Organizational Capacity — Why You

📝 The structure — fill in YOUR words

1. TRACK RECORD — 2-3 sentences on what you've already done.
   Numbers beat adjectives.

2. THE TEAM — who does the work, in 1-2 lines each. Relevant
   experience only.

3. PARTNERS — who vouches for you / works alongside you.

4. FINANCIAL HEALTH — one honest paragraph. Audited? Reserves?
   If you're new, say what's solid (committed board, fiscal sponsor).

✅ A good example

"Since 2019 we've run summer programs serving 800+ youth with a 92% parent satisfaction rate. Our director, Maria Santos, has 12 years in youth development including 5 at the Boys & Girls Club. We partner with Northside High (referrals) and City Health (screenings). Our FY2025 audit was clean with 4 months of operating reserves."

🚫 Common mistakes

• Listing every board member's resume — reviewers skim; keep it to the people doing the work.
• Hiding that you're new — say it plainly and lead with what's strong (partners, fiscal sponsor, pilot results).
• Claiming capacity you can't prove — 'we can serve 1,000' means nothing without past numbers.

💡 Tips

• Letters of support from partners go a long way — ask early, they're slow.
• If a fiscal sponsor handles your books, name them — it's a trust signal, not a weakness.