Oak 5 Capacity Building Playbook

Oak Foundation's plan for supporting grantees to become stronger and more effective in achieving their goals.

Oak's key goal for grantees: to become stronger and more capable of achieving their objectives over time.

Oak's approach to capacity building focuses on helping grantees find appropriate learning opportunities.

The playbook was developed through insights from Oak staff and analysis of capacity building case studies and guidance documents.

The playbook provides a framework for Oak staff to effectively support grantees in their capacity building.

Capacity building is most effective when the organization themselves desire and actively seek change.

The organization genuinely wants to improve. They have a strong personal reason to change their situation.

The partner has the required resources and tools to implement the change.

The opportunity to implement the change is presented in a timely manner.

High quality, capable individuals or organizations who can effectively guide the partner's growth.

Thoughtful and timely support that aligns with the partner's grant-making programs.

A key factor that determines the success of capacity building initiatives.

Oak's approach to capacity building emphasizes the importance of partner ownership, means and opportunity.

Understanding a partner's motivations, values, and history to effectively support their development.

Building strong trust and transparency in a partnership.

Spending time understanding the bigger picture of a partner's organization, beyond just the project at hand.

Taking responsibility for the success of a partnership and actively working towards it.

Empowering partners to manage their own resources and finances.

Focusing on partners' strengths and areas for growth, not just their weaknesses.

Using open discussions to address issues constructively and collaboratively.

Leaders who are open to change and willing to challenge their own assumptions.

When capacity building efforts focus on the needs and priorities of the recipient organization (the partner), rather than on what the donor (Oak) thinks is best.

Capacity building providers who are dedicated to their work beyond just making money, with a sense of mission and purpose.

Capacity building processes that empower the partner to take ownership and make their own decisions.

Methods that involve the partner in decision-making, ensuring their input and perspectives are considered.

Capacity building activities that are hands-on and practical, allowing the partner to apply their learning directly.

The ability of capacity building providers to design training programs that are likely to lead to real change for the partner.

Being able to effectively guide discussions, facilitate group work, and create a supportive environment for learning.

Understanding and appreciating cultural nuances and customs in partner organizations.

Successful capacity building needs to be planned thoughtfully, implemented effectively, and evaluated thoroughly for meaningful learning.

Focusing on what's working well is crucial for positive learning and continuous improvement in capacity building.

Constantly asking how things are progressing is important for maintaining momentum and understanding the process.

Patience is key in acknowledging that lasting change takes time, especially when partners are busy with core work.

Oak's funding power allows it to influence change but not directly control it; the approach should be to encourage and inspire.

Collaborating with other funders can create a more impactful and coordinated approach to capacity building.

Even when facing challenges and misalignments, building trust can bridge gaps and improve outcomes.

Oak Foundation emphasizes open communication and mutual understanding with grantees. This includes discussing challenges and concerns honestly, while being aware of Oak's donor influence.

Oak Foundation supports grantees in identifying their own capacity building needs. This often involves facilitating self-assessments and exploring opportunities for development.

Oak Foundation believes capacity building should be a deliberate choice by the grantee, not a requirement imposed by the donor. Grantees must explicitly choose to start the change process.

Oak Foundation encourages grantees to choose and contract with their own consultants. Oak provides guidance and support in selecting appropriate partners.

Oak Foundation believes capacity building should happen when the grantee is ready and motivated. It avoids forcing change or making decisions for the grantee.

Oak Foundation can provide support and guidance for capacity building, but it's crucial to have a trusted and neutral third party to facilitate the process. This avoids the impression of a donor imposing their agenda.

Oak Foundation emphasizes trust as a foundation for successful capacity building. Without a sufficient level of trust, it's difficult to have open conversations and make progress together.