1. Building Organizational Capacity: An evaluation of
the Sustainability Network
programs
Presented by: James Finch
Schulich School of Business

2. Overview
To evaluate the quality, effectiveness, and impact of contact techniques in strengthening the managerial capacity of the environmental nonprofit community.

3. Project Goals
Determine the degree to which participatory stakeholders are implementing tool/skill sets introduced workshops.
Elicit suggestions for program improvement.
Learn more about how participatory stakeholders are enhancing their managerial and organizational capacity.

4. Project Goals
Learn more about the capacity building needs of the nonprofit environmental community.
Determine the effectiveness in which contact techniques are delivered.

5. Project Results
150 questionnaires were mailed; 36 were returned – a 24% response rate (high).
Respondents profile:
# of employees: 11
# of volunteers: 106
# of board members: 14
# of years in existence: 15

6. Project Results
SN has established a reputation as an organization capable of delivering high quality and relevant programs.
The work of the SN has been a critical factor in cultivating awareness among community members of the need to invest in capacity building.

7. Project Results
Respondents indicated the need to discuss the issue of program distribution in order to adequately address the issue of geographical scope.
Respondents indicated the need to discuss program content the better reflects the specific needs of program participants.
Finally, respondents expressed the desire to have more opportunities to network.

8. Project Recommendations
Implementation of regionally based training events that are held outside of the GTA.
Tailor course content to adequately reflect participants’ level of knowledge and experience.

9. Project Recommendations
Further development and delivering of capacity building initiatives based on three areas of emphasis:
Fund development
Human resource management
Board development

10. Conclusion
Overall, respondents’ comments highlighted the favourable view of the Network with respect to both its program offerings and the role that it is performing in the nonprofit environmental community.