(RALEIGH) -- In a tight budget time, non-profit agencies are preparing to make their case to state lawmakers.  A lobbying seminar on Wednesday in Raleigh attracted representatives from non-profits from across North Carolina.

North Carolina Center for Nonprofits organized the siminar.  Director for Public Policy and Advocacy David Heinen said legislators who will be close to the budget process need to hear certain things from non-profit leaders.  "The message that the non-profits need to make it that we're providing essential services.  We're doing it extremely efficiently.  We've already been cut short and, by the way, all of our other sources of revenue have been declining as well, so that we can't make it up from foundation or corporate giving or from individual donations," said Heinen.

The $3.7 billion budget shortfall and cuts the shortfall may bring will be a top focus of this legislative session. The seminar was designed to five non-profits in North Carolina the tools they need to help them convince legislators that their services are essential and should not be a victim of possible budget cuts.