Definitions:
Capacity: a wide range of capabilities, knowledge and resources that nonprofits need in order to be effective.
Capacity Building: the funding and technical assistance to help nonprofits increase specific capacities to deliver stronger programs, take risks, build connections, innovate and iterate. (Grantmakers for Effective Organizations (GEO))
Chautauqua County- Nonprofit Capacity Assessment Survey
In fall 2019, the Chautauqua Funders Group contracted with Community Wealth Partners (CWP) to conduct a nonprofit assessment survey to provide insight into organizational capacity across seven key competency areas to provide feedback on the organization’s strengths and opportunities for improvement.
Methodology:
A total of 420 individuals, representing 36 nonprofits in Chautauqua County completed the survey. Respondents from these organizations included staff, leadership, board members, volunteers and other external stakeholders. Additionally, a series of focus groups were held with participants to share and further discuss selected survey findings.
The Capacity Indicator survey asked questions grouped into seven major competency areas that represent the knowledge, skills, and behaviors exhibited by the most effective nonprofits; each area had several sub-competencies on more specific topics. Competency areas included: vision and impact, leadership and talent, board, organizational culture and operations, fundraising and finance, diversity, equity and inclusion.
The Results:
Chautauqua Nonprofit Feedback on Capacity Building Supports
On January 16, 2020 a group of nonprofits and key stakeholders gathered to share and discuss the results of the nonprofit capacity survey assessment, aggregate report. During the session, nonprofit representatives broke out into small groups to share and discuss main challenges and needs around the competency areas, and brainstormed ideas for supports that could help with those challenges/needs.
Western NY – Nonprofit Capacity Needs Assessment
In early 2019, the WNY Nonprofit Support Group commissioned the Center for Governmental Research (CGR) in partnership with the Community Health Worker Network of Buffalo (CHWNB) to conduct a study on assets and needs or gaps in capacity building resources for nonprofit organizations in its nine-county area (Allegany, Cattaraugus, Chautauqua, Erie, Genesee, Monroe, Niagara, Orleans, and Wyoming).
Methodology:
Surveys were sent to 853 nonprofits in the nine-county region; 169 responses were received for an overall response rate of 20%. CGR conducted 30 interviews with 22 nonprofit leaders, 5 funders, and 3 nonprofit network and hub leaders, and seven focus groups were held to engage a joint conversation about capacity building needs and assets.
The capacity building framework occurs on three levels: individual, organization and community; it is also comprised of six domains: resources; alignment and collaboration; research, evaluation and strategic learning; diversity, equity, and inclusion; vision and mission; and leadership that are commonly found in all organizations.
The Results:
Community Conversations
The WNY Nonprofit Support Group held 13 Community Conversations with more than 150 nonprofit leaders across the 9-county region. The intent of the conversations was to introduce the WNYNSG to the community, test the report and potential strategies.
Nonprofit COVID-19 & Recovery Surveys
NYCON- NYS Nonprofit Pulse Report
In March 2020, New York Council of Nonprofits (NYCON) conducted a survey of hundreds of nonprofits throughout NYS asking them to share challenges and struggles their organizations are facing due to the pandemic and identifying immediate needs. NYCON used this input to design and make available trainings, tools, and other supports.
Summary: Nonprofits are primarily concerned about loss of revenue, decreased income, and reduced funding for emergency needs. Anxiety and frustration caused by lack of information, desired stability while treading uncharted waters. There is a need for authoritative, credible sources of information, and an ally who understands the challenges nonprofits are facing today as they attempt to deliver quality programming. Nonprofits are seeking training opportunities, information on changing policies, and additional funding opportunities to offset economic losses.
WNYNSG- COVID Recovery Focus Groups (Chautauqua county)
In August 2020, WNYNSG hosted several virtual focus groups with regional nonprofits. A total of 41 participants engaged in the Chautauqua county nonprofit focus group. Discussion focused on current gaps, ideas for a coordinated effort towards capacity building, areas to strength to build capacity over the next two years and current services or supports being offered.
Summary: Nonprofits struggle with capacity, funding, staffing, board leadership, technology and training for tech, lack of coordination and collaboration between organizations working with the same populations. Gaps include emotional and mental health support for frontline workers, flexibility in staff scheduling and policies, comprehensive list of community resources, digital divide-access to technology and internet services, and shared database. Ideas include networking and information sharing, trainings in specific areas (HR & Tech), shared outcomes and ability to access/share data across organizations, collaborating across organizations on community priority areas, shared staffing or volunteer support for administrative needs, board leadership/recruitment, and innovative tech solutions.