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LISCIF Trainings

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Goal: Increase organizational capacity through training that supports day-to-day operations, project implementation, and future funding opportunities; help organizational leadership manage larger and potentially different projects while fostering organizational development at all levels of the organizations to support efficient and effective operations 

Objectives:  

  • Identify issues affecting the Long Island Sound watershed and propose projects to address concerns.  
  • Write a project narrative for LISCIF and future funding opportunities.  
  • Identify areas of need for the organization and fill those gaps. 
  • Implement new project tools acquired by trainings.      
  • Develop bookkeeping policies and implement budgeting procedures.  
  • Implement data management tools and GIS mapping. 
  • Integrate findings through various styles of reporting.  
  • Expand network, partnerships, and outreach.  

Table of Contents

Upcoming Events

 

LISCIF Full Proposal + Budget Training

Description: The LISCIF Full Proposal + Budget Training is for applicants who have been invited to submit a Full Proposal from the LoI phase. This training will cover tips on grant writing and storytelling. We will also cover how to fill out your budget and the budget narrative section in the application portal, along with any additional attachments/documents you will need for submission. There will be time for Q&A at the end.
Platform: Zoom
Date/Time: January 28, 2026, 11:00 AM – 12:30 PM Eastern Time
Facilitators: Connor Yakaitis, Undria Polley, Shahela Begum

 

Register Here

 

Match Training for Funding Opportunities 

The Long Island Sound Community Impact Fund is hosting a training on meeting match requirements for funding opportunities. As you build your organization or institution’s capacity, learn how to be strategic when meeting match requirements.

About the Facilitator:
Melba Mitchell is the co-owner of J.O. Mitchell Company, a nonprofit-focused CPA firm offering specialized services in auditing, bookkeeping, tax compliance, and financial consulting designed to strengthen organizational transparency and funder accountability.
Platform: Zoom
Date/Time: February 5, 2026 01:00 – 2:30 PM Eastern Time

 

Register Here

 

New York State-Wide Learning Exchange

Description:

The Long Island Sound Community Impact Fund (LISCIF) is excited to announce the first New York State-Wide Learning Exchange.

The theme for this Learning Exchange will focus on People of the Sound, focusing on needs, environmental impacts, and access for communities along the Long Island Sound estuary. We will collaborate with Tribal groups, organizations, institutions, and community members to identify resources and provide opportunities for capacity building.

More information to come with a detailed agenda!

This event is free and open to the public. Please register to indicate dietary, interpretation, and childcare needs.
Location: Queens Museum, New York City Building, Flushing Meadows Corona Park, Queens, New York 11368
Date/Time: February 12, 2025 9:30 AM to 4:30

 

Register Here

 

Connecticut State-Wide Learning Exchange

Description:

The Long Island Sound Community Impact Fund (LISCIF) is excited to announce the first Connecticut State-Wide Learning Exchange.

The theme for this Learning Exchange will focus on People of the Sound, focusing on needs, environmental impacts, and access for communities along the Long Island Sound estuary. We will collaborate with Tribal groups, organizations, institutions, and community members to identify resources and provide opportunities for capacity building.

More information to come with a detailed agenda!

This event is free and open to the public. Please register to indicate dietary, interpretation, and childcare needs.


Location: Mashantucket Pequot Museum, 110 Pequot Trail
Mashantucket, Connecticut 06338
Date/Time: February 24, 2025 9:30 AM to 4:30 PM

 

Register Here

 

Annual Learning Exchange

Description:

We are excited to announce the 3rd Annual Learning Exchange, bringing together current and new grant recipients to highlight completed projects benefiting the Long Island Sound estuary! Organizations will share their work, challenges, and successes throughout breakout sessions during the day. There will also be plenty of opportunities to participate in workshops while attendees network, strengthen ties, and build community moving forward. This annual event aims to be a knowledge and tech share of projects within a collaborative framework.

