Capacity Building Cohorts
Applications for the capacity building cohort are now closed!
Communities Rise has partnered with the City of Seattle for over 10 years to provide capacity building services that focus on grassroots/midsize nonprofits and community-based organizations doing work in Seattle. We prioritize organizations working in and led by communities impacted by systemic oppression.
Our intended outcome is to support 4 grassroots community organizations, based on goals developed between the organization and their coach. Throughout the program, we center their values, wisdom, and leadership culture to guide this process. Participating organizations will receive a $7,980 stipend to help cover the cost of staff time devoted to capacity building.
To be considered for this cohort, your organization must demonstrate meeting the following criteria:
- Annual operating budget under 500K
- 50% of staff and board must represent target community served
- Ability to describe program accomplishments from previous year
- 80% of population served must be located in Seattle
- Have 2 consistent members from your group participate in programming
Over the course of 9 months, we work through a capacity assessment, development and execution of a work plan, monthly coaching, 3 free workshops on topics selected by the cohort, and cohort meetings to discuss challenges and solutions in a community of peers. Organizations that participate will also receive a stipend to help cover the cost of staff time or resources devoted to capacity building.
Our coaches partner with community leaders to build capacity in grassroots and emerging organizations, and together we expand knowledge, skills and performance in a variety of areas, including:
- Governance
- Board leadership and training
- Vision, mission and values
- Strategic planning
- Program delivery and impact
- Fund development
- Internal management infrastructure
- Program evaluation
- Operations support
Our program delivery model is built around our core commitment to justice and racial equity. This is woven throughout the specialized training, individualized coaching and mentoring, peer learning through the wisdom of our cohort community, tailored workshops, and the opportunity for greater visibility and connection with funders. Our services focus on building community with our cohort members which we believe is critical to fueling the movement for a more just and compassionate world for all of our communities.
Have questions about cohorts? Please email us at cohort@communities-rise.org with any questions or to set up a meeting to learn more.
Learn More About Our Cohorts
Read the official evaluation for the 2024 Seattle-based Capacity Building Cohort to learn more and hear directly from the participating organizations.
Learn more about our past Seattle-based Capacity Building cohort participants here: 2020 Cohort, 2021 Cohort, 2022 Cohort, 2023 Cohort, and 2024 Cohort.