Private Capacity Building Grants

This funding opportunity provides financial support to nonprofit organizations and agencies working to meet community needs in the Methow Valley, with grants available for various projects that promote a healthy and vibrant community.

This program provides financial support to nonprofits in Dutchess, Putnam, and Ulster Counties for essential operational costs and innovative projects that benefit historically marginalized communities across various sectors, including human services, arts, education, health, and the environment.

This program provides financial support to businesses and property owners in downtown Cape Girardeau for improving the exterior appearance of their commercial buildings.

This funding opportunity supports nonprofit organizations in rural north central Wisconsin that promote meaningful work, lifelong education, and connections to nature.

The John W. Speas & Effie E. Speas Memorial Trust is seeking applications to support and promote quality educational, cultural, human services and health care programming. Donor Name: John W. Speas & Effie E. Speas Memorial Trust State: Kansas, Missouri County: Selected Counties Type of Grant: Grant Deadline: 07/31/2024 Size of the Grant: Not Available Grant Duration: Grant Duration Not Mentioned Details: Program Types Arts, Culture, & Humanities Community Improvement & Capacity Building Education Health Human Services Criteria The Speas Memorial Trust supports organizations that serve the residents of Greater Kansas City Metropolitan area. For more information, visit Bank of America.

The 2024 Women in Motion Grant is a capacity-building grant offering operational funding to an organization serving women in the greater High Point community, including Archdale, Trinity, Thomasville, and Jamestown. Eligible organizations must have existed for five years or less or have an operational budget of $100,000 or less. The grant focuses on enabling women in the workforce to achieve economic and professional growth, with areas of focus including education, mentorship, resources, and wellness. The maximum grant request amount is $10,000. Women in Motion seeks to partner with community organizations to create solutions that support women's economic and professional growth, leading to increased leadership roles. The grant supports organizations that help women negotiate and advocate for themselves, provide networking and growth opportunities, tap into community resources for professional success, and balance personal wellness with professional demands.

The Portage Foundation provides grant funding to nonprofit organizations of all sizes, including projects from genuine grassroots groups. Donor Name: Portage Foundation State: Ohio County: Portage County (OH) Type of Grant: Grant Deadline: 08/31/2024 Size of the Grant: $1000 to $10,000 Grant Duration: Grant Duration Not Mentioned Details: Funding Priorities The Portage Foundation has nine priority funding area for the grants process: Animal Welfare Arts and Culture Children’s Programs Education Environment Economic Development Health Human Services Project Funding Types Projects that support capacity building in the areas of governance, management, service delivery and financial sustainability. One-time, non-recurring expenditures for start-up efforts or special projects; specific capital needs; and program-related expenses are given equal consideration. Collaborations among two or more organization are encouraged; If an application is being made for a collaborative effort, it must include letters of support from the boards of all organizations involved. Projects that address the underlying cause of a problem. Part of a nonprofit’s general operating budget ONLY if the applicant can demonstrate compelling need. Grant approval is based on an evaluation of the significance of a project, its purpose, its likelihood of success, and its potential benefit to the Portage County community. They also consider the strength and stability of the applicant organization and the availability of funding from other sources to fulfill the goals of the grant. Funding Information Typical grants range between $500 and $2,500. Eligibility Criteria  Organizations must be located in or provide services to residents of Portage County. Grant seekers outside Portage County must provide information on services provided and individuals served in Portage County. Grants will be made only to nonprofit organizations classified as 501(c)(3) charities by the Internal Revenue Service. Grants are not made to any group that discriminates on the basis of age, color, race, national origin, gender identity, marital status, sensory, mental or physical ability, sexual orientation or religious beliefs. Reporting requirements from prior grants must be fulfilled before submitting a new application. For more information, visit Portage Foundation.

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

This grant provides funding to nonprofit organizations in the Berkshire Taconic region to support capacity-building projects that enhance governance, diversity, and overall effectiveness in serving their communities.

The Central New York Community Foundation is seeking applications for its Community Grant Program. Donor Name: Central New York Community Foundation State: New York County: Madison County (NY), Onondaga County (NY) Type of Grant: Grant Deadline: 09/06/2024 Size of the Grant: Not Available Grant Duration: Grant Duration Not Mentioned Details: Nonprofit organizations in Onondaga and Madison counties are encouraged to apply for grants to fund innovative projects in the areas of: arts and culture, civic affairs, education, health, human services and the environment. Types of Projects They support the following types of projects that promote community impact, capacity building and diversity: Capital Projects – including large scale capital campaigns, repairs and replacements, technology upgrades, and equipment/furnishing purchases Program – support for new and innovative programs, or the expansion of proven existing programs that address our community’s most pressing needs Organizational Development – including capacity building efforts around strategic planning, board development and succession planning Eligibility Criteria 501(c)(3) tax-exempt nonprofit organizations, publicly supported organizations such as schools and municipalities, and organizations using a 501(c)(3) fiscal sponsor Organizations serving residents of Onondaga and/or Madison counties Organizations that have not received a community grant from the Community Foundation in the past 12 months Organizations that have submitted a grant report for any completed program previously funded by the Foundation Projects not supported They do not make grants for the following through Community Grants process: Annual operating budgets, except when it is “seed” or “bridge” funding Endowments Religious purposes Loans or assistance to individuals Medical or academic research (except where requested by a donor) Activities that occurred before the Community Foundation’s decision date For more information, visit CNYCF.

