[DuPage Foundation](https://dupagefoundation.org)

August 7, 2026 (Full application submission deadline, 5:00 p.m.)

Up to $20,000 per project; $120,000 total available for this cycle; project period through October 1, 2027.

Supports DuPage County nonprofits in building organizational capacity through donor engagement, fund development, and technology upgrades.

--- ## Description The DuPage Foundation Capacity Building Grant provides funding to local nonprofit organizations serving DuPage County, Illinois, to enhance their long-term effectiveness and sustainability. The program prioritizes projects that strengthen organizational capacity in two primary focus areas: donor engagement and fund development (e.g., cultivating donor relationships, increasing giving, developing fundraising strategies), and technology upgrades and implementation (e.g., improving efficiency, productivity, and data security). The aim is to help nonprofits and their leaders acquire the knowledge, skills, and tools needed for ongoing success. --- ## Due Dates - August 7, 2026: Full application submission deadline (applications must be submitted online by 5:00 p.m.) - Applicants will be notified of award status by September 20, 2026. - Funded projects must be completed by October 1, 2027. --- ## Funding Amount - Total available funding for this grant cycle: $120,000. - Maximum grant request per organization: $20,000. - Typical project period: through October 1, 2027. --- ## Eligibility Applicants must meet all of the following criteria: - Be a nonprofit charitable organization classified as a public charity exempt from federal income taxes under section 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code. - Primarily serve DuPage County residents. - Have received a grant within the last three years through the DuPage Foundation’s Community Impact or Arts DuPage Grant Program. **Ineligible applicants and projects:** - Individuals - Organizations for religious activities (secular activities by religious organizations may be eligible) - Endowments - Disease-specific organizations - Private foundations and private operating foundations - Hospitals (including supporting foundations) - Governmental agencies (including supporting foundations) - Pre-K–12 schools (public, parochial, private, or charter, including supporting foundations) - Capital projects, vehicles, furniture, consumable supplies, or general operating costs --- ## Application Process - Applications must be submitted online through the DuPage Foundation’s grant portal. - Applicants must create an account to access and submit the application. - Required information includes organization and contact details, EIN, and project details. - Evaluation criteria include: - Clear description of how the project will enhance organizational capacity - Articulation of expected return on investment (ROI) - Realistic timeline for implementation and completion - Demonstrated board support and internal capacity - Identification of vendors/consultants (if applicable) - Other funding sources identified for budgets exceeding the requested amount - Priority given to organizations not funded by this grant in the past three years --- ## Additional Information - Applications submitted after the deadline will not be considered. - Projects must be completed by October 1, 2027. - Download the full [2026 Capacity Building Grant Guidelines (PDF)](https://www.dupagefoundation.org/wp-content/uploads/2026/03/2026-Capacity-Building-Grant-Guidelines.pdf). - More resources and a recorded informational webinar are available on the [Nonprofit Resources page](https://www.dupagefoundation.org/nonprofit-resources/). --- ## External Links - [DuPage Foundation Capacity Building Grant Program](https://www.dupagefoundation.org/capacity-building-grant) - [2026 Capacity Building Grant Guidelines (PDF)](https://www.dupagefoundation.org/wp-content/uploads/2026/03/2026-Capacity-Building-Grant-Guidelines.pdf) - [Nonprofit Resources](https://www.dupagefoundation.org/nonprofit-resources/) - [Community Impact, Arts DuPage, and Capacity Building Grants Webinar (YouTube)](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZEIKYtc5fTQ?v=ZEIKYtc5fTQ?v=1f7BpRi0AgA) --- ## Contact Information | Name | Title | Email | Phone | |---------------------|-----------------------------|--------------------------------------|---------------| | Barb Szczepaniak | Vice President for Programs | [barb@dupagefoundation.org](mailto:barb@dupagefoundation.org) | 630.598.5280 | | General Foundation | | | 630.665.5556 | | Contact Page | | | [Contact Form](https://dupagefoundation.org/who-we-are/contact.html) | ---

Capacity Building Grant

Sign in to see full grant listing