The Washington County Community Foundation (WCCF) offers Capacity-Building Grants (CBG) to support nonprofit organizations that provide charitable services in Washington County, Pennsylvania. The foundation is dedicated to enhancing the operational, programmatic, financial, and organizational maturity of nonprofits to help them strengthen their impact. This grant is intended for projects that improve an organization's infrastructure rather than for direct program funding.

CBG funding is available for a wide range of capacity-building initiatives, including enhancements to accounting and financial systems, communications improvements such as marketing plans and website development, and data management upgrades like donor or constituent management software. Other eligible projects include capital campaigns nearing completion, facility upgrades for properties owned by the nonprofit, strategic and succession planning, program design and expansion, and the purchase of equipment or materials. Priority funding areas currently include improvements to accounting and financial systems, communications, and data management.

Grants typically range from $5,000 to $50,000. Each applicant may submit only one capacity-building request at a time, and organizations that receive funding must wait at least one year before reapplying. Additionally, the full use of prior grant funds is required before submitting a new application. Requests that are ineligible for funding include routine projects, support for existing programs, general operating expenses, deficit reduction, regranting initiatives, endowments, or event sponsorships. Private foundations and individuals are also ineligible to apply.

The grant application process consists of two phases. In Phase I, applicants submit an initial overview of the proposed project. If selected to advance, they must submit a full proposal in Phase II, which includes a detailed project narrative outlining the project's necessity, goals, measurable outcomes, and execution strategy. A comprehensive project budget covering all expected revenues and expenses must also be provided. Phase II proposals are due by May 1 for Cycle I and November 1 for Cycle II.

Applications for Cycle I open on February 1 and are due by April 1, while Cycle II applications open on August 1 and are due by October 1. The WCCF does not accept applications on a rolling basis; the grant operates on a structured schedule. The funding program is recurring, meaning the opportunity will be available in future years.

For further inquiries, applicants can contact the Washington County Community Foundation at info@wccf.net or call (724) 222-6330. The foundation's office is located at 1253 Route 519, P.O. Box 308, Eighty Four, PA 15330, and is open Monday through Friday from 8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.