City of Light Creative & Consulting, LLC

It might come as no surprise, but City of Light’s Lead Writer, Kelly Hoben, cares as much about your organization’s mission as you do - and that’s the exact person you want writing your grants. Kelly began grant writing as a way to fuse writing with social impact. Since her launch over two years ago, she has brought millions of dollars in commitments to CLCC clients. ???She loves the meaningful work of writing grants for socially conscious nonprofits with CLCC.

???Last year, we made a big, scary commitment. We decided to pay our team for weekly reading time, and your nonprofit should, too!? Why? This initiative fosters a culture of continuous growth and development and provides a refreshing break from the day-to-day demands of nonprofit work. This helps avoid burnout, but it also sparks creative ideas. Our team's diverse reading interests have sparked rich conversations and deepened connections. What book would you read first? We’ve seen our team reading everything from self-improvement to books on the lifecycle of bees!

It has been an absolute joy to watch the Momentum Choir WNY?grow!? Momentum Choir is a highly disciplined, professionally facilitated performance choir, right here in WNY, for adults living with disabilities. Over the past few years we have helped guide them closer to their purpose and mission, and it has been beautiful watching the organization flourish.? The Choir is always looking for new members, too! Check them out today!

The hits seem like they keep coming for nonprofit organizations.? ?? The City of Light team is here if you need us, and we're booking free check-in calls with nonprofits we serve and other organizations who need support. This is a free call to use as a sounding board, gain some support, or even just let out your swear words in a safe place. We are seeking to help in a small way as devastating news mounts. Reach out for coaching, brief planning, and support. We are donating time over the next few weeks to offer as much help as we can. You can find the complementary call form in the comments below ??

???You know how a random marketing text or email will remind you to re-up on your favorite skin care, or to buy tickets to your favorite band?? -Your donors also need a reminder notification!? You can show the impact made by their financial involvement on social media, in email newsletters, or in a written thank you note! Updates on what you are achieving or how you are weathering current events are also great opportunities.? Treat your donors like good friends you maintain long relationships with, and a lot can change about their giving behavior. Even if it’s been a while since they donated - everyone could use a reminder!

???Do you ever listen to a podcast while driving or doing dishes, and you just feel a bit… happier? The 10% Happier Podcast hosted by Dan Harris? does it for us!? It got its start after Harris, a former ABC news anchor, had a panic attack on live television. Panic at work…sound familiar? ? Realizing his lifestyle was contributing to his poor mental health, Harris began researching and exploring the practice of mindfulness.? This month, we recommend the episode “The Science of Burnout: and how to recharge from stress”. The 10% Happier Podcast can be found on all podcasting platforms.

In the middle of chaos and economic downturn, nonprofits are feeling the extreme squeeze. This is the time to build organizational resiliency and creativity... even if it doesn't feel like it.? ???The City of Light team is here if you need us, and we're booking free check-in calls with nonprofits we serve and other organizations who need support.? Reach out for coaching, brief planning, and support. We are donating time over the next few weeks to offer as much help as we can. You can find the complementary call form in the comments below ??

Nonprofit Leaders: you are not alone.? You are NOT without advocates, but this is the time to act swiftly to affect change.? The National Council on Nonprofits has led the charge to address the Executive Order at the national level and they are requesting that nonprofit organizations fill out this form to tell their government the impact this would have on their operation.? The executive order has a judicial stay until Monday. Find the link to speak now in the comments ??

Nonprofit Leaders: you are not alone.? You are NOT without advocates, but this is the time to act swiftly to affect change.? The National Council on Nonprofits has led the charge to address the Executive Order at the national level and they are requesting that nonprofit organizations fill out this form to tell their government the impact this would have on their operation.? The executive order has a judicial stay until Monday. Find the link to speak now in the comments ??

Say hello to the man who keeps stress at bay in the City of Light office! Brian Ronan, our Project Manager, brings 20 years of experience in project management, business development, and associate learning and development to the City of Light team. With an attention to detail and a desire to make information understandable to the entire team, he removes stress from complex processes so everyone can focus on doing their best work. Brian is passionate about aiding organizations supporting underserved individuals.