Private Capacity Building Grants

The Washington State Department of Commerce (WSDC) is offering its 2025 Religious and Nonprofit Security Grant, designed to enhance the physical security of nonprofit organizations across all counties in Washington. This grant aligns with the WSDC's mission to support and protect vulnerable community institutions by providing funding for renovations and other security investments. The program's strategic priority is to safeguard organizations that are at risk of physical attacks, threats, or damages due to their mission, ideology, or beliefs, thereby fostering a more secure environment for these groups to operate. The target beneficiaries for this grant include a broad range of nonprofit organizations, with a specific emphasis on religious nonprofits, "by-and-for" organizations, and cultural community centers. The impact goal is to mitigate security risks and improve the safety of these sites. Successful applicants will demonstrate a clear need for security enhancements based on past incidents or credible threats. This proactive approach aims to prevent future attacks and ensure the continuity of services provided by these vital community organizations. The grant prioritizes investments in physical security enhancements, construction or renovation projects, target hardening, preparedness planning, training, and exercises. Applications must explicitly detail how the funding will be utilized for these purposes. A key focus is on tangible improvements that directly address identified security vulnerabilities. Organizations must either own the property or have written permission from the owner to implement the proposed security upgrades, ensuring the long-term impact and sustainability of the investments. The expected outcomes of the grant program include a measurable reduction in security incidents and an increased sense of safety among the beneficiary organizations. By funding critical security measures, the WSDC aims to empower these nonprofits to continue their valuable work without undue fear of harm. The grant's theory of change posits that by investing in physical security and preparedness, organizations will be better equipped to withstand and deter threats, leading to a more resilient and secure nonprofit sector within Washington State.

This funding opportunity provides up to $50,000 to California nonprofit organizations focused on improving their internal operations and sustainability to better serve older adults, emphasizing justice, equity, diversity, and inclusion.

This grant provides funding to non-profit organizations in Southern California for innovative projects that support long-term recovery from the Palisades and Eaton Wildfires, focusing on housing stability, mental health, and assistance for underserved communities.

The City of Bakersfield is offering competitive grants for property and/or business owners within designated Downtown business district corridors: 18th, 19th streets and Wall Street Alley (between F and Q streets), and H Street and Chester Avenue (between 24th Street and Truxtun Avenue). The grants are specifically intended for large-scale exterior façade improvements to eligible properties and applicants within these areas. This initiative is funded by $1.5 million in American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) funding, demonstrating a commitment to local economic recovery and revitalization. While the prompt asks for "foundation mission alignment," the context indicates this is a city-led grant, and its mission is aligned with urban development and supporting local businesses impacted by economic downturns. The target beneficiaries for this program include small businesses (defined as having no more than 500 employees), non-profit organizations (tax-exempt under Section 501(c)(3)), and businesses within "impacted industries." Impacted industries are those that experienced a negative economic impact during the pandemic, specifically citing tourism, travel, and hospitality. Other industries are considered impacted if they experienced at least 8 percent employment loss from pre-pandemic levels or comparable economic impacts. The impact goal is to stimulate economic recovery and enhance the aesthetic and functional appeal of the downtown business corridors, thereby fostering a more vibrant and attractive commercial environment. The program's priorities and focuses are clearly on exterior façade improvements. The City anticipates awarding funding to 4-6 projects, with individual grants ranging from $10,000 to $100,000. For awarded funding of $100,000 and over, a 10% private investment match is required, along with a public hearing before the City Council. This matching requirement encourages community investment and shared responsibility in the revitalization efforts. The grant duration is two years, providing a reasonable timeframe for project completion. Expected outcomes include visible improvements to the downtown business districts, increased private investment in the local economy, and support for businesses and non-profits that have been economically impacted. The measurable results are tied to the number of projects funded (4-6 anticipated), the total amount of ARPA funding allocated ($1.5 million), and the specific improvements made to property exteriors. The strategic priority here is the revitalization of key downtown commercial areas, using ARPA funds to mitigate the economic effects of the pandemic and promote long-term community resilience and growth. The theory of change posits that by investing in exterior improvements and supporting local businesses, the City can create a more appealing and economically robust downtown core, attracting more visitors and fostering greater community engagement.

This funding opportunity supports nonprofit organizations and government entities in Philadelphia to plant and care for at least 35,000 trees by 2035, focusing on community engagement and environmental equity.

This funding opportunity supports projects that improve habitats and migration routes for big game species in the western U.S., targeting conservation organizations, state and tribal agencies, and community groups involved in wildlife management.

The Leland Fikes Foundation is accepting grant applications until October 9, 2024. The Foundation supports 501(c)(3) organizations in areas including reproductive health, civic engagement, and human services in the Dallas area. Their funding priorities include improving access to reproductive healthcare, strengthening democratic processes through public policy and advocacy, and addressing local community needs such as housing and health. The Foundation focuses on national, state-level (Texas), and local Dallas initiatives. Grants are not available for individuals or politically partisan groups. For more information, visit the Leland Fikes Foundation.

