New Resource Offers Free Expert Support for Local Nonprofits
Earlier this year, The Capacity Lab launched a new partnership with the New York Council of Nonprofits (NYCON) to provide free expert technical assistance to nonprofit organizations in Chautauqua County. The Ask the Expert resource gives nonprofits access to guidance in three core areas of organizational operations: human resources, finance, and legal services.
This offering was developed in direct response to feedback from nonprofit leaders, many of whom shared the challenges of accessing specialized expertise or support in key areas of their organization’s operations or governance. The three core areas selected for technical assistance are also areas nonprofits have communicated a need.
Since its launch several organizations have benefited from this new resource, gaining timely access to expert support that has helped move their organization forward.
“Ask the Expert has been an incredible resource for the YWCA Jamestown,” said Amanda Gesing, executive director of the YWCA Jamestown. “We were able to access expert support in both human resources and legal review to finalize our updated Employee Guidebook. The availability of free technical assistance helped our organization overcome a critical roadblock, ensuring expert review before we presented the Guidebook to our Board of Directors for approval. This kind of accessible, expert support is invaluable for nonprofits navigating complex organizational needs.”
NYCON, a long-standing capacity-building partner across the state, manages similar technical assistance pools in other regions and brings a team of experienced professionals to the table. Support might include advice on employment matters such as hiring, firing, evaluations, and retention, review of financial documents, training on budget and financial planning, along with legal review of contracts, bylaws, or other legal documents.
To request assistance, nonprofits complete a brief online inquiry form. A NYCON representative will follow up to schedule a consultation call, based on that conversation, the next steps and timeline will be determined. All information shared with NYCON remains confidential.
The Ask the Expert Technical Assistance Pool is a pilot project, and requests will be accepted on a rolling basis until the pool of funds is exhausted.
