Strengthening Boards & Communities At Our 2nd Annual Nonprofit Conference

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More than 220 nonprofit board members, executive directors, and staff came together for Brooklyn Org’s 2nd Annual Nonprofit Conference: Strengthening Nonprofit Boards for Fundraising Success last week.

Together, we explored the evolving role of boards in sustaining fundraising efforts and ensuring the long-term health and success of our community organizations.

In today’s climate — where funding streams are shifting, competition for resources is intensifying, and community needs are growing — boards are more than governance bodies. They are critical partners in advancing organizations’ missions, sustaining donor confidence, and stewarding resources wisely.

Throughout the day, participants gained tools and strategies from leaders across the sector through sessions tailored to the perspectives of both nonprofit staff and board members, with themes that covered:

1. Building resilient boards that adapt in challenging times

With insights from Dr. Jocelynne Rainey (President & CEO of Brooklyn Org), Tim Simons (Co-Founder of Forethought Advisors and Board Member at Brooklyn Org), David Rhode (Deputy Director of PennPac), and James Sheehan (Chief of the New York State Charities Bureau).

2. Practical fundraising tools, from implementing SMART targets to adopting give/get policies

Shared by Lou Miceli (Chief Program and Impact Officer of Row New York) and Lesleigh Irish-Underwood (Fractional Chief Marketing & Development Officer at Chief Outsiders and Board Member at Brooklyn Org).

3. Real-world perspectives on current challenges

Through fireside chats with Lorena Kourousias (Executive Director of Mixteca and Board Member at Brooklyn Org), Jacqueline M. Ebanks (President & CEO of Nonprofit New York), Michael Gillespie (Board Co-Chair at Brooklyn Org), and Megan Allen (CEO of BoardStrong).

4. Emerging donor trends, including the power of recurring giving

With information and insights presented by Kelsey Kramer (Director of Partnerships at GivingTuesday).

Thank you to our speakers, partners, and every Brooklyn leader who joined us to strengthen the future of our nonprofit sector. Together, we’re building boards and communities that are more resilient, responsive, and ready to meet the moment.

Thank You To Our Generous Conference Sponsors

Partner Sponsor

Nonprofit Connector Sponsor