Collaborative Capacity Building for Community-Based Small Nonprofit Organizations

Abstract

This article focuses on the inter-organizational networks and adaptive capacity among nonprofit organizations in the State of Florida. Adaptive capacity is a function of the degree to which social institutions (e.g., government, civic institutions, and the private sector) possess a culture that empowers communities to make decisions and actions that support community-led initiatives. The article specifically focuses on network formation and sustainability among 40 nonprofit organizations and their networks with other cross-sector organizations identified as part of the asset mapping for the Strengthening Communities in Central Florida (SCCF) project in the state. Network relationships were strengthened and developed especially after the implementation of the capacity building program. Organizational factors such as leadership and the level of an organizations’ engagement with the community have a statistically significant relationship with the adaptive capacity of the organizational network.