Nonprofits: We’re Here to Help YOU
ONLINE WORKSHOPS, ADVISORY SERVICES, PROJECT SUPPORT & EXECUTIVE COACHING AT NO COST TO QUALIFIED ORGANIZATIONS
The NonProfit HelpDesk (NPHD) helps staff, board members, and volunteers of small and emerging organizations solve problems and drive performance in most areas of management and operations. Through workshops and one-on-one expert counsel, we provide the help you need in board development, promotion, data analytics, fundraising, discretionary funding, leadership, legal services, planning, and more.
To view some of NonProfit HelpDesk’s accomplishments from 2024, click here.
WORKSHOPS
The NPHD provides regular workshops on a variety of topics that help you run your organization. From applying for and managing NYC Council Discretionary Funding, to bylaw review and preparation, to simple and innovative promotion initiatives, we present compelling and useful sessions for free. Please search through our past events or register for an upcoming workshop.
Workshops
Discretionary Funding:
You’ve Been Awarded NYC Discretionary Funding! What now?
Monday March 10th, 2025 7PM
This session will outline what to do after being approved for discretionary funding, MOCs training, registering a contract, and an overview of contract reimbursement.
Presented by: Tamara Keshecki, MM, MPP, a dynamic policy advocate, nonprofit professional, arts researcher, and accomplished musician. Tamara is the founding principal of AINOK Consulting, LLC providing organizations with research, grant writing, policy and advocacy strategy, and management services.and the Director of Grants and Government Relations for the St. George Theatre Restoration, the Vice-President of the New York Independent Venue Association, co-leader of APAP’s development affinity group, an active member of the New York City Culture@3 Advocacy Working Group, and a Research Associate at UMass Amherst School of Public Policy. She’s been invited to present her research at SXSW 2023, ARNOVA 2022, 23, 24, ISTR (Belgium), and STP&A (Spain).
Ethical Story Telling
This workshop explores how to approach video storytelling with sensitivity, care, and ethical responsibility. Participants will learn techniques to navigate challenging subjects, conduct interviews with empathy, and ensure all contributors feel respected and heard throughout the production process. We will cover the foundations of trauma-informed practices, from planning to post-production, to help filmmakers and content creators craft compelling stories that empower, rather than exploit, the individuals and communities involved – including the crew. Whether you’re working on nonprofit campaigns, documentaries, or personal projects, this class will provide you with the tools to tell impactful stories with care and integrity.
Tuesday March 11th, 2025 12PM
Presented by: Taylor Kampia & Heather Hutt of Make a Scene Media. Taylor Kampia Is a multi hyphenate creative visionary. As a television producer she has developed, cast and sold shows to networks like Discovery Channel, Lifetime, and Netflix. When she isn’t producing videos or directing scenes (and sometimes even when she is) she has a camera in her hands – in either video or photo mode. She’s been an activist for human rights since a young age; marching with her gay dads in the first ever Gay Pride gathering in Columbia, SC in 1989 was a turning point in her life. But most importantly, she’s a mom to two kids who inspire her to help make the world a more equitable, just, and environmentally conscious place. Heather Hutt is an award-winning producer and editor Heather brings emotional resonance to every project. She’s seen it all in the television and film industry: went to film school, did a stint with Disney in Hollywood, and was sought-after as an accomplished TV show developer before having two films make the festival circuit and receive critical acclaim. On top of this experience, she has written a couple books, danced competitive ballroom and became a mom to a son with special medical needs. Volunteer work is extremely important to her; she is a certified CASA (a Court Appointed Special Advocate) of Fairfax County where she helps the most vulnerable of victims and witnesses as they navigate the court system.
Best Practices for Annual Board Meetings
Board meetings are a necessary and helpful part of managing your organization. This session for nonprofit agency executive directors and Board Presidents/Chairpersons will cover best practices for conducting the annual meeting of the Board; the Do’s & Don’ts, Member responsibilities; and the delicate balance between executive directors and board presidents.
