Consulting Services
From strategic planning to organizational development, our consulting services equip nonprofits with the tools and expertise to grow with confidence.
Expert Guidance. Practical Solutions. Lasting Impact.
The Nonprofit Partnership's consulting services help organizations turn challenges into opportunities through practical, assessment-driven support. From strategy to implementation, our consulting services equip nonprofits with tools and guidance to advance their mission.
If the Partnership can't directly provide you with the services you need, we'll find someone who can!
Areas of Support
Every nonprofit faces unique opportunities and challenges.
While our consulting engagements are customized to meet the needs of each organization, we frequently provide support in the following areas:
Organizational Capacity Assessment
Strategic Planning & Alignment
Board Governance & Development
Fundraising Strategy & Growth
Executive Leadership & Coaching
Organizational Change & Capacity Building
Training, Facilitation & Workshops
Customized Consulting Engagements
Meet Your Team
Nicole Reitzell, Director of Consulting Services
As Director of Consulting Services, Nicole helps nonprofit organizations strengthen their capacity, navigate change, and achieve their goals. Her career spans emergency services, nonprofit leadership, fundraising, community engagement, and strategic partnership development, providing a unique perspective on organizational growth and leadership.
Known throughout the community as a trusted connector and collaborator, Nicole has worked closely with nonprofit leaders, boards, donors, and stakeholders to build strong relationships and advance mission-driven work. She brings expertise in strategic planning, governance, fundraising, communications, grant writing, and organizational development, helping nonprofits turn challenges into opportunities and ideas into action.
Adam Bratton, Executive Director
Adam C. Bratton is a nonprofit executive with nearly 30 years of leadership experience strengthening professional practice, building fundraising programs, and advancing mission effectiveness across diverse organizations. As Executive Director of The Nonprofit Partnership, he has expanded sector-wide capacity-building resources, delivering education, consulting, and support services to thousands of nonprofit professionals.
He is the creator of the Nonprofit Capacity Assessment Tool, helping organizations benchmark their capabilities and make data-informed decisions for growth. Through leadership and fundraising training programs grounded in ethical practice and practical skill development, Adam’s work centers on equipping nonprofit leaders to drive meaningful, lasting community impact.
Scroll down to express interest in consulting services through The Nonprofit Partnership.
Consulting Catalog
Strategy & Organizational Planning
Business Plan Development
Build a practical business plan that aligns your organization's vision, priorities, and resources while providing a clear path for growth and long-term sustainability.
Includes:
- 3-6 hours over 30-day engagement
- Discovery meeting to clarify organizational goals, priorities, and intended outcomes
- Review of existing organizational documents and relevant data
- Environmental scan and assessment of strengths, opportunities, and key challenges
- Draft review and collaborative revisions
- Final business plan and facilitated presentation to leadership or the board (optional)
Starting at $500
Completion of intake assessment & provision of communications & marketing collateral.
Customized Business Plan that provides a clear, actionable roadmap for implementation, supports fundraising and partnership efforts, and aligns leadership around shared priorities and measurable goals.
Rapid Capacity Assessment
Identify high-impact opportunities and create an actionable roadmap.
Includes:
- 6-10 hours of consulting over a 3-month engagement
- Leadership discovery meeting to identify organizational priorities, immediate challenges, and desired outcomes
- Targeted organizational assessment using the Nonprofit Capacity Assessment Tool (NCAT), focused on the organization's highest-priority capacity areas
- Analysis of assessment findings to identify immediate opportunities and organizational strengths
- Facilitated leadership debrief to review results and establish priorities
- Collaborative action planning to identify high-impact initiatives for the next 90 days
- Access to the full Nonprofit Capacity Assessment Tool (NCAT) platform for continued organizational use ($200-$800 value)
Starting at $1,200
Completion of most critical/relevant 3-5 assessments (identified by leadership).
Customized 90-day Action Plan that prioritizes the highest-impact opportunities, establishes clear next steps, and builds momentum for long-term organizational success.
Comprehensive Capacity Assessment & Alignment
Evaluate organizational capacity across key operational areas and develop a shared understanding of the priorities that will strengthen long-term performance.
Ideal for organizations without a strategic plan, or whose plan no longer meets their needs due to changes in resources, leadership, market position, etc.
