Nonprofit Capacity Building Program

Nonprofit Capacity Building Program Classroom Photo

NCBP Logo

PURPOSE

UWSJC created the NEST (Nonprofit Enterprise Support Team) as a vehicle to support our continued efforts to help local nonprofits enhance the capacity necessary to affect change in San Joaquin County. As an extension of the NEST we are offering the Nonprofit Capacity Building Program in partnership with the City of Stockton.

PROGRAM OVERVIEW

The Nonprofit Capacity Building Program (NCBP) is a collaborative initiative between United Way of San Joaquin County and the City of Stockton. This program aims to enhance the organizational capacity of nonprofits and amplify their efforts to bring about positive change in our community. Spanning over nine months, the NCBP comprises two distinct phases.

 

PHASE 1: JANUARY – APRIL

During the initial four months of the program, participants engage in bi-monthly sessions with program facilitators. These sessions serve to deepen their comprehension of healthy organizational structures, reinforce skills that enable them to better respond to emerging needs, and provide leadership training to enhance their capacity as creative problem solvers. This is achieved by focusing on four key pillars of nonprofit management: 

  • Board Governance
  • Operational Infrastructure
  • Revenue Structures
  • Brand & Community Engagement

PHASE 2: MAY – AUGUST

The latter part of the Nonprofit Capacity Building Program allows each participating organization to write a comprehensive Sustainability Plan. This plan encapsulates the knowledge gained during the first four months of the program, enabling organizations to articulate clear strategies for achieving long-term success and sustainability for their organization. With support from NCBP staff, participants collaboratively develop this dynamic plan. By the conclusion of July, each organization produces a thorough Sustainability Plan aligned with their organization’s mission and vision. This plan serves as a guiding framework for their growth, impact, and enduring viability.

 

The NCBP culminates with each participating organization presenting their individual Sustainability Plan in the second week of August. A Graduation Celebration at the end of August marks the program's closure, providing an opportunity to invite community members and other organizations to celebrate the participants' program completion.

Nonprofit Capacity Building Program Student Smiling and Speaking

​​Nonprofit Capacity Building Program class activity with students writing on easel pads

 

Nonprofit Capacity Building Program Application

•  Hold an executive Leadership, CEO, Board Chair position

•  Must have been in operation for a minimum of three years at the time of application.

•  Must have current 501(c)(3) tax exemption status.

•  Must have an established Board of Directors.

•​​​​​​​  Must have a current ranking with Charity Navigator or Guide Star.

•​​​​​​​  Must agree to the Attendance Commitment: Attend sessions twice a month for the first four months of the program, as well as any other mandatory sessions required.​​​​​​​

•​​​​​​​  Must agree to the Tuition Commitment:

•​​​​​​​  Willingness to make the tuition commitment required for the program.

•​​​​​​​  For organizations with a budget of $1 million or more: $1,200 per person. For organizations with a budget of less than $1 million: $600 per person.

•​​​​​​​  Tuition is due in full prior to the first class. Scholarships are available based on need.

•​​​​​​​  A fee of $35 per person will be charged for any additional guests beyond the Executive Director and Board Chair for each session they attend. Please provide advance notice to ensure availability of space and materials.

      To participate in the NEST's Nonprofit Capacity Building Program, you must complete the online application.

      The cohort 3 application now open! Click here to apply.

      Criteria for the program includes: 

  • Provide proof of 3 years of operating budget as a nonprofit

  • Organization must have a standing Board of Directors and clear Bylaws

  • Organization must be tax-exempt under Section 501c3 of the Internal Revenue Code

  • Provide services within Stockton area zip codes

  • Provide services to populations that are at risk and/or in need

  • Organization must be willing to commit to participating in monthly sessions as scheduled

For organizations with a budget of $1 million or more: $1,200 per person. For organizations with a budget of less than $1 million: $600 per person. Tuition is due in full before the first class. Scholarships are available based on need. A fee of $35 per person will be charged for any additional guests beyond the Executive Director and Board Chair for each session they attend.

Course Overview

  • 4 Pillars ​

    1. Brand & Community Engagement ​

    2. Operational Framework​

    3. Revenue Structures​

    4. Board Governance

  • Subject Matter Experts​

  • Real-Time Feedback​

  • Real World Relevance​

  • Sustainability Plans

 

Important Dates

  • Application Window

    • Opens: September 5

    • Closes: November 1

  • Orientation

    • December 3, 5:00 – 8:00 PM at The NEST, United Way of San Joaquin Office

  • Large Group Sessions 11:30 AM – 4:30 PM

    • January 14

    • January 28

    • February 11

    • February 25

    • March 11

    • March 25

    • April 8

    • April 22

•  Completion of a 3-5 year Sustainability Plan

•  Adherence to Attendance Commitment​​​​​​​

•​​​​​​​ ​​​​​​​ Adherence to Tuition Commitment

If selected, you will be notified by a United Way team member.

If you have any questions please contact Jose Serrano, Director of Advancement, at 209.320.6216 or email jserrano@unitedwaysjc.org.