Local nonprofits eager to expand their capacity can now apply to be part of the second class of the Wake County Nonprofit Institute. Applications open today, July 1, and close Thursday, July 23.

Building on the success of the inaugural class earlier this year, Wake County Public Health, in collaboration with the Wake County Office of Organizational Excellence and community leaders, will welcome a new group this August.

“Strong nonprofits make for a stronger community, and this institute helps organizations build the internal capacity they need to serve more residents, more effectively,” said Wake County Commissioner Cheryl Stallings. “We encourage any organization looking to grow its impact to apply.”

Participants will engage in a four-month capacity-building program featuring:

• Monthly training sessions on core organizational skills
• Practical tools, templates and resources
• One-on-one consulting and coaching
• Peer learning and collaboration
• Guidance to strengthen internal systems and leadership practices
   

The cost is $100 per organization, which covers up to three staff members to participate.

Application Timeline

• Applications open: July 1, 2026
• Informational webinar: Tuesday, July 7, from 1–2:30 p.m.
• Informational webinar: Thursday, July 10, from 10–11:30 a.m.
• Applications close: Thursday, July 23
• Review period: July 24–30
• Organizations notified: Friday, July 31
• Program period: Aug. 1–Dec. 31
   

Organizations can apply online at wake.gov/NPI.

About the Wake County Nonprofit Institute

Since 2022, the HealthLit4Wake program has awarded nearly one million dollars in mini grants to organizations working to improve health literacy and address the drivers of health in under-resourced communities. Through these partnerships, the County observed a consistent need—many small nonprofits are deeply committed to their communities but often face operational limitations that make it difficult to grow, stabilize their work or expand their impact.

The Wake County Nonprofit Institute was established to support local nonprofit organizations in strengthening their governance, operations and leadership capabilities.

The first class graduated this past spring with 18 nonprofits taking part. The cohort completed four two-hour sessions that covered marketing, organizational structure, program management and strategic planning. After the training, each organization received five hours of individualized consulting and a one-year membership with the North Carolina Center for Nonprofits.

“The capacity-building workshops have been incredibly valuable. I am already applying what I've learned to strengthen our organization's unique approach and improve our current processes,” said Ivania Gutierrez, CEO of Connecting Community. “Looking ahead, these insights are helping me thoughtfully connect our work to future funding opportunities.”

More information, including a list of previous participants and application details for Fall 2026, is available at wake.gov/NPI.