Includes:
- 12-24 hours of consulting over a 3-month engagement
- Leadership discovery meeting to clarify organizational goals, priorities, and desired outcomes
- Comprehensive organizational assessment using the Nonprofit Capacity Assessment Tool (NCAT) ($200-$800 value)
- Benchmarking across key organizational domains, including governance, fundraising, leadership, and operations
- Analysis of organizational strengths, opportunities, and capacity gaps
- Two to three facilitated leadership and board alignment sessions
- Prioritization of organizational opportunities and implementation priorities
- Access to the online Fundraising Academy for one staff member ($300-$425 value)
- Access to the online Governance Academy for full board ($90-$190 value/director)
Starting at $2,500
Organizational Capacity Implementation Roadmap outlining practical, prioritized recommendations, strategic initiatives, implementation timelines, and accountability measures to strengthen organizational effectiveness over the next 6–12 months.
Strategic Plan
Align your board and leadership team around a shared vision and practical roadmap for the future through a strategic planning process focused on execution and measurable results. Designed for organizations developing their first strategic plan or refreshing an existing plan that no longer reflects current priorities or opportunities.
Includes:
- 4–6-month facilitated planning engagement
- Discovery meeting to define planning goals, scope, timeline, and stakeholder engagement strategy
- Collection and analysis of stakeholder input from a representative group of constituents
- Three to five facilitated strategic planning sessions with board and organizational leadership
- Full organizational assessment using the Nonprofit Capacity Assessment Tool (NCAT) ($200-$800 value)
- Benchmarking across key organizational domains, including governance, fundraising, leadership, and operations
- Environmental scan to identify organizational strengths, challenges, trends, and emerging opportunities
- Collaborative development and refinement of strategic goals, priorities, and implementation strategies
- Access to the online Fundraising Academy for up to three staff/board members ($300-$425 value/training)
- Access to the online Governance Academy for all current board members, plus up to two additional board members joining within six months of the engagement ($125-$160 value/director)
Starting at $5,000
Comprehensive 1–3-Year Strategic Plan that aligns board and leadership around a shared vision, establishes organizational priorities, and defines measurable goals, strategic initiatives, and key success indicators.
Strategic Implementation Framework outlining implementation priorities, defined ownership, timelines, measurable milestones, and accountability measures to guide execution and monitor organizational progress.
Strategic Reboot/Refresh
Reignite your strategic plan by evaluating progress, realigning priorities, and creating a focused roadmap for implementation. Ideal for organizations with an existing plan that no longer reflects current realities or has lost momentum.
Includes:
- Up to 6 hours of consulting over a 4–6-week engagement
- Two to three facilitated leadership sessions
- Review of the current strategic plan and assessment of progress toward established goals
- Environmental scan to evaluate changing organizational needs, opportunities, and challenges
- Review and refinement of strategic priorities, goals, and implementation timelines
- Facilitated action planning to establish updated priorities and next steps
Starting at $1,000
Refreshed strategic plan that realigns organizational priorities, affirms a shared vision, and provides a practical 1–2-year implementation roadmap with updated goals, timelines, and accountability.
Governance & Board Development
Governance Essentials
Strengthen your board's foundation with the essential structures, tools, and practices needed to govern effectively. This engagement is designed for smaller or emerging nonprofits that need practical governance support without the time or investment required for a comprehensive board transformation.
Includes:
- 6-8 hours of consulting over a 2–4-week engagement
- Governance discovery meeting with board leadership and the executive director
- Review of bylaws, governance policies, and current board practices
- Assessment of board composition, committee structure, and board meeting effectiveness
- Prioritized recommendations to strengthen governance and board effectiveness
- Board roles and responsibilities workshop (60–90 minutes)
- Facilitated action planning session to prioritize implementation and next steps
- Access to the online Governance Academy for up to five board members ($125-$160 value/director)
Starting at $1,000
Governance Action Plan outlining prioritized recommendations, implementation strategies, and next steps to strengthen board effectiveness, engagement, and accountability.
Customized Governance Toolkit, which may include:
- Board member roles and responsibilities/job descriptions
- Board member expectations and commitment agreement
- Committee structure recommendations and sample charters
- Board meeting agenda and annual governance calendar templates
- Board composition and recruitment matrix
- Board orientation and training materials
- Governance best practice resources and implementation tools
Board Effectiveness Intensive
Build a high-performing board by strengthening governance structures, clarifying roles and expectations, and implementing the systems needed to support effective leadership and long-term organizational success.