Tuesday March 25, 2025 12PM
Presented by: Yisroel Schulman of of Schulman Law Group. Yisroel Schulman is a public interest attorney, educator, and developer of innovative models for providing pro bono legal services to non-profit corporations, religious organizations and low-income individuals and families.
Who's in the Room? A Dynamic Networking Session
Unlock the power of meaningful connections at Who’s in the Room?, an engaging networking session designed to help you build authentic relationships, exchange ideas, and discover new opportunities. Through interactive exercises and guided discussions, you’ll gain insights into the diverse talents, experiences, and resources available in the room. Whether you are looking to collaborate, seek mentorship, or expand your professional network, this session will provide a structured yet relaxed environment to make valuable connections.
Come ready to share, listen, and leave with a stronger network!
Tuesday April 8th, 2025 12PM
Presented by: Dr. Janelle C. Hall who has been a noteworthy leader in the community. In her role as Executive Director at United Passaic Organization- A Community Action Agency, Dr. Hall has helped many individuals and family alike fortify their steps to a better quality of life through self-sufficiency. Dr. Hall is a very active member in the Passaic County Community where she presently resides. She currently serves as 1st Vice President and Chair of Program Planning, and Development of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority (DST) INC. – Paterson, New Jersey Alumnae Chapter. She is a member of Walden University Divine Nine Alliance. During the sororities biennium (2018-2020), Dr. Hall served as an Eastern Regional Delta Internal Development (DID) Facilitator. She conducted various trainings for chapters covering topics such as sisterhood, chapter management, and code of conduct. Currently, Dr. Hall is an appointed member of the DST Eastern Region Conflict Resolution Committee and Membership Intake Trainer. Dr. Hall serves on the Boys and Girls Club of Clifton Board of Trustees and Chairs the Personnel Committee. She is an honorary member of All Ladies League (ALL) New Jersey Business Networking Chapter. She is a lifetime member of PI Alpha Alpha (PAA), the National Honor Society for Public Affairs & Administration, and the National Society of Leadership and Success (NSLS), the nation’s largest leadership honor society. She is a member of the NAACP – Passaic Chapter. Dr. Hall is the CEO-certified coach at Beyond Inspired LLC. and a speaker with the John Maxwell Team. She is a past President of Classical Charter School Academy of Clifton, NJ-Board of Trustees. Also, she is an Adjunct Faculty at Union College in Cranford NJ, and Seton Hall University in South Orange NJ.
Motivation & Development: Driving Satisfaction and Performance
Tuesday April 22, 2025 12PM
Connecting employees with sources of motivation, and helping team members build their capabilities, yields positive results for both the organization and the individual. This workshop introduces participants to core frameworks around motivation and development, and enables them to apply related skills in the workplace. After completing this class, participants will be able to have discussions with their team members around individual motivation and development, and to use these to increase employee engagement, satisfaction, and performance. The workshop is primarily designed for anyone who is responsible for staff — leaders/managers/supervisors, etc. Non-managers will also find the material relevant in terms of their own careers, and for use with peers and managers.
Presented by: Linda Rich is an executive coach and specialist in leadership development. After years in the corporate world, her focus is now on the nonprofit sector. Linda holds an MBA from NYU, accreditation from the Association for Coaching, and certification in a variety of assessment and development tools.
