The Fund's Capacity-Building Initiative builds on
our regular grantmaking, which already has provided support
for capacity building to a number of grantees. The Initiative's
objective is to increase the Fund's commitment to strengthening
youth-serving nonprofits in Los Angeles County
- helping them achieve their missions by offering grant support
for such purposes as staff training, creation of new staff positions
such as development director, board training, facilities development
and technology purchases.
We're also providing regularly-updated information resources
on capacity building on our website, along with a self-assessment
instrument for youth-serving agencies (see the Capacity Building
section by clicking on Resources).
DSYF periodically convenes nonprofits and funders in Southern California, so we can explore the challenges of capacity building for youth-serving agencies in our region. An annual evaluation of the Capacity-Building Initiative is conducted, and results shared with our peers.
Youth-serving nonprofits can apply for grant funds to support
capacity-building activities of their own choosing; these requests will be considered independent of any program requests, and you may ask for both program and capacity building support at the same time. However, please note that capacity building grants are currently one-time only to allow as many grantees as possible to receive this support.
If you are seeking
capacity-building support, we ask that you use the Quick Assessment
Tool in our Resources section to help define your needs, and
include brief responses to its five questions in your Letter
of Inquiry. The maximum grant amount that can be requested for
capacity building is $25,000. Please submit your capacity building request separately from any program requests, and include a copy of your 501(c)(3) tax determination letter with each request.
In addition, our Capacity-Building Initiative includes a
Cornerstone Grants Program, which is by invitation only - you
cannot apply for a Cornerstone grant and only current or past
DSYF grantees are eligible to be invited. The purpose of these
special grants is to provide up to three years of operating
support (support for specific capacity-building activities also
can be included) to a select group of youth-serving nonprofits
in Southern California, based upon their demonstrated excellence
and growth potential. Those invited to apply will
be contacted by the Fund.
DOCUMENTS
LA Capacity Building Director