Includes:
- 12-18 hours of consulting over a 2-3 month engagement
- Comprehensive assessment of current governance practices, board effectiveness, and organizational needs
- Review of bylaws, governance policies, board structure, and committee framework
- Board roles and responsibilities workshop (60–90 minutes)
- Assessment of board composition, recruitment needs, committee structure, and meeting effectiveness
- Development of customized governance recommendations, tools, and implementation strategies
- Guidance on board accountability, governance best practices, and long-term sustainability
- Presentation of recommendations and Governance Action Plan to the full board
- Access to the online Governance Academy for all current board members and new board members joining within six months of the engagement ($120-$160 value/ director)
Starting at $2,000
Comprehensive Governance Implementation Plan outlining prioritized recommendations, implementation strategies, defined ownership, timelines, and measurable milestones to strengthen governance over the next 6–12 months.
Customized Governance System, tailored to your organization's needs, which may include:
- Board member roles and responsibilities
- Board member expectations and commitment agreement
- Board composition analysis and recruitment strategy
- Board succession planning recommendations
- Customized committee structure and committee charters
- Board meeting framework and annual governance calendar
- Board orientation and onboarding program
- Board education and ongoing development plan
- Governance policies, templates, and implementation tools
Board Effectiveness Dashboard with recommended governance metrics, board performance indicators, and accountability measures to support continuous improvement.
Board Philanthropy Activation Framework defining practical roles, expectations, and strategies to engage the full board in stewardship, relationship-building, and fundraising.
Board Recruitment & Succession Strategy that identifies future board composition needs, recruitment priorities, and succession recommendations to ensure long-term board sustainability.
Board Retreat Facilitation
Strengthen board engagement and organizational effectiveness through a facilitated retreat that encourages strategic thinking, collaborative problem-solving, and actionable next steps.
Includes:
- 4-6 hours of consulting over a 2–4-week engagement
- Discovery meeting with board leadership to identify retreat goals, organizational priorities, and desired outcomes
- Customized retreat agenda development and facilitation
- Interactive discussions, strategic exercises, and collaborative action planning tailored to your organization's needs
- Guidance on nonprofit governance best practices and board effectiveness
- Access to the online Governance Academy for one board member ($125-160 value)
Retreat topics may include:
- Organizational strategy and strategic priorities
- Board roles, responsibilities, and expectations
- Board engagement in fundraising and philanthropy
- Leadership succession and transition planning
- Strategic partnerships and shared service opportunities
- Board and organizational alignment
- Governance challenges and board effectiveness
Starting at $750
Customized Board Retreat Facilitation
Board Retreat Summary & Action Plan documenting key discussion themes, decisions, prioritized recommendations, and clearly defined next steps.
Fundraising Strategy & Donor Engagement
Case for Support Development
Articulate your organization's mission, impact, and funding priorities through a compelling Case for Support that inspires donors and strengthens fundraising and communications efforts.
Includes:
- 4-6 hours of consulting over a 1-month engagement
- One to two facilitated leadership sessions to clarify organizational priorities, funding needs, and intended audiences
- Review of existing fundraising, marketing, and communications materials
- Assessment of organizational messaging, value proposition, and philanthropic case for investment
- Collaborative development of a compelling case for support narrative
- Draft review, refinement, and implementation guidance
Starting at $700
1-2 page Case for Support that defines your organization's unique value proposition and serves as the foundation for fundraising, marketing, communications, and campaign success.
Board Fundraising Activation
Build a board that confidently champions your mission and actively supports fundraising success. This engagement equips every board member—not just the development committee—with the mindset, and practical tools to participate in donor engagement, relationship-building, stewardship, and fundraising in ways that align with their individual strengths and comfort levels.
Includes:
- 6-8 hours over 4-6 week engagement
- Assessment of current board fundraising culture and readiness
- Board fundraising expectations and role clarification
- Interactive board education and training session
- Individual board member engagement planning
- Development of fundraising goals and accountability measures
- Donor engagement strategy and board participation plan
- Coaching for board leadership and executive staff
- Meeting facilitation and implementation support throughout the engagement
- Access to the online Governance Academy for up to two board members ($125-160 value/director)
Starting at $1,200
Board Fundraising Activation Plan with clearly defined board roles, individualized engagement strategies, measurable goals, and a phased implementation roadmap.
Customized Board Fundraising Toolkit including practical resources to support donor cultivation, stewardship, relationship-building, and fundraising participation.
