Practical Strategies for Today’s Challenges
Join community-based organizations for a forward-looking day of learning, peer exchange, and practical tools to strengthen organizational capacity and long-term sustainability.
Building Stronger, Smarter Nonprofits
Event details
Date
December 1, 2026
Time
8:00 AM–3:00 PM
Audience
Community-based organization leaders, staff, and board members
Location
Vivian and Seymour Milstein Family Heart Center, NewYork-Presbyterian Hospital
Registration deadline
Sunday, November 22, 2026
Why this conference
Practical ideas for a changing nonprofit landscape
Nonprofit organizations are operating in a rapidly changing environment shaped by funding uncertainty, shifting public policy, advances in technology, workforce challenges, and evolving community needs. This conference will explore how organizations are adapting through creative leadership, strategic thinking, organizational sustainability, advocacy, and emerging technologies.
Learn
Explore practical frameworks and tools designed for immediate application.
Connect
Exchange ideas and experiences with peers, practitioners, and subject-matter experts.
Strengthen
Identify next steps that support resilient organizations and community impact.
Conference agenda
Select a session to review its description. Program details are subject to change.
8:00 AM - 9:00 AM | Registration & Breakfast
Check in, enjoy breakfast, and connect with fellow attendees before the program begins.
9:00 AM - 10:00 AM | Leading Through Change
Greg Silverman, CEO, West Side Campaign Against Hunger
This fireside chat will explore how nonprofit leaders can help their organizations remain adaptable, innovative, and mission-focused during periods of uncertainty and change. Greg will reflect on lessons learned from leading a growing nonprofit organization in a changing landscape, sharing practical examples of how organizations can embrace new opportunities, respond to challenges, leverage advocacy and emerging technologies, and position themselves for long-term impact.
10:00 AM–12:00 PM | Choose One Capacity Building Workshop
Governance: Building a Stronger and More Engaged Board
Explore board roles and responsibilities, structure, function, and strategic composition. Participants will use practical tools to assess their board, identify gaps and priorities, and strengthen engagement and performance.
This session is best for: Board members and staff who support or work closely with the board.
Resource Development: Making the Most of Limited Capacity
Explore which fundraising activities have the greatest impact, how much time to devote to them, and how to build consistent habits that strengthen support over time. Participants will leave with practical tools they can use to organize outreach, steward relationships, and focus their limited capacity where it matters most.
This session is best for: Staff and board members from organizations with limited fundraising capacity.
Strategic Planning: Setting Priorities and Making Decisions
Learn what information to gather, who to engage, and how to assess current conditions before translating insights into clear organizational goals and strategies. Participants will learn how to translate these insights into clear organizational goals and strategies that provide direction for the future.
This session is best for: Staff and board members involved in organizational planning, priority setting, and strategic decision-making.
12:00 PM–1:15 PM | Building Influence Through Advocacy
Michelle Jackson, Executive Director, Human Services Council
Maria Lizardo, Executive Director, Northern Manhattan Improvement Corporation
Guided by advocacy experts and nonprofit practitioners, this interactive session will explore how community-based organizations can engage in advocacy to advance their missions and support the communities they serve. Presenters will provide practical frameworks and conversation starters for table-based peer discussions on advocacy, policy engagement, coalition-building, and strategies for advancing community priorities. Attendees will have a chance to submit questions at the beginning of the day.
1:15 PM–2:30 PM | People-Centered Innovation: Navigating AI and Emerging Technologies with Care
Rebecca Cohen, Co-Founder, Brooklyn Book Bodega
Lauri Goldkind, Public Interest Technologist and Professor, Fordham University
Margaret Kaufer, President, The STEM Alliance
Facilitator: Chif Umejei, Senior Vice President and Chief Information Officer, NewYork-Presbyterian
Panelists will explore how nonprofits are thoughtfully leveraging AI and emerging technologies to strengthen operations, expand access, and advance mission while keeping people, ethics, and equity at the center of their work. Through a candid discussion of opportunities, challenges, costs, and responsible implementation, this session will help leaders navigate innovation in ways that support both organizational effectiveness and the communities they serve.
2:30 PM–3:00 PM | Closing Reflections
A facilitated discussion to reflect on key themes from the day and identify practical takeaways and additional resources participants can bring back to their organizations.
Who should attend
Built for community partners
This one-day conference is designed for community-based organization leaders, staff, and board members interested in practical capacity-building strategies and networking.
Frequently asked questions
Is there a cost to attend?
No. The conference is free to attend, but registration is required and space is limited. Please only register if you plan to attend.
Will parking be validated?
Yes, parking will be validated. Details regarding parking validation will be shared closer to the conference date.
Can participants submit questions for speakers?
Yes. The registration form invites participants to submit advocacy and artificial intelligence/emerging technology questions or topics for presenters to address.