Multigenerational Conflict Resolution: Finding Common Ground
Tuesday April 29, 2025 12PM
This engaging, interactive workshop uncovers the root causes of generational conflicts. It applies to all levels of leadership and staff as it provides practical advice and strategies for navigating workplace challenges by understanding different generational perspectives. Attendees will gain actionable tools to resolve conflicts effectively and build stronger, more collaborative workplace relationships. In this workshop attendees will:
-Explore generational perspectives to identify sources of misunderstanding
-Learn de-escalation techniques for addressing emotionally charged situations
-Strengthen trust and connection through shared goals and dialogue
Presented by: Krishna Powell known as “The Multi-Gen Leader,” Krishna Powell is the Founder and CEO of HR 4 Your Small Biz, a boutique human resources consulting firm. Featured on CNBC, Yahoo Finance, and Glassdoor, she is also a faculty member of the Goldman Sachs 10,000 Small Businesses program. Krishna is a nationally recognized expert on managing multigenerational workforce, delivering talent development programs and coaching clients worldwide. With a proven track record, she helps leaders in the U.S., United Kingdom, France, South Africa, Ghana, China, and beyond improve productivity, performance, and profits by optimizing their multigenerational workforce
Guarding Your Reputation
Tuesday MAY 6, 2025 12PM
A crisis can rarely be predicted and can easily upend small and emerging nonprofit organizations. Join us for a weibar intended for leaders who are looking to learn how a crisis can damage their reputation, no matter how big or small, and how to minimize risk. Attendees will take away key insights and communications strategies to prepare for and manage a major challenges, including how to identify potential crises, prepare for them so they’re ready to respond and mitigate the exposure to their organization.
Presented by: Rosemary Ostmann & Lara Cohn of RoseComm. Rosemary Ostmann is a seasoned communications executive with 30 years of experience. She founded boutique firm RoseComm in 2003. Lara Cohn is the director earned media at RoseComm and has three decades of experience pitching and placing stories with print, broadcast and online media.
So You Think You Want To Do a Capital Campaign
Wednesday MAY 7, 2025 12PM
Capital campaigns often introduce new strategic fundraising opportunities for organizations to address critical and pressing needs, as well as to realize long term visions. Join us in an interactive discussion that reflects on the evolution of campaigns as well as lessons learned (and still being learned!) and an exploration of important questions to ask to ensure your organization is ready to undertake a successful and impactful capital campaign including what is a capital campaign? How does it differ from other fundraising initiatives? How do you know when you are ready? And if you’re not, what do you need to do to be ready? Recommended for organizational leaders and board members.
Presented by: Vicki Bixel who is the Chief Executive Officer of Sobel Bixel: Consulting for Nonprofits following twenty-one years with Semple Bixel Associates, Inc., a nonprofit fundraising management consulting firm founded in 1976. Born and raised in a family who believes in the practice of serving others, Vicki explored teaching and musical theater prior to joining the family business.
Vicki is a high-profile expert in the nonprofit arena. As a keynote speaker for conferences, Vicki is recognized for her knowledge of the ever-changing philanthropic supported community. She has partnered with a multitude of nonprofit organizations, successfully guiding them toward multi-million-dollar goals and assisting them to strengthen their missions while establishing and realizing their visions. Her speaking engagements include leadership development seminars, workshops and webinars, as well as educational presentations at nonprofit and corporate conferences. She has been a guest lecturer at Rutgers University and Seton Hall University and is regularly quoted in the media regarding philanthropy and fundraising.
From Logo to Legacy: Building Your Brand Story
Tuesday MAY 20, 2025 12PM
This workshop will introduce nonprofits to the power of branding and how to make it the core building block of your external communication strategy. We will cover the following topics: establishing a brand personality, crafting an appropriate narrative and brand voice, creating and deploying a visual identity, and how to use social media and a website to tell your brand story.
This workshop is ideal for anyone responsible for shaping and communicating their organization’s mission and values. This includes marketing and communications staff, development and fundraising professionals, executive leadership, and program managers.
Presented by: Kerstin Vogdes Diehn who is the founder and principal of 501c Design — a studio that specializes in designing mission-driven materials for nonprofit organizations, progressive lobbying groups, small businesses, NGOs, and government-funded aid projects. An expert in the Adobe creative suite, Kerstin has over 20 years experience as an art director and graphic designer.
Getting Started with Grants
Tuesday June 10, 2025 12PM
It’s easy to be enamored by the idea that you can raise large sums of money for your organization by completing a form and writing an essay about your work. But is it really that easy? In this free workshop, the NonProfit HelpDesk will walk you through the realities of grant funding and provide tactics for you to begin raising revenue through grants.