Location: City University of New York (CUNY) Graduate Center, 365 Fifth Avenue, New York, NY 10016
Date/Time: June 25, 2026, 9:30 AM to 4:30 PM

 

Register Here

 

 

Past Events

 

Grant Writing: Building a Strong Narrative  

Description: Applicants will learn strategies in writing a strong narrative for the Long Island Sound Community Impact Fund. In conjunction with the RFA webinars, get a clear understanding of what is required in a narrative statement. Learn to effectively communicate your organization’s mission and project proposal. 

Platform: Zoom
Date/Time: October 21, 2025, 3 – 4 PM
Facilitators: Connor Yakaitis

 

Download Slides Watch the Recording Storytelling Worksheet

 

Creating a Budget: How to Create a Federal Budget 

Description: The budget template needed for the Long Island Sound Community Impact Fund application will be reviewed. Learn ways to budget a solid project proposal. Analyze costs and learn to fill out necessary budget templates accurately. Applicants will have the opportunity to seek clarification for any confusion during the application process and ask questions about budgeting.
Platform: Zoom
Date/Time: October 9, 2025, 1 – 2 pm
Facilitator: Undria Polley

 

Download Slides Watch the Recording

 

Managing Projects

Description: The Management Center (TMC) will host an online “Managing Projects” training for the region. This training will focus on approaches, practices, and tools to manage complex projects equitably and toward excellent results. The concepts are grounded in the challenges of managing projects on a team in a non-profit context. The course will cover a range of topics, including:

The online training will include a PowerPoint presentation, individual exercises, large and small group discussions, group activities, and role-plays. There will be frequent breaks.

Additionally, in this course, the goal is for everyone to learn and practice project management skills through direct application, with support and connection. This means you should come with a project you are currently managing and plan to workshop it solo and in small groups. While it is ideal to engage with the course through a current project, if you aren’t currently managing a project, please bring one from the recent past to reflect on or one on the horizon to think through.

 

Dates/Time: October 6 & 7 2025, from 12:00 to 3:00 PM ET

Facilitator: Mattie Weiss

 

LISCIF 2026: Project Design & Building Partnerships

Description: Prospective applicants will learn about the program priorities for the Long Island Sound Community Impact Fund. Case studies of each program priority will be reviewed to gain insight into future proposal ideas. Applicants will have the opportunity to receive feedback for project eligibility prior to the official release of the RFA. Learn about building partnerships and collaborating with regional partners.
Platform: Zoom
Date/Time: October 2, 2025, 1 – 2 pm
Facilitators: Shahela Begum + Alex Rodriguez   

Download Slides Watch the Recording

 

LISCIF Invoicing

Description: The LISCIF Invoicing training will review protocol of how to invoice for the grant cycle, frequency, and answer additional questions from awardees.
Facilitator: Undria Polley
Date/Time: Thursday, August 28th at 1:00 pm

Download Slides Watch the Recording Invoice Template

Final Reporting

Description: As 2024 LISCIF Subawardees finish their projects, the Final Reporting call will review the reporting template and requirements. Attendees will have the opportunity to ask clarifying questions. This meeting will be recorded and available on the LISCIF website, along with slides.
Facilitator: Undria Polley
Date/Time: Wednesday, July 30th from 11:00 am – 12:00 pm

 

LISCIF’s Second Annual Learning Exchange 

Date: Monday, June 30, 2025
Time: 9:30 AM to 6:30 PM
Location: CUNY Graduate Center (365 Fifth Avenue, New York, NY 10016)

Link to Page

 

GIS Mapping: Presenting Results and Findings
Date/Time: Tuesday, May 13th, 2025 from 11:00 am – 12:30 pm
Facilitator: Marin Karr
Platform: Zoom
Description: Listen in on our introductory training on GIS and find out how your organization can use QGIS to map coastal resiliency, access, and restoration projects. Learn about the importance of GIS and sharing your data to advocate for your community. Explore how maps can strengthen strong narratives that highlight results and impact. The training will cover the basics of GIS, its importance, and how to get started on creating your own maps using QGIS software.
Marin Karr is a master’s student at the University of Leipzig, studying sustainable development with a focus on governance. Before attending graduate school, they worked as a Community Engagement and Land Stewardship Coordinator at Dartmouth Natural Resources Trust (DNRT) where they created Story Maps to assess the accessibility of parks owned by DNRT in Massachusetts.
Download Slides Watch the Recording

