VNR’s technical assistance program helps nonprofits in the San Fernando Valley meet challenges that go beyond what its website, Concierge or other services can provide. Technical assistance might be a single consulting session, or it might be a longer-term intervention. VNR staff will sometimes provide this TA, but often the purpose of VNR’s assistance is to help a nonprofit determine what its needs are, and then identify outside resources to meet those needs. The “way in” to VNR’s technical assistance resources is the VNR Concierge.
Technical assistance services typically involve a fee for service, which can be estimated by VNR. Also, help can be provided by VNR to identify third-party financial support for those nonprofits needing it.
Needs Assessment
To start the process of determining what a nonprofit needs in the way of technical assistance, nonprofits can complete a simple, four-question form that can then be shared with VNR or used with a consulting resource to which the nonprofit is already connected. Download VNR Needs Assessment Form
Referrals to Consultants
Some local consultants to nonprofits are in the Resource Directory for Nonprofit Capacity Building in Los Angeles County, Fifth Edition, May 2008. A brief sketch of each is offered here. No endorsement is implied of any consultant listed, and many other good consultants are not listed here. Full contact information is provided in the Directory. Download Resource Directory
Gina Airey Consulting (e-mail, www.ginaairey.com) helps to develop the capacity of leaders for strategic impact, specializing in planning, organization development and creative facilitation, particularly in health, education, social services and civic engagement.
Nancy Berglass Consulting (e-mail) works to strengthen communities by enhancing the capacities of grantmakers and nonprofits to engage effectively with each other and those they serve.
Gary Bess Associates (www.garybess.com) provides needs assessment, program evaluation, grantwriting and strategic planning services to public and private health, human services and educational organizations.
Nunn Consulting, Inc. (e-mail, www.nunninc.com) provides consultation in capacity building, research and evaluation, community organizing, collaboration and partnership development, strategic restructuring, leadership development and sustainability.
Coachman-Moore & Associates (e-mail) focuses on nonprofit capacity strengthening in the areas of organizational development, planning, project design, group facilitation and coaching.
Diversity Consulting Group, Inc. (e-mail) provides consultation on capacity building, diversity and cultural awareness for agencies serving Cambodian, Chinese, Filipino, Laotian, Vietnamese and other immigrant populations.
Draper Consulting Group (www.drapergroup.com) provides consultation to meet the core needs of community-based nonprofit organizations through strategic planning, board development and training, fundraising and executive coaching.
Goldvarg Consulting Group (www.thegoldvargconsultinggroup.com) provides professional development opportunities for nonprofit organizations through assessment, coaching, training, and consulting. Services are offered in English and Spanish.
Growing Health Partnerships (e-mail) provides consultation focused on research and evaluation, strategic planning, program design, fund development and capacity building.
Grantworks Proposal Writing Services (www.grantworks.com) assists in collaborative proposal writing, workshop/seminar, symposia and fundraising development.
Kumamoto Associates (e-mail) provides administrative assistance and consultation in board development and training, fundraising, meeting facilitation, public relations, strategic planning and program evaluation for a variety of ethnic and emerging populations.
Law Firm for Nonprofits (www.lfnp.com) provides consultation and legal assistance in human resources, nonprofit incorporation and strategic planning.
The McElwee Group (e-mail) provides consultation on strengthening philanthropy for foundations, corporations and individuals, developing and improving the philanthropic infrastructure, and building nonprofit boards and resources.
Meaningmatters, LLC (e-mail) works with foundations, public arts agencies, arts organizations and individual artists to research and develop innovative new practices.
The Sandoval Group (e-mail) works to build and improve capacity in systems that serve children and families within the community.
Silbert Consulting Services (e-mail) helps nonprofit and public sector organizations achieve their goals, providing ongoing grant development for small and medium-sized organizations.
Deborah Silver (e-mail) provides consultation on collaboration and partnership development, diversity and cultural awareness, leadership development and sustainability for public health organizations.
Mary Genis - SINTRA Consulting (www.sintraconsulting.org) provides executive coaching services focused on leadership development, career transitions, team effectiveness, and peer learning designed to increase the personal and organizational capacity of clients.
Transformative Collaborations International (e-mail) provides consultation on collaboration and partnership building, community and capacity building, diversity and cultural awareness, leadership and staff development for health care and public health organizations and schools.
Urban Resources (e-mail) specializes in the facilitation and project management of multi-stakeholder collaborations.
