Private Capacity Building Grants

Honeycomb Credit's Golden Summer Grant offers $5,000 to small businesses, providing an opportunity to expand menus, renovate storefronts, or invest in cutting-edge equipment. The grant aims to help small businesses unlock their potential and increase revenue. Eligible applicants must be small business owners, and applications are due by September 1, 2024. The winner will be announced by September 15, 2024, and will receive the grant in the form of a check or Visa gift card.

The Thrive Business Grant (TBG) is a program by the Trophy Club Economic Development Corporation aimed at supporting local businesses through reimbursable matching grants. The initiative focuses on enhancing the visual appeal and competitiveness of businesses in Trophy Club, driving economic growth and community prosperity. In 2023, the EDC allocated $300,000 to launch this program, supporting projects like façade improvements, interior renovations, and equipment purchases to maintain the town's charm and stimulate customer growth. Eligible applicants include property owners and tenants in Trophy Club who meet specific criteria such as being current on taxes, having no municipal liens, and adhering to local and state regulations. The application process involves Town Council approval, with a timeline starting on May 28, 2024, and deadlines on September 30, 2024, for applications, followed by reviews and tentative approval dates in December 2024. Projects must start within six months of grant receipt and funds are provided as reimbursements post-completion.

The Archstone Foundation offers Capacity Building Program to support direct service organizations in the field of aging in their efforts to work more efficiently and effectively. Donor Name: Archstone Foundation State: California County: All Counties Type of Grant: Grant Deadline: (mm/dd/yyyy) 08/14/2024 Size of the Grant: $10,000 to $100,000 Grant Duration: 1 Year Details: Capacity Building grants seek to assist nonprofits in achieving new levels of organizational strength and effectiveness. Their purpose is to help nonprofit organizations directly serving older adults to strengthen internal systems; implement evidence-based programs; execute needed IT infrastructure updates; and find new resources to facilitate the organization’s progress in achieving its goals. Capacity Building grants are not intended to pay for existing client-facing programs and services, nor are they intended to provide general operating (core) support to the organization. Financial and operational sustainability of the organization at its enhanced level of capacity is key to being considered. Capacity building support offered through this RFP is limited to the following (one per application): Planning Activities: E.g., organizational assessments, strategic planning, fundraising assessment and development, communications/marketing, contingency/disaster planning, COVID response, or business planning. Board and Leadership Development: May include activities such as leadership training, defining the role of the board, strengthening governance, assistance with executive transition, succession, expanding the diversity of the board and leadership, and search process. Strategic Relationships: Technical assistance/consultant support to help two or more organizations work through collaboration and strategic restructuring; positioning for merger or affiliation; or business planning for social enterprise and earned income. Internal Operations: Improvements to financial management, internal controls and chart of accounts, human resources, or volunteer management; on boarding new staff, training and technical assistance on quality improvement, or facility planning. Technology Improvements: IT capacity through upgrades to hardware and software, cyber security, networking, websites, and staff training to optimize the use of technology. Developing New Sources for Earned Income: Business planning, contracting, startup costs for a new program, legal services, accounting, or actuarial services. Building Evaluation Capacity: Consultants may be utilized to develop evaluation plans and train staff and board on outcome evaluation methods and metrics. Evidence-Based Program Adaptation or Implementation: Explore, modify, or adapt an existing evidence-based program or service not currently or previously offered. NOTE: Because of the small dollar amount and short duration of this grant opportunity, it is not intended for the development from scratch, or validation, of a new program or service. This opportunity is intended only for organizations to implement or adapt an existing evidence-based model that is new to the organization. Grant Purpose The Foundation’s purpose is to help nonprofit organizations directly serving older adults to strengthen internal systems; implement evidence-based programs; execute needed IT infrastructure updates; and find new resources to facilitate the organization’s progress in achieving its goals. Capacity Building grants are not intended to pay for existing client-facing programs and services, nor are they intended to provide general operating (core) support to the organization. Financial and operational sustainability of the organization at its enhanced level of capacity is key to being considered.  Funding Information  Up to $50,000. Grant Period Up to one year. Eligibility Criteria  Organizations in California whose work aligns with Archstone Foundation’s mission to improve the health and well-being of older Californians and their caregivers and vision to integrate health and social care are eligible to apply for a Capacity Building grant. One application may be submitted per year per organization. However, organizations previously awarded grants under the Capacity Building Program must wait two years from the end of their prior grant to re-apply to the Capacity Building Program. For more information, visit Archstone Foundation.

