+ Fundraising 101 - 2025 Application Open!

Many small organizations start up with the intention of bringing their unique passions, visions, talents, and skills together to make the world a better place. However, the most challenging aspect for those organizations is often developing sustainable fundraising systems to support their respective missions. The Tracy Family Foundation has partnered with local fundraising experts to offer a training and coaching series. The program will include individual coaching hours and two group workshops to assist with the development of a customized fundraising plan. Read the full RFP here .

+ Boost Year-End Giving

Fundraising is a common pain-point for nonprofits, and year-end contributions account for close to 50% of many nonprofits’ revenue. The Tracy Family Foundation offers this capacity building program to assist nonprofits with developing (or strengthening) their year-end appeals. Selected nonprofit organizations will receive up to 20 hours of individual, targeted coaching from area experts to develop and implement a year-end fundraising initiative in addition to receiving funds to utilize for marketing, printing, and postage expenses. Stay tuned for the 2025 RFP. Read the 2024 RFP here .

+ Circle of Courage

Stay tuned! This offering is currently under construction.

+ Nonprofit Leadership Training & Coaching

Nonprofits frequently express their desire for local leadership development with emphasis on executive coaching and mentoring. As a result, the Tracy Family Foundation has collaborated with John Wood Community College to develop a curriculum for nonprofit Executive Directors. The training sessions provide technical "nuts and bolts" instruction in the areas of Board engagement, grant writing, fundraising, financial management, marketing, strategic planning, and staff supervision. Stay tuned for the 2025 RFP. Read the 2024 RFP here .

+ Mental Health Matters

Employees tend to feel overwhelmed and lose enthusiasm at work and in life. A recent survey even suggests that 45% of nonprofit employees are planning to leave their organizations in the next 2 years. It is no surprise that burnout affects productivity and can negatively impact retention, service quality, morale, and organizational culture. By reducing their personal burnout risk, leaders can model better behavior for employees and promote a positive culture of wellness. Grantees will be encouraged to engage in self-care and assess physical health, achieve a healthy balance in work and personal life, and develop coping strategies to manage stress. Stay tuned for the 2025 RFP. Read the 2024 RFP here .

+ Volunteer Value

Volunteers are the backbone of nonprofit work, often acting as an organization’s representative in the community and contributing to the success of the organization’s mission. A well-designed volunteer program should include clear and concise communication channels, effective training and orientation, meaningful recognition and rewards, and opportunities for personal and professional growth. The Tracy Family Foundation has developed a volunteer recruitment and engagement program to assist nonprofits as they attract, retain, and support individuals who are willing to offer their time, skills and resources. The training will provide tips and strategies for creating a volunteer program that is both effective and sustainable. Stay tuned for the 2025 RFP. Read the 2024 RFP here .

+ Nonprofit Leadership Lab

The Tracy Family Foundation invites up to 9 leaders of small nonprofits to engage in an annual membership program with the Nonprofit Leadership Lab. The Nonprofit Leadership Lab is an online hub offering training, support, resources, inspiration, and connection to help nonprofits raise more money, build an effective and engaged board, and grow their army of supporters, ambassadors, and volunteers. Stay tuned for the 2025 RFP. Read the 2024 RFP here .

+ Inclusive Leadership Workshop

Stay tuned! This offering is under construction.

+ WCIL Gives

Stay tuned! This offering is under construction.

+ Board Development Coaching & Training

Executive Directors often express concern around board recruitment, orientation, development, and engagement. Board leadership has a dramatic impact on a nonprofit's overall success and sustainability. As a result, the Tracy Family Foundation has worked with regional consultants and seasoned Board officers to become Board Development Trainers/Coaches for a customized program in our 10-county region. The identified coaches have attended the BoardSource Consultant Certification program and will offer selected organizations 40 hours of coaching, consulting, and training. Read the full RFP here .

