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
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.
DISCRETIONARY FUNDING: You Ask, We Answer: NYC Council Discretionary Expense Funding
Wednesday, MAY 21, 2025 6:30PM
Session Description:
This workshop will provide a high-level overview of the NYC Council Discretionary Expense Funding process—from application through funding timelines, award tracking, and contracting. Participants are encouraged to submit questions in advance during the registration process.
Learning Objectives:
Understand the end-to-end process of NYC Council Discretionary Expense Funding, including application requirements, review timelines, and key milestones.
Gain insight into tracking and managing discretionary awards, from notification of selection through to contract execution.
Identify common challenges and best practices in navigating the discretionary funding and contracting process effectively.
Intended for:
Nonprofit Organizations based in NYC
Nonprofit Organizations based in NYC with an existing NYC Council Discretionary Award
Beginner and Intermediate Applicants who have never applied or with 1-3 years of experience with the discretionary process.
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’s of Music from New Jersey City University, and Master’s 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.
Nonprofit Excellence – A Guide to the Top 10 Best Practices for Nonprofit Organizations
Tuesday MAY 27, 2025 12PM
Success in the nonprofit sector doesn’t happen by chance—it requires strategy, leadership, and accountability. Nonprofit Excellence is a dynamic one-hour workshop designed to equip nonprofit leaders, board members, and staff with the essential principles that will drive sustainability, credibility, and impact. Through an engaging discussion on 10 proven best practices, participants will gain actionable insights into mission clarity, governance, financial stewardship, strategic planning, fundraising, program evaluation, stakeholder engagement, legal compliance, leadership development, and community collaboration. Join us to discover the key strategies that will position your nonprofit for long-term success!
Presented by: Hugh Wesley Carrington, Ph.D. helps organizations optimize performance through training and development of their members at all levels and the streamlining of organizational processes. As Founder of Bridge Innovators, Inc. and an accomplished, dynamic speaker, Hugh blends his love of education, the study of people, and research into his process-driven approach to organizational learning and development. In addition to leading Bridge, Inc., Hugh is currently also an Adjunct Professor at Long Island University in the School of Business, Department of Social Work, and the Department of Sociology and Anthropology.
DISCRETIONARY FUNDING: NYC Council Discretionary Funding Q&A w/ NYC Dept of Youth & Community Dev.
Wednesday May 28, 2025 6:30PM
Session Description:
In this workshop, Joe Kovac, Senior Director of Discretionary Contract Review and Compliance at the NYC Department of Youth & Community Development (DYCD), will join us to provide an overview of the NYC Council Discretionary Expense contracting and reimbursement processes. Participants are encouraged to submit questions in advance during the registration process.
Learning Objectives:
Understand the contracting and reimbursement processes for NYC Council Discretionary funding administered by DYCD.
Gain insights into best practices for managing discretionary contracts.
Intended for:
Nonprofit Organizations based in NYC with an existing NYC Council Discretionary contract or award being administered by DYCD.
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’s of Music from New Jersey City University, and Master’s 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.
DISCRETIONARY FUNDING: Submitting the HHS Prequalification (PQL) Application
Wednesday, June 4, 2025 6:30PM
Session Description:
This workshop will guide participants through the process of starting, completing, and submitting a new HHS Prequalification registration in PASSPort, required for most organizations receiving NYC Council Discretionary Funding. Topics will include the Nonprofit Questionnaire, the list of required documents, and common mistakes to avoid. Questions are encouraged to be submitted in advance during the registration process.
Learning Objectives:
Learn how to start, complete, and submit a new HHS Prequalification.
Understand the requirements of the Nonprofit Questionnaire and necessary supporting documents.
Identify common mistakes to avoid during the HHS Prequalification process.
Intended for:
Nonprofit Organizations based in NYC interested in NYC Discretionary Funding or other NYC contracts.
Beginner and Intermediate Applicants.
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’s of Music from New Jersey City University, and Master’s 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.
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, CFRE, 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: Navigating NYC PASSPort for Nonprofits
Tuesday June 10, 2025 6:30PM
Session Description:
In this workshop, you will be introduced to PASSPort, New York City’s digital portal for contracting and procurement. PASSPort is designed for every stage of the contracting process including registration, solicitations (known as RFx), contract awards, contract registration, contract management, and payments. Participants will learn how to create an account, complete the Vendor Questionnaire, manage existing contracts, and search for contracting opportunities.
Learning Objectives:
Learn how to create and set up a PASSPort account.
Understand how to complete the Vendor Questionnaire and upload required documents.
Gain the skills to manage existing contracts and search for new contracting opportunities in PASSPort.
Intended for:
Small to mid-Size Nonprofit Organizations based in NYC who have been awarded discretionary funding from NYC Council Members.
Beginner and Intermediate Applicants who are unfamiliar with navigating PASSPort or have questions on using PASSPort.
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’s of Music from New Jersey City University, and Master’s 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.
NYC Council Discretionary Expense Funding: Contracting and Reimbursement Overview
Co-Sponsored by Council Members:
Rita Joseph District 40
Crystal Hudson District 35
Co-Hosted by Council Members:
Lincoln Restler District 33
Mercedes Narcisse District 46
Shahana Hanif District 39
Tuesday June 17, 2025 6:30PM
Session Description:
This workshop will provide an overview of the NYC Council Discretionary Expense Funding contracting and reimbursement processes. Participants are encouraged to submit questions in advance during the registration process.
Learning Objectives:
Deepen your understanding of the contracting process for NYC Council Discretionary Expense Funding, with a focus on compliance requirements for existing contracts.
Learn best practices for submitting and managing reimbursement requests, including documentation standards and common issues that delay payment.
Strengthen your organization’s contract management capacity by gaining insights into reporting obligations, budget modifications, and communication with city agencies.
Intended for:
Nonprofit Organizations based in NYC
Nonprofit Organizations based in NYC with an existing NYC Council Discretionary Award
Beginner and Intermediate Applicants who have never applied or with 1-3 years of experience with the discretionary process.
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’s of Music from New Jersey City University, and Master’s 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.
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
So You Think You Want To Do a Capital Campaign
(May 7, 2025)
Guarding Your Reputation
(May 6, 2025)
Multigenerational Conflict Resolution: Finding Common Ground
(April 29, 2025)
Motivation & Development: Driving Satisfaction and Performance
(April 22, 2025)
Who's in the Room? A Dynamic Networking Session
(April 8 ,2025)
Best Practices for Annual Board Meetings
(March 25)
Ethical Story Telling
(March 25)
Discretionary Funding:
Next Steps for Organizations Awarded NYC Council Discretionary Awards
Sponsored by Councilmember
Farah Louis, District 45
(March 25)
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