The Seven Elements of Nonprofit Capacity
Nonprofit capacity is not a vague concept or a “nice to have.” It is the practical foundation that determines whether an organization can sustain impact as it grows. The Capacity Framework identifies seven connected elements—aspirations, strategy, organizational skills, human resources, systems and infrastructure, organizational structure, and culture—and argues that organizations must think carefully about what to build first. The central insight is simple: when mission, vision, and goals are clear and aligned, they drive everything downstream. Case studies (including The Nature Conservancy) show how aspiration-level alignment can unlock cooperation, focus resources, and strengthen outcomes at scale.
