Training Nonprofits to Succeed
Nonprofits play an essential role in serving Asian New Yorkers. They are trusted messengers, community anchors, and often the first line of defense that people turn to for help, especially in their own languages and cultures. But even as they fill in crucial gaps left by government agencies and mainstream organizations, Asian-serving nonprofits only receive 1.4% of City contracts and just 3.1% of contract dollars. It is these smaller, grassroots organizations that are often doing the most urgent work and who deserve more opportunities to achieve their full potential.
Through AAF’s nonprofit support program, we strengthen the capacity of Asian-led, Asian-serving nonprofits through:
- Leadership development through board, executive, and staff trainings
- Advocacy workshops, such as media trainings, testimonial writing, and
- Responsive and needs-based workshops
- Informational sessions on funding applications and processes
- Opportunities to learn skills and grow connections among a network of like-minded nonprofits
Leadership Support
AAF’s leadership programs focus on building the capacity of mid- to senior-level managers and executive directors. Nonprofit leaders work with professional development trainers and executive coaches and also receive one-on-one coaching to enhance their strategic, operational, and leadership skills. We currently offer workshops for managers and have previously hosted capacity-building programs for nonprofit directors.
Leaders in Training
A five-session, hybrid workshop series serving managerial staff who are looking to understand, engage, and support more effectively the people within their organization.
Executive Director Learning Circle
A program providing an affinity space to support executive directors of nonprofit organizations serving NYC communities of color.
Nonprofit Resiliency for 2024 and Beyond
Series of workshops serving executive directors and deputy directors focused on creating sustainable organizations.
Advocacy Training
AAF’s advocacy workshops are designed to strengthen the voices of nonprofits and empower them to champion more effectively for their communities. We provide training on essential skills such as communications, media engagement, delivering testimonies, and storytelling.
Responsive & Needs-Based Workshops
AAF also offers flexible, needs-based workshops to address timely topics and emerging challenges. These workshops are designed to help nonprofits navigate critical processes, like City and State budget applications, while also providing opportunities to engage directly with City officials and stakeholders.
In Spring of 2025, the Nonprofit Support Program launched the Nonprofit Readiness & Best Practices series, to help organizations understand organizational compliance issues and to help them build organizational sustainability and security in an ever changing policy landscape. Examples of the type of knowledge built from this workshop series include:
- How to prepare for a potential audit
- Lobbying compliance
- Digital security for nonprofits
This series is ongoing throughout 2025 and is open to our members and partners.
Communities of Color Nonprofit Stabilization Fund
In 2014, the Hispanic Federation, Coalition for Asian American Children and Families, New York Urban League, and Asian American Federation came together to support Black, Latino, and Asian-led community-based organizations throughout New York City. The efforts led to the creation of the Communities of Color Nonprofit Stabilization Fund (CCNSF), with $2.5 million allocated by the City Council, and continued advocacy efforts led to its expansion to $3.7 million.
The first fund of its kind, CCNSF has since supported 464 capacity-building projects, recognizing that nonprofits led by community members are best positioned to serve their communities.
Check back in the fall for FY 2026 applications!
Resources
Lobbying for Nonprofits 101
Learn the basics of lobbying for nonprofits, why it matters, and how to make an effective ask.
Electoral Lobbying for Nonprofits
Learn what nonprofits can and cannot do when engaging with political candidates and elections.
Preparing for a Potential Audit
Understand what an audit is and how to prepare your organization for the process.
City Budget Discretionary Funding
An overview of how nonprofits can apply for funding from New York City Council’s discretionary funding.
State Budget Discretionary Funding
An overview of how nonprofits can apply for funding from the New York State budget.
How to Testify at NYC Council Meetings
A primer for nonprofits on crafting effective testimonies to help tell the story of your community.
