CAPACITY building COHORTS
Strength in Numbers, Power in Community
About VESTEDin™ Capacity Building Cohorts
Some of our founders' most powerful capacity building moments have come from peer organizations sharing "aha" moments, challenges, tools, and resources with each other. We created our Capacity Building Cohorts to multiply these opportunities for shared wisdom and solutions.
This collaborative approach draws from Bridget's own journey—her most significant accomplishments emerged through the power of collective action. By leveraging relationships across sectors, millions of dollars in public funding were secured, policies were revised, service delivery to disadvantaged populations was doubled, and game-changing public-private partnerships were established. None of this happened in isolation.
These experiences taught us a fundamental truth: when organizations come together with shared purpose, they don't just solve individual challenges—they transform entire communities. Our cohorts embody this principle, creating spaces where your breakthrough becomes another organization's inspiration, and their innovation becomes your next strategy.
You receive all the benefits of personalized coaching enhanced by the collective wisdom of other leaders navigating similar journeys. It's like having a board that truly understands your challenges and celebrates your victories.
What makes our cohorts special:
We thoughtfully bring together organizations at varied stages, facing comparable challenges, serving marginalized communities. The beautiful result? You're similar enough to relate deeply, yet different enough that the cross-pollination of ideas creates breakthrough moments. We've witnessed health organizations share creative fundraising approaches with education agencies, and community organizing nonprofits demonstrate outcome tracking to environmental groups. The synergy is remarkable.
Our journey together unfolds like this:
DISCOVERY (aka Finding Your True North)
GROUP ACTIVITIES (aka Collective Learning Labs)
GROUP ACTIVITIES (aka Collective Learning Labs)
- Each organization begins with a 75-minute STEMS conversation—your facilitated storytelling session
- We collectively explore themes and patterns across organizations
- Create both individual capacity building plans AND shared learning objectives
- Orient everyone to the exciting collaborative journey ahead
GROUP ACTIVITIES (aka Collective Learning Labs)
GROUP ACTIVITIES (aka Collective Learning Labs)
GROUP ACTIVITIES (aka Collective Learning Labs)
- Leadership development that engages and inspires
- Hands-on skill-building with immediate application
- Peer learning sessions where everyone contributes and benefits
- Cross-organizational problem-solving using insights from your STEMS conversations
INDIVIDUAL ACTIVITIES (aka Your Personal Growth Path)
INDIVIDUAL ACTIVITIES (aka Your Personal Growth Path)
INDIVIDUAL ACTIVITIES (aka Your Personal Growth Path)
- 1:1 coaching sessions addressing your specific opportunities identified in your STEMS conversation
- Implementation support for your customized S.E.E.D.S. growth plan
- Flexible online resources in Changemaker Grove available when inspiration strikes
- Knowledge transfer tool-kits that elevate your entire team
SUSTAINABLE IMPACT (aka Making Change Stick)
INDIVIDUAL ACTIVITIES (aka Your Personal Growth Path)
INDIVIDUAL ACTIVITIES (aka Your Personal Growth Path)
- Dedicated reflection time to consolidate learning
- Knowledge transfer plans that build organizational resilience
- Progress check-ins on your S.E.E.D.S. developmental markers
- Recognition and celebration of every milestone
The benefits of cohort participation:
1. YOUR PERSONALIZED ROADMAP PLUS PEER WISDOM: Every organization receives its individual STEMS conversation and S.E.E.D.S. growth plan, enhanced by insights from fellow cohort members facing similar challenges.
2. COLLECTIVE WISDOM WITH INDIVIDUAL ATTENTION: Learn from peers while receiving support for your unique situation—truly the best of both worlds.
3. BUDGET-CONSCIOUS EXCELLENCE: Access high-quality coaching and development at a fraction of individual consulting costs. Smart stewardship of resources.
4. BUILT-IN ACCOUNTABILITY PARTNERS: Positive peer support keeps everyone moving forward together. Plus, you'll build genuine professional relationships.
5. AUTHENTIC NETWORKING: Develop meaningful connections with potential collaborators through shared learning and growth.
6. IMPLEMENTATION FOCUS: We emphasize action and application. You'll leave with fundamental changes, not just good intentions.
YOUR CHANGEMAKER GROVE MEMBERSHIP
Every cohort member, along with their staff and board members, receives complimentary access to Changemaker Grove: Where Nonprofits Grow Deep Roots and Bear Bold Fruit. This nurturing online ecosystem extends the magic between sessions and post-cohort—fostering resource sharing, thoughtful discussions, and mutual encouragement.
"We've been through other peer learning programs, which were amazing and transformative. However, this surprises me, and I'm pleased that the process is both structured and open-ended. We're being given a lot of creative freedom and flexibility. I feel very met where we are—it's a very person-centered, organization-centered approach. It's turned this capacity-strengthening plan development activity from something that could be a chore and an obligation into a creative enterprise. It's a very different approach and feeling, and that's exciting." — Stuart Nelson, Executive Director, Institute for Spirituality and Health
Prefer individual attention? Our Capacity Coaching offers exclusive focus and customized planning—same expertise, in a more intimate setting.
