Strong nonprofits build stronger communities. Capacity Building Grants help nonprofit organizations invest in the leadership, systems and infrastructure needed to strengthen their operations and increase their long-term impact.
Capacity Building Grants support projects that strengthen your organization's effectiveness and long term sustainability, including:
Strategic planning
CEO/executive succession planning
Board development
Strategic collaboration, mergers, or acquisitions
Budget forecasting
Crisis management
Disaster planning
Technology planning
Governance, policies, and procedures
Culture and Belonging efforts
Branding and web redesign
Evaluation and data organization efforts
Benefits and compensation assessment and planning
If your project will strengthen your organization's ability to achieve its mission, we encourage you to apply.
Be recognized as a charitable organization under Section 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code, public entity, or other eligible charitable organization.
Be located in or serve one or more of the Foundation's 11 county Midlands region.
Organizations must have at least one full year of operation at the time of submitting the grant application.
Demonstrate how the proposed project will strengthen the organization's long term capacity.
Applicants may request up to $10,000. Grant funds are often used to hire a consultant. If you plan to work with a consultant, we recommend discussing your project with one or more consultants before applying so you have an idea of who you will work with. A signed contract is not required as part of the application.
November 1: Applications open
November 30: Applications close
Early February: Applicants notified
March 1: Project period begins
November 30: Project period ends
What We DO NOT Fund:
Routine operating expenses of the organization, including staffing costs and/or hiring grant writers
Direct service program implementation – this project should benefit the organization, not your service population
Direct marketing costs/and or materials
Data migration and other operational costs for a donor or client database
Fundraising projects—including events
Debt reduction
Endowment or capital campaigns
Medical research
Individual conference registration
Costs associated with the creation of a new nonprofit organization
Completed projects or proposals that have begun implementation
Grants to individuals
Certifications or tuition fees
Ready to apply? Review our Before You Start page for grant requirements and application guidance. When Capacity Building Grants are open, you can access the application through our online grant portal.