The grant opportunity is open to organizations of all types across the USA, including nonprofits, startups, researchers, local governments, and small businesses. The grant applications are accepted bi-annually, with a spring cycle running from March 1 to May 1 and a fall cycle running from September 1 to November 1. To apply for the grant, applicants need to create an organizational and user account in the grants portal. The application can be saved as a draft and edited before submission. The grants portal also allows grantees to check the status of their grant, submit electronic grant reports if required, and access application history. All applicants are required to create an account using their email address as the username. They need to provide contact information and their organization's information, including the EIN/Tax ID number. Organizations should consolidate all applications into one user account for easy access to their full history of grants and requests. Applicants can manage their online accounts by editing contact information, beginning the application process, accessing drafts and submitted applications, and completing the reporting process for grant awards. If a grant writer works for multiple organizations, they should contact the Van Wert County Foundation to discuss their options. Before starting the application process, it is recommended to read the Grant FAQs provided on the website. To access the Grant Portal and start the application process, applicants can visit this link: [Grant Portal Link](https://www.grantinterface.com/Home/Logon?urlkey=VanwertGrants)

The City of St. Petersburg is offering Social Action Funding grants of up to $100,000 to social service agencies providing homeless services and/or homeless prevention services. This grant program aims to offer financial support for initiatives that positively influence the lives of homeless individuals and those at risk of homelessness within the city. The program aligns with a broader mission to advance the health, economic, or social well-being of persons in need. The target beneficiaries include a wide range of vulnerable populations. Priority is given to agencies serving families with children (ages 0-5 and 6-17 years), elderly individuals over 62, unaccompanied youth, youth aging out of foster care, chronically homeless individuals (as defined by HUD), veterans, and victims of domestic violence. The overarching impact goal is to reduce and prevent homelessness in St. Petersburg by supporting comprehensive social service programs. The program prioritizes agencies that utilize a "housing first" and low-barrier approach. Specific critical services, such as storage units for personal items, call centers for homelessness prevention and assistance, and discretionary funds for street outreach, are also encouraged, allowing agencies to submit additional applications for these services. While there are no bonus points for matching funds or sole source proposals, all agencies are required to enter client data into the Pinellas Homeless Management Information System, with domestic violence providers being the sole exception. Expected outcomes include improved well-being for residents who are homeless or at risk of becoming homeless. Measurable results will likely involve tracking the number of individuals and families served, successful housing placements, and the overall impact on reducing homelessness within the city. The grant period for projects is from October 1, 2024, to September 30, 2025, allowing for a one-year duration of funded services. This strategic approach emphasizes direct intervention and support for those most in need, with a clear focus on actionable and impactful services.

The Christine Brice Stevenson Community Charitable Trust seeks applications from medical, educational, and religious organizations in Abbeville County, Anderson County, and the Due West community in South Carolina. The core mission of the trust is to enrich the lives of residents in these specific geographic areas through targeted support. This grant program is designed to align with the trust's commitment to community well-being by addressing critical needs in health, education, and spiritual development within these localities. The primary target beneficiaries are residents of Abbeville County, Anderson County, and the Due West community, particularly those served by medical, educational, and religious organizations within these areas. The trust's impact goals center on improving quality of life, fostering educational opportunities, supporting health initiatives, and strengthening religious communities. While specific measurable results are not explicitly detailed beyond the average grant size and total giving, the expectation is that funding will contribute to the ongoing success and reach of recipient organizations, thereby directly benefiting the local population. The grantmaking priorities clearly focus on organizations located in Abbeville County, Anderson County, and the Due West community. Additionally, the trust explicitly supports the New Hope Church in Winnsboro, South Carolina, indicating a specific historical or foundational alignment. The program areas include Education, Health, Human Services, and Religion, demonstrating a broad yet focused approach to community development. The trust's strategic priorities are rooted in localized support, ensuring that grants directly address the needs of the specified South Carolina communities. The trust's theory of change appears to be that by providing financial assistance to established medical, educational, and religious organizations, it can empower these groups to deliver essential services and programs that directly enhance the lives of individuals within its designated geographic focus. The average grant size of $1,000 and total giving of $5,000 per year suggest a commitment to numerous smaller, impactful initiatives rather than large-scale projects, allowing for a broader distribution of support across the target communities. Organizations must be 501(c)(3) exempt and located in South Carolina, ensuring accountability and local impact.

This grant provides financial support to nonprofit organizations in North Carolina's Triangle region facing leadership transitions and increased community demands, helping them sustain core services and adapt to challenges.

This grant provides research and evaluation support to culturally specific nonprofits in Minnesota, helping them enhance their capabilities to better serve their communities.

