Orange County Capacity Building Program | Frequently Asked Questions

What’s the difference between direct services and capacity building services?
The Strengthening Community Fund grants are strictly for the capacity building of faith- and community-based organizations and cannot be used for direct service or to employ someone to deliver direct service. Capacity building is the process of implementing activities critical to the long-term viability of an organization, whereas direct services are provided directly to clients. For more on this, please read What is capacity building.

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Why is capacity building important? Why should I apply for this grant?
Every organization, no matter how small or how big, can use capacity building to their advantage. Capacity building increases the effectiveness of organizational programs, leadership, staff and boards, abilities to respond to changing economic and social environments and the needs of their communities.
In short, capacity building helps organizations survive, adapt and thrive, even during tough times.
Organizations interested in the long-term sustainability, that meet the criteria for the grant are encouraged to apply.

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What is the difference between Tier 1, Tier 2, and Tier 3?
Tier 1, or the Cohort, is a group of 100 to 150 organizations located in Orange County and providing workforce development or job readiness services to one of the distressed communities. Tier 1 organizations are eligible to attend capacity building workshops. To participate in the Cohort, organizations must fill out the online questionnaire, located here.

Tier 2, or the Leadership Network, is a group of 12 to 24 organizations that will receive technical assistance and attend capacity building workshops. To participate in the Leadership Network, organizations must complete the proposal and apply for the award.

Tier 3, or the Partners, is a group of 12 to 24 organizations that will be receiving technical assistance, financial assistance, and attend capacity building workshops. To become a Partner, organizations must complete the proposal and apply for the award.

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Our organization is applying for just the Cohort (Tier 1), do we have to fill out the proposal?
No, but your organization must complete the online questionnaire.

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How many people and who in the organization should attend the workshops?
There is no limitation on how many people or who can attend the workshops, however if we see that the workshops are reaching capacity we may need to ask you to limit the number of persons attending.

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When will workshops be held?
Workshop dates are listed here. Time and location of the workshops will be emailed to organizations that have registered through our eligibility survey.

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