As part of its 2022 Building Bridges Leadership Institute (BBLI), The Greater Kanawha Valley Foundation (TGKVF) is excited to partner with the WV Community Development Hub (The Hub) to offer $5,000 mini-grants to emerging organizations for capacity-building support. To be eligible, organizations must be located within the TGKVF footprint of Boone, Clay, Fayette, Lincoln, Kanawha, or Putnam counties. Additionally, organizations must not have received TGKVF grants of $10,000 or more within the past 12 months.

What is capacity-building? Capacity-building is a process of developing the knowledge, skills, abilities, and other characteristics of people within organizations. This capacity-building investment in people will enable organizations to meet the needs of our ever-changing world through growth, adaptation, increasing efficiency, and/or deepening impact. Over time, transformation occurs not only within an organization, but within each person as they identify themselves as capable leaders. This kind of internal transformation has sustained generative effects on organizations and communities, and that is the change in mindset and attitude we seek to inspire in the long term. 

How can my organization use a $5,000 mini-grant for capacity-building? We believe you are best positioned to identify your organization’s needs and challenges. To that end, is there a place within your organization or operations that could benefit from capacity-building support? Some areas for consideration might include developing grant writing and fundraising skills. Perhaps you need help setting up financial management systems. Would the thoughtful engagement of your board of directors or volunteers increase your impact? Other areas for capacity development may include strategic planning; marketing and outreach planning; evaluation; specialized technology, software, and equipment usage; consulting or coaching; professional development; or other skills and competencies relevant to the organization’s area of work.

Other Information: The mini-grant opportunity is the applied learning component of participants’ engagement in TGKVF’s Building Bridges Leadership Institute (BBLI) program. By applying for this opportunity, you are agreeing to participate in a five-month leadership development program, including monthly cohort workshops and individual coaching sessions to support your learning and capacity-building. The program will begin in September 2022 and conclude in December 2022. 

I’m interested, but I still have questions! Please feel free to contact Amanda Workman Scott at The Hub at a.workman@wvhub.org to learn more about this opportunity.