Consulting & Capacity Building
What is Capacity Building?
Nonprofit capacity building is the strategic and intentional process of assessing and strengthening the foundational practices of an organization to most effectively achieve their mission and serve their community. Every organization- from start up to large multinational organizations- benefit from assessing their current organizational capacity but their needs will most certainly look different.
When we look at capacity building, we are focusing on projects that strengthen the managerial, governance, financial, and administrative systems of the nonprofit. This can include: intentional leadership/board succession planning, modernizing financial practices or technology, board recruitment and onboarding strategies, strengthening Human Resource systems, strategic planning, diversifying fundraising plans, or any number of other projects based on the unique needs of the organization. There is no one size fits all model, instead the National Council of Nonprofits describes capacity building as, “whatever is needed to bring a nonprofit to the next level of operational, programmatic, financial, or organizational maturity.”
It is important to note that organizations are often hesitant to engage in capacity building work because it implies something is “broken or failing” and that by acknowledging this they are risking public or funder trust. While we understand the worry, we encourage a paradigm shift in thinking. As stated by the Nonprofit Lifecycle Institute: “Capacity building is not about fixing what’s broken- it’s about investing in what’s possible.”
Why is Capacity Building Important for Your Organization?
“Nonprofit capacity building reinforces the foundation that supports an organization’s mission and programs. Like strengthening the legs of a table, it ensures the entire structure remains steady and built to last.” (Nonprofit Lifecycles Institute)
The Nonprofit Lifecycle Institute uses the analogy of strengthening the legs of a table to better understand capacity building. Each “table leg” represents a different organizational structure that provides the foundation an organization needs to effectively and efficiently work towards their mission. These legs include: Administrative Systems, Financial Practices (Business Model), Governance, and Management. As organizations form and develop their needs in each of these “legs” evolve. Organizations with missing or weak foundations will often experience increased conflict, staff turnover, financial instability, and challenges adapting to community needs. When organizational leaders and boards assess their needs and engage in capacity building they create the strong foundations needed for organizational longevity and high quality programs for the community.
HSC Consulting & Capacity Building Services
HSC is committed to supporting local nonprofit organizations in their capacity building efforts. Staff are available for confidential consultations about organizational needs and challenges, forward focused development work, or unexpected situations requiring rapid but thoughtful responses. Through our consultations, staff are able to assist in prioritizing needs, connecting to short or long term resources, recommending consultants or coaches that make sense for your organization, or providing affordable capacity building support directly to the organization.
Staff are knowledgeable and skilled in providing support around a wide range of topics including, but not limited to: governance/board development, organizational planning and strategy, personnel needs, program development, data and evaluation, individual and team coaching.
We kindly request 2-4 weeks’ notice prior to your desired consulting engagement. This allows time for you to connect with our Director of Leadership Development and Consulting Services to ensure we fully understand your needs. We understand that this may not always be feasible and can accommodate requests as needed. If you have questions, need further information, or to schedule a time to speak with HSC, please contact Kristi Taylor at ktaylor@hsctc.org.
If you are looking for immediate resources on a particular topic, please visit our HSC maintained Leadership Development Library.
IMPACT Capacity Building Program of HSC
All funds are currently allocated for this year and we are not accepting applications at this time.
IMPACT is a program of the Human Services Coalition that provides nonprofit organizations in Tompkins and Cortland County with comprehensive support to engage in capacity building projects. Thanks to the support of the Health Foundation of Western & Central NY, the Park Foundation, and the Legacy Foundation HSC Staff are able to provide financial support along with assessment and prioritization of organizational needs, connections to resources, recommendations of consultants/coaches/trainers, and ongoing personalized support to organizations engaging in capacity building work. Explore the information below to see if IMPACT is right for your organization or email Kristi Taylor at ktaylor@hsctc.org with any questions.
- 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization or fiscally sponsored program in Tompkins or Cortland County
- Requests for funds are related to projects anticipated to begin at least 4 weeks from submission date. Timely or urgent requests will be considered on a case by case basis. Applicants are encouraged to contact Kristi Taylor, ktaylor@hsctc.org, for urgent needs.
- The project is being completed by and for the requesting organization or fiscally sponsored program.
- Applicants are able to contribute up to 25% of the total project cost. Actual applicant contribution may be over 25% if total project costs greatly exceed maximum IMPACT request amounts.
- Organization/Fiscally Sponsored Program has not received IMPACT funds within the past 12 months.
