Welcome to the GASC Capacity Building Network

The GASC Capacity Building network or “The Network” is a comprehensive capacity building program for community-based organizations (CBOs) in the Chicago region. Led by the Government Alliance for Safe Communities (GASC) and administered by anchor organization, UCAN, The Network supports community-based organizations engaged in Community Violence Intervention (CVI) and violence prevention work. The goal is to provide tailored training and technical assistance that strengthens organizations and allows them to maximize their impact in communities.

Funded By the Government Alliance For Safe Communities

More About Capacity Building

  • 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. 

  • Organizations, both large and small, play critical roles in the communities they serve. Organizations engaged CVI and violence prevention work reach and support residents closest to gun violence, helping to effectively reduce their likelihood of being involved in a shooting while building peace in communities.  

    By providing comprehensive, coordinated capacity building support that meets the individualized needs of organizations, the GASC Capacity Building Network helps organizations achieve their goals and maximize their impact in communities. Through capacity building, the GASC is supporting stronger organizations, greater impact, and safer communities. 

GET CAPACITY BUILDING SUPPORT

Applications are now open for community-based organizations to join the first cohort of the GASC Capacity Building Network. Applications are due by Friday, October 10, 2025.

Eligibility Requirements

Organizations interested in joining The Network must be actively engaged in Community Violence Intervention (CVI) and/or violence prevention efforts. Priority will be given to CVI organizations currently receiving GASC funding. CVI organizations that have received GASC funding within the past 12 months are also eligible to participate.

Examples of CVI strategies include, but are not limited to:

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

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

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

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

Areas of Capacity Building Support Provided

Advocacy | Board Development | Communications & Public Relations | CVI Model Best Practices | Data Collection & Analysis | Fiscal Management | Grant Writing | Leadership Development | Organizational Development | Partnership Development | Program Evaluation | Strategic Planning | Others as Identified

The GASC Capacity Building Network strengthens Community-Based Organizations (CBOs) by providing data-driven capacity-building services, technical assistance, and training. CBOs work with a diverse network of Subject Matter Experts (SMEs) who provide tailored support to meet the individualized needs of the organization. SMEs are anchored by the GASC’s lead partner, UCAN. Through the anchor model, UCAN coordinates the administration of capacity building services and helps ensure CBOs meet their goals and experience measurable growth in operations, sustainability, and community impact.

Core Components of Capacity Building

- Connection & Access to SMEs

- Development of Capacity Building Plans

- Organizational Assessments

- Resource Toolkits & Best Practices

- Peer Learning & Collaboration

- Training & Technical Assistance

Join the GASC Capacity Building Network!

Next Steps

  • Community-Based Organizations (CBOs)

    CBOs will apply for capacity building services by submitting an initial inquiry through this site. Applicants will share preliminary information about their organization such as their key mission, key program(s), current challenges, and goals.

    Organizations interested in joining The Network must be actively engaged in Community Violence Intervention (CVI) and/or violence prevention efforts. Examples include, but are not limited to: Street Outreach and Intervention, Case Management, Victim Services and Focus on Highest-Risk.

    Priority will be given to CVI organizations currently receiving GASC funding. CVI organizations that have received GASC funding within the past 12 months are also eligible to participate.

    Applications to join the first cohort of CBOs are due by Friday, October 10, 2025.

    Once received, the GASC Capacity Building Network will reach out to confirm information and eligibility of services.

    Subject Matter Experts (SMEs)

    SMEs will apply to become subject matter experts within The Network by submitting an initial inquiry through this site.

  • Community-Based Organizations (CBOs)

    Once eligibility is confirmed, CBOs will then receive a Detailed Capacity Assessment to evaluate their current capacity and their specific needs.

    The UCAN team will use the results from the Detailed Capacity Assessment and Initial Consultation to conduct an analysis of the CBO’s strengths, needs, and areas for potential growth.

    Subject Matter Experts (SMEs)

    Once initial inquiry is received, The Network will reach out to confirm preliminary information that was provided and discuss next steps regarding availability.

  • The UCAN team will then identify and connect CBOs to SMEs based upon the specific needs identified during the Initial Consultation and Detailed Capacity Assessment and the goals in the Capacity-Building Plans. 

    The UCAN team will facilitate the engagement between SMEs and CBOs, ensuring a clear understanding of roles, expectations, and deliverables.

    The UCAN team will solicit regular feedback from CBOs and SMEs to assess the effectiveness of the services and make improvements as needed.

    CBOs will plan to be engaged in services for one year, but will work collaboratively with the UCAN team to determine if more or less time is needed.

    As CBOs exit their services, UCAN will work with them to create a Sustainability Plan to help sustain their growth from the program.

GASC Capacity Building Resource Library

The Government Alliance for Safe Communities (GASC) is committed to supporting and building the capacity of community based-organizations working on the ground in communities. Recognizing the challenges many CBOs face in obtaining public funding, the GASC developed a resource library designed to support organizations looking to apply for funding opportunities across the city, county and state. From getting ready to apply for funding, through successful data collection and reporting, we have resources to help guide you through the grant process.