Capacity Building Initiatives

From time to time Propel Nonprofits has the opportunity to develop and manage capacity building initiatives to provide one or more services for a group of nonprofits. Capacity building initiatives are often developed through our strong connections with community partners. Each initiative is designed to meet a specific need in a community and to help nonprofits build their knowledge, skills, and capacity to thrive.

Capacity building initiatives are generally targeted to a specific type of nonprofit, a community or region, or a pre-selected cohort. These initiatives are valuable for the groups participating in the initiative and as opportunities for learning and research for Propel Nonprofits and our partners.

For short, we often refer to capacity building initiatives as CBI.

Current Opportunities

Nonprofit Infrastructure Grant Program (NIGP)

Propel is accepting applications for the Nonprofit Infrastructure Grant Program (NIGP). The NIGP is aimed at supporting the missions of small, culturally led organizations by strengthening their infrastructure. Increasing the capacity of small organizations that work with historically underserved cultural communities helps position these organizations for greater impact in their community. The NIGP will provide grants, as well as ongoing support to grow the organizational capacity of small Minnesota nonprofits.

Learn more

Ongoing Initiatives

two people talking during a cohort session

Healthy Nonprofits, Healthy Communities – Itasca County

Propel Nonprofits helps nonprofits in Itasca County strengthen their financial management, develop strong boards of directors, and learn to forge collaborations with other organizations to serve the community more effectively. This initiative provides nonprofits several opportunities to identify and act on their highest priorities for capacity building.

Learn more

Capacity Building Initiative for Family Engagement

The 2-year Capacity Building Initiative (CBI) for Family Engagement cohort will engage 12 nonprofit or fiscally sponsored organizations in a participant-driven capacity building model to empower families in K-12 educational systems. The intent of CBI is to help participants deepen their efforts to engage families, and ultimately, create more culturally responsive, welcoming, and hospitable schools for BIPOC families by strengthening their internal capacity.

Learn more
Women sitting talking at a table

Capacity Building Initiative: Greater Minnesota

The intent of CBI-GM is to help expand the capacity of organizations to advance their mission and goals.

Capacity Building Initiative for Greater Minnesota
2018 Financial Leadership Cohort

Financial Leadership Cohorts

Financial Leadership Cohorts are offered one to two times a year.  The goal of the Financial Leadership Cohort is to develop the financial leadership capacity needed for nonprofits to be sustainable and financially healthy. Applications for the fall cohort were due on October 1, 2021.

Financial Leadership Cohort info

Past Initiatives

Equity Builder Loan Program

We worked with 21 arts and culture nonprofits around Minnesota to give them the financial freedom to think bigger, take risks, and thrive as cultural leaders in their communities.