The Cape Cod Foundation Launches Comprehensive Pilot Grant Program, Awards $200,000 For Capacity Building Initiatives to Five Local Nonprofits

SOUTH YARMOUTH—The Cape Cod Foundation has awarded a total of $200,000 through its pilot Comprehensive Capacity Building Grant Program to five, local nonprofit organizations: Calmer Choice, Cotuit Center for the Arts, Cultural Center of Cape Cod, Independence House, and Samaritans on Cape Cod and the Islands.

Each nonprofit will receive $10,000 for immediate general operating support and $30,000 for capacity building project implementation over the course of the innovative two-year program.

“These nonprofit organizations impact all areas of community life and are at pivotal growth points. They are working to increase access and expand programs and services to meet community needs, especially in response to the pandemic,” said Kristin O’Malley, President and CEO of The Cape Cod Foundation. “This program is designed to help them assess their capacity building needs, and then plan and implement a pivotal project to address those needs.”

O’Malley said the Foundation has partnered with industry expert TSNE to conduct a capacity building assessment with each nonprofit and to provide the Foundation with technical assistance throughout program design and implementation.

The program also includes a unique peer-learning cohort model to strengthen and leverage their individual and collective impact as they address issues affecting Cape Cod residents. The Executive Directors and Board Chairs from each nonprofit will meet regularly to build relationships, share knowledge, and facilitate collaboration.

O’Malley said the entire program is iterative. The exact project each nonprofit undertakes will be based on the organizational assessment and developed by each grantee based on individual input and needs.

“The Foundation’s goal is to deepen our partnerships with nonprofit organizations by matching substantial funding with other critical support to achieve greater outcomes,” O’Malley added.