Tennessee Nonprofit Network in partnership with the East Tennessee Foundation is proud to announce the launch of the Capacity Building Program, a 3-month program designed to support nonprofits in East Tennessee, specifically in the Greater Knoxville area. The program is a collaborative learning experience that will help strengthen the operational capacity of 20 nonprofit leaders.

The program includes several key components to help strengthen your organization's capacity:
  • Online Curriculum: Participants will engage in a self-directed study of a comprehensive online curriculum. The modules are designed to give participants an evidence-based understanding of nonprofit governance, including board responsibilities and best practices.
Nonprofit Academy: This training is based on the nationally accredited Standards for Excellence® curriculum. It provides a structured approach to building capacity, accountability, and sustainability by teaching best practices for nonprofit management, governance, and legal compliance.
  • Peer Learning: TNN provides facilitation virtually, creating a peer learning environment. This unique and interactive approach allows leaders to share challenges, exchange solutions, and build a supportive professional network. This provides a holistic learning experience for participants in the Greater Knoxville area.
  • Capacity Assessment: TNN staff will conduct three group sessions using the 501 Commons Five Elements of a Healthy Nonprofit assessment. The goal of this facilitated process is to enhance your organization's internal and external operations. The assessment tool evaluates your organization's strengths, weaknesses, and challenges, leading to an action plan with recommendations and resources for future growth.
Ideal Candidate/Requirements:
  • Currently work as a nonprofit leader in East Tennessee (Greater Knoxville area)
  • Cohort is open to 20 participants
  • Willingness to commit to a 3-month program
  • Willingness to attend all in-person and virtual sessions
  • Willingness to complete assignments between sessions
Cost:
Thanks to the generous support of the East Tennessee Foundation, the participant's fee is only $50.

Important Dates
  • Application Opens: November 1, 2025
  • Application Closes: December 12, 2025
Information Sessions
  • November 5: 3:00 PM - 4:30 PM (In-person)
  • November 19: 10:00 AM - 11:30 AM (Virtual)
Orientation
  • January 8, 2026: 10:00 AM - 11:30 AM (Virtual)
Program Sessions
*Capacity Assessments (In-person): Participants will only need to attend one Capacity Assessment session.
  • February 12, 2026: 2:00 PM - 4:30 PM
  • February 13, 2026: 9:00 AM - 11:00 AM
Peer Learning Session (Virtual):
  • March 4, 2026: 9:00 AM - 10:30 AM
If you are interested in participating in the Building Stronger Nonprofits Learning Cohort, please apply by December 12, 2025. For any questions, please contact the Training Team at training@tnnonprofits.org.

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* 1. Who is applying for the Capacity Building Cohort?

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* 2. Race

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* 3. What is your gender?

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* 4. Why do you want to participate in this program?

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* 5. What specific operational or governance challenges is your nonprofit currently facing, and how do you believe this program will help you address them?

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* 6. How do you see your organization using the knowledge and resources from the program, such as the Capacity Assessment, to achieve long-term growth and stability?

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* 7. Beyond the structured curriculum, what do you hope to gain from the peer learning sessions and building a professional network with other nonprofit leaders?

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