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Research & policy
Evidence-driven work that shapes opportunity, wages, and economic mobility.
Progress built
for people.
Center for American Progress (CAP) advances opportunity through research, policy, community programs, and direct grant support. CAP Grants has provided over $2.5 billion in new resources — with CAP 2026 funding of up to $2.5 million for individuals, groups, organizations, and projects. Community projects, small business growth, education, housing stability, medical costs, and civic initiatives — for individuals, groups, organizations, and projects.
CAP Grants · over $2.5 billion in new resources · CAP 2026 · funding up to $2,500,000 for individuals, groups, orgs & projects · Grants — not loans · Coordinator assigned within 24 hours · Open nationwide · adults 18+ · Community · business · education · housing · medical
What CAP does
More than a grant program.
Center for American Progress is a national organization. CAP Grants is one of our most direct ways to put resources into the hands of individuals, groups, organizations, and projects — but it sits alongside research, policy, and community work.
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Community programs
On-the-ground initiatives that turn ideas into local results.
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Direct grants
CAP Grants 2026 funds individuals, groups, organizations, and projects — up to $2,500,000 per award.
Over $2.5 billion
In CAP Grants resources
Up to $2,500,000
Individuals, groups & projects · CAP 2026
50 states
Eligibility nationwide
Grants
Not loans — no repayment
Funding areas
Where CAP Grants go
Community projects
Neighborhood and civic initiatives that strengthen local opportunity.
Learn moreSmall business growth
Capital for founders and operators expanding American enterprise.
Learn moreEducation & skills
Tuition, training, credentials, and tools for the next step.
Learn moreHousing stability
Support toward home purchase, repairs, or keeping stable housing.
Learn moreMedical costs
Treatment, hospital, pharmacy, and related care expenses.
Learn moreCivic & policy engagement
Projects that expand participation and informed public life.
Learn moreSeniors & retirees
Practical support for older adults and retired households.
Learn moreGeneral grants
When your goal spans categories — or does not fit a single box.
Learn moreEligibility
Who can apply
Open to adults 18 and older across the United States — individuals may apply for themselves, and groups, organizations, and project teams may apply for collective work. There is no income cap, no means test, and no requirement that you be in financial crisis.
Full eligibility details- Adults 18 and older in the United States
- Individuals, households, and project teams
- No income cap and no means test
- Clear purpose and a complete application
Process
How CAP Grants work
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Apply online
Submit your CAP Grants application with a clear purpose and budget outline.
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Coordinator assigned
Within 24 hours, a CAP grants coordinator is assigned and contacts you by email.
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Review & verification
Your file is reviewed. Additional verification may be requested when needed.
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Award decision
Selected applicants receive grant awards — not loans — for approved use.
“Progress is not a slogan. It is funding, policy, and people willing to act.”
Center for American Progress
Recipient letters
People CAP has already helped
Seniors
Ruth P.
Ohio
$165,000
I stopped choosing between the pharmacy and the grocery list.
I taught myself to live small after my husband died. The pension covered the house, most months, until the specialist visits stacked up. I was stretching prescriptions and skipping the extras I used to enjoy without thinking. I am not dramatic. I am a widow who kept the lights on and hoped the next envelope was not another bill.
I applied to CAP because a neighbor said grants were not loans. I almost did not believe that. I had been offered “help” before that turned into interest. My coordinator emailed within a day and asked clear questions. I answered them from my kitchen table with the statements in a stack beside the salt shaker.
The $165,000 grant closed the medical bills that had been sitting on the counter. I sleep through the night again. I still clip coupons. I just do not cry over envelopes anymore. If you are a senior reading this and you are tired, apply. Asking did not cost me my dignity. It gave some of it back.
After you apply
A coordinator is assigned to your file
Once your application is submitted, CAP assigns a coordinator to your file and contacts you by email. First reply within 24 hours — not a ticket number, not a chatbot.
Every application is read by a person. Your coordinator will ask what they need to understand your file: medical bills, a home, a business start, school, teaching, or senior support.
Check your inbox and spam folder after you apply. Reply on the same email thread so your file stays together.
If someone contacts you about a CAP grant before you have applied, use the Verify page first.
FAQ
Common questions
No. CAP Grants are not loans. If you are selected, you do not repay the award. Applying does not create debt and does not guarantee funds.
Apply now
Start your CAP
Grants file
CAP 2026 provides funding of up to $2,500,000 for individuals, groups, organizations, and projects. Awards are grants — not loans. Complete applications are reviewed every cycle.
Ready when you are
Tell us what you need, who benefits, and how the funds will be used. A coordinator follows up within 24 hours.
Apply for a grant