+ Diversity, Equity, & Inclusion (DEI) Customized Training & Coaching

DEI is the presence of differences that may include race, gender, religion, sexual orientation, ethnicity, nationality, socioeconomic status, language, (dis)ability, age, religious commitment, or political perspective. While nonprofits and schools wish to honor diversity and provide equity and inclusion, it may require consultant assistance to look deeply into practices, policies, and cultural attitudes. The Tracy Family Foundation has partnered with a regional DEI expert and consultant who helps organizations assess current practices and develop plans to improve their efforts. Read the full RFP here .

+ Nonprofit Strategic Planning

Many times, nonprofits either do not have a strategic plan or are not utilizing their existing plan. As a result, the Tracy Family Foundation has partnered with several local strategic planning facilitators to provide nonprofit strategic planning and coaching. This offering seeks to teach nonprofit leaders the strategic planning process and establish a 36-month strategic framework. Each organization will assess and work to identify both areas of strength and potential growth. Participating organizations will have the tools to develop a working strategic plan that has SMART goals and deadlines with everyone working together to accomplish the mission. Read the full RFP here .

+ Video Storytelling & Social Media Training

Many nonprofits in our region struggle to effectively market themselves and engage in social media platforms, which often hinders their ability to raise public awareness and garner grants and donations. The Tracy Family Foundation recognizes that nonprofits often do not have the capacity to effectively share their impact. As a result, we provide grant funding to assist organizations in creating a customized marketing video. In addition to funding videography, our foundation has partnered with John Wood Community College to offer three free workshops: Using the Power of Story, DIY Video Marketing, and Digital Marketing Essentials for Nonprofits. Granted organizations also have the option to use remaining funds toward training and consulting for marketing. Read the full RFP here .

+ AI Training & Coaching for Nonprofits

Stay tuned! This offering is currently under construction.

+ What types of projects will be considered?

Projects TFF would consider funding with Capacity Building grants include, but are not limited to: professional development, strategic planning, fundraising training, financial management training, communication and marketing systems, collaboration, software pilot, outcome evaluation and learning, board governance and engagement, and other professional consultation. Eligible expenses for these projects could include, but are not limited to registration fees, consultant fees, travel, lodging, meals, and training costs.

+ What organizations are eligible to apply?

Nonprofit organizations, schools, and public entities that 1) are in TFF’s funding Region in Illinois or 2) have received a TFF Formal Funding grant in the past 5 years.

+ Is the TFF Nonprofit Roadmap Assessment Required?

Yes. TFF requires all 501c3 Capacity Building applicants (not schools or public entities) to complete the TFF Nonprofit Roadmap Assessment before submitting a capacity building grant application. Each assessment is valid for up to 12 months.

Organizations may take the iCAT organizational assessment instead of the TFF Nonprofit Roadmap Assessment, but should talk with TFF Staff to learn more about this tool. Contact Callie Niederhauser to arrange to take this assessment.

+ What is the maximum amount per year organizations can request?

Organizations can request up to $5,000 annually for any capacity building projects they create. In addition, organizations can be approved for up to two TFF-curated programs (e.g., Video Storytelling, Board Development, et al.) per calendar year. The grant amount may vary based upon the program but will not exceed $10,000 for the two programs selected. Grants awarded through TFF-curated capacity building programs do NOT count against an organization’s $5,000 annual maximum for “create your own” capacity building projects.

+ What is the maximum number of capacity building requests an organization can submit in a year?

There is no maximum. Organizations can submit as many "create your own" requests as they’d like, as long as the total of the requests does not exceed $5,000. In addition, organizations can participate in up to 2 TFF-curated Capacity Building programs per calendar year. Courses sponsored by TFF and offered at no cost to nonprofit organizations will not count toward the two TFF-curated program maximum.

+ Does an organization have to contribute any money toward requests?

Yes. Organizations are responsible for 10% of the requested amount in cash, not in-kind.

+ Will a Final Impact Report be required?

Yes. A Final Impact Report is due within 12 months of the grant award.

+ Are there any exclusions?

Capacity Building grants do not cover wages or salaries of an individual employed by your organization. Other exclusions include equipment, supplies, renovations, building upgrades, and other construction costs. Funding for certain software, marketing, and continuing education is limited. Contact Callie Niederhauser with any questions regarding project eligibility.