What Is Capacity Building? How AmeriCorps Helps Oklahoma Nonprofits Grow

For many nonprofits and community organizations, there’s no shortage of ideas for making a greater impact. The challenge is often having enough time, resources and people to bring those ideas to life.

That’s where capacity building comes in.

Capacity building helps organizations strengthen the systems, programs and resources they need to better serve their communities for the long term. Through Red River Community Corps, AmeriCorps members provide the people power and skills organizations need to expand their reach, strengthen existing programs and address community needs.

What Is Capacity Building?

Capacity building can look different depending on an organization and the community it serves. For one organization, it might mean developing a volunteer program. For another, it could mean expanding an existing service, improving internal systems or creating a new program to address an unmet need.

At Red River, capacity-building efforts are designed to enhance program delivery, expand services and make improvements that last beyond an AmeriCorps member’s term of service.

What Does Capacity Building Look Like in Action?

AmeriCorps members serving through Red River work alongside organizations across Oklahoma to identify needs and help turn ideas into action. That work may include:

• Developing or expanding community programs

• Recruiting and coordinating volunteers

• Strengthening community outreach and engagement

• Creating resources or systems that improve program delivery

• Supporting fundraising or grant-related efforts

• Conducting research to better understand community needs

• Helping organizations connect more people with available services

The goal isn’t simply to add another set of hands. It’s to leave organizations with stronger programs, resources and systems that continue making an impact after a member’s service ends.

Building Capacity Across Oklahoma

Red River partners with nonprofits, school districts, government agencies, Native American tribes, religious organizations and other eligible organizations working to strengthen communities across the state.

Oklahoma libraries offer a great example of capacity building in action. Through AmeriCorps service, Red River members have helped libraries provide hands-on technology support to community members who were less familiar with digital tools. The work builds patrons’ digital skills and confidence while expanding what libraries can offer their communities.

What Could Be Possible with Greater Capacity?

Think about the projects sitting on your organization’s wish list. Is there a program you want to launch but haven’t had the resources to develop? A community you want to reach more effectively? A volunteer program you’d like to grow? An internal process that could help your team work more efficiently?

Each could be an opportunity for capacity building.

Red River works with eligible organizations to identify capacity-building needs and determine how AmeriCorps members can help address them.

Ready to explore what more capacity could mean for your organization? Learn more about becoming a Red River Community Corps partner.