NONPROFIT CAPACITY BUILDING

Fueling Community-Led Change. Building Strength from the Ground Up.

Across West Michigan, grassroots leaders, small nonprofits, and everyday residents are driving transformative change in their neighborhoods. But too often, the people closest to the challenges are furthest from traditional resources. Our Nonprofit Capacity Building efforts aim to change that reality.

We believe that funding should follow equity. That leadership comes in many forms. And that lasting impact starts with trust, support, and opportunity.

Opportunity Initiative: Supporting BIPOC-Led Nonprofits to Grow, Lead, and Thrive.

BIPOC-led organizations are often closest to the solutions, yet face barriers to funding and growth. The Opportunity Initiative flips that script — investing in representation and long-term impact across our region.

Simplified Funding Applications
We’ve reduced the red tape, making it easier for grassroots organizations to access funding without jumping through unnecessary hoops.

Tailored Capacity Building
From board development to storytelling, data collection to financial systems — we offer workshops and coaching based on what each organization needs most.

Deep Relationship-Building
This isn’t just about transactions. We walk alongside our partners as collaborators, amplifiers, and problem-solvers.

Real Impact

Programs like We Matter Now and EmbraceHer were sparked by this initiative, and together, they helped launch Embrace Them, a collaborative summer program. Other partners have grown their reach, received new funding, and helped strengthen the broader nonprofit ecosystem.

Opportunity Empowered

Trusting People. Funding Possibility. Fueling Resident-Led Change.

The people closest to the problem are often closest to the solution. In partnership with the Urban League of West Michigan, Opportunity Empowered ensures they’re also the ones resourced to lead it.

This initiative provides one-time funding and ongoing support to everyday residents launching community-strengthening ideas. These are projects born in living rooms, church basements, and neighborhood parks.

We don’t set the agenda — neighbors do.

Projects have included:

  • Pop-up wellness events

  • Youth-led storytelling and leadership workshops

  • Community healing circles

  • Food sovereignty and neighborhood beautification

If it builds connection, solves a local challenge, or strengthens resilience — it belongs here.

How It Works

Apply with an idea — not a grant packet
The simple application process includes coaching and guidance.

Funding + Support
The program offers grants, technical assistance, and a network of peers and mentors.

Community grows, alongside the solution
Participants share insights, grow their leadership, and contribute to a stronger change ecosystem.

Community Change Starts with Community Power

When a neighbor leads a block clean-up that becomes a movement, when a youth-led podcast becomes a platform for others to speak, when healing, connection, and creativity spark from within — That’s nonprofit capacity building. That’s Opportunity Initiative and Opportunity Empowered at work.