Partnering to Enhance Community Organization Sustainability (PECOS)
Wake County Public Health, in collaboration with the Wake County Office of Organizational Excellence and community partners, is proud to launch the Wake County Non-Profit Institute: Partnering to Enhance Community Organizational Sustainability (PECOS). This program is designed to strengthen capacity, collaboration and sustainability of local community-based, faith-based and non-profit organizations. Through a structured five-month program, selected organizations will engage in targeted learning, receive technical assistance and participate in peer-driven knowledge exchange to enhance their ability to serve Wake County residents effectively.
Applications Open for Second Class of Institute
Local nonprofits eager to expand their capacity can now apply to be part of the second class of the Wake County Nonprofit Institute. Applications open Thursday, July 1, and close Thursday, July 23.
Timeline:
| Applications Open | Wednesday, July 1 |
| Informational Webinar | Tuesday, July 7, 1 - 2:30 p.m. |
| Informational Webinar | Friday, July 10, 10 - 11:30 a.m. |
| Office Hours | Tuesday, July 14, 2 - 3 p.m. |
| Applications Close | Thursday, July 23 |
| Organizations Notified | Friday, July 31 |
| Program Kick Off Meeting | Wednesday, Aug. 12 |
| Program Period | Aug. 1 - Dec. 31, 2026 |
Have questions? Email Maxeen.Hill@wake.gov
Non-Profit Institute Goals ✔️
The goals are closely aligned with Wake County Public Health’s strategic priorities, strengthening the capacity of community-based organizations as integral partners in building a resilient and sustainable public health infrastructure.
Some of these goals are:
- Equip organizations with tools and strategies to improve internal operations, leadership and long-term sustainability.
- Foster meaningful partnerships and peer learning among community-based, faith-based and non-profit organizations.
- Position community organizations as essential partners in delivering services that address Drivers of Health.
- Use evaluation metrics and tools to measure progress and long-term impact of the organization’s capacity.
- Engage past participants as mentors and advocates to expand the Institute’s reach and reinforce the culture of continuous improvement.
CONGRATULATIONS TO OUR 2026 NON-PROFIT INSTITUTE (PECOS) RECIPIENTS 🎉
We are excited to welcome our first Non-Profit Institute Cohort!
Participants will complete an organizational capacity assessment, attend monthly capacity-building sessions and receive individualized consulting support. The program will also foster a shared learning environment that promotes mentorship, collaboration and the dissemination of best practices.
Wake County remains committed to investing in the long-term success of its community partners as essential contributors to public health and ensuring all residents have the opportunity to achieve their optimal health
Cohort 1
- REME-D
- Empowered Citizens
- Breaking Barriers, Catching Hope
- Triangle Area Parenting Support
- UCA WAVES
- Raleigh Alumnae Chapter, Delta Sigma Theta, Inc.
- Veteran Bridge Home
- Renewed Strength PLLC
- Capital Area Section of NCNW, Inc.
- Slice 325
- El Futuro
- The Melanated Haven, INC.
- Living with Autism, INC.
- StepUP Ministry
- Health, Happiness and Helping Others
- You Are a Superstar
- Growing Older Living Digitally, Inc. (GOLD)
- The Joel Fund
- Connecting Community
- Blessingway
Information for Selected Non-Profits
Organizations selected to participate in the Wake County Non-Profit Institute will receive a formal notification of acceptance via email. This notification will include a welcome packet outlining the program structure, participation requirements and instructions for submitting the $100 registration fee, which covers up to three staff members per organization. To confirm participation, organizations must submit the registration fee and complete all onboarding documentation by the specified deadline.
Participating organizations will be expected to comply with the following requirements:
- Participation Agreement: Organizations will be required to sign a participation agreement outlining the terms and conditions of the program, including attendance expectations, deliverables and evaluation requirements.
- Active Participation in Monthly Sessions: Organizations must commit to attending all monthly 90-minute capacity-building sessions. These sessions are designed to address the top three priority areas identified through the organizational assessment. Attendance by at least one representative per organization is mandatory.
- Program Orientation and Assessment: Upon confirmation, each organization will complete an Organizational Capacity Assessment to identify key strengths and priority areas for development. These results will inform the design of monthly capacity-building sessions and individualized consulting support.
- Reporting and Evaluation: Participating organizations are expected to engage in ongoing evaluation activities, including a baseline assessment, monthly check-ins and follow-up evaluations three and six months post-program. Organizations may also be asked to submit brief progress updates and participate in shared learning activities.
- Participation in Post-Program Consultation: Upon completion of the five-month program, each organization will receive up to five hours of individualized consulting. Participation in this consultation is required to review progress, evaluate outcomes and develop strategic next steps.
- Mentorship and Ambassador Engagement (Optional but Encouraged): Graduating organizations may be invited to serve as ambassadors for future cohorts, sharing their experiences and supporting outreach and mentorship efforts.