Institute for Capacity Strengthening

As a faith-based, private organization, CRS is committed to supporting local civil society actors, including Catholic Church and other civil society organizations and government, to strengthen their capacity to contribute to lasting and meaningful social change. Local partnerships foster greater understanding of local needs and context and allow for more appropriate, equitable and sustainable solutions. CRS’ approach to capacity strengthening is founded on decades of experience and constant refinement. It is grounded in proven principles of organizational development, adult learning, change management, behavior change, and the principles of transparency, ownership, and respect for local autonomy. CRS’ approach to capacity strengthening also weaves in the organization’s partnership principles. CRS' approach to Capacity Strengthening is threefold:

Capacity Building: Capacity building is focused on individuals and teams, enhancing or developing new KSAs (knowledge, skills, attitudes) so people or teams function more effectively. Capacity building is often done through training.

Institutional Strengthening: Institutional strengthening is focused on an organization. It enhances or develops the systems and structures needed to function effectively, work towards sustainability, and achieve goals. Institutional strengthening is about systems and structures and improving the enabling environment.

Accompaniment: Accompaniment refers to thoughtful and consistent coaching and mentoring after specific interventions such as workshops, organization design, or on- the-job training. It is further successful when it includes other methods of continuous learning such as peer-to-peer learning, job share and secondment, program and management quality assurance.