Investing in People and Organizations Driving Change
We fund capacity so impact can grow.
Too often, community-based organizations are expected to deliver significant results with limited resources and no time to build their infrastructure. At the McFadden Finch Foundation, we invest in the people, tools, and systems that enable long-term impact.
Our Capacity Building support helps grassroots organizations develop the strength, stability, and strategy they need to serve their communities, not just this year, but for years to come.
We don’t just fund programs. We strengthen the foundation behind them.
What We Support
We provide funding and support for:
- Leadership development for staff, founders, and community leader
- Strategic and succession planning
- Financial management tools and training
- Board development and governance
- Communications, branding, and storytelling
- Operational systems (HR, CRM, IT, evaluation)
- Community-centered organizational growth
Whether you’re a new group building momentum or a legacy nonprofit preparing to scale, our goal is to meet you where you are.
Who This Is For
We prioritize:
- Small to mid-sized organizations based in or serving Oakland and the Bay Area
- BIPOC-led groups working in education, youth development, arts, housing, and economic justice
- Organizations often overlooked by traditional philanthropy or underfunded in core operations
We especially welcome applications from first-time grantees and grassroots initiatives.
How It Works
Capacity Building Grants typically range from $10,000 to $50,000 and are flexible in their use. We encourage you to request what you need—not what you think we want to hear.
The Process:
Tell us your challenge. What’s holding your work back?
We build a plan together. We work with you to shape a scope of support.
You receive funding + access to experts. We connect you with trusted advisors, trainers, or tools.
You lead the change. We check in along the way, but you set the pace.
What Makes Our Approach Different
- No hoops. No 20-page proposals. No matching funds required.
- Flexible funds. Use them for what you need most—back-office help, a new website, or time to plan.
- Real relationships. We listen first and fund based on trust.
- Longer view. Capacity takes time. We’re in this with you for the long haul.
Need Help Figuring Out Where to Start?
If you’re unsure whether you’re “ready” for capacity-building funding, that’s okay. You don’t need to have everything figured out. Speak with our Capacity Support Team