Building Nonprofit Capacity

Application for Capacity Building Fund (CBF) support is a two-step process. Annually, approximately 10 to 15 nonprofit networks are awarded $2,500 to $5,000 by TSNE to plan a capacity-building project; the planning phase takes place over a three to four (3 to 4) month period. Six to 10 of those networks are then eligible to receive additional funding in the range of $15,000 to $25,000 to implement their respective projects.

Eligibility and Application Requirements

Eligibility

Only networks awarded Capacity Building Fund Planning Grants are eligible to apply for CBF Implementation Grant funding.

Information to Include in the Written Plan 

1. Name of lead organization and point person’s contact information (title, address, telephone, email, fax)
2. Names of organizations that will participate in the learning network including contract person (with title, telephone, address, email)
3. Description of how the plan was developed (who led, who participated)
4. Responses to all of the following:
   1. Describe the capacity building or learning project.
   2. How did the group assess that this learning matters to all of the participating groups?
   3. How did the group assess that this learning matters to constituents?
   4. How will this learning build the capacity of individual organizations within the network?
   5. How will this learning build the capacity of the network of learners?
   6. How does the field and/or the community in which your network operates benefit from this learning project?
   7. What are the implementation steps? Be logical and realistic, and show timelines.
   8. What is the full cost of implementation?
   9. What part is TSNE (it is okay if we are the full cost of the project).
   10. If other funders are involved or other support is being sought, please list.
   11. Please tell us how your network shares the TSNE values of nondiscrimination and diversity (which is stated below).

Additional Requisites

• All participating organizations (there must be at least five) must sign off on a joint Letter of Agreement affirming their willingness to learn together according to the submitted plan.
• The lead organization that will administer the grant and contact person must be identified (title, telephone, email, address and fax numbers, please).
• Organizations must be working to engage people in community and public life on issues that benefit the common good in Massachusetts and/or Rhode Island or both.
• Organizations must commit to a group self-assessment with a goal of uncovering areas for shared learning. This process will be supported with tools and guidance from the Capacity Building Fund staff.
• Lead organizations or a consistent designee from among the groups along with one other person (who can rotate) must commit to attending quarterly grantee meetings.

Submission

Implementation Grant Plans  

The plan cannot be more than 12 pages in length and should be produced in 12-point font with one-inch margins. Please submit one hard copy original plus seven (7) copies. Emails and faxes will not be accepted. All applicants will be informed on the status of their proposals in late fall.

Send submissions to:

Capacity Building Fund
Attn: Phillip Davis
Third Sector New England
89 South Street, Suite 700
Boston, MA 02110

TSNE Values of Nondiscrimination and Diversity

TSNE values inclusion of all people in the creation of healthy, vibrant and democratic communities.  Groups funded through the Capacity Building Fund cannot discriminate in regards to employment or membership in their organization on the basis of race, gender, sexual orientation/identity, disability, age, country of origin, citizen status, veteran status or ethnic identity.