The Arkansas Community Foundation is seeking applications for its Giving Tree Grant Program to support a broad range of projects with the potential for statewide impact and programs serving immediate local needs. Donor Name: Arkansas Community Foundation State: Arkansas County: Selected Counties Type of Grant: Grant Deadline: 08/15/2024 Size of the Grant: Not Available Grant Duration: Grant Duration Not Mentioned Details: The Foundation Looking For When you apply, they’ll ask you to share some basic information about your organization, including: Your mission and purpose. What need or opportunity in the community does your organization address? Description of your funding request. How will you use a grant from the Community Foundation, and what will the impact of this grant be, for your organization and for the community you serve Potential outcomes. What will success look like? How will you know or measure whether you’ve been successful? Budget. What are the expenses related to your request? Which pieces will be paid for using a Community Foundation grant, and which pieces will be covered by funding from other sources? They also ask you to indicate whether you’re requesting “capacity building support” or “program/project support.” What’s the difference? Capacity building These are funds focused on improving the effectiveness of your organization. Examples are: Purchasing or upgrading equipment for staff use (computers, a financial database, security system) Upgrading your facility in ways that will allow you to serve more clients (buying a new refrigerator for a food pantry, replacing recalled cribs in an early childhood education facility) Providing training for staff, board or volunteers Hiring a consultant to help your organization develop a strategic plan or fundraising plan Communications/marketing consulting or start-up assistance, including help with branding, developing a social media presence, promotional materials, e-news campaign or other outreach strategy Developing an evaluation system to track the effectiveness of your program Organizing shared services with other nonprofit organizations, such as shared IT support, back-office admin support, financial services, etc. Project/program support These are funds designated to help you carry out a specific project for the clients you serve. Examples are: Providing food to a larger number of food pantry clients Establishing a book mobile to bring library books to low-income neighborhoods Offering dental screenings through school-based health centers Creating a new exhibit at a museum Matching students with adult mentors Providing care and case management for victims of domestic violence Adding tutoring services to your after-school program The following factors are considered, although not exclusively, in reviewing proposals: Likelihood of the project to make a significant difference in the community Likelihood of our grant to make a significant difference for the organization (in other words, is the size of our grant a good fit for the size and scope of the request?) Evidence of a plan to measure or evaluate the success of the proposed request Organization’s ability to carry out the proposed request successfully Clarity and thoroughness of responses to application questions Impact on the county/ies served by the affiliate to which you’re applying. Please note that if you’re applying for funding on behalf of a regional or statewide organization, your proposal is more likely to be successful if you can demonstrate that the project will be based in or have a direct impact on the county where you’re applying. What Foundation not Looking For Each request is considered on its own merit. However, the following types of requests generally are not considered: Support for annual fundraising campaigns Support for capital campaigns Projects that address sectarian religious purposes Projects that are political in nature or have a political bias Multi-year proposals Scholarships or fellowships for formal education at any level Funding for salaries Eligibility Criteria Giving Tree grants are place-based, meaning that your organization must serve one of the areas where They currently making grants. Please note that if you’re applying for funding on behalf of a regional or statewide organization, your proposal is more likely to be successful if you can demonstrate that the project will be based in or have a direct impact on the county where you’re applying. Any 501c3 public charity, school, hospital or government agency serving the counties where They are making grants is eligible to apply. For more information, visit Arkansas Community Foundation.

This grant provides financial support to local charitable organizations, governments, and religious entities in Macon County for community-focused social outreach initiatives.

This program provides financial support and consulting services to help BIPOC and low-income creative entrepreneurs in Pennsylvania start or grow their micro businesses.

This funding opportunity provides financial support to nonprofit organizations seeking to improve their operations, enhance stability, and plan for future growth through critical infrastructure upgrades.