Board Engagement & Accountability Dashboard with recommended performance indicators, progress tracking tools, and strategies to sustain a culture of philanthropy.
Beyond Erie Gives
Turn Erie Gives donors into lasting supporters. This engagement provides a structured stewardship and engagement plan that helps organizations build meaningful relationships with new donors, increasing donor retention and ongoing commitment.
Includes:
- 8-14 hours over 6-month engagement,
- Discovery meeting and review of giving day results
- Analysis and segmentation of new donor lists
- Donor journey mapping for first-time donors
- Messaging strategy and content recommendations
- Ongoing planning sessions and implementation guidance
- Access to the online Fundraising Academy for one staff/board member ($300-$425 value)
Starting at $1,500
Customized, month-by-month stewardship calendar with specific recommendations on meaningful, low-cost donor engagement opportunities.
Year-end appeal strategy tailored to first-time donors.
August- fiscal year end action plan with measurable retention goals and key performance indicators.
Customized Grant Development Support
Strengthen your organization's competitiveness through strategic grant writing, proposal review, and funding analysis that improve the quality of submissions and position your organization for greater funding success.
May include, based on need:
- Grant prospect research
- Proposal writing
- Proposal editing
- Proposal review
- Funder alignment
- Debrief of declined applications
- Coaching
- Budget review
$175/hour
Customized grant development support, tailored to your organization's needs, which may include:
- Grant opportunity recommendations and funder alignment
- Completed grant proposal or application narrative
- Proposal review with written recommendations for strengthening competitiveness
- Post-decision analysis of declined proposals with recommendations for future submissions
- Grant implementation timeline and compliance checklist
- Recommendations for funder stewardship and ongoing relationship-building
Annual Fund Optimization
Develop a strategy to build or stabilize the most fundamental component of your development plan – the annual fund. The Annual Fund should provide sustainable, unrestricted operating support and is a pivotal first step in establishing a comprehensive development program.
Includes:
- 8-14 hours of consulting over a 3-month engagement
- Assessment of your current annual giving program, donor data, and fundraising performance
- Review of donor segmentation and giving trends to identify opportunities for increased engagement
- Evaluation of annual appeal strategy, messaging, and communication cadence
- Development of customized donor segmentation and solicitation strategies
- Recommendations for strengthening recurring giving and sustainable donor support
- Development of donor stewardship and retention strategies to increase long-term engagement
- Coaching on implementation priorities and annual fundraising best practices
- Access to the online Fundraising Academy for one staff/board member ($300-$425 value)
Starting at $1,500
Annual Fund Strategy outlining fundraising goals, donor segmentation, messaging recommendations, and priority initiatives to strengthen unrestricted annual giving.
12-Month Annual Fund Calendar with recommended appeals, stewardship activities, target audiences, communication channels, and timing to maximize donor engagement without over-solicitation.
Donor Stewardship & Retention Framework with practical recommendations to strengthen donor relationships, increase retention, and encourage recurring and upgraded giving.
Major Gift Accelerator
Build a major giving program, or strengthen your efforts by identifying your highest-potential donors, developing intentional cultivation strategies, and equipping your organization to build lasting philanthropic relationships that increase long-term fundraising revenue.
Includes:
- 6-12 hours of consulting over a 3-month engagement
- Assessment of your current major giving program, donor pipeline, and organizational readiness
- Review of donor stewardship practices and relationship management strategies
- Identification and qualification of high-potential major gift prospects
- Development of a customized major donor portfolio and cultivation strategy
- Coaching on donor engagement, cultivation, solicitation planning, and stewardship
- Practical guidance on major gift conversations, ask strategies, and scenario-based coaching
- Recommendations for engaging board members and staff in relationship-based donor cultivation
- Implementation planning and next-step guidance to strengthen long-term major giving success
- Access to the online Fundraising Academy for one staff/board member ($300-$425 value)
Starting at $1,200
Major Gifts Strategy outlining prospect qualification criteria, cultivation priorities, stewardship recommendations, and measurable fundraising goals.
Major Donor Portfolio identifying your organization's highest-potential prospects (15-30 depending on size of donor base), with customized cultivation strategies, recommended next steps, and engagement timelines for each.
Major Gifts Action Plan providing a practical roadmap for donor cultivation, stewardship, solicitation, and follow-up over the next 6–12 months.
