Investing in Capacity
Our Capacity Building Grants program supports organizations that are actively striving to improve the efficiency and efficacy of their work by investing in core operations. Bainbridge Community Foundation (BCF) recognizes that most organizations want to perform their work more efficiently and effectively. Our Capacity Building Grants are geared toward improvements in the areas of administration, governance, planning, and fundraising. Funding is focused on building an organization’s internal capacity in these areas in order to strengthen and support our local nonprofit sector.
Capacity building is distinguishable from direct program services, general operating support, or capital expenses in that it seeks to increase the knowledge, skill level and/or efficiency of a nonprofit board and/or staff. Capacity building services are typically provided by an individual outside of the organization who has the expertise and the ability to focus on one aspect of an organization’s management. These include but are not limited to:
- Board and staff training
- Strategic planning
- Analysis of programs, technology, and fundraising
- Program evaluation
Does your nonprofit organization want to apply for a Capacity Building Grants Program award? Here’s how!
If you have questions, please contact Debbie Kuffel, Program & Finance Officer, at debbie@bainbridgecf.org.
Capacity Building Grants 2023
(Grant period January 1, 2024 – December 31, 2024)
BCF’s Capacity Building Grants Cycle will accept applications from 501(c)3 nonprofit organizations located in Washington State serving the greater Bainbridge Island community (Those that work, live, or visit Bainbridge Island), between October 18, 2023 and November 13, 2023 for applications of $500-$1,500 online via Common Grant Application. The BCF Grants Committee will review applications and make funding recommendations to the BCF Board of Trustees. Awards will be announced in mid-December. The grant period for these awards is January 1 - December 31, 2024.
Please note that this grant making program does not support hiring, adding staff, or increasing staff hours to increase your organization's capacity. This program does not fund travel or capital expenses.
If you have questions, please contact Debbie Kuffel, Program & Finance Officer, at debbie@bainbridgecf.org.
Past Programs
Capacity Building Grants 2022
(Grant period January 1, 2023 – December 31, 2023)
Twenty-three organizations applied to the Capacity Building Grants Cycle in 2022, and BCF awarded a record-setting 19 grants after a thorough vetting process by BCF’s Grants Committee. BCF distributed $27,450 this year, which is the most dollars awarded since the program started ten years ago. BCF’s Capacity Building Grants Cycle awarded an average of $1,500 per grant.