The Catalyst Endowment Fund is excited to announce a competitive funding opportunity to support initiatives focused on Empowering Future Leaders and Community Builders through Youth Sports in Greater Hartford. Donor Name: Hartford Foundation for Public Giving State: County: All Counties Type of Grant: Grant Deadline: (mm/dd/yyyy) 08/22/2024 Size of the Grant: $10,000 to $100,000 Grant Duration: Grant Duration Not Mentioned Details: This year, through a series of learning sessions, Catalyst members explored some of the positive effects youth sports can have on individuals, families, and society as a whole. From fostering teamwork and leadership skills to promoting physical and mental well-being, youth sports play a vital role in shaping resilient, confident, and empowered individuals. The focus is on sustainable support systems designed to bridge the access gaps to youth sports in Greater Hartford. Focus Areas Areas of focus include:  Infrastructure Development: Programs that improve existing sports facilities and equipment in underserved communities, ensuring long-term accessibility for youth sports activities.  Training and Capacity Building: Initiatives that train coaches, volunteers, and staff to provide quality sports programs, fostering a sustainable support network for youth sports.  Partnerships and Collaborations: Proposals that create or strengthen partnerships with schools, community organizations, and local businesses to provide ongoing support and resources for youth sports programs.  Health and Wellness Integration: Initiatives that integrate physical and mental health services with youth sports programs to promote holistic well-being and sustained participation. Funding Information The fund has $69,000 available to award. One or more grants will be awarded totaling $69,000, based on the size of the project, funding need, and the quality of plans responding to the forthcoming Request for Proposal.  Eligibility Criteria Nonprofits with a 501c3 designation that are in or provide significant services in the Greater Hartford region are eligible to apply. Community groups, or groups of residents, that do not have a 501c3 tax status, are encouraged to apply through a fiscal sponsor. For more information, visit Hartford Foundation for Public Giving.

The Capacity Building Program funds initiatives designed to strengthen and increase the impact of local non-profits by improving their organizational capacity. Donor Name: Middlesex Saving Bank State: County: All Counties Type of Grant: Grant Deadline: (mm/dd/yyyy) 08/01/2024 Size of the Grant: $10,000 to $100,000 Grant Duration: Grant Duration Not Mentioned Details: Desired outcomes for non-profits selected to receive grants through this program include one or more of the following: Improved governance and leadership Improved staff skills Improved management systems and practices Completed strategic plans Improved, expanded, or additional services Expanded strategic assets, including financial and human resources Successful applicants will be able to describe how their enhanced capacity will ultimately benefit the communities that they serve. Funding Information Grant requests considered up to $20,000. Geographic Areas Acton, Ashland, Ayer, Bedford, Bellingham, Berlin, Bolton, Boxborough, Carlisle, Chelmsford, Concord, Dover, Dunstable, Foxborough, Framingham, Franklin, Grafton, Groton, Harvard, Holliston, Hopedale, Hopkinton, Hudson, Lexington, Lincoln, Littleton, Marlborough, Maynard, Medfield, Medway, Mendon, Milford, Millis, Natick, Needham, Newton, Norfolk, Northborough, Norwood, Pepperell, Sharon, Sherborn, Shirley, Shrewsbury, Southborough, Stow, Sudbury, Townsend, Tyngsborough, Upton, Walpole, Waltham, Wayland, Wellesley, Westborough, Westford, Weston, Westwood, Worcester, and Wrentham. Eligibility Criteria To apply for the A. James Lavoie Scholarship or a grant from the Middlesex Savings Charitable Foundation or a contribution from Middlesex Savings Bank, applicants must be nonprofit 501(c)(3) organizations serving one or more communities served by Middlesex Savings Bank. Ineligibility Middlesex Savings Charitable Foundation will not fund political or sectarian activities. Additionally, it will not fund organizations which utilize a fiscal agent. For more information, visit Middlesex Savings Bank.

This funding opportunity supports nonprofit organizations in Sarasota, Manatee, Charlotte, and DeSoto counties, Florida, by providing capital for projects that improve operational effectiveness and community impact.

The Cullen Foundation is currently accepting applications for its Responsive Grant – Education. Donor Name: Cullen Foundation State: New York County: Erie County (NY) Type of Grant: Grant Deadline: (mm/dd/yyyy) 07/26/2024 Size of the Grant: $10,000 to $100,000 Grant Duration: 3 Years Details: In Education, they seek applications from organizations offering Supplemental Academic Programs (SAP). All programs should have direct academic outcomes, be evidence-based, and primarily serve economically disadvantaged students. Programs must support students from multiple schools. Types of Support Cullen Foundation has established the following types of support for responsive grants in the education focus area: Program/project support Capital/physical infrastructure Capacity building Funding Information An organization may apply for 1, 2 or 3 years of funding, ranging from $5,000 to $100,000 per year (for a $300,000 total maximum). Eligibility Criteria Cullen Foundation has the following eligibility criteria for all applicants: The organization is a 501(c)(3) The organization must submit audited or reviewed financials prepared by a CPA for its most recently completed fiscal year. This is Cullen’s requirement and is not related to NYS requirements Erie County is their primary geographic service area. Education applicants not located in Erie County must serve at least 80% Erie County residents No funding received will be used for partisan political activity No funding received will be used for expenses already incurred No funding will overlap with an existing grant from the Cullen Foundation The request must fit within Cullen Foundation’s education focus area (evidence-based programs with direct academic outcomes, serving economically disadvantaged students in grades pre-K through 12); and requests for the following will not be considered: Recreational camps or recreation-based programs Internship programs Education resource rooms and drop-in centers Museum exhibits Professional development programs and services Field trip funds and programs Skills and job training programs Transportation requests Arts education programs Requests from Individual schools Request for programs that serve students from only one school Individual scholarships will not be awarded other than those provided by the Cullen Scholars program. For more information, visit Cullen Foundation.

