Grantmakers Build Nonprofit Capacity by Advancing Good Governance

Over the past decade, growing numbers of nonprofit organizations and grantmakers have recognized the need for capacity-building in nonprofit organizations. In 2006, U.S. funding for capacity-building topped $1 billion -- a 126% increase since 2000. Leadership capacity has received particular attention, but the board of directors -- an important part of the leadership equation -- has sometimes been overlooked. Recognizing that boards are often underutilized, nonprofits and grantmakers are seeking to leverage the inherent assets of these governing groups.