+ Fundraising 101

Many small organizations start up with the intention of bringing their unique passions, visions, talents, and skills together to make the world a better place. However, the most challenging aspect for those organizations is often developing sustainable fundraising systems to support their respective missions. The Tracy Family Foundation has partnered with local fundraising experts to offer a training and coaching series. The program will include individual coaching hours and two group workshops to assist with the development of a customized fundraising plan. Read the full RFP here.

+ First Aid for Fundraisers: Boost Year-End Giving

Fundraising is a common pain-point for nonprofits, and year-end contributions account for close to 50% of many nonprofits’ revenue. The Tracy Family Foundation offers this capacity building program to assist nonprofits with developing (or strengthening) their year-end appeals. Selected nonprofit organizations will receive up to 20 hours of individual, targeted coaching from area experts to develop and implement a year-end fundraising initiative in addition to receiving funds to utilize for marketing, printing, and postage expenses.

+ Dare to Lead (Brene Brown) Workshop

Dare to Lead is the ultimate playbook for developing brave leaders and courageous cultures. The Tracy Family Foundation has partnered with Julie Boll, a Dare to Lead certified Facilitator, to offer two three-day workshops in 2024. Leaders will learn the critical skills required to do brave work, have tough conversations, and show up in a meaningful way daily. Those who complete the 24-hour program will receive a certificate of completion and will be able to put the Dare to Lead Trained badge on their LinkedIn account and resume. Read the full RFP here.

+ Nonprofit Leadership Training & Coaching

Nonprofits frequently express their desire for local leadership development with emphasis on executive coaching and mentoring. As a result, the Tracy Family Foundation has collaborated with John Wood Community College to develop a curriculum for nonprofit Executive Directors. The training sessions provide technical "nuts and bolts" instruction in the areas of Board engagement, grant writing, fundraising, financial management, marketing, strategic planning, and staff supervision. Nonprofit participants will receive individual coaching between each session and 5 hours of Executive Coaching upon the completion of the eight-week course series. Read the full RFP here.

+ Mental Health Matters

Employees tend to feel overwhelmed and lose enthusiasm at work and in life. A recent survey even suggests that 45% of nonprofit employees are planning to leave their organizations in the next 2 years. It is no surprise that burnout affects productivity and can negatively impact retention, service quality, morale, and organizational culture. By reducing their personal burnout risk, leaders can model better behavior for employees and promote a positive culture of wellness. Grantees will be encouraged to engage in self-care and assess physical health, achieve a healthy balance in work and personal life, and develop coping strategies to manage stress. Read the full RFP here.

+ Resilia Program

Resilia is an online program that offers assistance, coaching, and system templates to help nonprofits with all of their core capacity building needs. While scheduled Capacity Building programs for nonprofits can be helpful, they may lack the flexibility to accommodate the needs of busy nonprofit leaders. The Tracy Family Foundation recognizes that we are not experts in all areas of capacity building, and we have found a program that fills in many of the gaps in an on-demand platform. 10 organizations in the region will be selected to participate in the one-year Resilia subscription.

+ Volunteer Value

Volunteers are the backbone of nonprofit work, often acting as an organization’s representative in the community and contributing to the success of the organization’s mission. A well-designed volunteer program should include clear and concise communication channels, effective training and orientation, meaningful recognition and rewards, and opportunities for personal and professional growth. The Tracy Family Foundation has developed a volunteer recruitment and engagement program to assist nonprofits as they attract, retain, and support individuals who are willing to offer their time, skills and resources. The training will provide tips and strategies for creating a volunteer program that is both effective and sustainable. This program is still under construction! Stay tuned for updates coming Fall 2024.

+ Board Development Coaching & Training

Executive Directors often express concern around board recruitment, orientation, development, and engagement. Board leadership has a dramatic impact on a nonprofit's overall success and sustainability. As a result, the Tracy Family Foundation has worked with regional consultants and seasoned Board officers to become Board Development Trainers/Coaches for a customized program in our 10-county region. The identified coaches have attended the BoardSource Consultant Certification program and will offer selected organizations 40 hours of coaching, consulting, and training. Read the full RFP here.

