The Foundation invests in broad and targeted capacity building to strengthen the efficiency and effectiveness of nonprofit organizations in Northeastern Pennsylvania. Capacity building programs have been a success among our nonprofit partners, assisting them in operating more efficiently, understanding the impact of their work, and having the flexibility to adjust to changing community needs.
Capacity building grants are used for one-time expenses that help strengthen an organization’s operations, management, or governance. We believe that improving internal systems enhances a nonprofit’s ability to offer high-quality programs and services. Examples of capacity building grants include evaluation of program effectiveness; board or staff development; succession or strategic planning; or any other well-defined project that strengthens an organization’s ability to fulfill its mission.
In addition to capacity building grants, the Foundation sustains a pipeline of introductory trainings on a range of related topics. We also seek opportunities to work in partnership with other local funders to support community-wide capacity building efforts that engage smaller groups in changing organizational behavior and practice. By documenting the return on investment and impact of our capacity building efforts, we aim to inspire our colleagues to increase support for capacity building programs.
