The Community Foundation's Capacity Building Grants are designed to improve the sustainability and effectiveness of nonprofit organizations by strengthening their internal operations and systems. By partnering with organizational management experts, the Foundation supports initiatives that enhance the organization’s ability to grow its impact and fulfill its mission. Grant amounts vary depending on the scope and needs of each proposal.

These grants are intended to address strategic and operational challenges within nonprofits. Examples of eligible focus areas include board development, fundraising planning, governance models, executive leadership, long-range planning, succession planning, staff training and development, and diversity, equity, and inclusion training. Applicants are encouraged to have a paid staff member and an annual operating budget of at least $100,000 to maximize the grant’s potential impact and ensure successful implementation.

The application process begins with a mandatory phone consultation with the Foundation to discuss project ideas and ensure alignment with the grant's objectives. Consultations can be scheduled between December 9, 2024, and January 29, 2025, by contacting Cindy Hales, Vice President of Community Investment, at 517-664-9851 or via email at chales@ourcommunity.org. Following this consultation, applications will be accepted from December 9, 2024, through February 5, 2025.

Applications are reviewed by a committee in mid-March 2025, with notifications to awardees expected by early April. The process emphasizes collaboration with experts and a focus on projects that demonstrate significant potential to enhance the organization’s effectiveness and sustainability.

To support applicants, the Foundation provides access to resources such as a recorded workshop on the lifecycle of nonprofit organizations, which offers insights into strategic and operational development. A sample application is also available for reference to help organizations prepare strong submissions, though it should not be submitted as part of the application process.

Organizations are encouraged to familiarize themselves with the GOapply grant portal, which is used for submitting applications. The portal provides an intuitive platform for completing and tracking the grant submission process. Applicants should ensure they meet all requirements and deadlines to maximize their chances of success.