Keys to strengthening the development capacity of community development corporations

Organizational development is the most critical factor in the The development process of the Community Development Corporation. lack of organizational capacity is probably at the root of the vast majority of unsuccessful CDC efforts. Assessing the capacity of these organizations is both important and complex. Recognition of this need motivated the initiation of this evaluation of four CDCs in Tennessee. This study centered on the examination of these CDCs' organizational capacities relative to their impact on project development. The CDCs' elements of capacity were measured through on-site visits, interviews, and mail questionnaires. In addition to reporting the findings on the modern CDC's capacity based on this sample group, alternative roles for the CDC and strategies for achieving increased development capabilities are discussed.