In resource-poor countries, particularly those having recently experienced conflict or war, local non-governmental organizations (LNGOs) often struggle to overcome considerable challenges in providing services to the populations they support. These challenges may stem from a lack of funding or training, or relate to changes within the political or social systems in which they operate. Heartland Alliance provides capacity building assistance to local non-governmental human rights organizations to develop their organizational and technical capacity so they can achieve their missions more effectively. Strengthening the capacity and reach of these organizations entails such activities as improving administration, processes and structures, as well as build the potential to find funding and for program development. Capacity building ensures long term sustainability and contributes to the success of the LNGOs' endeavors.

While Heartland Alliance programs routinely work to strengthen the capacity of local partnering organizations, capacity building is the primary focus of the Global Equality Network.