What is capacity building and why do funders value it?

Short Answer #

Capacity building strengthens the people, systems, and knowledge needed to sustain language revitalization efforts.

Expanded Answer #

Funders often look for investments that continue generating benefits long after a project concludes. Capacity building helps achieve this. Examples include:

• Training language workers
• Developing educators
• Strengthening governance
• Improving organizational systems
• Creating sustainable workflows

Capacity building creates resilience. Communities become better equipped to pursue future opportunities independently. This often leads to stronger long-term outcomes.