Beth’s Blog

Do Capacity Building Programs Help Nonprofits Achieve Better Results?

Note from Beth:My long-time colleague, Teresa Crawford, Executive Director, Social Sector Accelerator, shares some thoughts about nonprofit capacity building programs based on extensive research.  Her answer to the question about capacity building programs leading to better impact will surprise you.

Creating A Global Network of Capacity Builders for Social Change

I’ve always benefited from learning from colleagues who do nonprofit technology training and capacity but often we come from the same perspective.   I’ve always dreamed of accessing a diverse network of people who do nonprofit capacity across different disciplines  or what Nancy White has described as “learning from adjacent practices.”… Read More

Can You Measure the Impact of Capacity Building for Nonprofits?

Capacity building is about improving organizational (or network) effectiveness.  Capacity building includes both money (grants), consultants/technical assistance, peer learning/communities of practice, and collaboration.  According to the survey of funders about capacity building completed by GrantCraft, the top five areas of capacity building that funders most likely support include: leadership, strategic planning, financial management, governance, and fundraising.  … Read More

Two Must Read Reports on Nonprofit Capacity Building

Two reports have been released on the topic of capacity building:   “Supporting Grantee Capacity: Strengthening Effectiveness Together,” from GrantCraft, a service of the Foundation Center and “Strengthening Nonprofit Capacity” from GEOfunders. This post summarizes gems from both reports.  … Read More

Organizational Amnesia, Accountability Buddies, and Other Things I learned at the Grant Managers Network Conference

March was the “Iron Woman Multi-Conferencethon” for me and I’m just catching up.   In mid-March,  I had a whirl wind day at the Grant Managers Network Annual Conference where I did the following:

• Panel Session:  Outcomes, Impact, and Communication with Roberto Cremonini and Danette Peters.