Professional Development Consulting Program FAQs


Can I apply to both the NYSCA NYTAP Regrant Program and the Professional Development Consulting Program?

No. Each organization may only apply to one of the two opportunities. 

Should I apply for a grant from the NYSCA NYTAP Regrant Program or the Professional Development Consulting Program?

It depends on the scope of your project and your organization’s eligibility for each opportunity. In terms of eligibility, you should apply for a NYSCA NYTAP Regrant if all of the following apply: 

  • Your organization is a registered nonprofit organization OR has a fiscal sponsor
  • Your organization is located in New York State
  • You are ready to execute a project that will help build organizational capacity 

The Professional Development Consulting Program is open to both nonprofit and for-profit publishers located anywhere in the United States. This opportunity is meant to support publishers that need professional, expert guidance in order to set a course for and execute a project that will help build organizational capacity and/or long-term sustainability. Funding is paid directly to consultants. 

Can I apply for either opportunity if I have received 2024 NYSCA funding?

No. 2024 NYSCA grantees are ineligible for both the NYSCA NYTAP Regrant Program and the Professional Development Consulting Program.

Can I receive feedback on a draft of my application prior to submitting it? 

Yes. We encourage you to email applications directly to Montana Agte-Studier, Director of Membership & NYSCA NYTAP at [email protected] by January 5 for feedback. We cannot guarantee that applications received after this date will receive feedback in time to meet the January 12 deadline. 

What does building organizational capacity mean? What kinds of projects are these programs designed to support?

Projects that build organizational capacity contribute to an organization’s long-term sustainability by increasing stability, expanding to new work areas, shoring up systems, planning for the future, etc. All projects proposed for this opportunity must focus on capacity building, not the routine costs of publishing. Examples of projects include software upgrades, design projects, accessibility initiatives, special marketing efforts, and development/fundraising efforts.

How do I find a consultant to work with?

If you’re a CLMP member looking for a consultant to work with, we recommend that you use the CLMP database to help find consultants. There, you can filter by consultants who have been vetted by other CLMP members and us. Log in to your CLMP member account to access the database. You may also reach out to Montana Agte-Studier ([email protected]) with any questions or for assistance in finding the right consultant for your project. 

Do consultants have to come from the CLMP database? 

No. You’re welcome to apply with any consultant, as long as their expertise and experience matches the project goals. Most of the consultants in the CLMP database have been recommended by other CLMP members and/or added because they’ve been funded by the program in the past. 

Can an existing staff member serve as a consultant?

No. Your consultant for this program should not be an existing staff member or anyone else regularly affiliated with your organization, as this would fall under staff funding. 

What is a reasonable hourly rate for consultant work? 

Many consultants offer their services for between $80-$250 per hour, but rates depend on the project and the expertise of the consultant. If you are unsure about whether a rate you have been quoted is reasonable, you are welcome to contact us to discuss it. 

Why are the grant amounts not listed? 

We want to encourage applicants to engage consultants at their normal (or nonprofit) rates, rather than their adjusting rates to match available funding. We invite you to submit a proposal for 10-20 hours with a consultant who works within the average market range ($80-$250).