Ratzlaff Consulting and Coaching

03/13/2026

05/15/2025

Our nonprofit world is fueled by passion, purpose, and people power. But in an increasingly digital world, organizations are also turning to artificial intelligence (AI) to extend their reach, streamline operations, and sharpen their message. From crafting compelling grant proposals to optimizing direct mail campaigns, AI is quickly becoming an indispensable ally for nonprofits striving to do more with less....

AI are amplifying the good work we do in the world.

02/19/2025

Uncertain times can bring anxiety and challenges, but as nonprofit leaders, we have navigated storms before, and we will do so again. The key is to remain steadfast, strategic, and open to innovation as we move forward. Leading Without Fear First and foremost, do not let fear take the lead. While uncertainty can be unsettling, remember that your organization is resilient....

Uncertain times can bring anxiety and challenges, but as nonprofit leaders, we have navigated storms before, and we will do so again. The key is to remain steadfast, strategic, and open to innovati…

05/13/2021

Utilized wisely, your development committee can be the strongest committee on your board. In a peer-to-peer relationship, they can lead an active participation in fundraising. Working with staff to brainstorm and prioritize roles for board members in the development process, presenting to the board and then holding them accountable can only be done through a strong development committee. Think about it for a minute....

Utilized wisely, your development committee can be the strongest committee on your board. In a peer-to-peer relationship, they can lead an active participation in fundraising. Working with staff…

04/13/2021

Communication is the top skill all executive directors need to develop and continually work to improve. How do you rate your skill in that area? In what one quality do you attribute your skill in that area? As I reflect back on my development of communication skills, a few thoughts come to mind. As a young leader, I thought it was most important to…...

Communicating Communication is the top skill all executive directors need to develop and continually work to improve.   How do you rate your skill in that area?   In what one qu…

04/13/2021

Would love to hear if you find my blogs helpful

04/13/2021

https://consultjane.com/2021/04/13/development-committee-yes-or-no/

Fundraising, development, nonprofit boards

02/15/2021

Planning your way to success! As I perform development or organizational audits on nonprofits, I have noticed one thing that separates those who are making progress and those who are not. Yes, we did a strategic plan and have one – somewhere Yes, we have policies – I think Yes, we have procedures in a manual – old ones anyway…...

Planning your way to success! As I perform development or organizational audits on nonprofits, I have noticed one thing that separates those who are making progress and those who are not. Yes, we d…

01/19/2021

As I chat with executive directors about fundraising and especially major and deferred giving, here are some of the push backs I receive: 1. I do not have time 2. I do not have a development person 3. It is easier to get grants than individual major gifts 4. We don’t have the money to focus on this area 5. We have a plan but have not implemented…...

Development, fundraising, executive directors

10/15/2020

Recently I was asked a question – what would you do if your board said we cannot fundraise during a pandemic? I would suggest to the board that my strong inclination would be to continue the development process! Full speed ahead. Then I would work to bring them along through questions and discussion to illustrate my point. I would help them see the answer as it relates to their own businesses or profession. [ 872 more words ]

Recently I was asked a question – what would you do if your board said we cannot fundraise during a pandemic? I would suggest to the board that my strong inclination would be to continue the develo…