The term “capacity building” has historically been used in the field of international development. Today, organizations use the term to describe support that strengthens individuals, organizations, and institutions---or entire nations—so that they can assume a greater role in moving an agenda or coalition forward.

The United Nations Development Programme describes capacity building as: “the sum of efforts needed to nurture, enhance and utilize the skills and capabilities of people and institutions at all levels—nationally, regionally, and internationally—so they can better progress toward sustainable development.”

HHD practices capacity building in nearly all of its programmatic endeavors, but it is most evident in the work of its resource centers, which provide professional development, policy research and advocacy, educational materials--both print and Web-based--and expertise in building alliances and networks across disciplines, such as education, public health, social services, mental health, and criminal justice.