What Do We Mean By Capacity Building?

Capacity includes capabilities, knowledge, and resources that a nonprofit needs in order to fulfill its mission through a blend of sound management, strong governance, and a persistent dedication to achieving results.

Capacity building refers to activities that strengthen a nonprofit organization and help it better fulfill its mission. These activities include, among others, strategic planning, technology upgrades, operational improvements, and board development.

Find out more about the Fieldstone Alliance capacity building framework.

Capacity Building Activities

Capacity building is more than a buzz word. When concepts like innovation and sustainability are tied to real world resources and examples, they can be powerful tools to help organizations become more effective.

There are many ways you can enhance your organization’s ability to deliver its mission. Here are some general categories and specific capacity building activities you could pursue.

You can use these terms to find organizations, consultants, and other tools in the Resource Directory. You can also search by geographic area or any other keyword you think will be helpful.

Categories Types of Activities
Strategic Thinking
  • Strategic planning
  • Scenario planning
  • Organizational assessment
  • Organizational development
  • Innovation
Governance
  • Board development/training
  • Board member recruitment
Leadership
  • Executive coaching
  • Executive transition
  • Staff development
  • Developing peer networks
Finance
  • Financial assessment
  • Financial management training/TA
  • Business planning
  • Social Enterprise/earned income strategies
  • Accounting/bookkeeping
Realignment/Collaboration
  • Organizational structures
  • Mergers, collaboration & strategic alliances
  • Coalition building
Technology
  • Technology planning
  • Website development
  • Social media
  • Information systems
  • Training
Communications/Marketing
  • Communications strategies
  • Message development
  • Graphic design
  • Public relations
Fundraising
  • Fundraising strategies
  • Fund development
  • Grantwriting
  • Individual giving
  • Corporate sponsorships
  • Direct mail
  • Online giving
Program Delivery and Impact
  • Program design and development
  • Evaluation
Internal Operations and Management
  • Cultural competency
  • Human resource management and training
  • Operations
  • Facility planning
  • Legal issues
  • Volunteer recruitment and management
  • Conflict resolution