EQUIP

PRINCIPLES & BEST PRACTICES FOR NONPROFITS

The Capacity Building Institute (CBI) is a selective, 12-month nonprofit leadership and organizational effectiveness program designed to strengthen sustainability, accountability, and measurable impact among nonprofit organizations serving the Greater Baton Rouge area.

CBI is a strategic partnership between the Foundation, Louisiana Alliance for Nonprofits, and Resilia. Together, the partners invest in nonprofit leadership, systems, and execution capacity to ensure participating organizations emerge stronger, more resilient, and better positioned to steward philanthropic investment and deliver community impact.

OVERVIEW

The Institute will run August 2026-August 2027. In a cohort-based approach to capacity building, you will participate in convenings around specific topics paired with shared learning opportunities to discuss mutual issues, learning from the challenges and solutions of peers, and problem solving together. Each session will be facilitated by a content expert who will guide the cohort, frame each session, and offer tools and resources. In addition, participants will have access to support by Resilia, a tech platform and consultancy that provides extensive support, resources, and one-on-one coaching throughout and after the program.

INSTITUTE TIMELINE

The Institute begins with an organizational assessment followed by a virtual introductory session, 14 three-hour in-person class sessions September through March and additional check in sessions in May and July focused on future planning and goal setting. Selected organizations must commit one lead participant to attend all sessions, plus one other appropriate person based on the session topic. The Institute will be intense, and attendance is critical to your success. We value your time and will ensure that each session is worthy of your commitment.

Virtual Orientation
• August 26, 2026 – Organizational Assessment, Program Overview, and Expectations

Fall 2026 In-Person Sessions (Wednesdays)
• September: 2 & 23, 2026
• October: 7 & 21, 2026
• November: 4 & 18, 2026
• December 2, 2026

Spring 2027 In-Person Sessions (Wednesdays)
• January: 13 & 27, 2027
• February: 3 & 17, 2027
• March: 3, 17, & 21 2027

Additional Milestones
• December 2026 – Midpoint Check-In
• May 2027 – Progress Review
• July/August 2027 – Final Outcomes Session and Reporting

In-Person Session Topics
Management, Leadership & Governance
Organizational Assessments with Resilia
Financial Management: Optimal Budgeting for Nonprofits
Financial Management: Stabilizing Your Organization with Smart Financial Planning
Human Resources: Building the Right Team: Performance Management & Succession Planning
Board Development: Recruitment, Retention, Training & Communication

Marketing, Communications & Fundraising
Marketing: Storytelling, Branding & Social Media
Fundraising: Building a Plan, Events & Volunteer Management
Using Data to Measure Success: Collection & Communication

2026 APPLICATION PROCESS

If you have questions, please contact Jan Ross, EVP Philanthropy.

MORE INFORMATION

WHAT IS THE CAPACITY BUILDING INSTITUTE?

CBI is a selective, cohort-based, 12-month leadership and organizational effectiveness program designed to strengthen nonprofit sustainability, performance, and community impact. The program pairs expert facilitation, peer learning, applied planning, and individualized coaching to ensure participating organizations achieve concrete, measurable capacity-building outcomes aligned with their mission and stage of development.

WHY THE CAPACITY BUILDING INSTITUTE MATTERS

Nonprofit organizations are increasingly expected to demonstrate strong governance, financial discipline, diversified revenue, and measurable outcomes—often with limited staff and resources. CBI addresses these challenges by strengthening executive and board leadership, equipping organizations for strategic and fundraising planning, providing structured accountability and expert guidance, and fostering collaboration across organizations.

PARTICIPANT ELIGIBILITY

Participating organizations must be tax exempt under Section 501(c)3 of the Internal Revenue Code and registered with the Louisiana Secretary of State. They must also serve the greater Baton Rouge area.

PARTICIPATION REQUIREMENTS

Each organization commits two participants per session: one consistent participant (ideally the Executive Director or CEO) and one rotating participant (senior staff member, board member, or engaged volunteer). This structure ensures learning is shared across the organization and embedded into decision-making and implementation. The ideal participant is collaborative, ambitious, accountable nonprofit leaders committed to strengthening their organization through self-directed, disciplined execution and measurable results.

CORE CAPACITY-BUILDING PROJECTS

Each organization identifies one or two projects to complete during the program year, such as development or completion of a 12-month fundraising plan, development or refinement of a strategic plan, governance and board effectiveness improvements, financial management enhancements, or another approved organizational priority.

RESILIA PLATFORM AND COACHING SUPPORT

All participating organizations receive full access to Resilia, an integrated nonprofit capacity-building platform providing on-demand training resources, planning and governance tools, benchmarking, assessments, and individualized coaching support throughout the program year.

ENHANCED ACCOUNTABILITY AND MEASURABLE OUTCOMES

The 2026–2027 Institute includes strengthened accountability measures, including attendance standards, interim assignments, midyear progress reports, consistent use of Resilia tools, and final outcomes reporting providing evidence of progress and lessons learned.

CAPACITY-BUILDING GRANT OPPORTUNITY

Organizations meeting all program requirements may be eligible to receive a capacity-building implementation grant from the Huey & Angelina Wilson Foundation in January 2027. Grant funds support your continued participation and implementation—and may have such uses as staff capacity, consultants, planning retreats, and implementation tools.

STRATEGY SESSION

To further ensure progress and successful implementation, each participating organization will receive a dedicated three-hour strategy session with Louisiana Alliance for Nonprofits leadership, conducted either at mid-year or at the conclusion of the program. This session assesses progress, addresses challenges, and confirms alignment with approved capacity-building goals and measurable outcomes.

LONG-TERM IMPACT

CBI represents a significant investment in nonprofit leadership, operations, and organizational sustainability. By pairing structured learning with coaching, accountability, and implementation support, the program strengthens individual organizations while contributing to a healthier, more effective nonprofit ecosystem across Greater Baton Rouge.

If you have questions, please contact Jan Ross, EVP Philanthropy.