Oak 5 Capacity Building Playbook

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Questions and Answers

What is the primary goal of the Oak Foundation's capacity building approach?

To empower grantees to achieve their goals sustainably. (correct)

To ensure grantees have access to the latest technology.

To force grantees to adopt a specific operational model.

To provide direct financial assistance to grantees.

What served as the basis for the development of the Oak Foundation's capacity building playbook?

An analysis of 9 capacity building case studies and 4 guidance documents, and staff contributions. (correct)

A survey of other philanthropic organizations.

External consultant reports.

The experiences of the executive board.

Who compiled and documented the Oak Foundation's capacity building playbook?

A group of external consultants from various firms.

A team of grantees from the Oak Foundation.

Rick James (INTRAC) and Adriana Craciun. (correct)

Oak Foundation's executive board members.

Where can Oak staff access the case studies and guidance documents mentioned in the playbook?

Inside the Nonprofit Builder, under the Guidance menu. (A) Signup and view all the answers

Which statement best describes the Oak Foundation's approach to capacity building?

To offer support according to the individual needs of each grantee. (A) Signup and view all the answers

According to Oak Foundation's experience, what three elements are crucial for effective capacity building?

Motive, means, and opportunity (B) Signup and view all the answers

What is emphasized as the most important factor determining the success of any capacity building initiative?

Partner ownership of the capacity building process (C) Signup and view all the answers

What does Oak believe should underpin every capacity building initiative?

The motive, means and opportunity approach (C) Signup and view all the answers

According to the provided content, which of the following is NOT considered a common capacity building topic?

Program design and implementation (B) Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary purpose of the Capacity Building Playbook for Oak staff?

To guide the planning, monitoring, and reviewing of capacity building initiatives with partners (B) Signup and view all the answers

What does the concept of 'means' refer to in the context of capacity building?

The quality and collaborative nature of the capacity providers (D) Signup and view all the answers

What is the consequence of implementing a capacity building initiative when the partner is not open to change?

It is likely to be a waste of time and resources (A) Signup and view all the answers

In Oak's experience, what is the critical factor that indicates when capacity building will 'make a difference'?

When the 'motive, means, and opportunity' elements are aligned. (D) Signup and view all the answers

According to the provided text, what is the minimum level of leader engagement required for successful change?

Driving the change process (D) Signup and view all the answers

What does the text suggest about leaders needing to change in order to implement changes successfully?

They need to be open to change both within the organization and in themselves (B) Signup and view all the answers

What is the suggested approach for Oak Program Officers (POs) to understand a partner's behavior?

Look 'below the waterline' and understand what really makes the partner behave as it does (D) Signup and view all the answers

What should be the primary focus of discussions between Program Officers and partners?

Building on partners’ strengths instead of focusing on negatives or gaps (B) Signup and view all the answers

How does the text suggest that partners should ideally manage the budget for capacity building?

Through their own core funding or existing capacity building budget line (A) Signup and view all the answers

Under which specific circumstances does the text suggest making capacity building a mandatory condition of a grant?

Only in very specific cases, such as when some partners are strategically vital to Oak’s programmes or if there are major issues like safeguarding concerns (B) Signup and view all the answers

What does the phrase 'carve out time in grantee check-in calls and site visits to ask about their larger organizational big picture, not just the specific project' mean?

That discussions should also be aimed at understanding the context and circumstances surrounding a partner's work as a whole, and not only the current project (D) Signup and view all the answers

What is a potential risk of making capacity building a mandatory grant requirement?

It runs the risk of manipulating the partner (B) Signup and view all the answers

What is a key role of Oak program officers (POs) in capacity building?

Regularly checking in with partner organizations and asking how things are progressing. (A) Signup and view all the answers

Why is patience important for Oak POs in the capacity building process?

Because capacity building change takes time and partners are also implementing their primary programs. (B) Signup and view all the answers

The text states that Oak’s role in capacity building with partners is best described as:

Having influence over the alignment of resources, partners, and external consultants. (C) Signup and view all the answers

What does the term 'capacity building stars' refer to in the content?

The elements of partner ownership, quality facilitation, and appropriate support for capacity building. (C) Signup and view all the answers

Why should Oak POs support intentional learning regarding capacity building?

To understand the capacity building process, and what works or not. (A) Signup and view all the answers

Why does Oak collaborate with other funders in capacity building?

To encourage a focused effort, rather than conflicting programs. (C) Signup and view all the answers

What does the quote 'Regardless of how good Oak's ideas were, it would have inevitably removed ownership' highlight?

That partner ownership and buy-in is a critical aspect of effective capacity building. (A) Signup and view all the answers

What does the text suggest regarding the practical reality of capacity building?

