Capacity Building Partners

To date, eight organizations in Shiawassee County have “completed” the Nonprofit Capacity Building Program.  Completion of the program requires full organizational commitment to organizational growth and sustainability through:

1. Agency assessments
2. Representation at NCBP training seminars
3. Commitment to organizational change and professional business structures as supported by Implementation and Completion Grants
4. Ongoing participation in training and professional development
5. Employment of a full-time Executive Director

While several resources are used in building local nonprofit capacity, the core of our programs and services is based in Principles and Practices for Nonprofit Excellence in Michigan

Our current Capacity Building Partners are:

Child Abuse Prevention Council/Child Advocacy Center: The Child Abuse Prevention Council of Shiawassee County received a grant that was used to pay down the mortgage on their facility, the Child Advocacy Center.  The annual reduction in mortgage payments and the overall savings on mortgage interest will allow the CAP to focus its resources on providing critical services to children in need.

Owosso Community Players: Owosso Community Players utilized their completion grant funding to complete the renovation of The Studio Theater.  The Studio Theater provides a performing arts venue during the rebuild of the Lebowsky Center, and will provide an ongoing resource to the community in years to come as a venue for myriad artists and special events.

SafeCenter (Relief After Violent Encounter):  The board and staff of RAVE engaged in a comprehensive strategic planning process that brought cohesion and focus to their team.  They continue their work in the areas of communication, marketing and re-branding as well as technology system upgrades.

Respite Volunteers of Shiawassee: As a result of time spent in organizational planning and assessment, Respite Volunteers received a grant to expand their staffing in the areas of administration, marketing and fundraising.   This increased staffing allowed Respite to strengthen their community presence in many ways.

Shiawassee Arts Council:  Upon completion of the organizational assessment and implementation phase of the Capacity Building Program, SAC received a grant to support the Riverside Expansion Project.  The end result was a beautiful 750 sq ft gallery with multi-purpose space and a donor recognition area.

Shiawassee Humane Society:  SHS focused their grant funds on strengthening internal systems that would allow them to strengthen their business practices.  Facility improvements were made through an updated HVAC system; a county partnership was established to improve dog licensing; and an adoption scholarship program was established.

Steam Railroading Institute:  Steam Railroading Institute engaged in two intensive years of assessment, coaching, and restructuring before receiving their completion grant.   These funds were used to contract with a well-respected fund development consultant to guide them through a transition in their annual campaign and develop a capital campaign for the restoration and sustained use of their beloved steam locomotive, the Pere Marquette 1225.

The Arc Shiawassee:  The Arc Shiawassee received a completion grant to support their Public Awareness and Capacity Expansion (PACE) Campaign.  With the support of a marketing consultant, The Arc enhanced their website with the addition of video vignettes; updated their communications with more professional materials, updated their computer systems and kicked off a membership drive.