 

 

Reviewing LISCIF 2025 Full Proposal Requirements
Description: Reviewing requirements for the Long Island Sound Community Impact Fund 2025 full proposal. Troubleshooting any questions or concerns applicants may have with the process. Ensuring the project narrative is strong, there is clear alignment with the CCMP, and the budget template is filled out.
Platform: Zoom/Webinar
Date/Time: Wednesday, January 29, 2025, 2:00 – 3:00 pm
Download Slides Watch the Recording

 

 

Meaningful Community Engagement Webinar

Learn methods and strategies to meaningfully engage your community. Organizers, Ruby Olisemeka and Adrian Huq will share their experience engaging communities to increase accessibility in New York and Connecticut. Panelists will share the importance of trust building and points to consider for ongoing community involvement. There will be an opportunity for participants to ask questions and share challenges to gain more insight. 

Platform: Zoom  

Date/Time: Wednesday, January 15, 2025, 1-2:30 pm

Moderator: Alex Rodriguez
NY Panelist: Ruby Olisemeka
CT Panelist: Adrian Huq   

 

 

Long Island Sound Community Impact Fund Quality Assurance Project Plan (QAPP) Training Webinars

Webinar 2 – QAPP Examples and Guidance Thursday, October 3, 2024, 10:00 – 11:30 AM
This webinar goes into more depth than Webinar 1 and will provide guidance and examples of QAPPs for three types of activities: Primary Data Collection, Secondary Data Use and Model Development. The training will also provide QAPP templates and resources for each QAPP type

Download Slides Watch the Recording

 

Long Island Sound Community Impact Fund Quality Assurance Project Plan (QAPP) Training Webinars

Webinar 1 – QAPP 101 Thursday, September 26, 2024, 10:00 – 11:30 AM
This webinar will focus on QAPP basics, including their purpose when QAPPs are required, and what they need to include. It will also provide guidance on how to develop scopes and budgets for projects that need a QAPP.

Download Slides Watch the Recording

 

 

LISCIF 2025 Informational Webinar

Are you interested in learning more about the application process or LISCIF? Check out our webinar led by RAE staff on tips for applying.

Download Slides Watch the Recording

 

 

LISCIF Reporting

Join us to learn about your progress report template, report due dates, and submitting reports and pictures in the grant portal. We will have time to answer questions and walk through submitting a progress report live in the system.
Date/Time: Thursday, August 22nd from 1:00 – 2:00 pm
Facilitators: Sara Smith and Shahela Begum
Download Slides Progress Report Template Watch the Recording

 

 

Managing Projects
This training will focuses on approaches, practices, and tools to manage complex projects equitably and toward excellent results. The concepts are grounded in the challenges of managing projects on a team in a non-profit context. The course will cover a range of topics, including:
  • The qualities and role of an effective Project Manager
  • How to integrate equity and inclusion practices into working with stakeholders and your team
  • How to estimate risk and plan for mitigations
  • Practical tips for building relationships and improving communication on a project
  • How to get started with a basic outline for an effective project plan
Date/Time: Tuesday, July 30 & Wednesday, July 31, 2024 from 12:00 – 3:00 pm
Facilitator: Mattie Weiss, The Management Center

Long Island Sound Community Impact Fund’s Annual Learning Exchange

Description: The Annual Learning Exchange will bring together organizations and partners working on coastal restoration projects within the Long Island Sound region. Organizations will participate in workshops focused on their project to directly apply skills learned directly. This event will provide an opportunity for regional organizations, working on the ground, to network, strengthen ties, and collaborate moving forward. This event will be a knowledge and tech share of projects within a collaborative framework.
Location: CUNY Graduate Center
Date/Time: June 27, 2024 9:30 am – 4:30 pm
Facilitator: Shahela Begum

