Capacity Building Grants
Overview
ACT supports and encourages nonprofit excellence and strengthens leadership within nonprofits by investing in organizational needs. ACT has invested more than $2M in capacity-building grants to Alexandria nonprofits since 2005.
In light of our commitment to equity, ACT has adopted a trust-based approach to grantmaking that breaks down the traditional power dynamic between funder and grantee and begins to create a collaborative environment that supports listening, learning, and true partnership. We believe it will enable ACT to be more nimble and responsive to needs that arise.
ACT is pleased to announce our 2027 capacity building grants will focus on organizations whose work advances the economic well-being of Alexandrians by increasing access to stability, opportunity, and economic mobility. This includes organizations focused on:
- Advocacy and systems change that influence policies, practices, and systems affecting economic opportunity and stability.
- Childcare and early care and education that expand access to affordable, high-quality care and support parents’ ability to work and build economic stability.
- Food security that helps individuals and families consistently meet basic needs and reduce financial hardship.
- Healthcare that increases access to affordable, high-quality care and reduces health-related barriers to economic stability and opportunity.
- Housing stability that helps people access and maintain safe, affordable housing, and avoid housing crises and displacement.
- Workforce development that connects Alexandrians to education, skills, employment, career pathways, and wages that support long-term economic mobility.
For ACT, economic well-being means more than meeting basic needs, it means having stability to weather challenges, opportunities to build a future, a sense of dignity and belonging, and the power to shape the future individuals and families want for themselves in the community they call home. By investing in the resilience and well-being of the organizations and people doing this work, ACT seeks to strengthen their ability to adapt, sustain their work, and create lasting impact for Alexandrians.
Our goal is to invest $50,000 and invite requests up to $10,000.
The application process will open on October 5 and close on November 2.
Please note – the application must be completed in Foundant, ACT’s grant management system.
Additional questions can be sent to grants@actforalexandria.org.
For more information, view the 2027 Capacity Building Grant FAQ.
In January 2026 ACT awarded five capacity-building grants to organizations that focused on supporting Alexandria’s youth workforce and career readiness ecosystem. As we seek to advance Economic Well-Being, we recognize the importance of strengthening the resilience of organizations helping Alexandria’s young people find fulfilling careers, meaningful employment opportunities, and equitable pathways to success.
2026 Grantees include:
- Alexandria Seaport Foundation
- Campagna Center
- Code Rising
- Communities in Schools NOVA
- Cornerstone Craftsman
For more information, view the recording and/or slideshow of ACT’s Capacity Building Grant Information Session.
More details about the grant process and application can be found on our Grant Opportunities page.
