Strategic Capacity Building in Community Development Organizations Post COVID-19: A Multi-Dimensional Approach to Describing Social Capital

Abstract

Much like the 2008 financial crisis, the aftermath of the COVID-19 pandemic will likely shape historically underserved communities for decades to come. Now, more than perhaps ever before, community development organizations (CDOs) will be central actors and foundational institutions for sustainable economic growth. Our data suggest social capital is important for CDO capacity across multiple dimensions. Given the central role CDOs will likely play in rebuilding local economies in the wake of the pandemic, we highlight how these organizations can use social capital to maintain and build political, resource, network, and organizational capacity.