This grant provides funding to local governments and Michigan-based non-profits for projects that improve water quality and recreational access in the Chain of Lakes Watershed and surrounding areas in Antrim County, Michigan.

The Blue Cross Blue Shield of Michigan and Blue Care Network are requesting applications for its Step Up for School Wellness grant. Donor Name: Blue Cross Blue Shield of Michigan State: Michigan County: All Counties Type of Grant: Grant Deadline: 06/30/2024 Size of the Grant: Not Available Grant Duration: Grant Duration Not Mentioned Details: The Building Healthy Communities: Step Up for School Wellness, or BHC: SUFSW, program is recognized by health and education leaders as a successful and innovative program that empowers school health leaders, educators, administrators, families and communities to improve the health and well-being of students and staff. The program focuses on creating a healthier school environment and building a culture of wellness that supports physical activity, healthier food choices, mental health and overall well-being. The program is available to schools through a collaboration between Blue Cross Blue Shield of Michigan, Michigan Department of Health and Human Services, Michigan Department of Education, Michigan Elementary and Middle School Principals Association, Michigan Fitness Foundation, Michigan Recreation and Park Association, Michigan State University Extension, Michigan Virtual, SHAPE Michigan, United Dairy Industry of Michigan and University of Michigan. Collaborating organizations have aligned under BHC: SUFSW for greater collective impact. Program Goals Creating healthier environments can lead to the development of lifelong healthy behaviors that reduce the incidence of obesity and undernourishment, combat absenteeism, address trauma, and nurture a more productive teaching and learning atmosphere. The program’s fivestep model translates into program goals that drive impacts focused on improved knowledge, attitudes and behaviors. Empower students to be more physically active every day. Empower students to make healthy choices that include fruit, vegetables, low-fat dairy, whole grains and lean protein every day. Empower students to learn and practice social and emotional skills. Empower staff to implement and participate in well-being initiatives that support a culture of wellness at school for all employees. Encourage staff to make changes in policies, systems and environments that support the well-being of students and staff. Focus Areas Focus Area 1: Physical Activity and Physical Education Resources. Focus Area 2: Healthy Eating and Nutrition Education Resources. Focus Area 3: Well-Being Resources. Eligibility Criteria  All public, charter or private nonprofit schools in Michigan, serving any grade level K-12, can apply each year regardless of their economic status, geographic location or participation in other school wellness grants, programs or initiatives. School awards are based on need, readiness, alignment with grade requirements and prerequisites, and available funding. For more information, visit BCBSM.

Madison Community Foundation’s Community Impact grants advance initiatives that have a long-term impact on the community and the lives of people living here. Donor Name: Madison Community Foundation State: Wisconsin County: Dane County (WI) Type of Grant: Grant Deadline: 06/03/2024 Size of the Grant: Not Available Grant Duration: Grant Duration Not Mentioned Details: MCF’s grantmaking supports opportunities to strengthen innovative or high-performing nonprofits, and invest in the initiatives and natural and cultural assets that create a thriving community. Community Impact grants will be used to provide grants in five focus areas that improve the quality of life for residents in greater Madison. Arts & Culture: Grants build and support Dane County’s vibrant arts scene. Community Development: Grants enhance the quality of life by strengthening the unique natural and cultural assets found in Dane County, investing in neighborhoods, enhancing equity and building bonds among residents. Environment: Grants preserve natural spaces by supporting conservation, restoration, education and policy-making. Learning: Grants support public K-12 academic achievement and learning, out-of-school-time programs, GED-equivalent and transition-to-adult programs. Organizational Capacity Building: Grants strengthen the infrastructure and long-term impact of Dane County nonprofits. Grant Categories  These grants fall into three broad categories: Program Grants support new programs or the expansion of existing programs that have a track record of success. Capital Grants support the construction, purchase and renovation of facilities, land acquisition, and occasionally the purchase of vehicles or equipment. Endowment Challenge Grants build capacity and sustainability by helping nonprofits leverage additional funds and incorporate endowment fundraising as a regular part of their ongoing development program. Typically, endowment challenge grants are two-to-one matches but may vary by the size of the grant awarded. mmunity and the lives of people living here. Grantmaking Criteria  Long-term impact on residents or physical environments in Dane County. Meaningful, reasonable and measurable outcomes. Innovative approaches to address community issues. Strengthen and enhance community assets. Build self-sufficiency of individuals or organizations. Attract additional funding. Use partnerships or collaborations. Sustainable beyond the scope of the grant. Eligibility Criteria  Organizations must meet the following criteria: Public charities, exempt from federal income taxes under section 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code, or governmental bodies, including schools and municipalities, as long as the project is above and beyond regular budgeted items and does not fill budget gaps. Organizations must be located, and projects must take place, within the borders of Dane County. The one exception is endowment challenge grants, for which there is no geographic limitation. But the resultant endowment fund must reside at MCF. Conduct business without discrimination on the basis of actual or perceived race, color, religion, age, sex, national origin, disability, ancestry, sexual orientation, gender identity, marital status, or arrest or conviction record, or any other discriminatory basis prohibited by applicable local, state and federal law (“Anti-Discrimination Status”). Repeat grant applicants who are in good standing with MCF and propose a new project that fits within the focus areas are welcome to submit subsequent proposals. However, when having to choose between projects, an applicant that has not been funded regularly may have an edge over one that has. Local communities with community or education foundations that are unaffiliated with the Madison Community Foundation must submit a letter of support from the local foundation as part of the application process. For more information, visit MCF.

