2023-2025 Strategic Plan Update: Spring 2025
Key Focus Area Progress October 2024-March 2025
1. Aligning Program Operations for Community Impact
Center human dignity in the delivery of programs focused on short and long-term collective impact.
Progress Updates
- Launched our new website in February 2025 with a modern design, improved navigation, multilingual support, enhanced accessibility, and a faster, more secure experience. Learn more: Our Website Got a Glow-Up.
- Reduced application processing time for the Energy Assistance Program (EAP) from 57 days to 26 days.
- In partnership with All Solar Energy, provided 400 qualified referrals for free home solar panel installation, far exceeding the initial goal of 100 referrals. Solar panels were successfully installed for 120 families.
- The financial need from clients continues to outweigh the capacity of direct service programs such as EAP, Emergency Rental Assistance, and Water Assistance.
2. Building Community Wealth Through Collaboration
Promoting an environment for community prosperity that maximizes resource access for all.
Progress Updates
- We continue to collaborate with local service-provider organizations whose work aligns with our mission and complements CAP-HC’s programming.
3. Affecting Policy to Build Momentum for Systemic Change
Addressing the root causes of poverty as a collective effort.
Progress Updates
- In partnership with Renewal Experts Construction, completed a kitchen remodel giveaway in December, bringing awareness to the struggles people with low incomes face every day through one family’s story.
- Career and College Bound Hennepin—a multisector coalition of which CAP-HC is a member—held a Community Roundtable event about Children’s Savings Accounts in December 2024. In January 2025, a local blueprint was finalized to aid in advocacy for the MinneKIDS bill during the current legislative session.
- Collaborated with the MinnCAP network to advocate for additional Minnesota Community Action Grant (MCAG) and Family Assets for Independence in Minnesota (FAIM) funding during 2025 legislative session by educating lawmakers about the impact of MCAG- and FAIM-funded programs.
- Absent passage of additional MCAG funding at the state legislature this session, CAP-HC will operate with a significantly reduced budget for the next two years.
4. Activating Change through Robust Funding Development
Diversify funding and grow unrestricted revenue to increase sustainability and maximize program flexibility and impact.
Progress Updates
- Increased individual donations by 67% from 2023 to 2024.
- Continued to see a small number of new individual donors in 2024, which is a sector-wide trend.
- The Fund Development Task Force transitioned into a Standing Board Committee currently comprised of four members.
- Created a statement of support to aid in raising general operating funds.
- Received an unrestricted three-year Community Investments Grant from the United Way of Greater Twin Cities for 2025-2028.
5. Investing in Team Members for a Thriving CAP-HC
Foster a vibrant and positive environment where staff can expand their capabilities and utilize their unique advantages as they further our mission.
Progress Updates
- Completed a three-part series of all-staff trainings on “Leading with a Stewardship Mindset” last fall.
- On-site wellness rooms are seeing high utilization.
- Hired a new Director of Client Services.