One of the biggest barriers to supporting capacity building is knowing how to tell if the support we give is having the desired impact. It can be difficult to measure improvements in organizational capacity and even more difficult to make the connection between capacity improvements and organizational outcomes.
The primary purpose of providing general operating support is to give grantees flexibility to pursue their goals as they see fit. So, how can grantmakers assess whether a grantee is a good candidate for general operating support? Grantmakers usually opt for general operating support when our goals are substantially aligned with those of the grantee, and when our due diligence affirms that the grantee has the capacity to achieve its goals.
Effective stakeholder engagement starts and ends with respect — respect for the expertise that those on the front lines bring to the problems affecting their community, and respect for their capacity to develop solutions if given the chance.
What is Strategic Co-Funding?
Why Do Funders Work with Intermediaries?
How can grantmakers expect nonprofits to deliver on their missions when many of them are struggling just to stay afloat? How can grantmakers expect nonprofits to perform effectively when they don’t have the funds they need to invest in decent salaries, technology and other infrastructure?
Grantmakers increasingly are turning to general operating support to ensure that nonprofits have the resources they need to achieve their goals. However, many grantmakers still have reservations about shifting more of support for grantees into the unrestricted column.
SVP Seattle engages volunteer and paid consultants to help “investees” make the most of capacity-building grants.
Southern California grantmaker makes the switch to core support for majority of grants.
Washington, D.C. grantmaker combines large, multiyear investments in youth-serving organizations with consulting and other support.
Arkansas grantmaker supports nonprofit networks to promote field wide learning.
Vermont foundation adopts high-engagement approach to supporting cities and towns to design a brighter future.