POWER Initiative
POWER is a 12-month capacity building initiative designed to assist grassroots organizations.
POWER, People & Organizations with Energy & Resilience, is our capacity building program for grassroots and developing organizations.
This program aims to increase the strength and operating capacity of small selected nonprofits. It is built on the Nonprofit Lifecycles framework and emphasizes a “meet them where they are” approach to capacity building. POWER helps organizations assess where they are in their growth journey, address critical challenges, and develop a work plan tailored to their needs.
The Gifford Foundation recognizes that grassroots organizations are vital to the community as they address emerging community challenges and give voice to community leaders who drive them.
Led by consultant Maria Fibiger of Three Dog Consulting, each POWER cohort is part of a year-long program in which each organization fields a leadership team of key volunteers, staff and board members. They are paired with consultants trained in the Nonprofit Lifecycles framework to conduct a self-assessment and develop a capacity-building work plan over the course of the year. Organizations participate in facilitated learning sessions on a variety of topics, providing them with an opportunity to network and learn from their peers. A $7,500 grant to support a capacity-building project is provided to each organization. This is in addition to the $7,500 of consultant time they will receive during the program. In total, those selected receive an investment of $15,000 from the Gifford Foundation.
Space is limited, apply today!
To apply, log in to Foundant and select the POWER application. If you do not currently have an account, select ‘Create New Account.’
Learn More
We encourage organizations interested in applying and curious to learn more to contact our Associate Director Lindsay McClung for further guidance about program structure and eligibility. Click below to set up a Zoom meeting using her Calendly or send her an email at lindsay@giffordfoundation.org.
Calling All Consultants
We are currently searching for consultants to coach our next POWER cohort. The deadline to submit your proposals is April 18, 2025. To be considered, you must have successfully completed the Lifecycles 101 training.
“Before POWER we reacted to whatever fire was smoldering, and acted often by the seat of our pants. Going through the process made us more methodical and logical. POWER gave us a different tool, a different way of looking at things and managing our growth.”
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