We recognize that strong local organizations are a key element in achieving community based economic development and forest restoration. That's why we launched the Organizational Capacity Building Program to promote the growth and longevity of vital community organizations and leverage our impact across the region.

Twelve community‐based natural resource organizations and collaborative groups are participating in the program to build their organizational strength, so that they are better able to accomplish land stewardship, explore integrated woody biomass utilization, and pursue improved federal and state forest policy.

Over the next 18 months, participating groups will engage in a rigorous scope of work including organizational assessments, peer learning, training workshops and webinars, and one-on-one technical assistance with some of the foremost experts in the fields of capacity building and natural resource management. When the program concludes, they'll share their stories and reflect on how the program has impacted their organization and helped develop a regional network to collaboratively accomplish the shared values and objectives of the Dry Forest Investment Zone.

Sustainable Northwest is partnering with Barbara Wyckoff of Dynamica Consulting, with the assistance of Kathleen Dowd-Gailey of the National Forest Foundation, to design and carry out the program.

Contact Maia Enzer, menzer@sustainablenorthwest.org, or Alaina Pomeroy, apomeroy@sutainablenorthwest.org, for more information about the program. 

Participating Organizations

Click here to learn more about these organizations engaged in cutting-edge work that will help shape the future of the region.

Program Resources

Click here to view resources and publications used in the program.

Support the Program

The Organizational Capacity Building Program is funded by USDA Rural Development and the U.S. Endowment for Forestry and Communities, Inc.

If you want to help build strong rural organizations, join our funders by donating here to support the work of Sustainable Northwest.