Capacity-Building
Support for our grantee partners, beyond your grant.
Capacity-Building Fund
This fund exists for organizations that have identified a specific need (or opportunity) to build their capacity, and are ready to invest in addressing it. That includes things like a leadership transition, a strategic plan, or a gap in financial systems. Because funding is limited, apply when a project would meaningfully move your organization forward, not simply because you're eligible.
How to apply
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1. Complete a capacity assessment
Grantees are eligible for a free nonprofit capacity assessment through Tennessee Nonprofit Network.
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2. Apply for a capacity grant
With your assessment complete, apply through Foundant. Your assessment is ‘current’ for up to three years.
Frequently Asked Questions
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Funding is meant for activities that help your organization grow stronger and more sustainable for the long haul. Funding may address a gap identified in your assessment, but it’s not required.
Activities may include things like staff training and coaching, IT support, branding and communications, strategic or succession planning, board development, or consultant fees tied to any of these needs.
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Capacity-building grants are capped at $50,000, for projects lasting up to one year.
We do not award multi-year capacity-building grants.
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No. There needs to be at least one year between capacity-building requests. Applications cannot be made in consecutive years.
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Capacity-building applications follow the Foundation's regular quarterly deadlines of March 1, June 1, and September 1, plus an additional December 1 deadline for capacity-building requests only. Decisions are typically made within one to four weeks.
Other capacity-building resources
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New Memphis: Pro-Bono Consulting
Free consulting support, open to any nonprofit, not exclusive to Hyde grantees, but worth knowing about.
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Innovate Memphis: Learning Lab
Grantees may be eligible for a 50% scholarship through our partnership with Innovate Memphis.
Not sure where to start?
Contact your program staff person.