Community-based and faith-based organizations have taken on major participation in our country’s social services.  Financial resources and organizational capacity are key to their success.  Relationships between funders and nonprofits, between programs and the communities  they are to serve, have never been more important.
 Valerie Oliver-Durrah

Background

Valerie Oliver-Durrah
President/CEO and Principal Consultant

Valerie Oliver-Durrah has made a career of philanthropic advisement, non-profit management, life coaching and writing. As President and Chief Executive Officer of the Neighborhood Technical Assistance Clinic (NTAC), she utilizes a well-developed, executive skill set in support of organizations and leaders who seek to address the needs of underserved communities. Adept at helping grassroots service providers develop effective programs and navigate the challenging terrain of fundraising, Valerie has aided dozens of organizations in securing the economic and technical resources they need to flourish in difficult economic times. Hundreds of Non-profit and faith-based leaders across the five boroughs of New York City attend NTAC’s annual Meet the Grant Maker conferences to enhance their skills, make direct contact with foundation officers and network with other service providers. Ms. Oliver-Durrah’s professional background includes the Vice Presidency of Programs of Citizen’s Committee for New York City, service as National Project Director for the Association of Junior Leagues and operation as National Project Director of the Girls Club of America. 

Having championed the causes of grassroots organizations in New York City for many years, Ms. Oliver-Durrah has received formal recognition from Governor Mario Cuomo, who honored her with an African American of Distinction award in 1994; Brooklyn Borough President, Marty Markowitz, who presented her with the Dr. Susan McKinney Humanitarian Award in 2004; Support Network of New York City, which presented her with the President’s Award in January, 2005; and CaribNews recognized her as the winner-up for the African American Mother of the year, May 2006. Concord Family Services which presented her with the Dr. Gardner C. Taylor Community Service Award in 2005. She has received similar awards from the New York State Association of Black and Puerto Rican Legislators, the Boy Scouts of America and the Junior League of Brooklyn. Valerie serves on the boards of the South Street Seaport Museum and the Brooklyn Historical Society and is a member of the Delta Sigma Theta sorority. Ms. Oliver-Durrah’s experience in non-profit management has put her in demand as a guest lecturer at both the Borough of Manhattan Community College and Medgar Evers College. She is also a guest writer for CaribNews featuring unique locations and best kept secrets located in the Caribbean Islands.