- The project will improve organizational capacity to accomplish their missions by strengthening the foundational pillars of organizational management, governance, financial practices/resources, or administrative systems.
- Funds will be used for one of the following purposes:
- Purchase of organizational assessment tools (up to $500)
- Engaging a professional consultant, trainer, or coach (up to $2,500 for leadership coaches or $3,000 for organizational project consultants)
- Examples of eligible projects include, but are not limited to:
- Board development/recruitment
- Leadership coaching & development
- Strategic fundraising and fund diversification
- Needs assessments
- Staff recruitment/retention strategies
- Succession planning
- Strategic planning
- Human Resource & compliance evaluation
- Data collection & program evaluation
- Complete and submit the online request form
This form requires a google account, if that is a barrier email ktaylor@hsctc.org to request an alternate application form. - Applicants will be notified within 14 business days of submission.
- Applications are accepted on a rolling basis, as long as funds are available.
- Funds will be provided as a reimbursement at the completion of the awarded project. Alternate payout methods will be considered on a case by case and need based manner. Please email ktaylor@hsctc.org with any questions.
- Applicant clearly demonstrates how the project will specifically improve the overall organizational capacity towards achieving their mission.
- The requested funds will provide meaningful support in accomplishing the capacity building work and the applicant can demonstrate an ability to cover outstanding costs.
- Due to limited available funds, priority consideration will be given to organizations that are BIPOC led, have limited professional development budgets, and/or provide services to people with identities that have been systemically marginalized.
- Awardees are required to have a pre-project and at least one additional check in communication with the Director of Leadership Development & Consulting Services regarding their capacity building project and additional needs.
- Awardees must complete a brief survey at the completion of their project to highlight outcomes and experience with HSC & the IMPACT Program.
- Awardees must submit all required documentation and invoices to HSC as requested and for payment processing.
- Awardees must complete their project within 12 months of award notice.
Failure to meet any of the above may result in denial of future funding requests and/or funds needing to be returned.
Get Out of Town Program - Conference/Seminar Assistance
This fund provides financial assistance to not-for-profit professionals to attend out-of-town conferences, seminars, and workshops outside of Tompkins County.
All funds are currently allocated for this year and we are not accepting applications at this time.
This fund provides financial assistance to not-for-profit professionals to attend out-of-town conferences, seminars, and workshops outside of Tompkins County.
The funds can be used for registration fees and travel expenses.
Conferences allow attendees to develop strong professional networks, learn about leading practices, explore innovative techniques, and hear from experts and others in their field. They can re-energize, spark new ideas, and gain fresh perspectives on their work and the collective work of the not-for-profit sector.
Priority consideration are given to organizations that are BIPOC led and/or serve primarily BIPOC communities and those with limited professional development budgets.
Questions may be directed to Tamara S. Beardsley at tbeardsley@hsctc.org
- Paid employee of a not-for-profit community-based organization or a fiscally sponsored program in Tompkins County.
- To be considered, request for support will be submitted a minimum of four weeks prior to the final day of registration for the conference.
- Conferences must be within the United States or Canada
- Funding for in-person conference registration, fees, travel, lodging, and food
- Award is for up to $1,200 per person and up to two people per application
(Requests that can demonstrate an increased benefit for more than 2 people attending may be considered) - Awards are given on a rolling basis
- One award per organization per year
- Complete and submit an online request form at least four weeks prior to the final day of registration for the conference, seminar or workshop.
- Requests will include conference/workshop location, agenda, sessions, and speakers (if available).
- Applicants will be notified of the outcome of their request within two weeks of submission.
- Funds will be provided to the organization prior to the conference to avoid invoicing or cash outlay by the requesting organization.
- Description of how the conference theme, sessions, or speakers will: enhance their work and the work of their organization; raise professional knowledge, awareness, or understanding; encourage awareness, understanding, and/or collaboration in their respective field related to their organization’s mission and/or specifically their work on behalf of the organization.
- Requestors must demonstrate why the program is cost-prohibitive to their organization and why funding is needed, including but not limited to agency budget and amount allocated for professional development.
- Topics of conferences we’ve approved include but are not limited to: addiction, education, library sciences, feeding seniors, farming, the evolution of play, funding development, advances in historical research, and supportive housing.
- Awardees are required to submit a brief report to HSC post-program outlining the top takeaways/learning points from the event and any other information that might benefit the not for profit community at large.
- Awardees are required to submit receipts matching the amount of the award.
- Failure to submit the post-conference requirements may result in a denial of future funding requests.