Leadership training and support, designed specifically for nonprofits.

The Healthy Organizations Partnership program (HOP) addresses the unique issues facing nonprofits, providing tools and resources to help them more effectively carry out their missions. The HOP program strengthens and empowers nonprofit organizations by helping them:

• Assess the current state of their organization.
• Further define their mission.
• Develop a strategic plan and implement and evaluate goals.
• Recruit and engage board members and volunteers.
• Secure and manage critical financial resources.
• Fund capacity-building projects with grants.
• Develop the leadership capacity of their organization.

Program Components

• Multi-Year Training and Assistance: Nonprofit organizations that have had 501(c)(3) determination for at least one year and indicate a greater need for strategic planning and advanced support are invited to apply to have a team participate in a two-year training and assistance program. The multi-year program includes extensive self-assessments, governance, training, a local strategic planning session, elective workshops, ongoing consultation and evaluation, and up to $6,500 for organizational effectiveness planning and implementation.

• Targeted Training and Grant Assistance: Organizations having effective strategic plans in place, yet desiring additional assistance in specific organizational effectiveness areas (such as governance, finance, human resources, fundraising, etc.) are offered technical assistance, elective workshops, promising practices information referrals and/or up to $2,500 in grants for organizational effectiveness goal implementation.

• Compassion Capital Fund Grants & Training: Grassroots organizations in need of capacity-building training and assistance are invited to participate in the Compassion Capital Fund Project. The Greater Minneapolis Council of Churches and the Initiative Foundation will deliver capacity-building services through a combination of community training, technical assistance, and financial awards to select organizations that apply and are approved for sub-award funding. Sub-awards for the 2008 round have already been awarded (list of awardees). A second round in 2009 is being considered. CCF community training events and workshops are open to all organizations free of charge; pre-registration is required.

• Annual Workshop: Key staff and board members from nonprofit organizations in the foundation’s service area are invited to attend an annual informational workshop. Participants learn about issues and opportunities impacting nonprofits and the stages of nonprofit organizational development, conduct a preliminary self-assessment and learn more about the HOP multiyear program. Based on the results of the self-assessment, the foundation helps nonprofits determine the level and type of support needed to build a healthier, stronger organization.