Reflections On The First Year Of Our Nonprofit Capacity Building Program

As the weather chills and we find ourselves navigating the new year, I’m reflecting on all that we’ve done since we officially launched Brooklyn Org’s Nonprofit Capacity Building program one year ago, as part of our goal to strengthen Brooklyn’s nonprofit ecosystem under our new strategic plan.

As BKO’s Nonprofit Engagement Manager, I have had the privilege of producing 26 different workshops, like “The Road to Capital Grants,” “Transitioning to a Fundraising Board,” and “Authenticity in Fundraising,” and getting to connect with over 800 leaders from 500 nonprofits across Brooklyn. (You can stream past trainings here.) Additionally, we have hosted 10 Leader Salons for nonprofit executives, and two regional convenings where over 100+ organizations gathered to share stories, needs, and partnership opportunities.

In my role, I’m incredibly grateful for the chance to get to know nonprofit leaders and teams working passionately to make a difference for Brooklyn. Over the coming months, I hope to deepen those relationships even further, taking the time to understand the unique missions, challenges, and visions of Brooklyn nonprofits across our communities.

In the spirit of this reflection, I’m naming this past year as “Connection First.” What would you name your year?

Maybe it feels like “Just Getting Through It,” or “Surviving the Storm” if this year brought more obstacles than opportunities, or “Learning to Lead,” where you’re focusing on growth for yourself and your team.

Whatever your year looks like, naming it can be a powerful way to acknowledge where you are and create greater power and autonomy (essential for reducing burnout) by reminding yourself that all seasons are temporary.

Naming your year isn’t about setting lofty goals or rigid plans. Taking the time to look back on the past year can encourage you to embrace it for what it was—the good, the bad, the transformative. In our work, we’re often so focused on the next task, the next goal, or the next challenge that we forget to celebrate how far we’ve come.

So, as we look ahead, spend some time thinking about what 2024 meant to you and your organization. Think about the new connections you’ve made, the projects you’ve launched, and the communities you’ve supported.

We’ve got a lot in store for 2025! Be sure to sign up for our monthly Nonprofit Newsletter to get invites to all upcoming events.