What is The New Haven Non-Profit Academy?

The mission of NHNPA is to increase the capacity of non-profits, community organizations and faith based groups that serve Empowerment Zone communities through the provision of one-on-one technical assistance, class based training, and grants. The Academy strives to improve the overall strength of New Haven service organizations in several key areas:

Effectiveness: Participants will be given tools and training to allow their organizations to more effectively reach their goals through vision and mission building, strategic planning, staff development, project planning and management, and training in the effective use of technology.

Collaboration: New Haven is a city rich in non-profits, faith based organizations and community groups all working to improve the lives of New Haven residents. The Academy strives to provide opportunities for partnership and communication among service organizations for increased effectiveness.

Longevity: Participants will be given tools to ensure organizational longevity through board development, fund development, succession planning, attaining 501(c)3 status, and financial management support.

What is Capacity Building?

Capacity building is a process of activities focused on building an organization's sustainability and ability to meet its stated goals. Capacity building requires investment in several areas such as human resources, strategic planning, financial management, fundraising strategies, board development, management structure, use of technology, organizational systems, organizational assessments, succession planning and collaboration building. In short, capacity building is strengthening the overall health of an organization so that is can better serve its clients.

What is the Training Like?

Participants will attend a series of focused capacity building workshops on topics such as basic financial concepts, board development; grant writing and fundraising, and strategic planning.

In addition to these trainings, participants will be given one-on-one technical assistance by highly skilled consultants and Empower New Haven staff in areas specific to their organization's needs. Participant organizations will undergo organizational assessments and develop a work plan for capacity building with the technical advisor.

Finally, participants will be awarded valuable grants for further capacity building. These grants may not be used for service provision or programmatic expenses, but are to be used solely for capacity building needs such as board development, strategic planning, staff training and the like. Funds many not be used for inherently religious purposes (For E. Proselytization, religious instruction and worship).

Click here to view NPA's Compassion Capital Fund Spotlight!

Click here for more information on applying to the Academy.