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Institute for Capacity Strengthening

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Capacity Strengthening Approaches

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.

Resources


  • An Overview of CRS’ Comprehensive Approach to Partnership and Capacity Strengthening

    PDF Job Aid

    An Overview of CRS’ Comprehensive Approach to Partnership and Capacity Strengthening

    This overview of CRS’ comprehensive approach to partnership and capacity strengthening is a reference for organizations that work in partnership with local organizations. Partnership and capacity...
  • Partnership and Capacity Strengthening Basics: A GUIDE FOR FACILITATORS

    PDF Training Manuals

    Partnership and Capacity Strengthening Basics: A GUIDE FOR FACILITATORS

    The training sessions aim to introduce and develop the participating audience’s foundational knowledge, skills and attitudes in partnership and capacity strengthening. The sessions can be used for...
  • View all resources in Capacity Strengthening Approaches

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Courses


  • Capacity Strengthening Basics: An Introduction to CRS’ Approach to Capacity Strengthening

    Course Course

    Capacity Strengthening Basics: An Introduction to CRS’ Approach to Capacity Strengthening

    Est. length: 0: 40 Level: Level 1: Meet It
  • View all courses to Capacity Strengthening Approaches

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    Catholic Relief Services is the official international humanitarian agency of the Catholic community in the United States.

    We are the official overseas relief and development agency of the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops and a member of Caritas International and the National Catholic Development Conference.

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