Capacity Building RFP

The John Rex Endowment is focused on helping organizations meet the health and well-being needs of children and youth in Wake County. We have created the Capacity Building Initiative because we believe this internal organizational work is critical.  

The Endowment’s Capacity Building Initiative provides funding for consultant assistance or training for the activities listed below and other organizational development needs. We offer this type of funding to help build the strength and resilience of our local nonprofit sector so that the children and youth of our community have the quality services and support they need to thrive.
 
It is our hope that nonprofits working on child and family issues in Wake County will take advantage of these resources to make important infrastructure and strategic improvements. Here are some ways you might think about capacity building and how it can help your organization navigate the road ahead:
 
  • Assessment – This first step in capacity building is an excellent way for the entire board and key staff to get a shared understanding of the organization’s strengths and challenges. Then you can prioritize which opportunities for improvement to tackle first.
  • Planning – Perhaps it is time to do a new strategic plan that takes the changing landscape into account. We recommend a relatively short view, such as two years out, since it is hard to predict beyond that timeframe.
  • Restructuring – Is this the right time to consider internal changes such as shared administrative or back office services? Could your mission benefit from added collaboration or merger with others? Are there other strategic changes in your internal or external structure that can help you be successful in the future?
  • Executive Transition – Leadership change is inevitable and it is particularly important to be prepared as organizations are called to operate most efficiently and effectively during tight economic times. 
For our 2010 funding cycles we are pleased to renew the Capacity Building Initiative Request for Proposals. Proposals will be accepted at each funding cycle: spring/summer, fall and winter. See the RFP for application deadlines for each cycle.
 
Click here to access the request for proposals. (PDF)
Click here to access the example workplan. (Word)
Click here to access the example evaluation plan. (Word)
 
The required attachments for the application are as follows:
  1. Budget Form (Excel)
  2. Cover Page (Word)
  3. Signature Page (Word)