Case Study

Case Study: Capacity Building for Maternal Health Community Based Organizations (CBOs)

Background

Community-based organizations (CBOs) are experts in understanding, reaching, and supporting the families they serve. They have established relationships with communities and tremendous potential to reach underserved and vulnerable populations. However, many CBOs are small and under resourced, facing key challenges in sustaining their efforts.

Through funding from a 5-year CDC Cooperative Agreement*, Karna supported the Division of Reproductive Health (National Center on Birth Defects and Developmental Disabilities) by conducting research to understand what maternal health CBOs need to help them build capacity. Karna then applied findings to create a comprehensive online platform to support CBOs through organizational development and collaboration opportunities.

At-A-Glance

Strategies

  • Conducted a landscape analysis, nationwide survey of CBOs, and interviews with national MCH leaders and CBO representatives to better understand strengths and capacity building needs

  • Built and launched an online platform featuring guidance on funding, partnership, and impact, a searchable database of funding opportunities tailored for maternal and child health CBOs, and a resource library full of tips and tools to support capacity building

Capabilities

FORMATIVE RESEARCH

FORMATIVE RESEARCH

Conducted extensive background research, including:

  • A comprehensive literature review
  • An environmental scan identifying existing tools and resources
  • In-depth case studies describing the CBO landscape in 6 counties
  • Conversations and surveys with stakeholders
  • Geomapping of federal funding streams

STAKEHOLDER ENGAGEMENT

Convened CBO leaders and national MCH experts with lived experience to guide program design and development

RESOURCE DEVELOPMENT

Built and launched CBO CARE, a one-stop shop for capacity-building, including an online resource hub and plans for a collaboration platform in the future

DESIGN AND BRANDING

Created a custom branding package including name and color palette, designed logo, project visuals, partner spotlights, and social media platform

Deliverables

Web platform: Cbocare.org
Web platform: Cbocare.org
Instagram: @cbo_care
Instagram: @cbo_care
Understanding the MCH Funding Landscape: A Primer for CBOs user-friendly summary
Understanding the MCH Funding Landscape: A Primer for CBOs user-friendly summary
REPORT: Maternal & Child Health Landscape for Community-Based Organizations
REPORT: Maternal & Child Health Landscape for Community-Based Organizations

*This project was supported by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) as part of a financial assistance award totaling approximately $2.7 million over 2 years using tailored approaches to establish, enhance, and sustain partnerships that address the health of pregnant and postpartum women, with 100 percent funded by CDC/HHS. The contents are those of the author(s) and do not necessarily represent the official views of, nor an endorsement, by CDC/HHS, or the U.S. Government.

Related Work

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