Capacity Grants

Capacity Grants

Strong organizations have certain capacities that ensure they will adapt and endure. 

The Capacity Grants program is available to help nonprofits address prioritized areas of improvement so they can become more resilient and effective at serving the community. 

Note: Groups are selected to receive Capacity Grants based on the priorities of participating funders.

Steps for Seeking a Capacity Grant *

Click highlighted link for more information.

1. Capacity Grant Guidelines -- Review these to understand the purpose, eligibility, and process for this support.  If you remain interested, proceed with the following steps.
2. On-Line Assessment -- This survey uses the input of multiple organization leaders to produce a report that suggests where your organization resides along the Nonprofit Lifecycle, your rank within Four Core Capacities, and a sense of your Organization Culture.
3. Organization Coaching -- A small team of your organization's staff and board members meet with an experienced consultant to identify priority areas for improvement.  A brief written coaching report is provided.  Note: Completion of Organization Coaching does not guarantee approval for a Capacity Grant. (More info. on Organization Coaching to be added here soon.)
4. Capacity Grant Application – This is now provided on-line.  Use these instructions to access the application.  Contact Diane Crisp (crisp@cfwnc.org) if you have questions regarding the on-line application process.

Deadlines for Capacity Grants

Quarterly: February 15, May 15, August 15, and November 15. Notification of decision is within one month.  Approved grants provide for work to be completed within the following 12 months.

* Why so many steps?

Pathways and our funding partners believe that nonprofits will make better progress at getting stronger if your work is based on:

• Knowing where you are (Assessment), and
• Focusing on the right priorities for improvement (Organization Coaching)

We offer these services at low or no cost and know that going through these steps will prepare you for effective capacity building work.