10/15/2025
The City of Toledo Department of Housing and Community Development is proud to announce that applications are now open for Cohort III of the Toledo Neighborhood Capacity Building Institute (TNCBI), which will run from Fall 2025 through June 2026. Interested organizations must apply by October 24, 2025.
TNCBI is designed to build support for neighborhood revitalization by engaging select nonprofit organizations to strengthen capacity in key areas for effective neighborhood revitalization and sustainability. Community-Based Organizations interested in applying for Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) funding will be required to participate in TNCBI, starting with the 2027 grant cycle.
Key Program Details
Application Period: Applications for Cohort III are open through October 24, 2025.
Cohort Tracks:
• Track 1: Focused on newer organizations under three years old, including mission development, policy guidance, communication and marketing strategy, fundraising, team building, and understanding Toledo’s cultural and political landscape.
• Track 2: Focused on established organizations over three years old, with emphasis on completing the CDBG application and meeting requirements such as documentation, audits, and reporting.
What You’ll Learn
Track 1
• Mission, vision, bylaw, and policy guidance
• Marketing, communication, fundraising, and grant writing strategy
• Building collaborative teams, board governance, succession planning, and leadership development
• Understanding Toledo’s cultural and political history and creating community structure
Track 2
• Successfully completing the CDBG application and meeting related requirements
Program Structure
TNCBI will include 12 learning modules:
• Board Development
• Strategic Planning
• Succession Planning
• Collaborations and Partnerships
• Grant Writing
• Fund Development vs. Fundraising
• Solutions-Based Programming and Services
• Neighborhood Planning and Zoning
• Social Media Marketing
• Finances and Budgeting
• Conducting Effective Staff and Board Meetings
• Communication Strategies
Participants will also engage in 4–6 micro-learning sessions addressing specific organizational or neighborhood challenges identified by the 2025–2026 cohort.
Capstone Project: Participants will apply their knowledge and skills through a capstone project that demonstrates their ability to effect positive change within their communities.
Selection Process: 15 participants will be selected for Cohort III.
Institute Sessions: From October 2025 through June 2026, participants will attend a combination of in-person and virtual sessions designed to support collaborative learning and networking.
Graduation Ceremony: Upon completion, participants will be honored at a formal graduation ceremony with recognition from the Mayor and City Council for their commitment to community development.
TNCBI invites individuals passionate about neighborhood revitalization to take part in this opportunity to strengthen Toledo’s communities.
For more information and to apply, visit toledo.oh.gov/capacity-building
