Capacity Building Grants: Future Impact Starts Now
Nonprofit organizations play a vital role in strengthening the social fabric of a community. And even the most mission-driven organizations need strong internal systems, effective leadership, and reliable infrastructure to thrive. That’s where capacity building comes in.
Foellinger Foundation’s Capacity Building grants support Allen County nonprofits at critical moments in their organizational development. These grants—driven by our grantees’ board of directors—help organizations improve governance and program impact, refine strategy, and ultimately, serve their communities more effectively and sustainably. Capacity Building grants provide the resources needed to turn thoughtful planning into meaningful, lasting improvements.
Our Capacity Building grants focus on four key areas critical to long-term strength and sustainability:
Governance
Leadership
Financial Sustainability
Program Impact
These grants help nonprofit organizations in our community not only meet today’s needs but also prepare for future challenges and opportunities.
Spotlight on Recent Capacity Building Grantees
Two Foellinger Foundation grantees—Fort Wayne Civic Theatre and Redemption House—recently completed their Capacity Building initiatives. Their commitment to strengthening their organizations for the benefit of Allen County residents exemplifies the purpose of these grants and the lasting difference they can make.
Fort Wayne Civic Theatre
Fort Wayne Civic Theatre staff
Fort Wayne Civic Theatre used its Capacity Building grant to strengthen its strategic planning. The organization worked with Johnson, Grossnickle and Associates (JGA) to provide consulting and assistance in extending the nonprofit’s Strategic Long-Range Plan.
“Johnson, Grossnickle and Associates helped us to create the framework for a three-year strategic plan that will keep the Civic Theatre on track toward achieving our goals,” shared Phillip Colglazier, Executive Artistic Director. “A Strategic Planning Committee was formed and met on three occasions with guidance from the JGA team, who then compiled the data from interviews, surveys, and meetings to help establish the primary goals and objectives of our strategic plan. From there, Civic Theatre staff and board members developed tactics for each objective.”
When asked about the grant application process and advice for nonprofit organizations interested in applying, Director of Philanthropy Kathy Crim shared, “The provided guidelines gave us the perfect road map to follow through on the application process. For those considering applying for a Capacity Building grant, don’t hesitate to reach out to Foellinger Foundation staff with questions. They are wonderful to work with and happy to help!”
Redemption House
Redemption House staff and residents
Redemption House used its Capacity Building grant for strategic planning. The goal was to equip Redemption House’s leadership team and board of directors with greater self-awareness and self-leadership skills, along with an executive mindset, enabling the organization to transition from an executive-director-led model to a board-led model.
The organization worked with Wymore, which led the team through self-assessment and leadership coaching sessions. “Our seven-person leadership team and eight-person board of directors began with a DiSC® personality assessment,” explained CEO Tomi Cardin. “Our team grew in self-awareness and knowledge of each other’s personalities. They each received an executive coaching session that provided an opportunity for them to process the material covered in their learning journey and apply it to their unique leadership challenges.”
Thank you, Fort Wayne Civic Theatre and Redemption House, for your dedication to strengthening your organizations from within. Your commitment to building stronger systems, leadership, and capacity ensures that you continue serving our community with sustainability and purpose.
Read our Guide for Capacity Building to learn more about these grants for Allen County nonprofit organizations and how to apply for one.