Investing in an organization’s backbone—known as capacity building—keeps the wheels of our nonprofits turning. It’s a critical nonprofit need that’s often overlooked.
One afternoon, an executive director for a youth-serving nonprofit discovered that her staff’s computers weren’t working. She hadn’t realized the need to upgrade the staff’s technology because of her focus on immediate needs and unexpected expenses. But, without computers, the nonprofit couldn’t fulfill its mission.
Just like a business, nonprofits must upgrade their technology, market their programs and train their staff. Unlike a business, nonprofits can’t rely on a steady stream of funding to meet these critical needs.
For many nonprofits, this challenge is compounded by limited staff and resources. These organizations need a robust toolbelt to meet pressing needs and serve our most vulnerable populations. This is where capacity building plays a crucial role.
“A nonprofit is like a car. Capacity building is like maintenance. You know, if you neglect maintenance, your car is going to fall apart, or you’ll find yourself in an unsafe position.” — Carrie Robey, Director of Community Impact at BHACF
The Community Foundation awards Capacity Building Grants to Black Hills nonprofits each winter and summer.
Capacity Building Grants support:
- Evaluation of programs
- Partnership development
- Strategic Planning
- Board engagement
- Marketing and donor engagement
- Technology needs
- Staff development
Learn More About Capacity Building Grants at BHACF
Our Winter Capacity Building Grant opens on February 1 and closes on May 15, while our Summer Capacity Building Grant opens on June 1 and closes on July 14 every year. Both offer a maximum of $5,000 in funding.