[Community Foundation of Sarasota County](https://www.cfsarasota.org)

August 2026 | March 2027 (application & close deadlines projected)

Typical awards $5,000–$15,000; maximum $15,000 per 365-day period.

Supports nonprofits in Sarasota and nearby counties to strengthen leadership, planning, evaluation, fundraising, and financial sustainability.

Forecasted dates—confirm on program page before applying.

--- ## Description Capacity Building Grants from the Community Foundation of Sarasota County are designed to help local nonprofits enhance their organizational effectiveness and long-term impact. Funding supports a broad range of capacity-building priorities, including leadership development, strategic planning, evaluation and learning, fundraising capacity, and financial health and sustainability. Eligible activities may include executive coaching, staff and board training, consulting, technology and data systems, fundraising tools, and emergency needs. The program aims to empower organizations to build resilience, adopt best practices, and achieve greater effectiveness in serving their communities. --- ## Due Dates - August 2026: Full application deadline (anticipated) - March 2027: Full application deadline (anticipated) - March 2027: Application close deadline (anticipated) *All dates are projected based on the annual cycle; check the program page for updates.* --- ## Funding Amount - Typical grant awards range from $5,000 to $15,000 per cycle. - Organizations may receive up to $15,000 within any 365-day period. - When requesting consultant services, most requests are considered for up to 50% of the consultant’s fee (attach a quote in your application). --- ## Eligibility To be eligible, organizations must: - Be a 501(c)(3) public charity with an IRS Letter of Determination. - Have at least one current program with local impact in Sarasota, Manatee, Charlotte, or DeSoto County, Florida. - Maintain an approved/current profile in [The Giving Partner](https://www.cfsarasota.org/nonprofits/the-giving-partner). - Have a physical presence in one of the four eligible counties. - Not have received a Capacity Building Grant from this program within the last 365 days. - Not have an outstanding grant report with the foundation. - Organizations that have already received capacity building funding as part of a 2025–2026 Community Impact Grant award are not eligible for this cycle. If you are unsure about eligibility, contact the Community Impact team. --- ## Application Process - Applications are submitted online via the [grant portal](https://www.grantinterface.com/sl/nQOlct). - A new user profile may be required if you have not applied since April 21, 2025. - Attach quotes for consultant services if applicable. - Information sessions are held at each cycle opening; applicants are encouraged to attend or view recordings ([latest session](https://us02web.zoom.us/rec/play/eZIDpH4KGspfMV54VQZTprHWqIsod6wYEiZVHNXj1pTg8KHUDUQWMrDOcweKx6UnowxkrCzcYnSlb68g.F3iSV-GyhNg2H2BW), passcode: 51D&u#e3). - Office hours with the Community Impact team are available Fridays, 11 a.m.–noon ([join via Zoom](https://us02web.zoom.us/j/87667256039)). - Grant reporting is required within 12 months of receiving funding ([reporting requirements](https://www.cfsarasota.org/nonprofits/grants/grant-reporting)). --- ## Additional Information - Emergency needs outside the regular cycle may be considered—contact the Community Impact team directly. - Applicants must ensure their Giving Partner profile is current and approved prior to application. - Incomplete, late, or missing grant reports may delay future funding opportunities. - Examples of past grantees and stories of impact are available on the [program page](https://www.cfsarasota.org/Capacity-Building-Grants#story). --- ## External Links - [Program Overview & Application](https://www.cfsarasota.org/capacity-building-grants) - [Giving Partner Information](https://www.cfsarasota.org/nonprofits/the-giving-partner) - [Grant Reporting Requirements](https://www.cfsarasota.org/nonprofits/grants/grant-reporting) - [Eligibility Requirements](https://www.cfsarasota.org/nonprofits/grants/grant-eligibility-requirements) - [Information Session Recording](https://us02web.zoom.us/rec/play/eZIDpH4KGspfMV54VQZTprHWqIsod6wYEiZVHNXj1pTg8KHUDUQWMrDOcweKx6UnowxkrCzcYnSlb68g.F3iSV-GyhNg2H2BW) (passcode: 51D&u#e3) - [Office Hours (Fridays, 11 am–noon)](https://us02web.zoom.us/j/87667256039) - [Apply Online](https://www.grantinterface.com/sl/nQOlct) --- ## Contact Information | Name/Team | Email | Phone | |----------------------------|----------------------------------------|-----------------| | Community Impact Team | [impact@cfsarasota.org](mailto:impact@cfsarasota.org) | (941) 955-3000 | | Michelle Croft, Director | [mcroft@cfsarasota.org](mailto:mcroft@cfsarasota.org) | 941‑556‑7114 | For additional questions, use the [contact form](https://www.cfsarasota.org/about/contact-us) on the foundation website.

Capacity Building Grants

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