Grants for Nonprofits - Capacity Building

The Idaho Department of Environmental Quality (DEQ) is offering 2025 Source Water Protection Grants to fund projects aimed at safeguarding public drinking water sources. These grants are designed to support activities that reduce the risk of contamination to drinking water, ensuring the long-term quality and safety of Idaho's water supply. The program aligns with the federal Safe Drinking Water Act, specifically Section 1452, which provides funding for source water assessment and protection efforts. By focusing on preventative measures and community-wide protection, the DEQ seeks to uphold its mission of protecting human health and the quality of the environment. The primary beneficiaries of these grants are public water systems, local government units, special districts, associations, nonprofit organizations, educational institutions, and tribes within Idaho. The impact goal is to improve the protection of one or more public water supply sources by reducing the threat of contaminants. Projects are expected to provide long-term benefits to source water quality, ultimately ensuring safe and reliable drinking water for communities across the state. The program prioritizes efforts that go beyond normal operational standards and existing infrastructure deficiencies, focusing on proactive and sustainable solutions. The program's priorities and focus areas are diverse, encompassing various strategies to protect source water. These include contaminant source identification through research, contaminant pathway removal such as the closure of abandoned wells, contaminant removal through hazardous waste collection and pollution prevention, and contaminant management via the implementation of best management practices and structures to divert contaminated runoff. Additionally, the grants support the restoration and conservation of ecological functions within source water protection areas, as well as education and information sharing campaigns to raise awareness. Security measures to protect physical extraction structures like wells, springs, and intake structures are also eligible, including fencing, gates, alarms, signs, cameras, locks, and lights directly related to source water area protection. Expected outcomes include a measurable reduction in the risk of drinking water contamination, improved source water quality, and enhanced long-term protection for public water supplies. The grants anticipate fostering a proactive approach to water resource management, leading to more resilient and secure drinking water systems. With up to $750,000 available for project funding in SFY2025, and a maximum request of $24,000 per project proposal, the program aims to support numerous initiatives that collectively contribute to a safer and more sustainable water future for Idaho. The emphasis on community public water supply systems and aquifer/watershed-wide protection efforts reflects a comprehensive strategic approach to water resource stewardship.

This grant provides funding to agricultural professionals and organizations in the Western U.S. to implement educational and demonstration projects that promote the adoption of sustainable farming practices based on previous research findings.

The Miami County Agricultural Leadership Fund Grant, sponsored by the Miami County Farm Bureau and administered by the Miami County Foundation, supports agricultural-related programs, educational opportunities, and projects in Miami County, Ohio. This donor-advised grant aims to enhance agricultural, educational, leadership, and social organizations within the community. Eligible applicants include non-profit organizations, schools, and municipalities in Miami County, Ohio. Grant renewed every year. Grant Annual Spring deadline: February 28th

This funding opportunity provides $1 million to organizations that support employment access and equity for transgender, gender non-conforming, and non-binary individuals in New York State through training and workforce development programs.

This funding opportunity supports Los Angeles-based organizations working on initiatives that create systemic change to improve the lives of children from prenatal to age 5 and their families.

The Adams County Community Foundation's Adams County Grants program is designed to foster innovative solutions for strengthening vulnerable populations by addressing systemic issues. The foundation's mission is aligned with this program through its commitment to creating a meaningful and sustained difference in people’s lives, particularly low-income residents, by helping them move toward self-sufficiency. This overarching goal guides the program's focus on supporting initiatives that build capacity, implement effective programs, and foster collaboration within the community. The program primarily targets vulnerable residents of Adams County, Pennsylvania. The impact goals are to help nonprofits become more effective in addressing resident needs, enable low-income residents to achieve self-sufficiency, and advance critical areas such as affordable housing, transportation, and economic development through collaborative efforts. By focusing on these areas, the foundation aims to create a ripple effect that improves the overall well-being and stability of the community. The Adams County Grants program has three primary focus areas: Capacity Building Grants, Program Grants, and Collaboration Grants. Capacity Building Grants, up to $25,000, are intended to strengthen nonprofits' ability to effectively serve vulnerable residents. Program Grants, also up to $25,000, support initiatives that help low-income residents move towards self-sufficiency. Collaboration Grants, up to $30,000, are specifically for significant collaborative projects that advance affordable housing, transportation, and economic development. These defined priorities ensure that funding is directed towards projects with the greatest potential for systemic impact. Expected outcomes include increased effectiveness of nonprofits, a measurable increase in self-sufficiency among low-income residents, and tangible progress in affordable housing, transportation, and economic development initiatives. The foundation's strategic priorities are evident in the emphasis on systemic change and collaboration, with a clear theory of change that by investing in capacity building, impactful programs, and collaborative projects, they can achieve lasting positive change for vulnerable individuals and the wider community.

