2013 Organizational Capacity Grants
ACF Favored Conservation Strategies and Capacity Best Practices
In order to be considered for an Organizational Capacity grant, an organization must already
demonstrate a commitment to achieve more robust environmental policies, enduring conservation
impact, and a more influential conservation movement through implementation of ACF’s favored
conservation strategies (see below). Organizations whose work does not strongly align with two or
more of these strategies should not consider submitting an application.
Successful applicants that meet the above criteria will propose a clear plan for strengthening their
organizational capacity, considering the best practices identified by ACF (see below). ACF does not
expect applicants to already follow all of these practices. ACF will favor applications that offer an
honest and adequate assessment of current capacity, and a prioritization of capacity building goals.
ACF favors the following conservation strategies:
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Innovation: piloting creative or uncommon approaches to conservation, adapting to changing
external environment/landscape
Civic Engagement & Citizen Action: engaging citizens to take active roles in conservation
issues through effective organizing and grassroots mobilization; employing staff to take a
facilitation and support role.
Diverse Partnerships: engaging diverse stakeholders at the onset of campaigns/projects;
listening, respecting and incorporating perspectives, needs, and approaches of allies
Problem Solving: advancing proactive approaches that favor solutions and long-term outcomes;
providing compelling alternatives, and positioning the organization as a trusted resource
Collaboration: developing conservation strategies with other organizations, working
strategically with others on shared messaging, technology, activist engagement, coordinating
activities
Public Awareness & Education: effectively strengthening or broadening the public’s
understanding of conservation issues toward conservation policy
ACF supports the following best practices for building organizational capacity:
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Sustainable funding-reflected by cash reserves, stable and diverse revenue sources
Effective leadership-influential, motivating leadership that builds rapport with staff and partners
Stable staffing-supported by sufficient compensation/incentives and professional development
Effective governance-an engaged board that raises support for the organization and represents
the organization’s key constituents
Volunteer engagement & support-roles, opportunities, and/or training for volunteers
Sound business practices-effective human resources support, financial management, and use of
shared services (when applicable)
Effective technology-exploration of, and investment in, new systems/ tools that strengthen
impact