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
Does your nonprofit organization want to apply for a Capacity Building Grants Program award? Here’s how!
Capacity Building Grants 2019
(Grant period January 1, 2020 – December 31, 2020)
During seven years of grant-making through our Capacity Building Grants program, BCF has awarded over $62,400 to 29 different organizations. In December 2019, we awarded $16,350 in Capacity Building Grants to 14 area nonprofits, helping each organization strengthen and improve internal operations. Awards ranged from $500 to $1,500:
- Arts & Humanities Bainbridge: $750—received funding for strategic planning to assess its business model, a revised funding structure for mission support and increase awareness.
- Bainbridge Artisan Resource Network (BARN) (New): $1,500—BARN received a grant award for board training to develop a more robust development plan.
- Bainbridge Island Land Trust: $1,250—Bainbridge Island Land Trust received a grant award to develop its strategic plan with a 3- to 5-year updated vision.
- Bainbridge Island Museum of Art: $1,350—Bainbridge Island Museum of Art received a grant for workshops on diversity, racial equity, and inclusion training.
- Bainbridge Island Senior Community Center: $1,000—Bainbridge Island Senior Community Center received a grant to develop a comprehensive volunteer training program.
- Battle Point Astronomical Association (NEW) $1,250— Battle Point Astronomical Association received a grant for board training around facilities and enhancing programming.
- Bloedel Reserve $1,250—Bloedel Reserve received a grant to expand and diversify support through strategic gift planning education to its volunteers around planned giving.
- EcoADAPT (NEW): $1,250—EcoAdapt received a grant for training to apply justice, equity, diversity, and inclusion in their practices.
- Housing Resources Bainbridge: $1,500—Housing Resources Bainbridge received a grant to support board and staff training on campaign planning and campaign strategy to determine support for the development and construction of future affordable housing.
- Island Time Activities: $1,500—Island Time Activities received funding for training around creating a capital campaign to find a new permanent location.
- Martha & Mary (NEW) $1,000—Martha & Mary received funding to receive board and staff training around leadership and board development as well as finalizing a strategic plan.
- Parkview Services (NEW): $500—Parkview Services received a grant for training on event planning and management skills.
- PAWS of Bainbridge Island & North Kitsap: $1,250—PAWS received a grant to support training for board and staff on nonprofit financial reporting, financial monitoring, and budgeting.
- Raising Resilience: $1,000—Raising Resilience received funding to train board members and staff on effective fundraising and program advocacy.
