The Midwest Center for Nonprofit Leadership is a service and outreach unit of the Department of Public Affairs in the Henry W. Bloch School of Management at the University of Missouri-Kansas City. Our mission is to enhance performance and effectiveness in the nonprofit community through high-quality education, applied research, problem solving and service.
Our Work
Our programs, services, and research aim to build and strengthen all forms of capacity in the nonprofit community.
Nonprofit organization capacity building is the process of creating or enhancing those assets and resources within individuals, programs, organizations and communities to improve performance and advance their mission, vision and goals.
As described by Paul Connolly from TCC Group, there are four types of capacity: adaptive, technical, management, and leadership.
ADAPTIVE
Adaptive capacity is the ability to monitor, assess, respond to, and stimulate internal and external changes. Adaptive capacity includes:
- Organizational assessment
- Program evaluation
- Needs assessment
- Knowledge management
- Planning
- Collaborations and partnership
TECHNICAL
Technical capacity is the ability to implement all of the key organizational functions and deliver programs and services. This includes:
- Service delivery
- Outreach and advocacy
- Legal
- Evaluation
- Fundraising
- Accounting
- Earned income generation
- Facilities management
- Technology
- Marketing and communications
MANAGEMENT
Management capacity is the ability to ensure the effective and efficient use of organizational resources including:
- Internal communications
- Human resources development
- Financial management
LEADERSHIP
Leadership capacity is the ability of organizational leaders to inspire, prioritize, make decisions, and provide direction. Leadership capacity includes:
- Board development
- Executive leadership
- Leadership transitions