Planned Giving Program Strategy
Build a sustainable planned giving program that inspires legacy giving, strengthens long-term financial sustainability, and helps donors create a lasting impact through their philanthropic legacy. Recommended for organizations with an established annual giving program and a loyal base of supporters.
Includes:
- 4-6 hours of consulting over a 2–3-month engagement, tailored to your organization's planned giving readiness and fundraising goals.
- Assessment of current planned giving readiness and organizational capacity
- Review of existing donor data to identify high-potential legacy giving prospects
- Facilitated planning to establish planned giving priorities and program goals
- Development of planned giving messaging and donor engagement strategies
- Guidance on legacy donor recognition and stewardship
- Implementation coaching and next-step planning
Starting at $800
Planned Giving Strategy outlining program goals, target audiences, marketing recommendations, and implementation priorities.
Legacy Giving Prospect Portfolio identifying your organization's highest-potential planned giving prospects, with recommended cultivation strategies and next steps.
Planned Giving Marketing & Engagement Plan including messaging recommendations, communication opportunities, recognition ideas, and a practical roadmap for launching or strengthening your planned giving program.
Development/ Fundraising Committee Retreat Facilitation
Move your development committee from planning to action. This facilitated retreat builds fundraising confidence, aligns committee members around clear priorities, and creates an actionable roadmap so every member understands how they can meaningfully contribute to fundraising success.
Includes:
- 4-6 hours of consulting over a 2–4-week engagement
- Discovery meeting with committee leadership to identify fundraising priorities, challenges, and desired outcomes
- Customized retreat planning and facilitation tailored to your organization's fundraising goals
- Interactive exercises, facilitated discussion, and action planning designed to build committee engagement and accountability
- Guidance on fundraising best practices and committee effectiveness
Retreat topics may include:
- Development committee roles and responsibilities
- Board and staff partnership in fundraising
- Annual fundraising planning and goal setting
- Committee structure, expectations, and accountability
- Resource and fundraising program capacity assessment
- Fundraising event evaluation and return-on-investment analysis
- Donor engagement, stewardship, and relationship-building strategies
- Development of committee work plans and implementation priorities
Starting at $750
Facilitated Development/Fundraising Committee Retreat tailored to your organization's fundraising priorities and current stage of development.
Development Committee Action Plan summarizing key discussion themes, committee priorities, defined responsibilities, and actionable next steps.
Fundraising Committee Work Plan outlining committee goals, meeting priorities, and recommended activities to support annual fundraising objectives over the next 6–12 months.
Leadership & Organizational Sustainability
Interim Executive Leadership
Maintain organizational stability and momentum during executive leadership transitions with experienced interim leadership that provides operational oversight, supports staff and the board, and prepares your organization for a successful executive search and leadership transition.
Typical engagement: 3–6 months
May include:
- Interim executive leadership and day-to-day operational oversight
- Partnership with the board to ensure organizational continuity and effective governance
- Leadership coaching and support for staff throughout the transition
- Transition planning and implementation
- Internal and external communication planning
- Review of organizational priorities, staffing structure, and key responsibilities
- Executive search preparation, including position profile and transition recommendations
- Knowledge transfer and onboarding support for incoming executive leadership
- Full organizational assessment using the Nonprofit Capacity Assessment Tool (NCAT) ($200-$800 value)
- Access to the online Fundraising Academy ($300-$425 value/training)
- Access to the online Governance Academy ($125-$160 value/training)
Retainer or hourly offerings
Leadership Transition Plan outlining organizational priorities, transition milestones, and recommended actions to ensure continuity throughout the interim period.
Leadership Continuity Playbook documenting key relationships, operational priorities, decision-making authority, recurring responsibilities, and essential institutional knowledge to support a seamless leadership transition.
Executive Onboarding & Transition Recommendations providing practical guidance for board leadership and the incoming executive to accelerate onboarding, strengthen relationships, and ensure long-term success.
Succession Planning
Prepare your organization for successful leadership transitions by reducing organizational risk, preserving institutional knowledge, and ensuring continuity of mission, operations, fundraising, and governance. This proactive engagement equips boards and executive leaders with practical plans for both planned and unexpected leadership changes.
