Capacity building
Collaborate, connect, thrive
Upcoming Trainings
At Nonprofit New York, we know that your organization is only as healthy as your staff and strong as your systems. That’s why we provide more than 50 thoughtfully curated trainings a year. Whether you’re new in your role or a seasoned professional looking to brush up on best practices, we have a session designed to make you and your organization stronger.
- April 16, 2026
- Webinar
Learning Circles
Learning Circles is a new capacity building initiative from Nonprofit New York, created to meet the urgent and evolving needs of our sector by offering expert-led learning experiences. These dynamic circles are designed to move nonprofit professionals from challenge to action through hands-on training, coaching, and peer collaboration.
Informed by our January 2025 forum Safeguarding NYC’s Nonprofit Sector, the Learning Circles series addresses key areas of need identified by over 170 organizations.
Demystifying the NYC Council Application & Award Process - 2-Part Series
These hybrid Learning Circle sessions provide nonprofit professionals with a clear, practical roadmap for navigating New York City Council discretionary funding—from understanding the application process to positioning your organization for a successful award. Whether you are applying for FY27 or planning ahead for a future fiscal year, these workshops equip you with the foundational knowledge and tools needed to move forward with confidence.
Led by former NYC Council Member Helen Rosenthal, these hands-on sessions include one virtual and one in-person meeting, as well as one-on-one technical assistance for each participating nonprofit.
* While not required, we encourage nonprofit organizations to attend both months. The March workshops dive more deeply into the topics covered in February.
Part 1: NYC Council Discretionary Awards 101
This is a 2-day hybrid series:
- Day 1 (Virtual | Zoom): February 12, 2026 | 1:00–2:30 PM
- Day 2 (In-Person): February 24, 2026 | 9:00 AM–12:00 PM
The February workshop will cover:
- How the NYC Council discretionary funding process works, from application to award
- Key timelines, roles, and decision points in the funding cycle
- Identifying and cultivating City Council Member “champions”
- How to use “Schedule C” without drowning in the weeds
- Developing a strategic agenda for meetings with elected officials
Who Should Attend:
This Learning Circle is designed for nonprofit professionals who are:
- Applying for NYC Council discretionary funding for the first time
- Preparing to submit an application for this fiscal year due February 18
- Looking to strengthen their advocacy and relationship-building strategies
Cost Per Organization (Includes up to 2 staff members):
- $30 (Nonprofit New York members)
- $50 (Non-members)
Registration for this Learning Circles has closed. Sign up for our mailing list to be notified when registration for our next cohort opens.
Part 2: How to Advance Your NYC Council Discretionary Application
This is a 2-day hybrid series:
- Day 1 (Virtual | Zoom): March 19, 2026 | 1:00–2:30 PM
- Day 2 (In-Person): March 31, 2026 | 9:00 AM–12:00 PM
The March workshop will cover:
- Crafting a clear and persuasive one-page summary of your funding request
- Aligning your request with Council Member priorities and community impact
- Preparing materials to support meetings with elected officials and their staff
- Receiving facilitator and peer feedback on draft one-pagers
Who Should Attend:
This Learning Circle is designed for nonprofit professionals who:
- Submitted their NYC Council discretionary application for FY27
- Want to strengthen their funding narrative and advocacy materials
- Are seeking feedback on their funding strategy and program pitch
- Want practical support to move from idea to actionable funding request
Cost Per Organization (Includes up to 2 staff members):
- $30 (Nonprofit New York members)
- $50 (Non-members)
Registration for this Learning Circles has closed. Sign up for our mailing list to be notified when registration for our next cohort opens.
Nonprofit Financial Scenario Planning: Navigating Through Uncertainty
Build your organization’s confidence in navigating financial uncertainty through this hands-on Learning Circle led by financial experts Hilda Polanco and Rebecca Kellogg of BDO. Participants will learn practical tools to assess risk, identify critical decision points, and develop flexible financial strategies that support informed leadership and organizational resilience.
This Learning Circle will include a full-day in-person workshop and one-on-one coaching sessions.
You'll walk away with:
- Key principles to guide scenario planning
- Tools for identifying critical financial decisions
- A framework for risk landscape analysis
- Techniques to create practical and flexible financial strategies
Who Should Attend:
This Learning Circle is designed for nonprofit professionals looking to:
- Strengthen financial preparedness through proactive scenario planning
- Build tools and strategies for navigating financial uncertainty
- Learn collaboratively with peers and receive expert coaching
- Commit to a structured, multi-month capacity-building program
Program Details:
- Participation: 2 representatives per organization per Learning Circle
- Cohort Size: 25 organizations per Learning Circle
- Format: In-person training with virtual coaching
- Duration: March 2026 – May 2026
Cost Per Organization (Includes up to 2 staff members):
- $30 (Nonprofit New York members)
- $50 (Non-members)
Registration for this Learning Circles has closed. Sign up for our mailing list to be notified when registration for our next cohort opens.
Developing Your Nonprofit’s Communications Plan
Communications teams are often in reactive mode, responding to organizational needs, external crises, and competing demands as they arise. An effective communications plan can break that loop, providing a strategic foundation that centers your organization’s goals, audiences, and values.
By the end of the series, participants will have a draft communications plan they can begin applying right away, serving as a working framework for their communications activities.
Whether you’re building a communications plan from scratch or refreshing one that’s overdue for an update, this cohort series offers the structure, support, and peer connection to help you get it done.
Led by communications experts, Ally Dommu and Farra Trompeter, from Big Duck, these hands-on sessions include two half day in person sessions, three 1-hr virtual sessions and one-on-one coaching for each participating nonprofit.
Participants in this series will:
- Set primary goals to guide your plan and select relevant measurable objectives
- Identify audience priorities and craft an audience profile based on the motivations of a current or prospective desired audience member
- Explore proven and fresh strategies and tactics to elevate your communications
- Evaluate processes, roles, and internal tools that are working or may need to shift
- Start mapping out a timeline to seamlessly put their plan into action
Series Overview
- Session One: Communications Strategy Foundations, April 23rd – In-person at FPWA – 1 pm – 4 pm
- Session Two: Strategies and Tactics, May 19th – Virtual – 1 pm – 2 pm
- Session Three: Messaging and Storytelling, June 1st – Virtual – 1 pm – 2 pm
- Session Four: Workplan and Timing, June 16th – In-person at FPWA – 1 pm-4 pm
- Session Five: Communications Plan Peer Feedback, July 8th – Virtual – 1 pm – 2 pm
Who Should Attend:
This series is designed for nonprofit staff responsible for communications who want to take a more strategic approach to their organization’s communications work.
This may include:
- Communications Managers and Directors
- Marketing or Digital Communications staff
- Development staff responsible for messaging and campaigns
- Program or Executive staff overseeing communications
- Staff at smaller nonprofits who manage communications among other responsibilities
Cost Per Organization (up to 2 members per organization):
- $30 (Nonprofit New York members)
- $50 (Non-members)
Cohort Testimonials
Participation in Nonprofit New York’s inaugural Learning Community Experience was well worth my time and a rewarding experience. The program, organized around the organizational needs of the participants, provided a broad curriculum presented by an array of experts in the relevant topics.
Wendy P. Malliet
Chairman, The Tau Omega Charitable Trust Fund
I highly recommend other leaders to engage in the Learning Communities when one for your particular discipline rolls around, as it will help you to transform your organization and it'll also serve as a great way to contribute towards your own professional development.
Wayne A. Francis
Chief Operating Officer, JASA
Together, we can thrive
Connect with a supportive network of professionals and discover new opportunities for growth.