Presented by: Maureen Prout Alvidrez, a Certified Fundraising Executive, who has been a member of the nonprofit fundraising community for nearly two decades and has provided high-level and hands-on consulting to organizations. Her journey began as Director of Development for Marylawn of the Oranges Academy and then a position in Advancement at Seton Hall University. Prior to that, she honed her skills in management, sales, and marketing at Hypotenuse, Inc., the parent company of SurveyUSA, that specializes in direct messaging, opinion polling, and market research. Maureen also served on the staff of members of Congress in both D.C. and state-based district offices. Maureen brings her breadth of experience in development, project management, small business, government, and community-based organizations to her direct services for clients; working with them to achieve their goals through fundraising planning and execution, capital campaigns, increased Board engagement, as well as grants management, writing, and research. Maureen is a founding trustee of Hilltopper Stage Productions and served on the Board of The Summit Conservancy throughout its campaign for and construction of the Summit Free Market building. She is a member of the New Jersey Chapter of the Association of Fundraising Professionals (AFP-NJ) and is a volunteer in her community. Maureen graduated Manhattanville College and earned her M.P.A. with a concentration in nonprofit organization management from Seton Hall University.
Discretionary Funding
In this workshop, learn about NYC Council Discretionary Funding: the application process, the timeline to receive funding if you are selected, and the organizational capacity necessary to apply and manage a reimbursement grant. The webinar will also walk you through the step by step process of how to apply in the portal and provide insights on which programs may be a good fit for organization.
- Learning Objectives:
What is NYC Council Discretionary Funding
Is NYC Council Discretionary Funding a Good Fit for Your Organization?
Does my organization have the necessary organizational and financial capacity to manage a reimbursement grant? - Intended for:
Nonprofit Organizations based in NYC
Beginner and Intermediate Applicants who have never applied or with 1-3 years of experience with the discretionary process.
Thursday January 23, 2025 6:30PM
Presented by: Tamara Keshecki, MM, MPP, is a dynamic policy advocate, nonprofit professional, arts researcher, and accomplished musician. She is the founding principal of AINOK Consulting, LLC providing organizations with research, grant writing, policy and advocacy strategy, and management services.
Keshecki is the Director of Grants and Government Relations for the St. George Theatre Restoration, the Vice-President of the New York Independent Venue Association, co-leader of APAP’s development affinity group, an active member of the New York City Culture@3 Advocacy Working Group, and a Research Associate at UMass Amherst School of Public Policy. She’s been invited to present her research at SXSW 2023, ARNOVA 2022, 23, 24, ISTR (Belgium), and STP&A (Spain).
She holds a Bachelor of Music from New York University, Master of Music from New Jersey City University, and Master of Public Policy from University of Massachusetts Amherst. In 2014, she received a New York City Council Citation for her contribution to New York City’s cultural community.
Past Events
Discretionary Funding:
How to Apply for NYC Council Capital Grants
Co-hosted by Councilmember
Nantasha Williams, District 27
(February 25)
Discretionary Funding:
Discretionary Simplified
Co-hosted by Councilmeber
Alexa Avilés, Disctrict 38
(February 25)
Discretionary Funding:
Discretionary Funding: Should you apply? And if so, how?
Co-hosted by the Brooklyn Delegation of the NYC Council
Farah Louis, Co-Chair
Chi Ossé, Co-Chair
Alexa Avilés
Chris Banks
Crystal Hudson
Darlene Mealy
Inna Vernikov
Jennifer Gutiérrez
Justin L. Brannan
Lincoln Restler
Mercedes Narcisse
Rita C. Joseph
Sandy Nurse
Shahana K. Hanif
Susan Zhuang
(February 25)
Discretionary Funding:
Discretionary Funding: Simpified
Co-Hosted by Council Member
Althea Stevens District 16
(February 25)
Discretionary Funding:
Discretionary Funding: Should you apply? And if so, how?
Co-Hosted by Council Members
Julie Won, District 26
Tiffany Cabán, District 22, and
Shekar Krishnan District 25
(February 25)
Discretionary Funding:
Introduction to Discretionary Funding
Sponsored by by Council Members
Rita Joseph District 40 and
Crystal Hudson Disctict 35
Co-hosted by Council Member
Shahana Hanif Disctrict 39
(February 25)
A Better Way To Get Your Board To Fundraise
(February 25)
Discretionary Funding:
Discretionary Funding: Should you apply? And if so, how?