Typical engagement: 2–3 months
May include:
- Assessment of leadership structure and organizational dependencies
- Identification of leadership, operational, fundraising, and stakeholder relationship risks
- Development of emergency and planned succession protocols
- Clarification of board and staff roles during leadership transitions
- Identification of critical leadership responsibilities and institutional knowledge
- Leadership development and talent pipeline recommendations
- Transition communication planning
- Board education on succession planning best practices
- Full organizational assessment using the Nonprofit Capacity Assessment Tool (NCAT) ($200-$800 value)
Starting at $2,500
Leadership Continuity Playbook documenting key relationships, operational priorities, decision-making authority, critical responsibilities, and essential institutional knowledge to ensure organizational continuity during leadership transitions.
Succession & Transition Roadmap outlining emergency and planned succession protocols, board and staff responsibilities, transition timelines, and recommended next steps.
Leadership Development & Readiness Recommendations identifying opportunities to strengthen leadership capacity, develop internal talent, and prepare future organizational leaders.
Fundraising Coaching & Advisory Services
Strengthen your fundraising capacity through coaching, strategic guidance, and accountability designed to help nonprofit leaders build confidence, solve challenges, and achieve sustainable fundraising success. Ideal for executive directors, new development professionals, and small organizations seeking an experienced fundraising partner without the cost of additional staff.
Retainer includes:
- Up to 4–6 hours of one-on-one fundraising coaching and strategic advising each month
- Regular check-ins to troubleshoot challenges, identify opportunities, and maintain momentum
- Guidance on annual giving, major gifts, board engagement, grants, stewardship, campaigns, and donor communications
- Review and feedback on fundraising materials, appeals, proposals, donor strategies, and development plans
- Ongoing accountability and implementation support
- Unlimited access to the online Fundraising Academy courses and resources ($300-$425 value)
- Membership for one staff member in the Fundraising Cohort ($450 value)
- Access to practical tools, templates, and fundraising best practices
Retainer or Hourly
Fundraising Success Plan establishing annual fundraising priorities, measurable goals, and a customized coaching roadmap.
12-Month Development Strategy & Calendar outlining fundraising activities, donor engagement opportunities, communication priorities, and implementation timelines based on organizational capacity.
Progress Dashboard with measurable goals, ongoing coaching priorities, and accountability checkpoints to monitor progress throughout the engagement.
Professional Development Resources through the Fundraising Academy and Fundraising Cohort to support continuous learning and long-term fundraising success.
Download the Catalog
Email Nicole Reitzell, NReitzell@YourNPP.org, with any questions or to inquire about consulting services.
Meet Your Team
Nicole Reitzell, Director of Consulting Services
As Director of Consulting Services, Nicole helps nonprofit organizations strengthen their capacity, navigate change, and achieve their goals. Her career spans emergency services, nonprofit leadership, fundraising, community engagement, and strategic partnership development, providing a unique perspective on organizational growth and leadership.
Known throughout the community as a trusted connector and collaborator, Nicole has worked closely with nonprofit leaders, boards, donors, and stakeholders to build strong relationships and advance mission-driven work. She brings expertise in strategic planning, governance, fundraising, communications, grant writing, and organizational development, helping nonprofits turn challenges into opportunities and ideas into action.
Adam Bratton, Executive Director
Adam C. Bratton is a nonprofit executive with nearly 30 years of leadership experience strengthening professional practice, building fundraising programs, and advancing mission effectiveness across diverse organizations. As Executive Director of The Nonprofit Partnership, he has expanded sector-wide capacity-building resources, delivering education, consulting, and support services to thousands of nonprofit professionals.
He is the creator of the Nonprofit Capacity Assessment Tool, helping organizations benchmark their capabilities and make data-informed decisions for growth. Through leadership and fundraising training programs grounded in ethical practice and practical skill development, Adam’s work centers on equipping nonprofit leaders to drive meaningful, lasting community impact.
Scroll down to express interest in consulting services through The Nonprofit Partnership.
Meet Your Team
Nicole Reitzell, Director of Consulting Services
As Director of Consulting Services, Nicole helps nonprofit organizations strengthen their capacity, navigate change, and achieve their goals. Her career spans emergency services, nonprofit leadership, fundraising, community engagement, and strategic partnership development, providing a unique perspective on organizational growth and leadership.
Known throughout the community as a trusted connector and collaborator, Nicole has worked closely with nonprofit leaders, boards, donors, and stakeholders to build strong relationships and advance mission-driven work. She brings expertise in strategic planning, governance, fundraising, communications, grant writing, and organizational development, helping nonprofits turn challenges into opportunities and ideas into action.
