Western New York Foundation’s iCAP Core Program

The Western New York Foundation’s Impact Capacity Assessment Program Core (iCAP Core) is a targeted capacity-building initiative designed specifically for emerging and smaller nonprofit organizations. With a strong emphasis on organizational development, this program aims to enhance the effectiveness, leadership, and governance structures of participating nonprofits. The program recognizes that capacity building encompasses a broad array of activities that improve a nonprofit’s ability to achieve its mission. Drawing on definitions from Grantmakers for Effective Organizations, iCAP Core positions effectiveness as a combination of sound management, strategic governance, and a results-oriented approach. iCAP Core runs over a six-month period and offers an intensive coaching experience for nonprofit Executive Directors and Board Chairs. This dual-leadership model is central to the program’s approach, acknowledging the powerful influence of a strong, collaborative relationship at the top of an organization. One-on-one coaching sessions focus on improving leadership capabilities, strategic planning, and vision alignment. Additionally, board members receive development support through tailored training that enhances their understanding of governance responsibilities and fundraising roles. Participants are guided in developing a comprehensive, one-to-two-year organizational capacity-building plan. This plan includes clear goals, implementation strategies, and methods for measuring progress. The capacity-building plan is not only a key deliverable of the program but also serves as a roadmap for future investments, both from the Western New York Foundation and other potential funders. The plan is expected to address various functional areas, including leadership structure, board governance, financial systems, fundraising, marketing, evaluation, and information technology infrastructure. The program includes a stipend of $10,000 to offset administrative costs incurred during participation. This financial support is made possible through the generosity of the Ralph C. Wilson, Jr. Foundation. The stipend is intended to reduce the operational burden on organizations as they engage in the intensive activities required by iCAP Core. Eligible applicants must be 501(c)(3) nonprofits or organizations with a fiscal sponsor and meet one of the following criteria: (1) be a food systems organization with at least 90% of its work focused in that area, (2) be an arts and culture organization, or (3) be a rural-serving organization. Additional requirements include a minimum of two years in operation and an annual revenue of at least $50,000. The organization must also be led by an Executive Director or Director, and the board must commit to active engagement throughout the program. Applicants may submit a Letter of Intent (LOI) in one of two ways. They can apply via the foundation’s online grant portal or request a verbal LOI meeting with a program officer. To allow sufficient time before the deadline, verbal LOI meetings must be scheduled by January 14, 2026. The final LOI deadline is January 28, 2026. No pre-application LOI is mandated for access to the program, but it is the required format of entry. This program is not identified as recurring, and the timeline does not indicate future anticipated rounds.