The Foundation’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 Foundation’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. This Initiative’s initial period of
operation will be 2007-2009, and it may be renewed or modified
after that point.
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 new Capacity Building
section by clicking on Resources).
Beginning this year, the Foundation will convene nonprofits and
funders in Southern California on a regular basis, so we can
explore together the challenges of capacity building for youth-serving
agencies in our region (we had several convenings in 2006, and
acknowledge the help we received from our colleagues in shaping
this Initiative). An annual evaluation of the Capacity-Building
Initiative will be conducted, and results shared with our peers
through future convenings.
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. 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 Foundation.
DOCUMENTS
LA Capacity Building Director