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Community Acceleration Projects (CAPs)
CAPs bring local organizations and our Immersion Program participants together to move important community opportunities forward.
Real community opportunities. Focused leadership. Shared progress
Leadership Immersion Programs
Each year, qualifying San Mateo County organizations bring forward a timely opportunity or challenge. We select a small number of projects and pair the organizations with a small team of our Emerging Leaders who contribute fresh perspectives, focused exploration, and practical recommendations over the five-month CAP period. Organizations gain leadership capacity while Emerging Leaders strengthen their leadership skills and expand their civic engagement.
Why CAPs Matter
Capacity for Organizations
Focused attention, fresh thinking, research, and practical recommendations
Leadership Through Experience
Hands on practice in listening, collaboration, analysis, and civic leadership
Stronger Community Connections
New relationships between organizations and leaders foster a deeper understanding of San Mateo County
How CAPs Work: Two Paths, One Collaborative Project
For Organizations
Work with a CAP Team
Apply to advance a timely opportunity or address an organizational challenge. A team of Emerging Leaders will bring focused exploration, fresh thinking, and actionable recommendations.
Process:
Develop and Apply →
Define your opportunity or challenge and submit an application.
Get Selected →
Selected organizations are notified.
Meet Your Team →
Meet your team and share your overall project goals.
Launch →
Kick off the project together.
Collaborate →
Share context, resources, and insights as the team researches and explores solutions.
Receive & Advance →
Receive recommendations and identify possible next steps.
For Established Senior-Level Leaders
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For Emerging Leaders
Explore the CAP Team Experience
As an Emerging Leader, work with a local San Mateo County organization on a timely opportunity or challenge while strengthening your skills in listening, collaboration, and civic leadership.”
Process:
Explore Projects →
Learn about the selected organizations and their projects.
Submit Preferences →
Identify the projects that most interest you.
Meet Your Team →
Meet your Team Lead and learn about the project.
Launch →
Kick off the project together.
Research & Develop →
Listen, research, collaborate, and develop recommendations.
Present & Reflect →
Present recommendations, handoff results, and reflect on the experience.
For Organizations: Apply for a CAP
What Makes an Organization a Good Fit for Selection?
Organizations must meet the following requirements to qualify for Community AccelerationProject (CAP) Team assistance:
Organizations must meet the following requirements to qualify for Community AccelerationProject (CAP) Team assistance:
After the session
Considering a CAP? Watch the Information Session.
Learn about eligibility, the application process, project expectations, and what it’s like to work with an Emerging Leaders team.
Learn about eligibility, the application process, project expectations, and what it’s like to work with an Emerging Leaders team.
Before the session
Interested in applying? Join an upcoming CAP Information Session.
Learn about eligibility, the application process, project expectations, and what it’s like to work with an Emerging Leaders team.
Learn about eligibility, the application process, project expectations, and what it’s like to work with an Emerging Leaders team.
2026-2027 Community Acceleration Project (CAP) applications are now closed. Please check back in August 2027.
Application for 2026-2027 is now closedCommunity Acceleration Project (CAP) Timeline 2026-2027
Previous Learning Day topics have included: Healthy Communities, Economic Development, Human Services, Intelligent Urbanism, Education, Climate Resilience, Safe Communities, and Civics & Being a Community Citizen
SEPTEMBER 25, 2026 11:59 p.m.
CAP applications close
SEPTEMBER 25, 2026 11:59 p.m.
CAP applications close
OCTOBER 8, 2026
Applicant organizations are notified of project selection
OCTOBER 13 or OCTOBER 20, 2026, via Zoom
Mandatory Orientation Session for the organization's CAP Lead. Attend one session.
NOVEMBER 20, 2026
CAP Leads introduced to their CAP Team members via email from Leadership Council SMC
NOVEMBER 23, 2026 - JANUARY 16, 2027
CAP Leads schedule and conduct a one-hour introductory meeting with their CAP Team members
JANUARY 22, 2027 In person, Half Moon Bay Library
Mandatory Project Kick-Off. CAP Leads must be available to meet with their teams in person at our Learning Day.
FEBRUARY - MAY 2027
CAP Leads meet at least monthly with their CAP Teams
MAY 29, 2027
Final deliverables completed; Handoff to CAP Lead by CAP Team
JUNE 4, 2027
Leadership Council SMC Program Graduation
CAPs in Action
Beyond the Studio Doors: How a CAP Team Helped Art Bias Tell Its Story
Art Bias’s community impact reaches far beyond its studio doors, but many people didn’t know the full story. Discover how a CAP Team helped Art Bias better understand its audiences, identify communication gaps, and develop practical tools that build awareness.
Team members gained, too, forming meaningful connections and discovering firsthand the power of art.
“When staff capacity is limited, a thoughtful and intentional group of leaders can provide tremendous support to an organization that wants to get something done but simply does not have the bandwidth.”
Julissa Acosta
City of Half Moon Bay, Emerging Leaders Alumni, Class of 2025.
Emerging Leaders Help More SMC Residents Get Lifesaving Care
Bay Area Community Health Advisory Council (BAHAC) wanted to reach more residents with free, lifesaving mammograms. Discover how a CAP Team developed communications tools, improved data collection, and saved the nonprofit thousands of dollars while helping expand screenings.
Along the way, team members strengthened their leadership skills, built trust across organizations, and saw collaboration translate into healthier communities.
"When you interact with people more regularly toward a shared outcome, the barriers go away, and you get to know one another."
Lisa Tealer
Executive Director, BACHAC