The Otto Bremer Trust (OBT) is implementing new grantmaking approaches to effectively invest in people, places, and opportunities in Minnesota, Montana, North Dakota, and Wisconsin. The new model includes Strategic Grants and Community Responsive Fund grants. Strategic Grants are awarded directly by OBT to organizations with at least $500,000 in expenses from the previous year, aligning with OBT's objectives. Community Responsive Fund grants are managed by intermediary partners, focusing on organizations with less than $500,000 in expenses.

The National Fish and Wildlife Foundation (NFWF) is soliciting proposals for the Northeast Forests and Rivers Fund (NEFRF), a program dedicated to restoring and sustaining healthy rivers, forests, and grasslands to provide habitat for diverse fish and wildlife populations. This initiative aligns with NFWF's broader mission to protect and restore native wildlife species and their habitats, leveraging public and private funding to achieve significant conservation outcomes. The NEFRF, formerly known as the New England Forests and Rivers Fund, represents a strategic investment in the ecological health of the Northeast region, fostering biodiversity and ecosystem resilience. The program's target beneficiaries include various fish and wildlife populations such as river herring, Atlantic salmon, brook trout, wood turtles, golden-winged warblers, New England cottontails, and bobolinks. Beyond wildlife, the program also aims to benefit agricultural producers, particularly those in Historically Underserved and Special Emphasis categories, by helping them design and implement conservation practices. The impact goals are centered on improving habitat quality and connectivity, enhancing forest conditions, and promoting hayfield management conducive to successful grassland bird breeding. NEFRF's priorities and focuses are outlined in NFWF’s Northeast Watersheds Business Plan (March 2023), specifically targeting strategies for Stream and Riparian Habitat, and Upland Forests and Grasslands. Key implementation strategies for 2024 include restoring stream and riparian habitats, improving forest management for age and structural diversity, and promoting hayfield management. A significant portion of funding, approximately $625,000, is set aside for projects that assist agricultural producers in adopting conservation practices beneficial to target species like northeast turtles and golden-winged warblers, while also increasing Farm Bill program participation. Additionally, the program encourages projects that involve community outreach, engagement, collaborative management, and the incorporation of traditional knowledge and community input. Expected outcomes and measurable results include improved habitat for specific fish and wildlife species, enhanced age and structural diversity in forest blocks, successful grassland bird breeding, and increased participation of agricultural producers in conservation programs. Projects are expected to contribute to measurable conservation benefits through community input, co-design processes, and engagement with community-level partners (e.g., municipalities, NGOs, community organizations, community leaders) to ensure project design, implementation, maintenance, and long-term sustainability post-grant award. The grant duration is three years, with projects expected to start no later than six months after the award date. The NFWF's strategic priorities for the NEFRF reflect a theory of change that posits by investing in targeted habitat restoration, improved land management, and community engagement, ecological health will be restored and sustained, benefiting both wildlife and human communities. Funding is provided by a consortium of partners including the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Forest Service and Natural Resources Conservation Service, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, Zoetis Foundation, and Sylvamo, underscoring a collaborative approach to conservation. The program encourages a holistic view of conservation, integrating scientific best practices with local community needs and traditional knowledge to achieve robust and lasting environmental improvements across Connecticut, Maine, Massachusetts, New Hampshire, Rhode Island, Vermont, and parts of New York.

The Utah Department of Agriculture and Food (UDAF) is offering the Food Security Processing Grant Program, established in 2022 with a $1 million appropriation from the Utah State Legislature. This program aims to increase the processing capacity of agricultural products produced within the state of Utah, aligning with UDAF's mission to promote food security and support the agricultural industry. The program has received additional funding in 2023 and 2024, demonstrating a continued strategic priority to strengthen Utah's food supply chain. The primary target beneficiaries are Utah-based processors with no more than 100 employees that either use at least 51% of Utah-grown/raised ingredients or sell at least 51% of their products to Utah consumers. Meat and poultry processors have specific eligibility criteria, including being state-inspected "equal-to" plants, licensed custom-exempt slaughter plants, or Talmadge-Aiken (TA) or very small federally inspected plants. The impact goal is to enhance the state's capacity for processing agricultural products, thereby contributing to local food security and economic development within the agricultural sector. The program prioritizes a broad range of processing enhancements, covering expenses such as processing equipment (e.g., smoking units, sausage stuffers), coolers/freezers, portion cutters, slaughter equipment (e.g., cradles, saws, scalders), electronic sorting equipment (for items like apples, cherries, or peaches), and bottling equipment for juices. Contractor costs for essential infrastructure like plumbing, draining, venting, and electrical work are also eligible. A significant focus is placed on meat and poultry processing, with 50% of the funds specifically set aside for this area. Expected outcomes include an increase in the number and capacity of agricultural processing facilities in Utah. Measurable results will be demonstrated through the completion of planned improvements and equipment purchases by grant recipients between July 1, 2024, and June 30, 2025. Individual grant awards are capped at $200,000, with a portion of funds (up to $20,000) reserved for microgrants of $5,000 or less to support smaller-scale initiatives. The program's theory of change posits that by providing financial assistance for critical infrastructure and equipment, UDAF can directly stimulate growth in local processing capabilities, leading to a more resilient and self-sufficient food system for Utah residents.

