Capacity Building, Explained: Inside CVNC’s Hands-On Approach

Building Capacity, Building Community: How CVNC Helps Nonprofits Strengthen Their Impact

At CVNC, our vision is a Chicago where every neighborhood is healthy, safe, and prosperous. Central to that vision are homegrown community-based organizations (CBOs)—nonprofits deeply connected to their neighborhoods, responding to local needs, and leading change from within.

That’s why capacity building is at the heart of what we do.

Why Capacity Building Matters

Community-based nonprofits are the backbone of neighborhood well-being. Yet, many small and mid-sized organizations face challenges when it comes to sustaining their operations, growing their impact, and navigating the complexities of nonprofit management.

At CVNC, we’re here to help organizations strengthen their internal capacity—so they can continue doing what they do best: serving their communities.

What is Capacity Building at CVNC?

Capacity building at CVNC isn’t about “fixing” something—it’s about building on strengths and co-designing solutions that help nonprofits grow and sustain their impact.

We focus on three key areas:

• Strategy & Governance: Board management, strategic planning, succession planning

• Financial Health: Accounting and finance, grants management, fundraising, and revenue diversification

• Communicating Impact: Data systems and technology, program evaluation, learning, marketing, and communications

Through hands-on support and expert guidance, we help organizations develop tailored plans aligned with their values, goals, and community priorities.

Two Programs, One Purpose: Strengthening Nonprofits

At CVNC, we know that every organization’s journey is different. That’s why we offer two distinct—but equally collaborative—programs to meet nonprofits where they are: the Neighborhood Collective and Capacity Catalyst.

The Neighborhood Collective is designed for small and medium-sized nonprofits that are ready to strengthen their internal systems across their work. This is a six-month, cohort-based experience where organizations from the same neighborhood come together for monthly in-person sessions. Each month, a CVNC subject matter expert consultant leads a deep dive into a key topic area—whether it’s board governance, grants management, program evaluation, or succession planning.

But the learning doesn’t stop at the session’s end. Between meetings, participants receive individualized technical assistance, working one-on-one with CVNC subject matter expert consultants to put new tools and practices into action. The structure creates space for both peer learning and customized support, recognizing that while nonprofits may share neighborhood context, each has unique goals and challenges. Organizations leave the program with stronger systems, new relationships, and a practical toolkit to sustain their growth long after the cohort ends.

Quote from CVNC Client

For small and medium-sized nonprofits with a more established foundation, the Capacity Catalyst program offers a different kind of focus. It also includes a six-month engagement with a consultant, Capacity Catalyst zeroes in on one mission-critical capacity challenge.

The process begins with a CVNC-developed organizational assessment, helping each organization clarify its most urgent capacity needs. From there, CVNC works side-by-side with the organization to co-develop a detailed scope of work, addressing areas like fundraising, data systems, technology, or succession planning. Once the scope is finalized, CVNC matches the organization with a technical expert to work hand-in-hand with CVNC and our client to accomplish goals—and covers the full cost of that engagement.

Throughout the six month engagement, the consultant and organization meet regularly in person, with tangible deliverables produced along the way. CVNC stays involved every step of the way—facilitating communication, monitoring progress, and ensuring that both the organization and the consultant have what they need to make the engagement a success.