Nonprofit Capacity Building Talking Points

I am calling to ask that you help strengthen the ability of nonprofit organizations to address critical needs in our state’s local communities by supporting full funding for two important programs:
- Strengthening Communities Fund ($50 million) at the Department of Health & Human Services and
- Nonprofit Capacity Building Program ($5 million) established last year under the Serve America Act and administered by the Corporation for National and Community Service.

Nonprofit organizations are struggling to fulfill their missions in this tough economy. Opposite forces have been straining nonprofits: skyrocketing increases in demands for their services versus declining resources due to corporations, foundations, and individuals giving less. By doing so much for so many for so long with so little, many nonprofits simply do not have the capacity to enhance their effectiveness.

Nonprofit capacity building involves activities that improve a nonprofit organization’s ability to achieve its mission and sustain itself over time.

Funding for these needed activities – such as training in financial accountability, strong governance, and using technology to promote efficiencies – is distinctly different from funding specifically to advance the nonprofits’ missions, such as to help children, feed the hungry, or house the homeless.

Last year, Congress authorized $55 million (and appropriated $51 million) in funding for these two programs to strengthen a nonprofit’s ability to fulfill its mission and enhance the organization’s ability to have a significant, positive impact on lives and communities.

I urge you to
- secure the full $55 million in funding for the Strengthening Communities Fund and the Nonprofit Capacity Building Program, and
- contact the White House and let them know that strengthening nonprofits is a priority to you and your constituents.

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