Please take a few minutes to fill out this questionnaire and let us know how next year’s gathering can be improved: https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/AnnualLearningExchange

 

Link to Page

Hiring & Retention 

Description: Explore best practices to secure ideal candidates for your project. Learn how to create job descriptions, set a living wage, and recruit for your next hire. What are the best ways to retain qualified employees? Learn more about team building and organizational success by attending this webinar!
Platform: Zoom
Date/Time: Wednesday, May 15th, 2024, 10-11:30 am, 90 minutes
Facilitator: Leah Weiner

Watch the Recording Download Slides Job Description Template

 

 

Procurements & Record-keeping  

Description: Learn how to procure services for your project using federal regulations and guidelines. As you manage a federal grant, learn about record-keeping requirements and best practices for a successful grant period.
Platform: Zoom
Date/Time: Wednesday, May 1st, 2024, 1-2:30 pm, 90 minutes
Facilitator: Brian Tipton

Watch the Recording Download Slides 

 

 

Fundraising

Description: Explore various fundraising routes for your organization. From the planning of in-person events to engaging social media, the opportunities are endless. Learn how to successfully get your mission statement across to community members and elected officials. As opportunities arise for increasing accessibility for communities, learn how you can capture these resources.
Platform: Zoom/Webinar
Date/Time: February 15, 2024, 2-3 Eastern
Facilitator: Connor Yakaitis

Watch the Recording Download Slides

 

 

Grant Writing Assistance: Reviewing LISCIF Full Proposal Requirements

Description: Reviewing requirements for the Long Island Sound Community Impact Fund full proposal. Troubleshooting any questions or concerns applicants may have with the process. Ensuring the project narrative is strong, there is clear alignment with the CCMP, and the budget template is filled out.
Platform: Zoom/Webinar
Date/Time: January 25 2024, 3:30-4:30 Eastern
Facilitator: Connor Yakaitis

Watch the Recording Download Slides

 

 

Project Design & Building Partnerships

Description: Prospective applicants will learn about the program priorities for the Long Island Sound Community Impact Fund. Case studies of each program priority will be reviewed to gain insight into future proposal ideas. Applicants will have the opportunity to receive feedback for project eligibility prior to the official release of the RFA. Learn about building partnerships and collaborating with regional partners.
Platform: Zoom/Webinar
Date/Time: September 19, 2023, 1 – 2 pm
Facilitator: Shahela Begum + Alex Rodriguez  

Watch the Recording Download Slides

 

 

Grant Writing: How to Write a Strong Narrative

Description: Applicants will learn strategies in writing a strong narrative for the Long Island Sound Community Impact Fund. In conjunction with the RFA webinars, get a clear understanding of what is required in a narrative statement. Learn to effectively communicate your organization’s mission and project proposal.
Platform: Zoom/Webinar
Date/Time: October 12, 2023, 2 – 3 pm
Facilitator: Connor Yakaitis

Watch the Recording Download the Slides

 

 

Budgeting & Staffing: How to Ensure the Project is Financially Viable  

Description: Learn ways to budget a solid project proposal. Identify staff, partners, and/or contractors needed to have a successful project. Analyze costs and learn to fill out necessary budget templates accurately.
Platform: Zoom/Webinar
Date/Time: October 16, 2023, 11:00 am – 12:00 pm
Facilitator: Sara Smith 

Watch the Recording Download the Slides

 

 

Budgeting Q&A Session

Description: The Budgeting Q&A Session will review the budget template needed for the Long Island Sound Community Impact Fund application. Applicants will have the opportunity to seek clarification for any confusion during the application process and ask questions about budgeting.
Platform: Zoom/Webinar
Date/Time: November 13, 2023, 11:00 am – 12:00 pm
Facilitator: Sara Smith 

Watch the Recording Download Slides