In the realm of youth-focused organizational growth and development, it's critical to understand the unique roles played by research and evaluation firms vs. capacity-building firms. While they work in tandem, I want to shed light on why capacity-building organizations hold the edge when it comes to driving sustainable and impactful transformations in youth-serving organizations and networks. 💡

Before jumping in, I do want to take a moment to recognize how jargon-y and empty the term "capacity-building" has become. And it's SO TRUE. The term itself—“capacity-building”— is ick. Deficit-based. Hierarchical. Generally unsupportive. Read Marcus Littles’ piece, “Should We Cancel Capacity Building?” in Nonprofit Quarterly and dig deeper with GEO’s Reimagining Capacity Building: Navigating Culture, Systems & Power.

We use the term “capacity-building” because it has become a common term in our field, but what we're really trying to do here...what we are truly amazing at doing...is supporting organizational resiliency.

Many types of organizations “build capacity” and to varying degrees. Lately, there’s a trend of hiring research and evaluation organizations to do this work or advise you on doing this work. If you’re considering hiring a research and evaluation group to support your capacity building efforts, read on.

What are the strengths of these types of organizations?
🔬 Research & Evaluation Firms 🔬
Find out where you are and set a course for your destination with research and evaluation organizations.

Research & evaluation firms are undoubtedly valuable in collecting and analyzing data, providing insights into program effectiveness, and measuring outcomes. Their focus primarily revolves around conducting studies, surveys, and data-driven assessments to evaluate current performance or specific interventions. These groups excel at generating evidence-based findings, allowing organizations to make informed decisions.

They will help you collect and review data. They will make recommendations based on the data analysis and also broader knowledge from other organizations. The work you do with research and evaluation groups provides a great launchpad for your work moving forward.

💡 Capacity-Building Orgs 💡
If you are looking for support in reaching your destination, that is the strength of capacity-building organizations.

Capacity-building orgs take a holistic approach by focusing on long-term growth, knowledge transfer, and skill enhancement. They partner with clients to identify strengths and challenges, design tailored strategies, and implement targeted actions to improve overall effectiveness of your initiatives.

Capacity-building firms can offer coaching and support to empower teams to use what is learned through research and evaluation so they can build their capabilities, adapt to change, and achieve sustainable success.

🔑 The Power of Capacity-Building Orgs 🔑
1️⃣ Customized Solutions: Unlike research and evaluation groups, capacity-building firms offer personalized strategies that align with the unique needs and goals of an organization and provide practical and actionable solutions. Capacity-building orgs are also skilled at supporting adults so they can better do their work.

2️⃣ Long-Term Impact: Capacity-building firms foster lasting change by investing in individuals and teams. They enhance skills, knowledge, and abilities, empowering employees to excel in their roles and adapt to evolving circumstances. This approach creates a culture of continuous improvement and positions organizations for sustained success.

3️⃣ Collaboration & Empowerment: Capacity-building firms foster collaboration, engagement, and empowerment within organizations. They are experts at facilitation, adult learning, coaching and development. By involving all stakeholders, they create a shared vision, promote ownership, and encourage active participation. This collaborative environment fuels innovation, fosters creativity, and nurtures a sense of belonging.

🌟 Unlock Your Organization's Potential 🌟
While research & evaluation firms are crucial in providing insights and setting a strong foundation for your work, capacity-building firms hold the key to unlocking an organization or network’s full potential and helping you reach your destination. It’s best if you can access both types of organizations to truly leverage your organization’s potential, but beware of organizations claiming to do it all. In our experience, and I’m sure in yours, too—when you try to do everything, you do nothing well.

🤝 Give me a “YES” 🙌 below if you want to explore how capacity-building orgs like Development Without Limits can propel your organization or network towards a brighter future with young people, families and communities. 💪