In 2006, the DC Children and Youth Investment Trust Corporation (Trust) recognized a critical need to build the capacity of nonprofit organizations in Washington, D.C., particularly those led by people of color. The challenge was to design a program that could simultaneously develop strong, effective leaders and strengthen the organizations they lead. This initiative required a new approach to capacity-building, one that combined organizational development with individual leadership training to create a lasting impact on both the leaders and their communities.

The Trust played a pivotal role in supporting nonprofit organizations that provided essential services to children and youth in Washington, D.C. However, many of these organizations, especially those led by leaders of color, faced significant challenges in terms of resources, capacity, and sustainability. The Trust sought to address these challenges by partnering with Symphonic Strategies to create a program that would empower nonprofit leaders and enhance the effectiveness of their organizations, ensuring they could continue to serve their communities effectively.

Symphonic Strategies partnered with the Trust to design and implement a comprehensive capacity-building initiative called “The Institute for New Leaders, New Communities.” Our approach strategically combined organizational capacity-building with individual leadership development, creating a model that would not only develop stronger organizations but also build a pipeline of effective, empowered leaders.

The Institute provided participants with a blend of online and in-class instruction, executive coaching, peer group learning, and offsite retreats. The curriculum was designed to address both the operational challenges facing nonprofit organizations and the personal development needs of their leaders. By focusing on both aspects, the Institute aimed to create a synergistic effect, where the growth of the leader would directly translate into the growth and success of the organization.

The implementation process for the Institute was structured over several months and included multiple components to ensure a comprehensive learning experience:

1. Online and In-Class Instruction: Participants received both online and face-to-face training on key topics such as strategic planning, financial management, fundraising, and leadership development. This combination of learning formats allowed for flexibility while ensuring that participants could engage deeply with the material.

2. Executive Coaching: Each participant was paired with an executive coach who provided personalized guidance and support. This coaching helped leaders apply what they learned to their specific organizational contexts, ensuring that the training had a direct impact on their work.

3. Peer Group Learning: Participants engaged in peer group learning sessions, where they could share experiences, challenges, and solutions with one another. This peer support network was critical in building a sense of community and shared purpose among the participants.

4. Offsite Retreats: The program included offsite retreats that provided participants with an opportunity to reflect on their learning, recharge, and plan for the future. These retreats were designed to deepen the relationships among participants and reinforce the lessons learned throughout the program.

The Institute for New Leaders, New Communities trained and empowered 24 nonprofit leaders in the Washington, D.C. area. The participants graduated from the program feeling renewed and empowered to further the mission and vision of their organizations. The dual focus on organizational capacity-building and individual leadership development has resulted in stronger, more effective nonprofit organizations that are better equipped to serve their communities.

Participants reported significant improvements in their leadership abilities, as well as in the overall performance of their organizations. The program also contributed to the replication of successful nonprofit models, further expanding the impact of the initiative.

This case study demonstrates the power of combining organizational capacity-building with individual leadership development to create lasting change. By addressing both the operational needs of nonprofit organizations and the personal development of their leaders, the Institute for New Leaders, New Communities has created a sustainable model for strengthening the nonprofit sector in Washington, D.C.

Are you looking to build the capacity of your organization’s leaders while strengthening the organization itself? Contact Symphonic Strategies today to learn how we can help you design and implement a capacity-building program that creates lasting impact for both your leaders and the communities they serve.