Capacity Strengthening
Capacity Strengthening
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2.1M
People served by CRS justice and peacebuilding in 2021
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113
Projects with peacebuilding components
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39
Countries hosted CRS justice and peace projects in 2021
About the program
About Capacity Strengthening
A deliberate process that improves the ability of an individual, group, organization, network, or system to enhance or develop new knowledge, skills, attitudes (KSAs), systems, and structures needed to function effectively, work towards sustainability, and achieve goals.
CRS defines capacity as the ability of individuals and organizational units to perform functions effectively, efficiently and in a sustainable manner.
Institutional Strengthening
Helping organizations achieve their goals by developing systems, structures and the environment needed for optimal performance. For example:
- Program and management quality assurance
- Organizational design and restructuring
- Equipment and software purchases and training
Our Impact
Strengthening local institutions

Capacity Building
Helping individuals and teams function more effectively by developing new knowledge, skills and attitudes. For example:
- Training and peer-to-peer learning
- Compliance and USG regulations
- On-the-job training
Accompaniment
Ongoing coaching and mentoring following program specific interventions in institutional strengthening or capacity building. For example:
- Job share and secondment
- Peer-to-peer learning
- Program and management quality assurance
Where We work
Explore the regions where CRS is transforming lives through your generosity. From Africa to Latin America, discover stories of hope and resilience across the globe.
Program Subsector

CRS’ Approach to Achieving Integral Human Development
Our commitment to the whole-person approach is shared throughout our network and provides common ground for the development of agreed-upon priorities and programs.
Learn More arrow_right_altExplore Our Projects

Together, We Can Make A Difference
Welcome to the Annual Archbishop’s Reception for CRS
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Welcoming Our Holy Father with Joy and Hope
Catholic Relief Services warmly welcomes our new Holy Father, Pope Leo XIV, with grateful and joyful hearts.
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Stephen Ucembe: A Story of Resilience
The founder of the Kenya Society of Care Leavers, Stephen Ucembe survived life in an orphanage where hunger, isolation, and abuse were rampant.
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Our Current Prayer
As Catholics, we recognize that prayer is of the utmost importance. In our mission to act with the Church to serve people around the world, we begin with prayer.
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Improving Livestock Farming in Central African Republic
I Londo I Mai is a 24-month project that aims to strengthen the capacity of vulnerable and conflict-affected families and improve their economic resilience in the northwest of the Central African Republic.
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Transforming Livelihoods Across Generations
CRS focuses on high-value crops that grow in harmony with native tree populations found only in the rainforests of Madagascar.
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Niger Youth Program Launches Work Opportunities
The project helps budding entrepreneurs learn skills as they build their own businesses and increase their income.
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A Win-Win for American Farmers and School Children in Laos
How the USDA's McGovern-Dole International Food for Education and Child Nutrition Program benefits the U.S. and Laos.
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Raising the Score in Early Childhood Development
Religious sisters expand outreach to children in Kenya, Malawi and Zambia.
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Lesotho's Pathway Out of Poverty Starts Early
CRS and our Catholic partners lead the way with preschool education that benefits children and gives working parents peace of mind.
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Teen Pregnancy and Family Parenting in Kenya
One family shows what it means to come together to help their children in areas of Kenya where HIV has left the social fabric frayed.
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Tanzanian Fathers Raise Babies, Erode Parenting Taboo
The Conrad N. Hilton Foundation and CRS THRIVE promote more caregiving among men.
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Turn dollars into change.
Explore the regions where CRS is transforming lives through your generosity. From Africa to Latin America, discover the stories of hope and resilience across the globe.
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Program News & Articles
With a team of Communications staff around the world, we can provide real-time updates during emergencies and on a wide variety of current issues and events facing the developing world and the international community.