R2R is a model program that begins to address this problem by providing youth-serving organizations with funding, as well as a comprehensive capacity building program. Strong programs exist in strong organizations, and the strongest nonprofits are adaptable and resilient. They have effective leaders, good financial management, the ability to collaborate with others, and the space to plan, execute and assess new strategies. Capacity building is what allows nonprofits to build these skills and expertise—and more—so that they have what it takes to tackle deep-rooted problems.
Capacity Building Approach Liberty Hill oversees the capacity building component of R2R, building on an established model developed over the last decade through the Wally Marks Leadership Institute. This model: • Identifies community assets and gaps in services. • Engages in strategic planning aimed at measurable results. • Designs and implements comprehensive and tailored leadership development. Each R2R organization receives customized, strengths-based, culturally competent, and comprehensive technical assistance, that blends expert consulting with a transformational and empowering coaching approach. The grantees also work within cohorts to gain support from their peers, and Liberty Hill collaborates with the R2R cross-site evaluator, Imoyase, to ensure the success and continual improvement of the program. Liberty Hill defines capacity building as the funding and technical assistance to help nonprofits increase specific capacities to deliver stronger programs, take risks, build connections, innovate and iterate. There may not be one right way to go about this, but half-measures or overly prescriptive approaches can do more harm than good. Effective capacity building requires a high degree of trust between nonprofits and service providers. Before considering what types of support to provide, Liberty Hill needed to have a deep understanding of what nonprofits would find most helpful and a clear picture of what other government partners and private funders already offer.
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Ready to Rise Annual Report - 2020