The Jazz & Heritage Presenting Grant supports job opportunities for Louisiana performing artists through financial support to local nonprofit organizations to facilitate the hiring of Louisiana-based performers for festivals and public cultural events within the state. Donor Name: New Orleans Jazz & Heritage Foundation State: Louisiana Parish: All Parishes Type of Grant: Grant Deadline: 07/08/2024 Size of the Grant: $1000 to $10,000 Grant Duration: 1 Year Details: The purpose of this grant category is to support Louisiana-based arts nonprofit organizations that create employment opportunities – such as festivals, concerts, and other cultural events – for Louisiana-based musicians and other performing artists at events that take place in Louisiana. This grant can only be applied to live public performance fees paid to musicians, dancers, actors and other onstage performers. The grant may not be applied to fees paid to nonperforming artists, such as composers, choreographers, directors or other artistic contributors. The grant may not be used for staff, technical or other support personnel, equipment, rentals, facilities or other services. Funding Information The maximum amount grant amount is $7,500. Grant Period The proposed activity funded by this grant must occur between Sept. 1, 2024, and August 31, 2025. Eligibility Requirements  This grant category is open to 501(c)(3) organizations or registered Louisiana nonprofits who may use a 501(c)(3) nonprofit as a fiscal agent. Individuals and commercial organizations are not eligible. Only applications to fund programs and activities that align with the mission of the Jazz & Heritage Foundation will be considered. Mission: The New Orleans Jazz & Heritage Festival and Foundation, Inc. promotes, preserves, perpetuates and encourages the music, culture and heritage of communities in Louisiana through festivals, programs and other cultural, educational, civic and economic activities For more information, visit NOJHF.

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.

Strategy Grants support projects that align with the foundation's goals of fostering thriving youth and families, promoting racial equity, building a just economy, and ensuring healthy ecosystems. Prioritized are proposals that address multiple goals, increase equity, and support vulnerable communities, particularly those led by or supporting Black, Indigenous, and People of Color (BIPOC). Eligible projects can receive general operating, capital support, capacity building, or programmatic support. Average grants range from $15,000 to $25,000, with a focus on organizations serving Curry, Del Norte, Humboldt, and Trinity Counties.

This fund provides financial support to Tribes and non-profit organizations in Northern California to combat the crisis of missing and murdered Indigenous peoples through advocacy, research, and community recovery efforts.

The Women Working Wonders Fund (WWWF), a permanently endowed fund of the Greater Lowell Community Foundation, is currently accepting proposals to advance the contributions of women and girls in the community and empower them to effect positive change. Donor Name: Greater Lowell Community Foundation State: Massachusetts City: Lowell Type of Grant: Grant Deadline: 06/20/2024 Size of the Grant: $1000 to $10,000 Grant Duration: Grant Duration Not Mentioned Details: The Women Working Wonders Fund supports programs that empower women and girls to effect positive change in the community. The Women Working Wonders Fund awards grants to nonprofit organizations whose programs/projects: assist women in transition provide leadership development for women and girls contribute to the beautification of the environment to benefit women and girls. Funding Information The Women Working Wonders Fund will award five (5) grants of up to $10,000 each to programs/projects that impact the lives of women and girls while advancing an organization’s mission. Criteria Non-profit organizations are eligible to apply for the Women Working Wonders Fund. For more information, visit GLCF.

