Investing in Capacity
Our Capacity Building Grants program supports organizations that are actively striving to improve the efficiency and efficacy of their work by investing in core operations. Bainbridge Community Foundation (BCF) recognizes that most organizations want to perform their work more efficiently and effectively. Our Capacity Building Grants are geared toward improvements in the areas of administration, governance, planning, and fundraising. Funding is focused on building an organization’s internal capacity in these areas in order to strengthen and support our local nonprofit sector.
Capacity building is distinguishable from direct program services, general operating support, or capital expenses in that it seeks to increase the knowledge, skill level and/or efficiency of a nonprofit board and/or staff. Capacity building services are typically provided by an individual outside of the organization who has the expertise and the ability to focus on one aspect of an organization’s management. These include but are not limited to:
- Board and staff training
- Strategic planning
- Analysis of programs, technology, and fundraising
- Program evaluation
Upcoming 2022 Community Grants Cycle
BCF’s Capacity Building Grants Cycle will accept applications between October 19, 2021 and November 16, 2021 for applications of $500-$1,500 online via Common Grant Application. The BCF Grants Committee will review applications and make funding recommendations to the BCF Board of Trustees. Awards will be announced in mid-December. The grant period for these awards is January 1-December 31, 2022.
Does your nonprofit organization want to apply for a Capacity Building Grants Program award? Here’s how!
If you have questions, please contact Debbie Kuffel, Program & Finance Officer, at [email protected].
Capacity Building Grants 2020
(Grant period January 1, 2021 – December 31, 2021)
During eight years of grant-making through our Capacity Building Grants program, BCF has awarded over $84,480 to 35 different organizations. In December 2020, we awarded $22,070 in Capacity Building Grants to 15 area nonprofits, including six new applicants, in order to help each organization strengthen and improve internal operations. Awards ranged from $1,170 to $1,500:
