Learning & Practice Series for Westchester Nonprofits
The Trust-Westchester Nonprofit Accelerator offers nonprofits that serve Westchester county a focused opportunity to build stronger, more resilient organizations. Through two highly practical, in-person learning & practice series, participating organizations will gain tools, guidance, and peer learning designed to strengthen governance, sharpen business practices, and improve financial decision-making in a challenging and changing environment for the nonprofit sector. “Homework” assignments will be supported by coaching sessions between meetings. Five organizations will be selected for each series. Sessions will take place from October 2026 through April 2027.
Series I: Good Governance & Strengthening Board Practice
Designed for organizations ready to elevate board performance, this five-session Accelerator series will help participants move from good intentions to stronger governance practice. Organizations will complete a board self-assessment, refresh core governance documents, clarify board and officer roles, revise committee structure, develop committee charters, analyze board composition, and build a more intentional approach to recruitment, onboarding, and orientation.
Who should participate
Organizational profile: This Accelerator track is ideal for organizations that are ready to strengthen governance at a pivotal moment and meet the following suggested profile:
- Organizational budget of at least $2 million from diverse sources and see themselves at a pivotal point of growth or change
- Providing programs or services in Westchester County for at least three years
- A governing board of at least ten individuals who are not paid staff, with active committees
Individual participants: Each organization should identify a two-person leadership team: the professional who works most closely with the board, such as the CEO, Chief of Staff, or Director of Development, and an appropriate board leader, such as the Board Chair, Vice Chair, or Governance Committee Chair.
Session schedule
The sessions will be held on Tuesdays, 9:00–11:00 a.m. in person at The Trust Westchester office, 1 Bridge Street, Suite 145, Irvington, NY.
- October 13, 2026
- December 8, 2026
- January 26, 2027
- March 9, 2027
- April 27, 2027
Series II: Business & Financial Planning in Uncertain Times
This four-session Accelerator series is designed for organizations seeking greater clarity, confidence, and agility in financial planning. Participants will complete a Program Portfolio Analysis designed to help organizations make tough choices about their programs and services, explore new approaches to budget development and budget storytelling, and build practical skills in short- and long-term forecasting and scenario planning.
Who should participate
Organizational profile: This Accelerator track is ideal for organizations that want to strengthen financial strategy and meet the following suggested profile:
- Organizational budget of at least $3 million and see themselves at a pivotal point of growth or change
- Provide a multiplicity of programs and services in Westchester County for at least three years
- Rely on multiple funding sources that may include fee-for-service, government, foundations, and individual philanthropy, etc.
Individual participants: Each organization should identify a two-person leadership team: the professional who works most closely with the finances of the organization (e.g., CFO, Budget Director) and an appropriate and available board member (e.g., Treasurer, Finance Committee Chair).
Session schedule
The sessions will be held on Wednesdays, 9:00–11:00 a.m. in person at The Trust Westchester office, 1 Bridge Street, Suite 145, Irvington, NY.
- October 14, 2026
- December 9, 2026
- February 10, 2027
- April 7, 2027
Apply now
Space is limited. Applications are due by 12 p.m. on Thursday, September 3, 2026.
To apply, please use this application link: The Trust-Westchester Nonprofit Accelerator Application Form.
All applicants will be notified of their application status by September 18th. Qualified participants may be invited to participate in a phone interview.
Notes:
Organizations do not need to be current or former grantees of The Trust to apply.
Organizations may apply to one or both series; however, applications for each series will be reviewed and considered independently.
Please reach out to Lauren Perkins at lperkins@thenytrust.org with questions.
