operational capabilities of NPOs, the overall health and well-being of the Chester County community will improve. This approach recognizes that effective nonprofits are crucial drivers of positive social change, and by strengthening them, the foundation can achieve a broader and more sustainable impact across various sectors.

This grant provides funding to Alaska Native tribes and organizations for community-specific projects that enhance self-sufficiency through social, economic, and governance development.

The Nonprofit Capacity Building Capital Support grant program, funded by ARPA, is designed to strengthen nonprofits by addressing their capital needs, thereby improving core operations and infrastructure. This initiative by Gwinnett County aims to assist local nonprofits in more effectively carrying out their missions, both now and in the future, by providing capital support. The program's core aligns with a strategic objective to enhance the capacity and sustainability of organizations serving the community. The target beneficiaries of this grant are private nonprofit organizations registered as 501(c)(3) or 501(c)(19) that have been in operation for at least 12 months. These organizations must demonstrate a history of serving Gwinnett County residents and have experienced negative economic impacts due to COVID-19. The program specifically seeks to identify nonprofits with limited capacity but impactful activities for Gwinnett County residents most in need, with the overarching impact goal of increasing their effectiveness and ability to meet community needs. The program's priorities and focuses include providing capital support for items such as equipment, software solutions, and vehicles. A key focus is to fund as many organizations as possible within the available funding to increase the overall effectiveness of local nonprofits. This reflects a strategic priority to support organizational capacity building that will sustain or enhance the ability of these nonprofits to address community needs, particularly those aligning with existing recommendations from the Human Services Strategic Plan. Expected outcomes include enhanced organizational capacity, improved infrastructure, and more effective service delivery by Gwinnett County nonprofits. Measurable results will be reflected in the number of organizations receiving awards, with individual capital support awards ranging from $3,000 to $100,000. The county anticipates awarding up to $4,550,000 for these projects, with each award having a duration of 12 months, allowing for concrete project implementation and assessment of capacity improvements.

The Arlington County Department of Human Services is offering a grant funding opportunity to support its Food Security Strategic Plan. This initiative aligns with the department's mission to address food insecurity and improve nutrition equity within Arlington County. The grant aims to support projects that enhance food access, promote outreach and education, build capacity among food assistance providers, and facilitate informed decision-making through data collection. The maximum grant award for a single project is $25,000, with funds to be spent by June 30, 2025. The primary beneficiaries of this grant are Arlington County residents experiencing food insecurity. The program targets various populations through strategies such as enhancing school-based supplemental food offerings, establishing new charitable food distributions in underserved neighborhoods, and increasing nutrition education opportunities for residents of all ages. The overarching impact goal is to eliminate, reduce, and prevent disparities in food security, ensuring that all those in need receive adequate support. The grant prioritizes projects that address at least one of five key strategies outlined in the Strategic Plan: Systemic Change, Food Access, Outreach & Education, Capacity Building, and Informed Decision Making. Specific focuses include improving nutrition equity, increasing food rescue and redistribution, promoting food assistance resources like SNAP, developing training materials for staff and volunteers, and collecting data on usage trends and services. Eligible organizations include IRS-designated 501c3 nonprofits, faith-based organizations, and public schools or universities that serve Arlington residents. Expected outcomes include improved access to nutritious food for Arlington residents, increased awareness and enrollment in food assistance programs, enhanced operational capacity for food pantries and meal programs, and better-informed decision-making based on collected data. Measurable results could include an increase in the number of residents served, the quantity of food distributed, the number of individuals participating in nutrition education, and the implementation of new or improved food security policies and practices. The grant period is from October 2024 through June 30, 2025, with funding awards announced in September 2024.

The Women's Foundation of Genesee Valley (WFGV) is offering an Immersive Grant Writing Program designed to empower women of color in the fundraising sector. This initiative directly aligns with the foundation's mission to support and enhance the talents of women of color, recognizing a historical disparity where organizations led by people of color are often underfunded and mistrusted with grant funds. By building capacity in grant writing, WFGV aims to address systemic inequities and foster greater financial stability for these organizations. The target beneficiaries for this program are non-profit leaders of color (women) within Monroe County, NY. While not exclusively for Executive Directors, participants' career paths should be focused on fundraising, and each organization is permitted to bring one additional person to the program. The impact goals are to strengthen the fundraising capabilities of these organizations, thereby increasing their access to critical funding and enabling them to expand their reach and effectiveness within the community. The program's primary focus is on capacity building in grant writing, providing the necessary tools and knowledge for women of color to excel in this area. This emphasis reflects WFGV's strategic priority to invest in leadership development and provide practical skills that lead to tangible improvements for non-profit organizations. The underlying theory of change posits that by equipping women of color with advanced grant writing skills, WFGV can directly contribute to greater equity in philanthropic funding and empower these leaders to make a more significant difference in their communities. Expected outcomes include each participating organization being awarded $1,000 towards their first grant-finding activity upon completion of the program. The program itself spans six months and includes ten sessions, offered both in-person and online, indicating a commitment to flexible and accessible learning. Measurable results will likely involve tracking the number of grant applications submitted, the success rate of these applications, and the overall increase in funding secured by participant organizations following the program. This structured approach ensures that the program's effectiveness can be monitored and evaluated against its stated goals.

