[Council of Independent Colleges](https://cic.edu)

April 13, 2026 (Application submission deadline)

$2,500–$10,000 per award; projects must be completed within six months of award notification.

Supports CIC State Councils in launching new initiatives to strengthen fundraising and organizational capacity.

Only CIC State Council Members in good standing are eligible to apply.

--- ## Description The State Councils Capacity-Building Grant provides seed funding to CIC State Councils to enhance or expand their ability to raise funds in support of their programs and member colleges. Grants are intended to support new fundraising initiatives, such as attracting new donors, developing professional fundraising materials, upgrading donor databases, revamping fundraising websites, engaging consultants, and building board capacity for fundraising. The program prioritizes projects that align with organizational development goals and show strong potential to strengthen long-term fundraising capacity. Proposals are evaluated on clarity, alignment with organizational plans, and expected return on investment, with a focus on innovative approaches that build sustainable fundraising infrastructure. --- ## Due Dates - April 13, 2026: Application submission deadline (full application due) Decisions will be announced by April 20, 2026. Grant projects must be completed within six months of award notification, and a final report is due within one month after project completion. --- ## Funding Amount - Individual grants: $2,500–$10,000 per State Council - Total distributed since program inception: $883,423 (99 grant programs funded) - Projects must be new initiatives and completed within six months after award notification --- ## Eligibility - Only CIC State Council Members in good standing may apply. - Grants may not be used for currently budgeted items; funding is for new initiatives only. - Applicants must maintain CIC membership throughout the grant period. --- ## Application Process - Submit a single application package online as a PDF by the deadline. - Application must include: - One-page cover letter on State Council letterhead addressed to Sherita Ashmon. - Proposal attachment with: - Applicant details (name, title, State Council, contact info) - Project title and description (including timeline, what makes the initiative new, how it builds capacity, and a budget) - Statement of goals with quantified expected results and impact - Qualifications of any third-party consultants or firms involved - Applications are reviewed competitively, favoring proposals aligned with organizational development and demonstrating strong potential for capacity-building. - Final narrative and financial report due within one month of project completion. [Online Application Form](https://my.cic.edu/Programs/Nomination-Process/Nomination-Process-New?programid=3EC0070C-158C-EB11-80DF-00155D056E08) --- ## Additional Information - Funding requests for equipment are allowed only if part of a project with well-defined outcomes and a clear rationale. - Grant recipients must agree to acknowledge CIC support in all project materials and publicity and allow information about funded activities to be included in CIC publications. - Learn more about CIC’s State Councils and member benefits: [CIC State Councils Information](https://cic.edu/networks/state-councils) --- ## External Links - [Program Page and Full Guidelines](https://cic.edu/opportunity/capacity-building-grants) - [Council of Independent Colleges (CIC) Homepage](https://cic.edu) - [Online Application Form](https://my.cic.edu/Programs/Nomination-Process/Nomination-Process-New?programid=3EC0070C-158C-EB11-80DF-00155D056E08) - [CIC State Councils Overview](https://cic.edu/networks/state-councils) --- ## Contact Information | Name | Role | Email | Phone | |---------------------|---------------------------------------------------|------------------------------|-------------------| | Sherita C. Ashmon | Director of State Councils and Networks Support | [sashmon@cic.edu](mailto:sashmon@cic.edu) | (202) 466-7230 | | General CIC Contact | General Inquiries | [cic@cic.edu](mailto:cic@cic.edu) | (202) 466-7230 |

State Councils Capacity-Building Grant

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