Adam Bratton, Executive Director
Adam C. Bratton is a nonprofit executive with nearly 30 years of leadership experience strengthening professional practice, building fundraising programs, and advancing mission effectiveness across diverse organizations. As Executive Director of The Nonprofit Partnership, he has expanded sector-wide capacity-building resources, delivering education, consulting, and support services to thousands of nonprofit professionals.
He is the creator of the Nonprofit Capacity Assessment Tool, helping organizations benchmark their capabilities and make data-informed decisions for growth. Through leadership and fundraising training programs grounded in ethical practice and practical skill development, Adam’s work centers on equipping nonprofit leaders to drive meaningful, lasting community impact.
Scroll down to express interest in consulting services through The Nonprofit Partnership.
Built on Proven Tools and Best Practices
Our consulting services are grounded in practical tools, proven frameworks, and years of nonprofit sector experience.
Depending on your organization's needs, engagements may incorporate resources developed by The Nonprofit Partnership, including:
Consulting engagements focused on board development and governance may incorporate best practices, tools, and frameworks drawn from NPP's Governance Academy, helping boards strengthen accountability, engagement, and effectiveness.
The NCAT helps organizations identify strengths, uncover opportunities for growth, and prioritize actions across key areas of nonprofit management. Assessment results can provide a roadmap for strategic decision-making and organizational improvement.
Organizations seeking fundraising support benefit from strategies and resources informed by NPP's Fundraising Academy, including donor development, stewardship, annual giving, and long-term fundraising planning.
Governance Acadmey
Consulting engagements focused on board development and governance may incorporate best practices, tools, and frameworks drawn from NPP's Governance Academy, helping boards strengthen accountability, engagement, and effectiveness.
Nonprofit Capacity Assessment Tool (NCAT)
The NCAT helps organizations identify strengths, uncover opportunities for growth, and prioritize actions across key areas of nonprofit management. Assessment results can provide a roadmap for strategic decision-making and organizational improvement.
Fundraising Academy
Organizations seeking fundraising support benefit from strategies and resources informed by NPP's Fundraising Academy, including donor development, stewardship, annual giving, and long-term fundraising planning.
Additional In-House Consulting Services
The Nonprofit Partnership also offers smaller-scale support services designed to help nonprofits access timely guidance and practical tools.
Bring Your Own Bylaws
A focused, one-on-one bylaws review for nonprofit leaders and boards
This version of “BYOB” might not involve beverages—but it is a vital step in strengthening your nonprofit’s foundation.
Join Adam Bratton, Executive Director, for a personalized review of your organization’s bylaws. This session provides space to better understand governance best practices and assess whether your bylaws align with nonprofit standards.
What to Expect
- Review of essential nonprofit bylaws components
- Discussion of alignment with governance best practices
- Practical guidance (not legal advice)
Important Details
- Members-only offering
- One organization per session
- Bylaws must be submitted in advance
- All documents handled confidentially
Schedule Your Session
Contact Adam Bratton at
ABratton@YourNPP.org or
814.240.2490.
Canva Catchall
One-on-one support to help you design with confidence
Join Kensley Semple Anderson, Marketing & Member Engagement Specialist, for a personalized Canva Catchall session designed around your organization’s needs.
Whether you’re new to Canva or looking to use it more efficiently, this session walks through features, workflows, and best practices to help you create polished, on-brand materials.
What You’ll Cover
- Canva basics and free design tools
- Tips for creating consistent, professional designs
- Answers to your Canva questions — big or small
Important Details
- Members-only offering
- One organization per session
- Organizations should have a Canva Pro account (available free for nonprofits)
Group Option Available
Interested in a team training? Group sessions can be arranged.
Schedule Your Session
Email Kensley at
KSemple@YourNPP.org to discuss availability and next steps.
monday.com Method
One-on-one workflow support for nonprofits using monday.com
Join Emmy Geiger, Director of Strategy & Partnerships, for a personalized monday.com Method session designed to help nonprofits better organize projects, tasks, and internal systems using the monday.com platform.
Similar in style to our Canva Catchall sessions, this one-to-one experience focuses on how your organization actually works — helping you clean up boards, improve workflows, and use monday.com more effectively.
What You’ll Cover
- Understanding monday.com basics and structure
- Organizing projects, tasks, and responsibilities
- Tips for simplifying workflows and improving visibility
- Answers to your organization’s specific questions
Important Details
- Members-only offering
- One organization per session
- Best suited for nonprofits already using or planning to use monday.com
- monday.com's Pro Plan is free for nonprofits for up to 10 users
Scheduling Information
Email Emmy at
EGeiger@YourNPP.org to discuss availability and next steps.