This funding opportunity supports nonprofit organizations working on innovative community-building initiatives, family support programs, and healthcare services, particularly in Oneida and Herkimer Counties, New York.

The Clean Water Grant Program (CWGP), offered by the County of Cumberland, Pennsylvania, provides financial support for "shovel-ready" initiatives aimed at enhancing local water quality within Cumberland County. While the description doesn't explicitly state a "foundation mission alignment" or "foundation's strategic priorities and theory of change," it can be inferred that the program aligns with broader environmental stewardship and public health goals, likely stemming from the county's responsibility to manage and improve local resources. The program's core objective is to maximize the impact of limited pollution reduction funding by investing in priority water quality projects. The target beneficiaries of the CWGP are diverse, including non-profit 501(c) organizations, municipal governments, educational institutions, and businesses with headquarters in Cumberland County. The impact goals are directly tied to improving local water quality. The program focuses on developing a water quality project backlog to leverage additional funding, pursuing multifaceted pollution reduction strategies with various stakeholders, accelerating progress toward county pollution reduction goals, and institutionalizing an annual project identification process integrated into county CAP development plans. The priorities and focuses of the CWGP revolve around "shovel-ready" projects that deliver tangible water quality improvements. While there is no minimum or maximum grant award, projects with a local match will receive higher priority, indicating a preference for initiatives that demonstrate community investment and shared responsibility. The program anticipates approximately $500,000 will be available for subawards in 2025, with funding decisions at the sole discretion of Cumberland County and contingent upon PADEP approval. Expected outcomes and measurable results include enhanced local water quality, increased leveraging of additional government and nonprofit funding for water quality projects, a more coordinated approach to pollution reduction among various stakeholders, accelerated progress towards county-wide pollution reduction targets, and a sustainable, integrated annual process for identifying and developing water quality initiatives. The grant period for performance is from March 2025 to December 2025, emphasizing a focus on projects that can demonstrate impact within a relatively short timeframe.

The Hispanic Fund, an affiliate fund of the Community Foundation of Lorain County, is dedicated to improving and promoting socioeconomic and educational opportunities within the Hispanic community. This grant program is a direct reflection of the Community Foundation's broader mission to foster community well-being and addresses specific needs within the Hispanic population of Lorain County, Ohio. By focusing on areas such as citizen empowerment, neighborhood revitalization, public safety, and educational achievement, the program aligns with a comprehensive approach to community development and equity. The primary beneficiaries of this grant program are non-profit organizations and community members whose projects directly impact the Hispanic community. The program aims to achieve significant positive impacts, including enhanced citizen empowerment, improved living environments through neighborhood revitalization, increased public safety and reduced crime, and a greater understanding and implementation of collaborative solutions to community problems. Ultimately, the goal is to address the root causes of social ills and elevate educational attainment within the Hispanic community. The Hispanic Fund's grant program prioritizes projects that provide or work to improve several key areas. These include initiatives that empower Hispanic citizens, address neighborhood revitalization or environmental issues, and promote public safety, education, and crime/violence prevention. Furthermore, the fund seeks projects that offer collaborative solutions or new approaches to existing problems, and those that directly tackle the root causes of social challenges within the Hispanic community. A significant focus is also placed on programs that positively influence Hispanic educational achievement in both public and higher education settings. While specific measurable results are not explicitly detailed, the focus areas inherently suggest expected outcomes. For instance, projects addressing citizen empowerment could lead to increased civic participation, while educational initiatives would aim for improved academic performance and higher rates of public or higher education enrollment. Neighborhood revitalization projects would likely target improvements in local infrastructure and living conditions, and public safety initiatives would work towards a reduction in crime rates. The fund's strategic priority is to support initiatives that create lasting, positive change, operating under the theory that empowering and educating the Hispanic community will lead to broader societal benefits and improved quality of life.