We believe that great programs require strong organizations and St. David’s Foundation is committed to investing in the organizational health of our partners. Capacity building and organizational strengthening are investments in the effectiveness and future sustainability of a nonprofit. When capacity building is successful, a nonprofit is better positioned to fulfill its mission over time, thereby enhancing the nonprofit’s ability to have a positive impact on lives and communities.

Our Approach

Through grants, workshops and various multi-year initiatives, we support grant partners in learning from each other and from outside experts.

Grants

Existing grant partners may apply for funding to support capacity building projects such as:

• Communications/marketing
• Evaluation and learning
• Financial management
• Staff or board leadership development
• Strategic or succession planning

Workshops

Periodic workshops, outside speakers and panelists provide grant partners with best practices and relevant research in nonprofit management and governance.

Capacity Academy

Capacity Academy is a cohort-based, multi-year initiative that combines participation in a learning community, access to technical assistance or executive coaching, and grant funding. Participation in Capacity Academy is through a competitive application process and by invitation only.

How to Apply

All capacity building grants are by invitation only and there may be occasional opportunities via an open Request for Proposals. To express interest in a capacity building grant, you are encouraged to reach out to the Senior Capacity Building Officer to discuss your project. Foundation staff will assist you in the next steps, which may include a capacity building organizational assessment tool.

Capacity building application due dates are: March 15th, June 15th and November 15th annually.