Wake County has announced the launch of a pilot project designed to help small nonprofits and community-based organizations improve their operations and increase their impact. The initiative, called the Wake County Nonprofit Institute: Partnering to Enhance Community Organizational Sustainability (PECOS), is a collaboration between Wake County Public Health, Wake County Budget and Management, and the Wake County Office of Organizational Excellence.
According to Wake County Commissioner Cheryl Stallings, “Supporting our nonprofits is supporting our residents. This program reflects the County’s commitment to strengthening the organizations that are on the front lines every day, and it’s an investment in the people and communities that make Wake County stronger.”
The PECOS program will begin in early 2026 with two cohorts of up to 20 organizations each. Participants will take part in a four-month capacity-building course aimed at helping nonprofits stabilize their operations, expand their services, and enhance their overall effectiveness for county residents. The cost for each organization is $100, which allows up to three staff members from each nonprofit to participate.
Lechelle Wardell, Population Health Director at Wake County Public Health, stated, “This partnership is an important step in supporting the organizations that are closest to our communities. This program will help nonprofits build long-term sustainability so they can continue uplifting the people they serve.”
The pilot project will involve small consulting firms and independent consultants who will provide training sessions and individual assistance. These trainers are intended to bring firsthand knowledge of local needs.
Throughout its first year, feedback from participants will be collected so that county officials can refine the model for future use.
Since 2022, through its HealthLit4Wake program, Wake County has distributed nearly one million dollars in mini grants to groups working on health literacy and addressing health-related challenges in under-resourced areas. Officials noted that these partnerships highlighted ongoing operational challenges faced by smaller nonprofits committed to serving local communities.
Bettie Murchison, CEO of Oasis Training and Consulting and a resident of Wake County said: “Nonprofit organizations are facing numerous challenges in their efforts to support the most vulnerable members of our communities. It is encouraging that this nonprofit institute will offer the resources and practical assistance needed to sustain these agencies.”
Virtual information sessions about PECOS are scheduled for December 15 and December 19 for those interested in learning more or applying. More details can be found at wake.gov/NPI.