Grant Opportunity: Community Foundation of Frederick County Rolling Grants Funding Organization: The Community Foundation of Frederick County Contact Information: For questions, email [email protected] or call 301.695.7660. Award Details: The Rolling Grant program provides grants for any purpose, including a wide range of field of interest and special purpose funds, and support for individuals served by nonprofits or government agencies. The minimum grant request is $500, and the maximum request varies by fund. Grants must provide direct benefits to Frederick County, Maryland residents unless otherwise noted in the fund description. Eligibility: Eligible organizations include already existing nonprofit 501c3 organizations in good standing with the IRS, government/quasi-governmental agencies applying for extraordinary projects not funded by tax revenue, religious organizations requesting funding for non-sectarian activities, and civic groups that are not 501c3 organizations requesting funding for a community cause. All applicants must meet Maryland's nonprofit requirements. Application Process: Organizations can submit grant applications through Foundant, the online grants management system used by The Community Foundation. Multiple applications are permitted, with one application per fund to which the organization is applying. Additional Information: Applications can be modified until the application deadline. Grant funds are generally disbursed in full during the first month of the grant period, except for civic organizations that receive reimbursement based on proof of expense and addressing the approved community cause. Variance requests to modify budget or program services can be made before the end of the grant period but require approval from the Community Foundation's Board of Trustees. Multi-year funding is not provided at this time. For more information and to access the application portal, visit this link: [https://www.grantinterface.com/Home/Logon?ReturnUrl=%2fProcess%2fShortLinkApply%3fprocessGuid%3ddf0970bb-29dc-4f89-a69a-b5e2e780c6dd%26UrlKey%3dfrederickcounty&processGuid=df0970bb-29dc-4f89-a69a-b5e2e780c6dd&UrlKey=frederickcounty]

This program provides financial support and resources to local arts agencies in California, helping them promote artistic access, equity, and cultural preservation within their communities.

The Green Bay Packers Foundation offers grants to organizations focusing on arts and culture, athletics, and education. While independent of the Green Bay Packers, Inc., the Foundation's mission aligns with supporting charities that foster a community environment promoting families and the competitive value of athletics, contribute to player and fan welfare, ensure the safety and education of children, and/or prevent cruelty to animals. This broad mission allows for diverse programs that positively impact the well-being of the community. The grants target organizations that serve the residents of Wisconsin, specifically those within any county of the state. The Foundation supports a wide range of beneficiaries, from children receiving educational support to families engaged in athletic programs, and animals benefiting from cruelty prevention efforts. The impact goals are centered around creating a stronger, safer, and more enriched community through these varied focus areas. The Foundation's priorities and focus areas are clearly defined as arts and culture, athletics, and education. Beyond these core areas, the broader goals of perpetuating a community environment that promotes families and athletic values, contributing to player and fan welfare, ensuring child safety and education, and preventing animal cruelty act as strategic priorities. Organizations applying for funding must demonstrate how their projects address at least one of these current year's focus areas, indicating a theory of change that links program activities to the desired community outcomes. While specific expected outcomes and measurable results are not detailed in the provided information, the Foundation's emphasis on specific program areas and broader goals suggests an expectation of positive community impact. For example, programs in education are expected to improve children's safety and learning, while athletic programs are anticipated to promote competitive values and family engagement. The grant size, ranging from $3,000 to $8,000, aims to provide meaningful support for these impactful projects. Eligibility criteria, such as being a 501(c)(3) for at least two years and located in Wisconsin, ensure that grants are awarded to established and local organizations capable of delivering on their proposed initiatives.