Sponsored by Council Member Francisco Moya
(February 25)
Discretionary Funding:
Discretionary Funding: Should you apply? And if so, how?
Sponsored by Council Member Farah Louis
(February 25)
Discretionary Funding:
Discretionary Funding: Should you apply? And if so, how?
Sponsored by Council Member Susan Zhuang
(February 25)
Discretionary Funding:
Introduction to Discretionary Funding
Co-Hosted by Councilmember Sandy Nurse
(February 25)
Discretionary Funding:
Discretionary Funding: Should you apply? And if so, how?
Sponsored by Speaker Adrienne E. Adams
(January 25)
Discretionary Funding:
Discretionary Funding: Should you apply? And if so, how?
Sponsored by Councilmember Narcisse, Co-Hosted by Councilmembers Louis and Banks
(January 25)
Harnessing AI for Good
(January 25)
IRL: How Small Nonprofits Make Big News
(December 24)
How to Start your 501(c)3 Non-Profit
(December 24)
Discretionary Funding
Discretionary Funding- Next Steps Co-Sponsored by CM Rita Joseph (August 24)
TWO-PART SERIES: LEADING NOW
Part 1: MANAGING PERFORMANCE (May 24)
Part 2: DELEGATION, MOTIVATION, AND DEVELOPMENT (June 24)
TWO-PART SERIES: HOW TO WRITE A WINNING GRANT PROPOSAL
Part 1: THE ART AND SCIENCE OF GRANT-WRITING
Part 2: PUTTING IT ALL TOGETHER: MISSION + NEED + PROGRAM DESCRIPTION + OUTCOMES + BUDGET (May 24)
BUILDING A BOARD FROM THE BOTTOM UP
(April 24)
TWO-PART SERIES: BUILDING AN EFFECTIVE DONOR COMMUNICATIONS STRATEGY
Part 1: THE INTERSECTION BETWEEN FUNDRAISING AND COMMUNICATIONS (March 24)
Part 2: FUNDRAISING X COMMUNICATIONS WORKSHOP, “SHARK TANK” STYLE (April 24)
POKING THE STATUS QUO OR, “BUT WE’VE ALWAYS DONE IT THIS WAY”
(feb 24)
THE POWER OF EFFECTIVE STORY-TELLING: KOENIG CHILDHOOD CANCER FOUNDATION
(feb 24)
TWO-PART SERIES: YOU’RE DOING A GREAT JOB: NOW LET EVERYONE KNOW! COLLECTING THE RIGHT DATA TO ADVANCE YOUR ORGANIZATION’S GOALS
Part 1: BASIC DATA EVERY SOCIAL CHANGE ORGANIZATION SHOULD COLLECT (Jan 24)
Part 2: LOGIC MODELS: A TOOL FOR FRAMING DATA COLLECTION AND ANALYSIS (Feb 24)
Coaching skills: bolster performance & engagement
(jan 24)
Planning for your organization's future
(jan 24)
Discretionary Funding
Discretionary Funding- Next Steps Co-Sponsored by CM Farah Louis (Oct 23)
Introduction to Discretionary Funding Sponsored by CM Ari Kagan (Dec 23)
Discretionary Process: Simplified Sponsored by NYC Speaker Adrienne Adams (Jan 24)
Becoming Funder Ready
(Dec 23)
3-PART SERIES: DEVELOPING A HIGH IMPACT WEBSITE FOR YOUR NONPROFIT (Nov-Dec 2023)
NONPROFIT WEBSITES 101
WEBSITE STORYTELLING
FROM GETTING ATTENTION TO GETTING DONATIONS
TWO-PART SERIES: FUNDRAISING & COMMUNICATIONS
Part 1: The Intersections
Part 2: “Shark Tank” Style
TWO-PART SERIES: BUILDING A BETTER BOARD
Part 1: The Work of The Board
Part 2: Building A Better Board
TWO-PART SERIES: FINANCIAL MANGEMENT
Part 1: Getting Started: Financial Management For New Organizations
Part 2: Financial Management Basics: Making Your Budget Work For You
THREE-PART SERIES: YOU'RE DOING A GREAT JOB: NOW LET EVERYONE KNOW! COLLECTING THE RIGHT DATA TO ADVANCE YOUR ORGANIZATION’S GOALS
Basic Data Important to Every Social Change/Social Service Organization
TOOLS FOR FRAMING DATA COLLECTION AND ANALYSIS
THREE-PART SERIES: A ROAD MAP FOR FUTURE SUCCESS
WHERE ARE WE NOW?