That it is inherently challenging because the alignment of all necessary factors is difficult to achieve. (A) Signup and view all the answers

What is a key condition for Oak to influence without compromising partner ownership?

Having a high level of existing trust between Oak and the partner. (B) Signup and view all the answers

According to the content, what should occur before a capacity building process is initiated?

The partner should explicitly choose to start the change process. (C) Signup and view all the answers

What is the recommended approach when a partner is resisting change despite Oak's desire to help?

Delay investing in capacity building until a more favorable time with the partner. (A) Signup and view all the answers

How can a mutually acceptable consultant contribute to capacity building?

By cultivating partner ownership of the process. (D) Signup and view all the answers

In the context of capacity building, who should ideally choose and contract a consultant?

The partner should ultimately choose and contract the consultant. (C) Signup and view all the answers

What strategy does Oak use to help partners own the capacity building process?

Ensuring that the partner opts into support. (C) Signup and view all the answers

According to the content, when should a facilitated self-assessment with a partner be considered?

When it is appropriate for the specific partner. (D) Signup and view all the answers

When is it acceptable for Oak to have open conversations with grantees about challenges?

When there is sufficient trust between Oak and the partner. (B) Signup and view all the answers

What is a primary characteristic of capacity building providers who are highly effective?

They view the partner as their client, prioritizing the partner's needs over Oak's. (A) Signup and view all the answers

What aspect of a consultant's approach most strongly suggests a 'vocational commitment,' as mentioned in the text?

Their dedication and belief in the cause, showing it's 'more than just a job'. (B) Signup and view all the answers

Why is it beneficial for capacity building providers to be local, according to the provided text?

Local providers better understand the partner’s language, culture, and context. (D) Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following best exemplifies a facilitator, coaching approach in capacity building, as described in the text?

The provider encourages collaborative efforts and the partner makes its own decisions. (A) Signup and view all the answers

According to the content, which of the following process is essential for cultivating partner ownership?

Utilizing inclusive and facilitated group processes. (D) Signup and view all the answers

What does the text emphasize regarding the design of effective capacity building processes?

They should be applied, experiential such as using practical assignments. (B) Signup and view all the answers

What does the text suggest about the importance of understanding cultural issues in capacity building?

Cultural issues relate to having certain conversations, framing issues, and interpreting partner feedback. (A) Signup and view all the answers

What does the text emphasize regarding effective capacity building providers' interactions with partners?

They can make meaning from what they hear, and listen deeply. (D) Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Oak Foundation Capacity Building Playbook

This document outlines Oak's approach to capacity building
The vision is for grantees to become stronger and more able to achieve their goals
The focus is on assisting individual grantee organizations to access appropriate support in their learning journeys
The playbook originated from a 2018-2019 learning program focused on capacity building
It's based on a study of nine capacity building case studies and four guidance documents
Authored by Rick James (INTRAC) and Adriana Craciun

Aligning the Stars

Effective capacity building requires motive, means, and opportunity
Motive: Partner genuinely owns process and has strong desire for change
Means: High-quality, strong capacity providers
Opportunity: Oak provides thoughtful capacity building support to partners aligned with grant-making programs
This ensures effective capacity building support.

Star Number 1: Motive - Ownership

Partner ownership is crucial for successful capacity building initiatives
Partner ownership is a key success factor in capacity building initiatives, as demonstrated in nine case studies
Leaders need to believe in and drive change
Partners must be open to change, rather than merely accepting it

Star Number 2: Means - Quality Support

Capacity building providers must possess certain characteristics
Providers should be highly committed to the partner, with a genuine belief that the partner knows best
Providers must be competent with experience in facilitating change and organizational function
They should be able to conduct interviews and discussions effectively, incorporating inclusive, participatory, and consultative methods

Star Number 3: Opportunities

Organizations often fail to change due to busyness or other pressures
Capacity building events can provide a safe space for discussion and development of action plans
Follow-up support is critical, including monitoring and mentoring
Change is a gradual process, not an instant event, requiring time and patience

7 Ways to Create Opportunities

Fund capacity building processes within grants
Fund capacity building through intermediaries
Signpost to capacity building opportunities from Oak pooled fund
Pay attention to the process but keep a hands-off approach and give it time
Align with own grant strategy and support of the program
Align with other funders
Learn intentionally

Conclusion

Getting partner ownership, quality facilitation, and appropriate support for capacity building is important but challenging.
Oak can only influence alignment of these factors; it cannot fully control them.
Oak is committed to helping partners achieve their goals through high-quality capacity building tailored to their needs.

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Description

Explore the Oak Foundation's approach to capacity building through this playbook. Focusing on empowering grantee organizations, this resource offers insights drawn from case studies to assist partners in their learning journeys and achieve their goals. Delve into the key elements of effective capacity building that combine motive, means, and opportunity.