Georgia O’Keeffe, Ladder to the Moon, 1958
We define capacity building as any service that enhances an organization’s internal effectiveness at achieving its mission sustainably, in other words, services which strengthen the foundation or “engine” of the organization, not its specific programs.
View a list of OICF current capacity building assets.
Why is Capacity Building Important?
A healthy non-profit sector is vital to the quality of life in our community. A focus on capacity building represents a commitment to a vibrant ‘third sector’ in our community. Non-profits comprise the cornerstone of the ‘third sector’, creating a space where citizens can convene to address fundamental problems and opportunities for the creation of a more harmonious society. Locally, the many nonprofits on Orcas present a variety of capabilities and needs. OICF’s capacity building program will help contribute to the capacity of all of these organizations at a scale relevant to their operations.
- Capacity Building helps organizations more efficiently meet local needs by
managing their own organizational needs. - Capacity Building can help the community allocate resources more
efficiently. This is particularly evident in important sectors such as health
care. - Capacity Building and the results it produces can help attract additional
donor capacity, both from island donors and grant-making foundations. - Capacity Building was a passion of Bob Henigson’s. As one of the Henigson
gift recipients, OICF’s focus in this area will honor Bob Henigson’s legacy.
OICF’s Capacity Building Vision:
Our vision for non-profit Capacity Building on Orcas includes:
- All island NPOs are aware that OICF is a capacity building resource.
- OICF is knowledgeable about the NPOs capacity building needs and designs
responsive services to meet them. - OICF is staffed to meet these needs in a timely manner.
- OICF uses volunteer professionals skilled in capacity building to extend its
reach. - OICF measures the effectiveness of the capacity building work and adjusts
practices as NPO and community needs shift over time.
OICF’s Capacity Building program will enable island NPOs to more efficiently and
effectively meet the needs of islanders, helping NPOs, citizens and the community at
large to thrive.
OICF 