This grant provides funding to local organizations in Campbell County, Tennessee, to support innovative projects that enhance community well-being and address local challenges.

Under the broader Program Enhancement Projects for Adult Education, Section 225 targets corrections education and education for other institutionalized individuals in Connecticut. This initiative seeks to provide educational services to those likely to leave correctional institutions within five years, aiming to enhance their literacy, employment, and reintegration prospects. It emphasizes the importance of basic skills and literacy for effective societal participation. Funded through the Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act (WIOA), the project promotes collaboration to meet the educational needs of this specific population, with a commitment to multi-year funding that spans from fiscal year 2025 to 2028. Grant renewed every year. It will be a 4-year program ( last application probably around May 2027)

The Joni Elaine Templeton Foundation awards grants for religious, charitable, scientific, literary, and educational purposes and for the prevention of cruelty to children or animals. The foundation expresses a preference for organizations serving Austin, Texas, while considering qualified applicants across the state. Program types may include animal related work, community improvement, capacity building, education, human services, and religion related activities. The average grant award has been approximately 5,000 dollars in a cycle. Grants are awarded to qualified 501(c)(3) public charities. Eligible organizations should operate in or serve the Austin community to receive preference. Requests should describe the intended community benefits and alignment with the foundation’s charitable purposes. Applications are due May 1, 2024 via the trustee bank’s process. Grant duration is not stated. Additional information is available from Bank of America as trustee.

The Underserved Farmer to Farmer grant program, managed by the Iowa Department of Natural Resources (DNR) with funding from the Environmental Protection Agency’s Gulf of Mexico division, is a $3 million, 5-year initiative. This program aligns with the mission of addressing critical environmental challenges by empowering historically underserved farming communities. The DNR's strategic priority is to enhance the capacity of these communities to combat nutrient pollution and frequent flooding, thereby fostering environmental resilience and sustainable agricultural practices. The primary target beneficiaries of this grant are "underserved farmers" as defined by the United States Department of Agriculture. This includes beginning farmers, socially disadvantaged farmers, veteran farmers, and those with limited resources. Other classifications may also be supported through negotiation. The program aims to increase the ability of these farmers to implement practices that mitigate nutrient pollution and reduce the impact of frequent flooding, leading to improved water quality and land management. The grant prioritizes projects that directly address nutrient pollution and flooding. The expected outcomes include a reduction in nutrient runoff into waterways and enhanced flood resilience within historically underserved farm communities. Measurable results would involve tracking the number of projects funded, the types of conservation practices implemented, and the environmental improvements achieved in the targeted areas. The theory of change suggests that by providing financial resources and support to underserved farmers, the program will lead to widespread adoption of environmentally beneficial farming practices. Projects funded through this grant can receive up to $250,000, with $700,000 currently remaining for subawards. Eligibility for subawards extends to a broad range of entities, including conservation districts, institutions of higher learning, local or state government entities (such as Watershed Management Authorities), NGOs and nonprofits, Tribal nations, beginning farmer groups, and U.S. military veteran farmer groups. This inclusive approach ensures that various stakeholders can contribute to the program's overarching goals and amplify its impact across Iowa's agricultural landscape.

This fund provides financial support for nonprofits working on projects that improve the quality of life in rural communities across West-Central Texas.

The Tennessee Wildlife Resources Agency has grants available for aquatic stream clean-up projects across the state. The program assists cities, schools, community organizations, civic groups, watershed organizations, and conservation groups with stream clean-up projects. Five grants, at a maximum of $1,000 each, are available for each of TWRA’s four regional Aquatic Habitat Protection regions (a total of $5,000 per region). The grant money could be used to buy supplies such as rakes, work gloves, and garbage bags. Also, it could be used to pay disposal fees for solid waste and tire removal or to provide promotional items like project advertisements or T‑shirts and refreshments for volunteer support. The funds will be obligated as grants, so the grantee must have a nonprofit tax number. Grant proposals should include the applicant organization’s name, tax ID number, address, phone, and name of a contact person authorized to enter into a contractual agreement on behalf of the organization. The proposal should also include the name of the stream, the county or counties involved, and the project area and description.

READY Community Foundations, part of ARC's READY Appalachia initiative, offers no-cost training to community foundations in Appalachia. Participants will build skills in financial management, fundraising, grantmaking, and strategic planning. Eligible foundations can apply for up to $25,000 in funding to implement capacity-building projects post-training. Applications are due by July 5, 2024.

This program empowers rural high school students to develop leadership skills and make a positive impact in their communities by awarding grants to local nonprofits addressing critical needs.