What is the impact of a Capacity-Builder? An evidence-based account of nonprofit organizational impact

Abstract

The Hamilton Center for Civic Inclusion (HCCI) positions itself as a “connector” or “incubator” within Hamilton’s nonprofit ecosystem. Their work may be reflected across three defined organizational models: intermediary, network weaver and collective impact backbone organization. In the increasingly competitive landscape of nonprofit funding, successfully communicating the impact of their work is challenging compared to, for instance, a direct service provider. HCCI’s impact is essential. By using jurisdictional scan and literature review methodology, we investigated two questions whose answers would inform the way that HCCI communicates their value and impact to potential funders and other stakeholders. Firstly, we sought to understand how similar organizations define their work and synthesized model definitions and goals that are shared between each type of organizational model. Then, we investigated the evidence-based impact of each organizational model on their nonprofit ecosystem and community, with a specific focus on how each model advances equity.