How Do Intermediaries Interpret and Implement Capacity-Building Approaches in Their Work?

• In Event: Division J Vice Presidential Session: A Critical Approach to Capacity Building: Lessons Learned From HBCU Administrators

Abstract

Philanthropic intermediaries are pivotal in organizational capacity building for higher education institutions (Strickland, 2007). Their interpretation of capacity building is represented not only in how they define capacity building but also reflected in their implementation practices. Interpretation and implementation of capacity-building practices across these philanthropic intermediaries should illuminate ways these organizations can infuse a more culturally relevant framework. Since capacity-building research has not adequately been explored concerning higher education institutions, there needs to be more research on the need for philanthropic intermediaries and the connection between underfunding and capacity-building. This means there needs to be more knowledge on the most effective capacity-building methods in education. The selected philanthropic intermediaries provide funding with the goal of capacity building for HBCUs across the country. Our research question is: How do intermediaries interpret and implement capacity-building approaches in their work?
We will gather various documents involved in interpreting and implementing capacity-building practices from each philanthropic intermediary: UNCF’s Institute for Capacity Building, The Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation, Ascendium, and the Lumina Foundation. We will complete a document analysis consisting of content and a thematic analysis with alignment to our culturally relevant framework (Bowen, 2009). We will apply our culturally relevant framework and use it as a lens to analyze the documents. Grounded theory will be used throughout our research (Bowen, 2009). This research will be beneficial to developing and applying culturally relevant frameworks to capacity-building practices at HBCUs. This research should illuminate the connection between underfunding and the need for capacity building while providing best practices and practical approaches relevant to all higher education institutions that serve historically underrepresented populations.

Authors

• Yanesia Norris, Schaefer Center for Public Policy

• Alexus SA Laster, Howard University

• Keeley Copridge, Frederick D. Patterson Research Institute

• Nadrea Njoku, Escend