Organizational Effectiveness

Nonprofit organizations play a key role in responding to a wide array of community challenges. To do their best work, they need strong leadership and staff, thoughtful strategies, effective operational systems, and healthy organizational cultures.

In rural communities like West Marin, nonprofit organizations often fill essential service gaps by providing specialized support that complements existing public resources. Their local knowledge and community connections can enable them to respond to challenges that may be difficult for larger institutions to effectively address.

West Marin Fund’s Organizational Effectiveness initiative honors the important role that nonprofit organizations play. Our work seeks to strengthen the impact and sustainability of nonprofit organizations serving our region so they can better fulfill their mission.

Purpose

Strengthening Organizations

Enhance the capacity of key organizations in West Marin so that they can more effectively serve the community.
Develop opportunities for peer learning, collaboration, and partnerships among local organizations working across a variety of issue spaces.
Enhance understanding of the landscape of nonprofit organizations serving West Marin and what their needs are to inform greater and more tailored support.

Grantmaking

Organizational Effectiveness Grants

Our Organizational Effectiveness Grants of $5,000-$10,000 aim to strengthen West Marin nonprofits’ capacity to better serve our diverse communities. Grants are awarded yearly.

See Grants Awarded

Capacity Building

Building Organizational Strength for Success

Capacity-building helps nonprofits achieve their missions more effectively and sustainably by equipping leaders and staff with essential skills, improving systems and processes, and fostering innovation to help organizations remain efficient and forward-looking.

Our capacity-building offerings address a wide range of organizational needs and include webinar trainings, one-on-one support, and partner convenings to promote shared learning. This support enables nonprofits to adapt to changing environments, enhance their impact, and thrive within their communities.

Research for Action

West Marin Nonprofits Report

Each year, we commission research to gather and analyze information on the capacity and status of nonprofits serving West Marin. The report is used to help identify the most pressing needs of nonprofits, inform community stakeholders, and guide more effective funding decisions. Read the most recent report.

Photos courtesy of Carlos Porrata, West Marin Fund.