The Three Track Training Program for
Target Area Non-Profit Organizations
  

Training Calendar

2009 Training Calendar

Newsletter

2009 Newsletter

Over the past five years, the Harris County Community Services Department (HCCSD) has assisted communities throughout Harris County plan for the revitalization of their communities. 
    
Non-profit organizations have been working in our community revitalization areas by serving and meeting the needs of citizens, improving the quality of life in our communities, and partnering with businesses and government to create a vibrant economy.  However, many of these community-based non-profit organizations lack the capacity, training, and resources needed to implement, as well as, maintain the vision and needs of their communities.
    
As a result, HCCSD is committed to assisting these planned communities through information, training, and technical assistance to build community-based organizations, so that they may make a greater impact in their neighborhoods. To be eligible for the program, organizations must be located in a HCCSD Community Plan Target Area. 

Components of the Program

The Three Track Training Program is designed to equip non-profits with startup resources and necessary tools to develop a vision, operate effectively and efficiently, and to establish planned projects that promote a mission.  The components of the program will include Education, Capacity Building, and Communication.
 
Training will consist of starting up new non-profit organizations in the community, assisting current non-profits, and planning and prioritization of community projects.  The program offers support and a variety of resources.
  
Education:  Provides technical assistance to Target Area plan communities that includes access to local workshops, seminars, conferences, and educational materials through an informational clearinghouse (refer to curriculum on back of brochure for trainings).
 
Capacity Building:  Provides resource building activities through the establishment of benchmarks for non-profit leadership and operations. non-profits will be guided to foundations and other Institutions that provide financial support.

Communication:  Introduces communication between government, non-profits, community partners and stakeholders to gain a greater understanding of resources, needs, and projects. 
 
  
Eligibility
To be eligible for participation, organizations must be located in HCCSD Community Planned area.  The training will provide a basis for increasing capacity for eligible non-profit organizations and providing necessary strategies and tools to assist with the implementation of a Community Plan.
  
Process
To ensure that all organizations meet the qualifications and are successfully established in the proper track of the program, the following must occur before an organization can begin the program:
 

1. A Three Track Training Packet will be sent to interested organizations.  An Organizational Worksheet, must be completed and returned to HCCSD.
   
2. Based on the survey’s outcome, another packet will be mailed that includes an Initial Organizational Assessment.  This assessment instrument will allow HCCSD to determine the organization’s eligibility, areas of interest, years of experience, management and financial skills level.
   
3. Based on the assessment results, the organization will be enrolled in the proper training track.
   
4. HCCEDD staff will meet with enrolled organizations to present an Orientation Workshop to discuss program guidelines and requirements, results of assessment, track identification, and track timeline development.
   
5. Once enrolled, staff will evaluate an organization’s progress throughout the entire program.
   
6. Upon completion of the program, technical assistance will be ongoing.
          

Below is the Three Track Training Program curriculum:
   
Track 1:  Non-profit Start-up and the Basics

• How to Become a non-profit Organization
• Training on Board Governance, Development, and Maintenance
• Conducting Successful Meetings
• Financial Responsibilities
• Mission Development
• Basic Responsibilities of non-profit Boards
• How to Contribute to an Effective Board Organization
• Choosing a Consultant
• Job Descriptions of Board Members
• Getting non-profits off the Ground
• Writing you own Organization’s Strategic Plan
• General Management 

Track 2:  Capacity Building

• Project Development
• Fundraising
• Financial Management
• Collaboration Building
• Grant Writing and Management
• Record Keeping
• Recruiting Volunteers
• CHDO Startup and Management
• Administrative and Operational Policies and Procedures
• Housing Development
• Economic Development
• Community Development   

Track 3:  Operating as a Business

• Staff Development
• Advanced Program Development
• Internal Control Practices
• Performance Measurement and Reviews
• Evaluation
• Human Resources
• Organizational Responsibilities
• Organizational Development

January to May 2007


April to June 2007

For more information on these programs, click here.