Capacity Building
McAuley Ministries assists nonprofit organizations serving the Hill District, Uptown, and West Oakland to enhance their ability to fulfill their missions by strengthening nonprofit governance and leadership; strategic and business planning; program development; technology and information systems; management systems and practices; and financial resources. McAuley Ministries will also serve as a convener to encourage collaboration and strategic alliances for greater collective impact. Priority will be given to:
- Leadership development and growing the next generation of leaders.
- Strategic planning and program-specific planning to accelerate innovation.
- General operating support for mission-critical organizations that demonstrate the capacity to produce outcomes for residents and the community.
- Convenings that encourage strategic alliances and enhance collective impact; support for planning and operationalizing alliances.
- Limited capital funding for facilities and technology linked to programming and operational improvements that are consistent with our grantmaking priorities.
Stories of Hope
Acculturation for Justice, Access and Peace Outreach (AJAPO)
One family of six (three adults and three school age children) from Congo arrived in September 2019 through a visa lottery which permits them to live and work in the United States. An American friend who they knew contacted AJAPO for assistance, and we found them a house, welcomed them, furnished, and set up their home. The three adults were immediately ready to work in spite of having little knowledge of English. Two of them were placed in laundry jobs where they did very well and have been able to take care of the family without much financial assistance from AJAPO or anyone else. The father who understands more English was advised to stay home as we worked through the enrollment of the kids in school and prepared them to commence school. The family is now self-sufficient as they know how to manage their own budget, take on various roles that is required of the entire family members, and organize their lives such that the father is now also able to work. While the older son worked to help the family settle financially, he now plans to enroll at the community college for the Fall semester while he continues to work part-time.
“Their story of success within such a short period is admirable as they are a good example of how immigrants can thrive when given the opportunity.”