WHERE ARE WE GOING?
HOW ARE WE GOING TO GET THERE?
TWO-PART SERIES: THE POWER OF EFFECTIVE STORYTELLING: THE OPRAH OF OPERA AND STORYTELLING WORKSHOP, “SHARK TANK” STYLE
The Power of Effective Storytelling: The Oprah of Opera
Storytelling Workshop, “SHARK TANK” Style
SERIES ON: WORDS & MONEY: LEVERAGING FUNDRAISING AND COMMUNICATIONS
HOLLYWOOD STORYTELLING FOR NONPROFIT FUNDRAISING
BUILDING YOUR DATA AND DONOR BASE
The NonProfit HelpDesk offers services, training and dedicated professional staff support to nonprofits, giving them the resources to serve their communities more efficiently. All services are free or low-cost.
These workshops are funded by generous allocations from Council Members. NPHD is a project of the Jewish Community Council of Greater Coney Island.
The Nonprofit HelpDesk
Helping nonprofits do good, better.
It takes a lot to survive as a community-based nonprofit organization. Nonprofit organizations are the backbone of a strong city, and we want to be a part of their continued success. That’s why JCCGCI created the NonProfit HelpDesk (NPHD) in 1992.
The NonProfit HelpDesk helps community-based nonprofits citywide go from surviving to thriving. Our training and technical assistance provides the support needed for nonprofits to focus on fulfilling their mission and providing excellent programs. We have helped more than 2,500 nonprofits enhance the efficiency, effectiveness and accountability of their programmatic, fiscal and administrative operations to expand and enhance service delivery.
Because the NonProfit HelpDesk is itself part of JCCGCI, a social service agency, we know how to deliver holistic support with understanding, relevance and innovation. Services include technology development, financial management training and support, fundraising, marketing, staff development, board development, corporate governance guidance and more.
Services for nonprofit organizations, by a nonprofit.
We would like to thank our NonProfit HelpDesk program funders, and NYC Department of Youth and Community Development (DYCD).
For more information, email NPHD@jccgci.org
Thanks to Our Funders
Without the generosity of our funders throughout the years, the NonProfit HelpDesk would not be possible. We thank our donors for their ongoing support and belief in our mission.
- Altman Foundation
- Andrew M. Grumet, Esq./Edwards Wildman Palmer LLP
- Apple Bank for Savings
- Assemblyman Felix W. Ortiz
- Booth Ferris Foundation
- Brooklyn Community Foundation
- Councilwoman Gale Brewer
- Councilwoman Rhoda S. Jacobs
- Councilman Jumaane Williams
- Dan Disano /AxisPoint
- FJC, a Foundation of Philanthropic Funds
- Gary Freilich / Partner-Impact
- Gimprich Foundation
- Harry & Jeanette Weinberg Foundation, Inc.
- JP Morgan Chase Foundation
- Matthew Hillery, Esq., Locke Lord LLP
- Morgan Stanley Foundation Family Foundation
- New York City Council
- New York City Department for the Aging
- The New York Community Trust
- New York Foundation
- New York City Department of Youth and Community Development
- New York State Department of State
- New York State Office for the Aging
- New York State Office of Children and Family Services
- Reg Foster / United Way, NY State
- Richard M. Morris /Herrick, Feinstein LLP
- United Way of New York City
- Verizon Foundation
- William Randolph Hearst Foundation