To best assist organizations interested in applying for this funding opportunity, we are providing three options for how an application can be submitted. Applicants should only apply using one of the ways listed below. All options will be scored and considered using the same criteria.

Form application: The form application is a single-page application that can be saved as many times as needed before submitting. Applicants are encouraged to review the application questions and either type responses directly into the form or type them into a separate Word document and then copy and paste their replies. The button to save responses is next to the submit button at the bottom of the application. Access the form application.

Word document: Applicants can also apply using a Word document application, which can be downloaded from our website. The word document version includes the same questions. If applying with a word document, please submit your complete application and budget to grantapps@southwestach.org by the deadline.

Video: Organizations can also apply using a video, if that is preferred. There are no specific requirements for the video other than it must be sent in a way that is publicly accessible (so our committee can review it) and it needs to answer each question in the application. Videos must be accompanied by a completed budget template as well. Videos will be scored the same as other submission options. Videos and budgets must be received by the same deadline, and can be emailed to grantapps@southwestach.org.

Completed application (either through form submission, Word document, or video).

Submitted budget (either included in your form submission or emailed).

As part of this funding opportunity, SWACH will provide application assistance, technical assistance, funding, and training, which will provide training and support on crucial topics like:

• Curriculum Development and Training for nonprofit capacity building participants 

• Facilitation of monthly live sessions with content experts and participating nonprofits 

• Identifying SVP mentors and UT interns for nonprofits who participate in the capacity building program  

• Development of nonprofit evaluation tool and assessment of nonprofits pre and post training 

Program Overview
The Capacity Building Accelerator Program curriculum includes the following modules*: 

• Kick Off/Empowerment Meeting 

• Mission, Vision, and Impact Clarity: Developing clear mission and vision statements, refining communication strategies, and evaluating organizational websites. 

• Budget Creation: Building efficient budgeting structures, drafting finance reports, and identifying diverse funding sources. 

• Strategy and Sustainability: Training and coaching on strategic planning and sustainability. 

• Data Collection and Metrics: Supporting leaders in creating program KPIs, tracking metrics, and crafting data-driven narratives. 

• Funding Strategies: Building effective fundraising strategies, diversifying revenue streams, and cultivating donor relationships. 

• Marketing and Storytelling Design: Expert-led sessions on impactful marketing, storytelling design, social media assessment, and website optimization. 

• Board Engagement and Strategy: Board training and strategy sessions focusing on engagement strategies and fundraising tactics. 

• Collaborative Impact Strategies: Collective grant and foundation funding strategies for Black-led organizations. 

• Goal Setting and Scaling Strategies: Setting impactful goals, planning for scale, and developing long-term strategies. 

Additionally, Little Bit of Good will facilitate a predetermined number of live meetings and Q&A sessions for participating organizations. Participants will have access to the LBG learning platform for up to 12 months after the program concludes. 

Applications will be reviewed by the Community Voice & Equity Committee (comprised of community members representing multiple industries). See the considerations the committee will make when reviewing applications, and how they will be scored.

• Decision-making rubric

• Scoring matrix

Applicants are encouraged to review some key definitions to help explain any phrases/terms that may seem unfamiliar:

Capacity Building: broadly defined as any initiative, activity, personnel or project that will increase an organization’s ability to provide access to services and/or will increase organizational effectiveness and sustainability. Below is a list of examples, though it is by no means exhaustive: 

• FTE for personnel or salary  

• Operational costs and infrastructure (software or hardware costs, capital investments (like a new delivery truck or beds for a new housing shelter etc)  

• Training/consulting services to improve quality or increase number of qualified individuals to provide services (certificate programs for staff, professional development opportunities to increase access to services for communities, etc.) 

• Organizational systems support services (strategic planning, HR supports, board governance, data and evaluation services, financial management supports etc) 

Community Based Workforce: this term applies to many roles including promotoras, Community Health Workers, care navigators, peers, and many more. The commonality is that an individual who is providing services has lived experience or is of the community they are serving.  

Health and Wellness: defined broadly – includes social, emotional, physical and spiritual health and wellness. Each community may define health and wellness differently, and we support all aspects of what will contribute to creating thriving communities as they define it.