12/14/2011

Twenty Successes: Building the Field by Helping Others Build Capacity

In 2004 CSH partnered with the Illinois Housing Development Authority to create a grant program to help nonprofits expand their organizational capabilities. Renaissance Social Services, Inc. (RSSI), a housing services provider in Chicago, appliedĀ  and is a prime example of the impact a capacity building grant can have on an organization. They were a small organization looking to grow and increase the number of supportive housing units for Illinoisā€™ homeless. CSH recognized RSSI as an organization that would put the funds to good use and selected them as a capacity grant recipient.

ā€œThe CSH capacity building grant came a critical time in our development and without it I am not sure if RSSI would still be aroundā€¦. The planning we were able to do with that grant kept us healthy and growing during challenges,ā€ said Michael Banghart, RSSI Executive Director. ā€œCapacity building is so crucial for small non-profits.ā€

Since their grant, RSSI has expanded and was one of seven recipients of a Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration grant last year.Ā  Today, they are providing case management and services to over 450 households in Illinois.

CSH is dedicated to helping our partners in supportive housing succeed and recognize that capacity building grants are an integral part of the supportive housing puzzle. Over the past 20 years, we have provided over $53.6 million to organizations across the country. We look forward to helping many make steps toward strength and sustainability in the future.

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