APPLY NOW: Funding Opportunity – Small Grants to Strengthen Organizational Capacity

APPLY NOW!

The CIPE Civic Engagement Hub is currently accepting applications for small grant funding of up to US $3,000. Small grants will focus on helping organizations or companies improve their institutional ability to sustainably and successfully achieve their goals. Successful grantees will have the opportunity to receive additional support from CIPE upon the completion of their grant. 

What to expect from the small grant:  

Strong organizations know their strengths and weaknesses and continuously look to improve. For this reason, selected grantees will have the opportunity to receive a tailored diagnostic of organization-wide strengths and growth areas working in collaboration with CIPE experts. Based on the results of the diagnostic, grantees will work with CIPE to identify an area where they’d like to see their organization grow. They will then work with CIPE experts to design an activity that allows grantees to implement strategic changes to help the organization grow in the selected area. After the project, organizations may have the opportunity to be highlighted in CIPE publications or at events to share their successes and lessons learned.  

What is included in organizational capacity:  

For the Civic Engagement Hub, organizational capacity refers to the ability of an organization or company to sustainably and effectively manage its operations, serve its stakeholders, and accomplish its goals. Organizational capacity is “inward-looking”. Instead of providing direct support to stakeholders, strengthening organizational capacity is an internal initiative that an organization takes to improve its own ability to accomplish its goals. Improving organizational capacity can include, but is not limited to, improving the organization’s internal ability to successfully function in the following areas: 

  • Leadership and governance 
  • Program management 
  • Program monitoring and evaluation 
  • Financial management 
  • Human resources 
  • Advocacy 
  • Membership/customer development 
  • Research and policy analysis 
  • Communications and public relations 
  • Creating revenue-generating products and services 

CIPE support has helped hundreds of organizations get started and grow by meeting organizations where they are, listening to their needs, and creatively developing learning opportunities that lead to long-term sustainable change. Examples of ways that CIPE has historically supported strengthening organizational capacity include, organizing training events, developing strategic plans, communications strategies, or governance documents, and registering new organizations. 

Is my organization eligible to apply? 

The following organizations or groups are eligible to apply: 

  • Non-registered civil society organizations 
  • Registered civil society organizations 
  • Business associations and business membership organizations 
  • Social enterprises 
  • Start-ups and businesses whose work supports greater civic and social participation 

As a partner-led organization, CIPE seeks partners that are willing and committed to learning and working collaboratively with CIPE. Before applying for this opportunity, we recommend making sure your team or organization is ready to look internally and explore opportunities for growth. 

How to apply: 

Interested applicants should complete the application HERE.  Applications are due no later than March 15, 2022 at 11:59 PM (EAT). 

Candidates may be contacted for follow-up interviews in the selection process to make sure we fully understand your responses submitted via the Google form. The CIPE Civic Engagement Hub team will review the submitted Google forms and select finalists to receive support from the Civic Engagement Hub for a period of 1-3 months. Final awards must be based on well-developed budgets. 

For more information contact: Msewasew@cipe.org and Malemwossen@cipe.org.