Building Capacity Before Capital
So, you want to build affordable housing in your community to help close the housing gap. But is your organization ready to do that?
That’s the question behind Navigate: Housing Unlocked — a brand-new podcast from Navigate Affordable Housing Partners. This series offers practical tools and real-world insights for community development corporations (CDCs) and nonprofits seeking to make a lasting impact through affordable housing.
You can watch or listen to every episode on the Navigate: Housing Unlocked page.
Why We Created This Podcast
At Navigate, our mission is simple: to ensure fair and equal access to housing in safe, healthy, and revitalized communities.
But we know that mission starts with building strong organizations capable of creating strong communities.
Across the country, local nonprofits and CDCs are eager to tackle blight, increase housing options, and restore neighborhoods. However, many struggle with a common challenge: they’re passionate but not always prepared for the complex processes of funding, compliance, and project management that come with development.
That’s where Navigate: Housing Unlocked comes in.
Each episode brings expert guidance from Navigate’s team and partners, covering everything from organizational readiness to accessing federal funding.
Season 1: Building Capacity Before Capital
The first season, Building Capacity Before Capital, focuses on what every nonprofit and community developer should master before they seek funding. It’s about understanding your mission, strengthening your foundation, and building trust with funders.
Our guests — including Navigate’s own Archie Hill, Matt Churnock, and others — share years of hands-on experience in affordable housing, finance, and community development. They don’t just talk theory; they offer actionable steps that any organization can take.
What You’ll Learn
Here’s what Season 1 of Navigate: Housing Unlocked explores:
Episode 1: Where Do You Start?
Learn how to establish your mission, create bylaws, and organize your board of directors.. Discover why readiness and clear direction are essential for success.
Episode 2: Finding Funders — Building Financial Readiness
Funders want to see that your organization is financially sound. This episode explains what banks and foundations look for when deciding who to support.
Episode 3: Leveraging Federal Programs — Readiness Before Resources
HUD’s Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) and other federal programs can unlock major opportunities. Find out how to prepare your organization to qualify and manage these funds effectively.
Episode 4: Planning for Impact — Building Partnerships and Realistic Goals
No organization can do it alone. Learn how to build strategic partnerships that expand your reach and strengthen your projects.
Episode 5: Start Small — Build Trust, Then Grow
Big goals start with small, successful steps. Discover why consistency and credibility are the keys to earning long-term trust and funding.
At the end of the season, you can also watch or listen to the full conversation between Navigate’s experts to get every insight in one episode.
Who Should Tune In
Navigate: Housing Unlocked was created for:
- Community Development Corporations (CDCs) that are building or revitalizing housing.
- Nonprofits seeking funding to expand their community impact.
- Local leaders and housing advocates who want to understand the process behind affordable housing.
- Funders, municipalities, and partners who want to see strong, sustainable community development.
If your organization dreams of turning community vision into action, this podcast is for you.
Fundamental Tools for Real Communities
Every episode provides practical steps and examples — not just concepts.
From understanding bylaws and financial statements to navigating HUD compliance and local funding processes, the series breaks down what it really takes to build affordable housing successfully.
You’ll hear firsthand how Navigate partners with municipalities, administers CDBG programs, and helps other nonprofits overcome the same challenges you face.
The goal is to equip your organization with the knowledge to move from vision to execution.
Watch. Learn. Build.
Each episode of Navigate: Housing Unlocked is available to watch or listen — wherever you are.
We’ve made it easy to access:
🎧 Listen on: Podbean, Apple Podcasts, Amazon/Audible, YouTube Podcasts, and Player FM,
🎥 Watch on: Navigate’s website and our YouTube channel.
Whether you’re driving to a meeting, working on a grant application, or brainstorming your next community project, you can take these lessons with you.
Join the Conversation
We believe that real progress in affordable housing comes from collaboration.
That’s why we’re inviting you to be part of the Navigate: Housing Unlocked community.
- Subscribe on your favorite podcast platform.
- Visit the official podcast page for full episodes, bonus clips, and resources.
- Sign up for updates so you’ll know when Season 2 launches.