Looking for Additional Expertise?
In addition to NPP’s in-house consulting services, our Consultant Directory connects nonprofits with trusted professionals offering support in a variety of specialized areas.
We appreciate you taking the time to tell us about your organization and its needs.
A member of our team will review your submission and be in touch soon to learn more about your goals and discuss potential next steps. Depending on the nature of your request, you can expect to hear from Nicole Reitzell, Director of Consulting Services, or Adam Bratton, Executive Director, within the next few business days.
In the meantime, feel free to explore additional resources, trainings, and tools available through The Nonprofit Partnership.
We look forward to connecting with you and helping your organization build capacity, strengthen operations, and achieve greater impact.
Thank You for Your Interest
Questions About Consulting?
Every nonprofit's journey is different. If you're unsure what type of support your organization needs, our team is happy to have a conversation and help identify the right next step.
August 13, 2025
The Rise of Gen Z in Nonprofits: Purpose-Driven Careers and Fresh Perspectives
by Regan Ganoe, Operations & Events Assistant - The Nonprofit Partnership
Gen Z is reshaping the nonprofit sector with fresh ideas, social justice passion, and a drive to lead meaningful change.
Read More ⇢
May 12, 2025
The ROI of Nonprofit Assessment: It’s More Than Just Numbers
by Adam Bratton, Executive Director - The Nonprofit Partnership
Organizational assessments often get a bad rap—but when done right, they cut through the noise, refocus your team on the mission, and turn reflection into real, strategic growth.
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March 3, 2025
Hitting a Home Run With Your Annual Fundraising Plan
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A strong annual fundraising plan (AFP) helps nonprofits work smarter and stay mission-focused. Join Jeff Bagel on May 14 to refine your AFP and boost your impact!
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What Our Client Say
The Nonprofit Partnership is the premier resource for nonprofits in our area. Their staff is friendly, knowledgeable, and accessible. The online resources & educational sessions are informative and provide help conveniently. Whether you're starting out in the nonprofit sector, or have been working for decades, the NPP helps keep you up to date & relevant.
LEEANN KRAHE, CTRS
Director of Activities & Volunteer Services
Pleasant Ridge Manor & The Friends Forever Volunteers
With so many non-profits in Erie County, it is great to have resources and collaboration available through the Erie Non-Profit Partnership. I have attended several of the Nonprofit Partnership Day Seminars and I look forward to the content each year. With changes in policy and technology trends, it is also nice to have access to learning opportunities throughout the year. It is really nice to have a centralized organization to assist with our varying needs. Thank you!
MAUREEN RIZZO
Director of Development – Brevillier Village
Each of the (many) trainings that I have attended through The Nonprofit Partnership over the past… years has provided a valuable resource for professional development opportunity for staff and Board Members to the overall benefit of our organization [the Foundation for Sustainable Forests]. NPP trainings are focused, relevant and on-point for the needs of a small non-profit organization such as ours.
ANNIE SOCCI, PhD
Executive Director – The Foundation for Sustainable Forests
What Our Client Say
The Nonprofit Partnership is the premier resource for nonprofits in our area. Their staff is friendly, knowledgeable, and accessible. The online resources & educational sessions are informative and provide help conveniently. Whether you're starting out in the nonprofit sector, or have been working for decades, the NPP helps keep you up to date & relevant.
LEEANN KRAHE, CTRS
Director of Activities & Volunteer Services
Pleasant Ridge Manor & The Friends Forever Volunteers
With so many non-profits in Erie County, it is great to have resources and collaboration available through the Erie Non-Profit Partnership. I have attended several of the Nonprofit Partnership Day Seminars and I look forward to the content each year. With changes in policy and technology trends, it is also nice to have access to learning opportunities throughout the year. It is really nice to have a centralized organization to assist with our varying needs. Thank you!
MAUREEN RIZZO
Director of Development – Brevillier Village
Each of the (many) trainings that I have attended through The Nonprofit Partnership over the past… years has provided a valuable resource for professional development opportunity for staff and Board Members to the overall benefit of our organization [the Foundation for Sustainable Forests]. NPP trainings are focused, relevant and on-point for the needs of a small non-profit organization such as ours.
ANNIE SOCCI, PhD
Executive Director – The Foundation for Sustainable Forests