+ Diversity, Equity, & Inclusion (DEI) Customized Training & Coaching

DEI is the presence of differences that may include race, gender, religion, sexual orientation, ethnicity, nationality, socioeconomic status, language, (dis)ability, age, religious commitment, or political perspective. While nonprofits and schools wish to honor diversity and provide equity and inclusion, it may require consultant assistance to look deeply into practices, policies, and cultural attitudes. The Tracy Family Foundation has partnered with a regional DEI expert and consultant who helps organizations assess current practices and develop plans to improve their efforts. Read the full RFP here.

+ Nonprofit Strategic Planning

Many times, nonprofits either do not have a strategic plan or are not utilizing their existing plan. As a result, the Tracy Family Foundation has partnered with several local strategic planning facilitators to provide nonprofit strategic planning and coaching. This offering seeks to teach nonprofit leaders the strategic planning process and establish a 36-month strategic framework. Each organization will assess and work to identify both areas of strength and potential growth. Participating organizations will have the tools to develop a working strategic plan that has SMART goals and deadlines with everyone working together to accomplish the mission. Read the full RFP here.

+ Video Storytelling & Social Media Training

Many nonprofits in our region struggle to effectively market themselves and engage in social media platforms, which often hinders their ability to raise public awareness and garner grants and donations. The Tracy Family Foundation recognizes that nonprofits often do not have the capacity to effectively share their impact. As a result, we provide grant funding to assist organizations in creating a customized marketing video. In addition to funding videography, our foundation has partnered with John Wood Community College to offer three free workshops: Using the Power of Story, DIY Video Marketing, and Digital Marketing Essentials for Nonprofits. Granted organizations also have the option to use remaining funds toward training and consulting for marketing. Read the full RFP here.

+What types of projects will be considered?

Examples of Capacity Building projects include professional development, strategic planning, program delivery, fundraising, financial management, communication and marketing systems, technology support, collaboration, outcome evaluation and learning, board governance and engagement, and other consultation. Eligible expenses include, but are not limited to: registration fees, consultant fees, travel, lodging, meals, strategic planning, staff training, volunteer training, conference registration costs, expert consultation, new software pilot, and collaboration efforts.

+What organizations are eligible to apply?

Nonprofit organizations, schools, and public entities that 1) are in TFF’s funding Region in Illinois and are aligned with Dot Foods or TFF Focus Areas or 2) have received a TFF Formal Funding grant in the past 5 years.

+Is the TFF Nonprofit Roadmap Assessment Required?

Yes. TFF requires all 501c3 Capacity Building applicants (not schools or public entities) to complete the TFF Nonprofit Roadmap Assessment before submitting a capacity building grant application. Each assessment is valid for up to 12 months.

Organizations may take the iCAT organizational assessment instead of the TFF Nonprofit Roadmap Assessment, but should talk with TFF Staff to learn more about this tool. Contact Callie Niederhauser to arrange to take this assessment.

+What is the maximum amount per year organizations can request?

Organizations can request up to $5,000 annually for any capacity building projects they select. Grants awarded through TFF capacity building RFPs (e.g., Video Storytelling, Board Development, Strategic Planning, etc.) do NOT count against an organization’s $5,000 annual maximum for organization selected capacity building projects. Organizations are invited to participate in TFF’s capacity building RFPs in addition to applying for a project specific to the organization.

+What is the maximum number of capacity building requests an organization can submit in a year?

There is no maximum.

+Does an organization have to contribute any money toward requests?

Yes. Organizations are responsible for 10% of the requested amount in cash, not in-kind.

+Will a Final Impact Report be required?

Yes. A Final Impact Report is due within 12 months of the grant award.