Community Capacity Building (CCB)

Community Capacity Building: Driving Community-Led Change

As a first and a core strategic pillar of our Community Development Unit (CDU), Community Capacity Building is central to AHC’s mission and vision. Grounded in the principles of asset-based community development, this work reflects our commitment to community-led growth, adaptability, and meeting evolving needs with sustainable, long-term solutions.

Many of our current initiatives build on earlier capacity-building efforts, reflecting a deep investment in continuity and impact. By partnering with grassroots groups, we support transformative, locally driven projects that reflect community priorities and shared aspirations. These partnerships are key to building stronger, more equitable communities.

Key Focus Areas

  • Leadership Development: Nurturing emerging leaders to guide and inspire sustainable community growth.
  • Community Organizing: Supporting communities in building collective power through collaboration, advocacy, and partnerships that address shared challenges.
  • Organizational Development: Strengthening the capacity and sustainability of grassroots organizations through tailored training and mentorship.
  • Fostering Collaboration: Encouraging shared goals and partnerships across organizations to expand reach and deepen impact.

AHC’s Community Capacity Building Program supports equity-deserving grassroots groups and organizations in strengthening resilience, reducing vulnerabilities, and fostering community leadership. Using a strength-based, community-driven approach, we design responsive initiatives that promote engagement, peer networking, volunteering, and skill development.

Through this work, we are cultivating inclusive, resilient communities where individuals and organizations have the tools and agency to drive lasting, meaningful change.

Key Strategies:

Community Engagement, Mobilization, and Organization

We strengthen grassroots efforts by fostering shared goals through inclusive dialogue, relationship-building, and collaborative action.

Needs and Asset Mapping

In partnership with community members, we identify local needs and strengths to inform responsive, strengths-based planning.

Supporting Community-Led Initiatives

We help initiate and guide projects led by the community, creating space for grassroots leadership and sustainable impact.

Community Initiative Support

Empowering Community-Led Solutions

  • Uplifting the lived experiences of community members as vital to shaping solutions.
  • Supporting grassroots groups to define priorities and lead locally resonant projects.
  • Offering direct assistance and connections to resources to bring ideas to life.

Collaborating with Grassroots Groups

  • Partnering with local groups to co-create initiatives that reflect community needs and interests.
  • Examples include:

Additional Support & Engagement 

  • Community Events & Activities – Encouraging connection and collaboration 
  • Access to Community Spaces – Welcoming venues for gatherings and programming
  • Networking & Peer Learning – Creating space for shared learning and mentorship
  • Group Support & Training – Strengthening governance and leadership in grassroots groups

Through these strategies, AHC champions inclusive, resilient communities where grassroots voices lead meaningful change. 

Interested in getting involved? 
Contact us at: communitydevelopment@a4hc.ca 

Events
Blogs
Resources

Testimonials

Action for Healthy Communities has played an important role in supporting us through capacity-building, social events, free meeting spaces, and one-on-one consultations, they’ve helped our community grow stronger and more connected.

Their commitment to helping communities—especially newcomers—integrate into Canadian society through accessible, free programs has made a meaningful difference in our lives.

Cathy Shi, President Edmonton Chinese

Writing Club Alliance Foundation

We are grateful for the ongoing support from Action for Healthy Communities. Their partnership has helped us grow our network, access funding opportunities, strengthen our capacity, and gain valuable insights—all of which have enhanced our ability to empower and serve our community more effectively.

Okama Brook, The Africa Caribbean

Heritage Alliance Foundation

Connect with us!

Visit our Contact Us page or leave us a message through the form — we’ll get back to you as soon as possible.

Contact Us

Land Acknowledgment

As an organization working towards improving peoples’ well being, we acknowledge our presence on Treaty 6 territory and Métis Nation of Alberta Region 4, a traditional meeting grounds, gathering place, and travelling route for the Cree, Saulteaux, Blackfoot, Métis, Dene, Ojibway, Anishinaabe, Nakota Sioux, and Inuit, as our responsibility to extend support for healing to our Indigenous Community members during this difficult times. 
We acknowledge all the many First Nations, Métis, and Inuit whose footsteps have marked these lands for centuries and whose histories, languages, and cultures continue to influence our vibrant community.

As an organization, we commit ourselves to continue to acknowledge, learn, understand, and create opportunities to educate our staff, volunteers, and community members about the lived experiences of First Nations, Inuit and Métis, walking the path of reconciliation.
menu