Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Welcome to The Network FAQs! Here you’ll find answers to common questions from both Community-Based Organizations (CBOs) and Subject Matter Experts (SMEs), along with links to recorded information sessions for additional guidance.

CBO FAQs

  • Community-Based Organization

  • A Community-Based Organization (CBO) is an entity that operates within a specific community or geographical area, is hyperlocal and knowledgeable of the community area, and aims to address local needs and improve the well-being of community members.

  • Capacity Building is the process of strengthening the skills, competencies, and abilities of people and organizations so they can sustainably and effectively achieve their goals. Building internal capacity and organizational infrastructure helps community-based organizations to leverage strengths, address gaps, and thrive as an organization. The GASC views capacity building as an investment in the effectiveness and sustainability of organizations doing critical work in communities. By supporting the capacity building goals of organizations, we help ensure they operate at a high level, leading to greater impact in the communities we serve.

  • To be eligible for services, CBOs must be actively engaged in community violence intervention (CVI) and/or violence prevention efforts.  These may include:

    1. Street Outreach and Intervention:

      • Engaging individuals at highest risk of violence, mediating conflicts, preventing retaliation, and facilitating service connections.

        • Example: CBOs responding to instances of violence in the community (shootings, stabbings, or fights) and knowing those folks in the community who may be involved to ultimately disrupt and try to resolve the violence.

    2. Case Management:

      • Providing individualized assessments, ongoing support, and connections to services such as employment, housing, and behavioral health.

    3. Victim Services:

      • Supporting victims and families impacted by violence through crisis intervention, counseling, advocacy, and referrals.

    4. Focus on Highest-Risk:

      • Prioritizing those most likely to experience or perpetrate violence in the near term.

  • The focus of The Network is to provide free capacity services to CVI organizations although we recognize that multiple strategies and organizations are crucial in creating safer communities.  If you are interested in applying for free capacity building services and want to know if you qualify, please reach out to admin.gascnetwork@ucanchicago.org.

  • The Network is projected to support 400 CBOs across 3 years.

  • The Network will work primarily with the organization’s executive director and they can decide which individuals they want to include from their organization.

  • Our goal is to provide services individualized to CBOs to meet their unique needs.  In general, we expect to provide free capacity building services for at least one year.

  • The services offered to CBOs through The Network are completely free of charge!

  • We prefer to literally meet CBOs where they are at and meet in your office space or in your community.  If desired, we are happy to provide meeting space to best meet any CBO needs.

  • The Network utilizes a comprehensive Capacity Building Assessment that has been developed with ICJIA’s Institute 2 Innovate (i2i). It is designed to help us understand your current strengths, capacity, and identify areas where we can best support you. The focus is understanding your current capacity and where we can assist you with growth!

  • At a minimum, we aim to meet with you twice a month ideally on a bi-weekly basis. These regular check-ins help us stay connected and responsive to any changes or needs. Our goal is to find a rhythm that works best for you. The frequency and format of meetings can be adjusted collaboratively to ensure the best support is provided.

  • After successfully engaging in services, you will receive a certificate of completion that reflects your commitment to capacity building with The Network. 

  • You can typically expect to be contacted within 2–4 weeks after submitting your application and receive an update on the outcome.  If your organization is not selected for the current cohort, please know that you may be considered in future cohorts. We are committed to supporting your capacity building and growth!

SME FAQs

  • Subject Matter Expert

  • SMEs are individuals or organizations that are an expert in a specific area, practice, or method. In the context of The Network, SMEs support community-based organization (CBO) capacity building by providing training and technical assistance (TTA) to CBOs.

  • We recognize that SMEs provide a variety of services and have a variety in expertise and experience. Interested applicants should list the current rate they have for services.

  • Each SME’s time commitment may vary depending on the needs of the CBOs they support. Providing up-to-date availability and scheduling helps us ensure that SMEs are matched effectively and that CBOs receive the support they need.

  • Hours are assigned according to CBO need and SME and CBO availability.

  • The number of organizations each SME supports will depend on several factors, including availability, the goals of each CBO, and the SMEs area of expertise.

  • Organizations with multiple staff can apply for the organization to be an SME. When submitting the SME application, please clarify whether you are applying on behalf of the organization or as an individual.

  • No. We want to work with SMEs that are individuals or organizations.

  • SMEs should highlight past work and projects that reflect relevant experience, including examples of capacity building, community engagement, and subject-matter expertise. It’s also helpful to include examples of any existing training materials, frameworks, or regiments that showcase established practices.

  • Work samples should show your experience in providing capacity building, training, or technical assistance in the domain(s) you are including in your proposal.  Examples of work may include, agendas, slide decks, work plans, or outcomes of projects you have worked on.

  • Only name and contact information is required but letters of recommendation would likely make the proposal stronger.

  • SMEs are encouraged to apply at any time.

  • We prefer that SMEs provide coaching and technical assistance through in-person participation. Virtual service delivery can be scheduled based on each CBO’s specific needs.

  • Yes. Prior to meeting with SMEs, each CBO will receive a Capacity Building Assessment and collaborate with The Network to develop an individualized Capacity Building Plan. This plan will then guide how The Network will coordinate connections between CBOs and SMEs. The main goal is to ensure that SME expertise aligns with the specific needs and goals of each CBO.

  • Engagement with CBOs will be guided by their Capacity Building Plan and their goals. The Network will work with CBOs to regularly assess their progress towards achieving goals to guide service delivery and SME engagement. In general, CBOs will be engaged in capacity building services for 1 year.

  • SMEs are also expected to document all interactions by completing case notes after each meeting or service provided to CBOs.

  • We anticipate providing each CBO with one year of service. We will work with each CBO to meet their individual needs, which may result in some CBOs receiving services for more or less than one year.

  • We require that each SME have the education, skills and experience in their expertise areas. There are not any specific licensing requirements, but we ask that you provide your relevant background, years of experience, and skills in the different areas of expertise that you have.

  • The Network will begin onboarding and enrollment for CBOs between November and December 2025. Additionally, during this time, selected SMEs will be invited to participate in an orientation to prepare for their engagement with organizations.

Watch Recorded Information Sessions

Watch the recordings below to learn more about The Network, the application process, and what to expect after you’re accepted.