iCAP Program

The Impact Capacity Assessment Program (iCAP), administered by the Western New York Foundation, is a structured, team-based initiative aimed at helping nonprofit organizations evaluate and strengthen their internal operational capacity. Recognizing that long-term sustainability and strategic growth depend on robust internal processes, iCAP offers an intensive eight to ten-month engagement process supported by a dedicated organizational development consultant. The program is tailored for nonprofits that are actively seeking to assess their current capacity, identify areas for growth, and construct a clear roadmap for future development. At the core of the iCAP program is a consultant-guided assessment of the organization's capacity across multiple operational domains. Participants—comprising board members and staff—complete one or more online diagnostic assessments focused on critical organizational competencies. These tools are designed to highlight capacity strengths and weaknesses, which serve as the foundation for strategic planning. Following the assessment, the consultant develops a capacity snapshot that informs the rest of the program’s activities. This snapshot allows the organization to engage in thoughtful discussions about institutional growth, limitations, and goals. Based on this diagnostic phase, the consultant supports the nonprofit in creating a comprehensive two-to-three-year capacity-building action plan. This plan includes specific goals and benchmarks for measuring progress over time. The consultant remains engaged throughout the program, offering technical assistance, coaching, and advisory support to help address organizational challenges and ensure the implementation of the action plan. Participants benefit from both tailored one-on-one consulting as well as facilitated team conversations to align leadership around strategic priorities. As part of its support, iCAP provides a $10,000 stipend to each participating organization. This funding, made possible by the Ralph C. Wilson, Jr. Foundation, is intended to help offset the administrative costs incurred during the assessment and planning process. While this is not a traditional project grant, the stipend is a critical enabler for nonprofit organizations to fully participate in the demanding assessment process without diverting essential operational resources. To qualify for iCAP, applicants must be tax-exempt under Section 501(c)(3) of the IRS Code and operate within specific organizational domains. Eligible applicants include food system organizations (with at least 90% of operations focused on food systems), arts and culture organizations, and rural organizations. Organizations must also meet operational thresholds, including having filed IRS Form 990 (not postcard versions) for the past three years, a minimum operating budget between $250,000 and $6 million, and a full-time staff equivalent of at least four. Additionally, the Executive Director must have served in their role for at least one year, depending on their familiarity with the organization. The iCAP program operates on a defined annual timeline. For the current cycle, Letters of Intent (LOIs) opened on December 5, 2025, and will close on January 28, 2026. Notifications of LOI decisions will be sent by February 11, 2026. Full applications are due by March 4, 2026, and site visits are scheduled to occur in April 2026. Final proposal decisions will be announced in May 2026. This structured timeline ensures ample time for applicant preparation, review, and engagement. Applicants should direct inquiries to [email protected] or call (716) 839-4225. Additional information may be available on the Western New York Foundation’s website.