Applicants are invited to submit applications for the Responsive Grant Program. Donor Name: Cullen Foundation State: New York County: Erie County (NY) Type of Grant: Grant Deadline: 07/26/2024 Size of the Grant: $10,000 to $100,000 Grant Duration: 3 Years Details: In Performing Arts, the Foundation supports the disciplines of music, dance, singing, and theatre, and their priority is to fund organizations that have a primary focus on community performances. Types of Support Cullen Foundation has established the following types of support for responsive grants in the performing arts focus area: Program support General operating support Capital (building or equipment) Capacity building support Funding Information An organization may apply for 1, 2 or 3 years of funding, ranging from $5,000 to $100,000 per year (for a $300,000 total maximum). Eligibility Criteria Cullen Foundation has the following eligibility criteria for all applicants: The organization is a 501(c)(3) The organization MUST submit audited or reviewed financials prepared by a CPA for its most recently completed fiscal year. This is Cullen’s requirement and is not related to NYS requirements Erie County is their primary geographic service area. Performing arts organizations outside of Erie County may apply if they can demonstrate their service to Erie County residents through valid audience participation data The primary mission of the organization should be directly that of performing arts No funding received will be used for partisan political activity No funding received will be used for expenses already incurred No funding will overlap with an existing grant from the Cullen Foundation. The request fits within Cullen Foundation’s performing arts focus area; requests for the following will not be considered: Arts education programs Art therapy programs Sponsorships including galas, fundraising events, conferences, and travel opportunities Programs and events with a performing arts component that are hosted by organizations that are not members of the performing arts sector Activities of organizations serving primarily their own membership. For more information, visit Cullen Foundation.

This funding opportunity provides financial support to small nonprofit organizations in the Omaha metro area that focus on improving economic stability, housing, maternal health, and mental health for local residents.

This funding opportunity supports nonprofit organizations in the Richmond area that empower Black youth and young adults through education and capacity-building initiatives.

This program provides financial support to public school districts and nonprofit organizations in rural Kansas and northwestern Missouri to establish or expand child care centers, enhancing their capacity and services for local families.

This program provides funding of up to $5,000 to local organizations in Grays Harbor County for quick-impact projects that address community needs, such as educational materials, food supplies, and essential items for shelters.

This funding opportunity provides up to $50,000 to support community improvements and emergency responder equipment for nonprofits, local governments, and civic organizations.

Donor Name: Wisconsin Housing and Economic Development Authority (WHEDA) State: Wisconsin County: All Counties Grant Duration: 1 Year Details: Uses of Funds New Construction Building Acquisition Rehabilitation Handicapped accessibility improvements Conversions/additions to buildings or units Site acquisition and other development activities Eligibility Criteria  Applicants must fall into one of the following organizational categories: Nonprofit organizations or cooperatives organized under Chapters 181, 185, or 187 of the Wisconsin Statutes. Community development, redevelopment, and housing authorities. Local units of government. Native American tribal authorities. Nonprofit organizations and cooperatives who are required to register with the Wisconsin Department of Financial Institutions (DFI) must be in good standing. Search your status on the Department of Financial Institutions website Grant recipients that received awards through the WHEDA Foundation Housing Grant Program competition consecutively in 2021, 2022 and 2023 are not eligible to apply for the 2024 WHEDA Foundation Housing Grant Program. An organization is eligible and welcome to apply again for a 2025 award. Applicants who have not submitted their final report from a prior housing grant program award and exceeded the 12-month timeframe allowed for projects to be completed will be ineligible for a 2023 grant award. An applicant is eligible for future grant awards once a final report is submitted. Non-eligible uses of funds Market studies Feasibility studies Down payment assistance Ongoing project operating costs Housing-related services Nursing homes Vehicles or transportation services Costs incurred in the preparation of the 2024 Housing Grant Program Application Costs incurred prior to the 2024 Housing Grant Program award date For more information, visit WHEDA.

This grant provides financial support to small business owners who are members of NASE, helping them with various needs such as marketing, hiring, and expansion to foster growth and success.

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.