Nonprofit Capacity Building

🔧 What is Capacity Building?

Capacity building is about more than just training—it’s about investing in the people, processes, and systems that allow nonprofits to grow, adapt, and sustain their impact for the long haul.

At United Way Forsyth & Dawson Counties, we believe that strong communities are powered by strong nonprofits. Through our Capacity Building Initiative, we support local organizations in building the tools, knowledge, and infrastructure they need to lead with confidence and deliver life-changing results.

đź’Ľ Program Overview

Our Capacity Building Cohort is a structured, high-impact program designed to help nonprofits strengthen their infrastructure, leadership, and long-term sustainability.

This nine-month learning experience, held annually from August to May (with December off) brings together a cohort of nonprofit leaders from Forsyth and Dawson Counties to dive deep into the essential building blocks of a thriving organization. Each month, participants engage in a combination of training and technical assistance, guided by expert facilitators and customized tools.

Topics covered include:

  • Leadership & Governance

  • Operations & Program Management

  • Financial Stewardship

  • Fundraising & Resource Development

  • Strategic Planning

  • Monitoring, Evaluation & Learning

  • Marketing & Communications

Through collaborative learning, practical tools, and tailored support, cohort members leave equipped with the strategies, systems, and confidence to lead their organizations forward.

Participation in the cohort also opens doors to capacity building grants. 

 

  • Hold an Executive Leadership Position (preferably the CEO but will consider senior leadership with CEO approval)
  • Must have an established board of directors
  • Must have been in operation for at least 3 years
  • Must agree to attendance and workload commitments
  • Must agree to the tuition Commitment: 
    • For organizations with a budget of < $1M - $600 per person. 
    • For organizations with a budget of > $1M - $1200 per person. 
    • Tuition is due in full prior to the first class. Scholarships are available based on need. 
    • A fee of $25 per person will be charged for any additional guests for each indivdual session. Please provide advanced notice to ensure availability of space and learning materials. 

In order to participate in United Way's Nonprofit Leadership Collective Capacity Building Cohort, you must complete the online application. 

Criteria for the program includes: 

  • Provide proof of 3 years of operating budget 
  • Provide list of board of directors 
  • Provide a copy of bylaws
  • Provide a copy of 501(c)3 status
  • Provide services in Forsyth or Dawson Counites
  • Willingness to commit to cohort participation

The total cost to participate in the 9-month Capacity Building Cohort is based on your organization’s annual operating budget:

  • $1,200 for organizations with a budget of $1,000,000 or more

  • $600 for organizations with a budget of less than $1,000,000

Need-based scholarships are available. We are committed to ensuring cost is not a barrier to participation.

Duration: 9 months
Format: Monthly sessions (Training + Technical Assistance)
Audience: Nonprofit leaders serving Forsyth & Dawson Counties
Fee: $600–$1,200 (based on org budget) | Need-based scholarships available

✳️ Program Focus Areas

Participants will build core competencies across seven key areas:

  1. Leadership & Governance

  2. Operations (People & Programs)

  3. Resource Development

  4. Financial Management

  5. Strategic Planning

  6. Monitoring, Evaluation & Learning

  7. Marketing & Communications

Each focus area includes a training session to build knowledge and a technical assistance session to apply tools and receive feedback.

âś… Cohort Benefits

  • Structured curriculum with expert-led instruction

  • Customizable tools and templates

  • Peer learning and sector networking

  • One-on-one technical assistance

  • Eligibility for capacity building grant funding

  • Recognition as a member of the Nonprofit Leadership Collective