Membership Director Taina Sanon spoke with Mary Habstritt of Lilac Preservation Project, a member organization of Nonprofit New York. We will continue to highlight the work of our members because we believe when your nonprofit is stronger, all of us are stronger.
Tell me about the organization and what you do.
Lilac Preservation Project is restoring a historic Coast Guard ship for educational and cultural purposes. Normally, she is open to the public every weekend, for free. Volunteers act as greeters and tour guides but also can learn woodworking, metalworking and other skills.
How many are on your team?
1 salaried staff, 3 hourly supervisors, and lots of volunteers.
Servicing how many of the nonprofit population?
6,400 per year on average
Where do you see your organization in the next five years or ten years?
The ship will be operational and we will be offering educational excursions on the only operating steamship in New York.
How has partnering with Nonprofit New York helped you succeed?
We have taken advantage of vendor discounts.
What are you currently working on that you want us to mention to our membership?
Museums, like gyms, were among the last to open in NYC. Although not open to the public, we have been open (with special COVID protocols) to volunteers who want to get their hands dirty and have made major progress on restoring the ship.