General Operating Grants support the daily operations of 501(c)3 arts agencies, and are intended to fill critical funding gaps which often limit arts organizations in paying professional staff, managing facilities or in pursuing capital improvements. Donor Name: Allegany Arts Council (AAC) State: Maryland County: Allegany County (MD) Type of Grant: Grant Deadline: 06/30/2024 Size of the Grant: $1000 to $10,000 Grant Duration: 1 Year Details: Funding Information  Organizations are eligible to apply for a maximum of $3,500 annually and must provide a final grant report at the conclusion of the grant period. Grant Period July 1, 2024 – June 30, 2025. Eligibility Requirements  Grantees must be non-profit, 501(c)3 (or eligible for IRS tax-exempt status), and based in Allegany County with programming and business conducted in Allegany County. By-laws must provide that assets do not accrue to any director, officer or member of the organization. Programs and events funded with GOG money must be open to the general public. GOG funds must be used for arts-related programming or general organizational operations. GOG funds may not be used for capital purchases, fundraising events, or social functions. Note that this is an Allegany Arts Council policy and that the Maryland State Arts Council does not match capital improvement. Programs that proselytize for specific political actions or religious beliefs are not eligible for funding. In order to stimulate rather than replace community support, a 1:1 cash match is required (i.e., GOG grant funding may not exceed 1/2 of the proposed program budget). Funds from the Maryland State Arts Council are not allowed as part of this match. In-kind or donated services are similarly ineligible to be included in the match although they should be identified on the application. Grantees must notify AAC of any major change in the program or event as described in the grant application. In the event of cancellation, or dissolution of the organization, grant funds must be returned. Grantees must comply with Title VI, Section 601, of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, which states that no persons on the grounds of race, color or national origin shall be excluded from participation in, be denied the benefits of, or be subjected to discrimination related to, the arts. Grantees must comply with Title IV, Section 1681, of the Education Amendments of 1972 and the Age Discrimination Act of 1975, and Section 6101, which prohibit discrimination on the basis of sex or age. Grantees must comply with Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, as amended, and the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990 which states no otherwise qualified person shall, solely by reason of his or her handicap, be excluded from participation in, be denied the benefits of, or be subjected to discrimination related to the arts. Grantees must include the phrase “Sponsored in part by the Allegany Arts Council with funds from the Maryland State Arts Council.” whenever and wherever program credit is being given. Similarly, grantees should always strive to inform, inspire and educate the local community with regard to their arts-related programming. For more information, visit AAC.

The National Fish and Wildlife Foundation (NFWF) seeks proposals to voluntarily conserve aquatic habitat in southeastern United States and Texas. Donor Name: National Fish and Wildlife Foundation (NFWF) State: Selected States County: All Counties Type of Grant: Grant Deadline: 07/18/2024 Size of the Grant: $100,000 to $500,000 Grant Duration: 3 Years Details: The priorities of the Southeast Aquatics Fund are informed by the aquatic goals and strategies of the Longleaf Forests and Rivers Business Plan, which was adopted by the NFWF Board of Directors in 2018 (updated 2023). To the extent possible, proposals should describe how activities will advance specific goals and objectives of the Longleaf Forests and Rivers Business Plan and/or other relevant conservation plans. The plan seeks to conserve the extraordinary biodiversity found across the southeast. It prioritizes work in northern Alabama and Georgia due to measurement and monitoring constraints. It utilizes a suite of aquatic species as indicators of healthy aquatic habitat in prioritized watersheds. Because of the priority given to this subregion, funding is available for a wide range of activities in the Conasauga River (GA) and Locust Fork and Middle Coosa (AL) watersheds. Priority will be given to projects that would benefit the following focal species: Conasauga River – Endemic and Native Fishes (Alabama shiner, banded sculpin, blue shiner, bridled darter, Coosa darter, Coosa shiner, Greenbreast darter, tricolor shiner and trispot darter). Middle Coosa – Trispot darter Funding Information Approximately $8.45 million is available in grant funding in 2024. Grant awards are expected to range from $150,000 to $500,000, depending on the overall scale and duration of the project. Project Period Anticipated completion time for funded projects typically will be 24–36 months following finalization of a grant agreement.  Geographic Scope Grants will be made in specific geographies or river basins in Alabama, Florida, Georgia, Mississippi, North Carolina, South Carolina, eastern Tennessee, and Texas.  Eligibility Criteria Eligible applicants include non-profit 501(c) organizations, state government agencies, local governments, municipal governments, Tribal Governments and Organizations, and educational institutions. Applicants must comply with or be exempted from federal single audit requirements. Ineligible applicants include U.S. Federal government agencies, businesses, unincorporated individuals, and international organizations. U.S. Federal agencies are encouraged to partner with applicants but are not eligible to apply. For more information, visit NFWF.