Nonprofit Capacity Building Initiative (NCBI)

The Issue
The government has not established an entity to support the development and effectiveness of the nonprofit sector. The Small Business Administration provides such support to local business, the Government Accountability Office ensures the effectiveness of government programs, but there is no comparable government program for nonprofits.

MANP’s Position
MANP supports legislation that will fund a Nonprofit Capacity Building Initiatives and recommends that the National Council of Nonprofit Associations (NCNA) acts as the coordinator of the initiative.

The Nonprofit Capacity Building Initiative (NCBI)
The goal of the Nonprofit Capacity Building Initiative (NCBI) is to increase the capacity, effectiveness, and accountability of small to mid-sized nonprofits and, ultimately, to improve the quality of life in local communities. Eighty-two percent of the nation’s reporting nonprofits have annual expenditures of under $1 million dollars, according to the National Center for Charitable Statistics. These organizations represent the core of the nonprofit sector. Meeting the needs of small and mid-sized nonprofits requires preparation on three levels: 1) developing a comprehensive nonprofit management curriculum; 2) preparing state associations to increase the scope and reach of their capacity building programs; and 3) coordinating and implementing services for local nonprofits.

Who Will Coordinate NCBI?
The National Council of Nonprofit Associations (NCNA) will act as the coordinator. Key partners will include state associations – such as MANP – already involved in this work, Independent Sector, Alliance for Nonprofit Management, the Foundation Center, BoardSource, Nonprofit Risk Management Center, National Association of State Charity Officials, American Institute of Certified Public Accountants, and American Bar Association among others.

What Will NCBI Provide?
NCBI will provide nonprofits in every state with greater access to the following:

1. Guiding principles regarding ethics and accountability to the public trust;
2. High quality management training for executives, boards, staff, and volunteers;
3. Tools and networks necessary to build partnerships with state and local groups;
4. Regional conferences to encourage networking, collaboration, and resource sharing;
5. Knowledge and skills for effective government contracting;
6. Research, trend analysis, and other information to assist in strategic planning;
7. Examples of best practices and standards; and
8. Group purchasing programs for benefits, insurance, and other services to save administrative costs.