Building the Capacity of the Voluntary Nonprofit Sector: Challenges of Theory and Practice

Abstract

As voluntary and community organizations in the UK (VCOs) expand their role in the provision of public services, they are under increasing pressure from governmental funders to improve their management and organizational systems - to “build their capacity.” This paper considers the theoretical and practical challenges posed by the idea of “capacity building.” It also looks at the challenges for VCOs of meeting the capacity building agenda while simultaneously retaining organizational distinctiveness and independence. Action research is proposed as a means to meet the challenges.

A keynote paper prepared for the EGPA Workshop on Voluntary Action in Europe, Lisbon, September 2003. Revised for IJPA special edition following comments at Workshop, October 2003.

Keywords:

• capacity
• capacity-building
• third sector
• UK voluntary organizations
• nonprofit organizations

Notes

A keynote paper prepared for the EGPA Workshop on Voluntary Action in Europe, Lisbon, September 2003. Revised for IJPA special edition following comments at Workshop, October 2003.

11. Ibid., 29

12. Ibid., 47

13. Ibid., 64

14. Ibid., 68

15. Home Office. Charities and Not-for-Profits: A Modern Legal Framework: The Government’s Response to “Private Action, Public Benefit.” Home Office: London, 2003; paragraph 5.45

16. HM, Treasury. The Role of the Voluntary and Community Sector in Service Delivery: A Cross Cutting Review. HM Treasury and Compact Working Group: London, 2002; 31; See also HM Treasury. FutureBuilders: An Investment Fund for the Voluntary and Community Sector Public Service Delivery. HM Treasury and Compact Working Group: London, 2003.

17. Ibid., 19.

18. Ibid.

34. Ibid., 521.