Open Granting Community Impact Grants by the Greenwood County Community Foundation are available for a wide range of grant requests that align with the foundation's guidelines. This open category is particularly for programs and projects that do not fit within the other specified categories. Organizations that have not received funding from GCCF in the current calendar year are encouraged to apply, promoting a diverse range of initiatives beneficial to Greenwood County residents. Grant renewed every year. Grant Annual opening/ closing deadline: October 1st to October 31st.

This funding opportunity provides financial support to schools, districts, and outdoor school providers in Oregon to create or improve outdoor school programs for fifth and sixth-grade students, ensuring all students have access to enriching outdoor experiences.

The Central Appalachia Habitat Stewardship Program, supported by the National Fish and Wildlife Foundation (NFWF) and major funders like the Richard King Mellon Foundation, USDA's Forest Service and Natural Resources Conservation Service, U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, Altria Group, and Cleveland-Cliffs, aims to restore and sustain healthy forests, rivers, and streams. This initiative aligns with a broader mission to enhance natural habitats and support diverse native bird and aquatic species populations. Approximately $3.5 million is available this year, with individual grants ranging from $75,000 to $500,000, distributed over a four-year project period. The program's overall goal is to improve the quality and connectivity of forest and freshwater habitats to increase the distribution and abundance of birds, fish, and other wildlife. This will be evidenced by a suite of indicator species reflecting the health of these habitats. Target beneficiaries include a variety of bird species such as golden-winged warbler, wood thrush, and cerulean warbler, as well as aquatic species like brook trout, eastern hellbender, and freshwater mussels. The program seeks to engage public and private landowners in active stewardship through technical and financial assistance, demonstrations, education, outreach, and other innovative approaches. Key priorities include improving the voluntary management of public and private forestlands to create mixed-age forest blocks that support bird and wildlife diversity. Another critical focus is improving stream health by voluntarily removing passage barriers, restoring riparian buffers, and enhancing water quality and hydrology. These interventions are designed to bolster populations of the targeted aquatic species, contributing to healthier ecosystems across the Central Appalachia region. The expected outcomes are a measurable increase in the distribution and abundance of indicator bird and aquatic species, demonstrating improved forest and freshwater habitat conditions. The program's theory of change posits that by actively engaging landowners and implementing science-based conservation strategies, it can effectively restore critical habitats. This, in turn, will lead to a more resilient and biodiverse Central Appalachia, benefiting both wildlife and local communities. The geographic focus includes portions of Maryland, New York, Pennsylvania, Ohio, Virginia, and West Virginia, ensuring a concentrated effort within this vital ecological corridor.

The San Francisco Arts Commission (SFAC) is offering Special Project Grants of $100,000 to $500,000 for a 3-year period to arts nonprofit organizations for youth arts programs, arts service organizations, and Asian and Pacific Islander arts and culture programming, with the application deadline set for October 9, 2024.

The National Fish and Wildlife Foundation (NFWF) is seeking proposals for its Southeast Aquatics Fund to voluntarily conserve aquatic habitats in the southeastern United States and Texas. This grant program directly aligns with NFWF's mission to sustain, restore, and enhance the nation's fish, wildlife, and plants. The fund's priorities are informed by the Longleaf Forests and Rivers Business Plan, adopted in 2018 and updated in 2023, which aims to conserve the extraordinary biodiversity across the Southeast. The primary target beneficiaries of this program are aquatic ecosystems and the diverse array of species that inhabit them, particularly those identified as focal species in the Conasauga River (GA) and Middle Coosa (AL) watersheds. These include various endemic and native fishes like the Alabama shiner, banded sculpin, blue shiner, and trispot darter. The impact goal is to advance specific goals and objectives of the Longleaf Forests and Rivers Business Plan and other relevant conservation plans, ultimately leading to healthier aquatic habitats. The program prioritizes work in northern Alabama and Georgia due to measurement and monitoring constraints, with funding available for a wide range of activities in the Conasauga River (GA) and Locust Fork and Middle Coosa (AL) watersheds. Projects benefiting the focal species in these areas will receive priority. The strategic priorities of the NFWF, as evidenced by the Longleaf Forests and Rivers Business Plan, emphasize a suite of aquatic species as indicators of healthy aquatic habitats in prioritized watersheds, reflecting a theory of change that by protecting these indicator species, the broader ecosystem health will improve. Expected outcomes include the conservation of aquatic habitat, the advancement of specific goals outlined in the Longleaf Forests and Rivers Business Plan, and positive impacts on focal species populations. While not explicitly detailed as "measurable results" in the provided text, the focus on indicator species suggests that the health and population trends of these species would serve as key metrics for success. Projects are anticipated to have a completion time of 24–36 months, with grant awards ranging from $150,000 to $500,000 from approximately $8.45 million available in 2024.

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.