Capacity Building Grant Program

The Capacity Building grant program is offered by the Ewing Marion Kauffman Foundation, a private philanthropic organization focused on advancing economic mobility through education, workforce development, and entrepreneurship. The Foundation’s grantmaking emphasizes strengthening organizations that contribute to long-term community impact, particularly in the Kansas City region. This program is designed as a one-time investment to help nonprofit organizations enhance their internal capabilities so they can more effectively deliver on their missions and scale their impact over time. The primary purpose of the Capacity Building grant is to support 501(c)(3) nonprofit organizations in addressing specific organizational needs that limit their effectiveness or growth. These needs may include strengthening leadership and governance, improving operational systems, enhancing financial sustainability, or advancing strategic planning. The program encourages applicants to clearly identify a defined capacity challenge and demonstrate how targeted investment will produce measurable improvements in organizational performance and long-term sustainability. Funding is provided in one-time awards ranging from 100000 to 250000 dollars. These funds are intended to support internal organizational development rather than direct program expansion alone. Allowable uses include investments in staffing, leadership development, financial planning, technology upgrades, data systems, evaluation practices, communications strategies, and innovation efforts. However, certain restrictions apply, including a prohibition on using funds for lobbying activities or capital construction. Additionally, the grant cannot exceed one-third of an organization’s overall budget, reinforcing the expectation that applicants maintain diversified funding sources. Eligibility is limited to nonprofit organizations with 501(c)(3) status that can demonstrate alignment with the Foundation’s strategic priorities, including college access and completion, workforce and career development, and entrepreneurship. Organizations must show readiness to benefit from a one-time investment and provide evidence that improvements will be sustained beyond the grant period. Projects may involve fiscal sponsorship arrangements, but the fiscal sponsor must complete the application and provide required documentation. Applicants must also confirm that funds will not be used for lobbying and may be required to disclose any interactions with policymakers. The application process involves submitting a detailed proposal that includes organizational background, a clear description of the capacity-building need, a budget and budget narrative, and a project timeline with milestones and expected outcomes. Applicants must also describe how the proposed investment aligns with the Foundation’s priorities and how success will be measured. Additional components include organizational financial information, leadership details, and documentation such as current budgets and financial statements. The Foundation encourages applicants to review guidance materials and attend informational sessions prior to submission. Applications for the current cycle are open from July 13 to August 13, 2026. Proposed project start dates must not be earlier than January 1, 2027, and end dates must not extend beyond December 31, 2028. The program is structured as a recurring opportunity offered periodically, and awards are non-renewable. Selected grantees are expected to engage in reporting and evaluation activities, sharing progress and learnings with the Foundation to contribute to broader knowledge and impact across the nonprofit sector.

Clearly define the capacity need and explain why a one time investment is appropriate; align proposal with strategic priorities; demonstrate sustainability beyond grant period