As can be seen in Exhibit 1, FBCOs were particularly positive about the extent to which CCF support contributed to the improved organizational capacity and improved level or quality of services. In both instances, over 90% of FBCOs reported that the CCF services contributed “somewhat” or “to a great extent” to improvements in these developmental areas.1 Intermediaries’ assistance in improving financial stability was also rated positively but by a somewhat smaller proportion of FBCOs (79%). More detailed information about changes in important developmental areas is presented below.

Strengthening FBCOs’ Organizational Capacity

Fund Development Strategies. FBCOs were asked about their experience in applying for andreceiving funding from various sources both before and after their receipt of the CCF services. These questions were designed to gauge changes in FBCOs’ pursuit of funding from federal andstate and local government agencies as well as from foundations and other federated giving groupssuch as the United Way.

As a group, FBCOs reported increases in their rate of application submission to each of the funding sources after receipt of capacity building services: 40% increase to federal agencies, 30% increase to state/local government agencies, 20% increase to federated giving groups, and 7% increase to foundations. This increased application activity led to increased success in obtaining funding from these sources as well. FBCOs reported an 11% increase in application funding from both federal government agencies and federated giving groups and a positive but smaller increase in application funding from foundations and state/local government agencies (6% and 4%, respectively). Relative to other sources, the survey also indicates that the FBCOs were most inclined to pursue funding opportunities from philanthropic foundations. The proportion applying for funding from this source was relatively high (70%) prior to receipt of CCF services and increased to 75% since receipt of the sub-award.

Overall, 67% of FBCOs responding to the survey indicated that CCF services increased their abilityto seek or diversify funding sources. Behind these overall trends there were some differences in theresponses of faith-based groups and secular organizations. As seen in Exhibit 2, faith-basedorganizations reported the greatest increase in applications to federated giving groups (60%) whilesecular organizations reported a larger increase in applications to federal funding sources (51%) thanto other sources. Faith-based respondents reported a greater increase in successfully obtaining fundingfrom federal sources while secular organizations reported the greatest increase in receipt of fundingfrom federated giving groups.

1 Four survey response options included “a great extent,” “somewhat,” “very little,” and “not at all.”