The Ross Collective

04/09/2026

Thank you Social Impact Advisor Network for hosting this conversation on Inclusive Strategic Planning for Nonprofits and what nonprofit leaders can do now .
Register at https://www.socialimpactadvisornetwork.com/sian-virtual-social-hour/

Purchase the book at https://www.therosscollective.com/nonprofit-strategic-planning-book

02/25/2026

Who we work with

Our clients are leaders from nonprofit organizations, government agencies and the philanthropic sector. Most of the nonprofit organizations we work with have an annual budget of $1 Million and beyond.

Often, our clients are high-performing leaders experiencing change in their organization or environment who need planning, facilitation and support to build alignment and get everyone on the same page.

We work with high-performing leaders who hold big visions for a better world.

We raise up racial and gender equity, and we work with clients who care deeply about the people they affect.

Our clients are open to having the difficult conversations - around inclusion, equity, belonging, finances and sustainability - in order to surface multiple perspectives, get on the same page and move forward together.

Past and current clients include:
Youth Alive, Mission Bit, Cal State University East Bay, Agricultural Institute of Marin, Los Altos-Mountain View Community Foundation, Rivermark Community Credit Union, Construction Trade Workforce Initiative, Civicorps, SOS Meals on Wheels, East Oakland Collective, Feed Black Futures, Food and Farm Resilience Coalition, Homeless Prenatal Program, , Magic Cabinet Foundation, Meals on Wheels of Alameda County, San Gabriel Valley Habitat for Humanity

Check out the link in our bio to learn more about our work!

02/24/2026

The Ross Collective provides quality Inclusive Strategic Planning and consultation for nonprofit organizations to establish priorities and reach critical goals.

https://www.therosscollective.com/strategic-planning

Our Inclusive Strategic Planning process for Nonprofits, Funders and Government entities creates clarity, energy and opportunity.

We are a nonprofit consulting firm that leads equitable and inclusive strategic planning processes that move all of us towards justice.

We bring a proven process that asks the right questions and then incorporates the perspectives of organizational leaders into the plan:

Generate meaningful conversation and reflection about priorities: Together, we take a critical look at where your funds and energy are being spent, saved, and wasted. We'll explore how your organization works to fill the gaps in your community or the nonprofit sector. When needed, we’ll use a capacity assessment tool to deepen the conversation. This learning and assessment becomes the foundation for reflective staff and board conversations about how your organization will hone in on its most essential work.

We’ve worked on the “funder side” of the table, so we know how to support you to convey your organizational vision in simple, clear terms that highlight its value and uniqueness.

We use participatory processes and visual facilitation with board or staff members to reflect, brainstorm, explore possible options and then determine the priorities that are most mission-aligned and impactful.

From strategic to tactical: every process includes building practical operational plans to help you bring your vision to life and reach critical goals.

Check out our strategic planning page to see a client's strategic plan.

10/16/2025

Last call - registration closes October 17!

Gain an understanding of the roles and responsibilities of nonprofit boards of directors/trustees in the following areas: defining and developing policy; understanding the stages of board and organization development; clarifying board/staff roles and the function of committees; strategic board development (recruiting, nominating and orienting new board members); team-building and holding effective board meetings. Through case studies, small group discussions and lectures, we will explore real world situations and strategies/possibilities for action. Register - https://ce.csueastbay.edu/cart/course/XNPM/2259/EXTX/550/3656/01HB

Hi, I'm Renee - our consulting firm The Ross Collective designs and leads inclusive, participatory and processes alongside leaders. Stay in touch about via our free 2x monthly e-list on nonprofit strategy, racial equity and leadership - www.therosscollective.com/subscribe

10/13/2025

With California State University, East Bay Continuing Education – I just got recognized as one of their top fans! 🎉

08/25/2025

Our online course starts Sept 2!
California State University, East Bay Continuing Education course, Sept 2 & 9, 5-8 pm PST
Designed for key staff members, board members, and other leaders of nonprofit organizations or foundations. In this 6-hour hands-on, interactive workshop, we'll build a nonprofit strategic plan together. We will choose an organization and then work through the steps of creating a strategic plan for that organization. Topics will include: parts of a strategic plan, sample timeline and process, data collection, vision, mission, strategic pillars, goals and implementation planning. Register - https://ce.csueastbay.edu/cart/course/XNPM/2259/EXTX/561/3678/01HA

Hi, I'm Renee - our consulting firm The Ross Collective designs and leads inclusive, participatory and processes alongside leaders. Stay in touch about via our free 2x monthly e-list on nonprofit strategy, racial equity and leadership - https://www.therosscollective.com/subscribe

03/27/2025

Thanks Angelica G. Hesse Brand Your Light for the great conversation about how each of us needs to be bold about putting our values into the world at this challenging time. https://www.facebook.com/737951741/videos/1354497409015403/

Send a message to learn more

09/02/2024

Excited for the Board Builders' Symposium in a few weeks.

Join us for the Board Builders Symposium on Thursday, September 26, 2024, from 11:00 AM to 6:00 PM EST. This premier event is designed for nonprofit leaders and board members committed to excellence, growth, and impact.

What to Expect:
Keynote Speaker: Kerrien Suarez, CEO of Equity in the Center
Topics Covered: Equitable board recruitment, strategic planning, inclusive cultures, and fundraising with a DEI (Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion) lens.

Hosts: A distinguished group of experts with over 180 years of collective experience working with boards.

Why Attend:
Gain insights from top industry leaders
Network with fellow nonprofit leaders
Receive a swag bag worth over $250, including essential resources to help you recruit, manage, and engage your board
Swag Bag Includes:
Unlocking Excellence: The Ultimate Nonprofit Recruitment Playbook by Sabrina Walker Hernandez
Purpose-Driven Board Leadership Discussion Guide by Libby Villavicencio
The Ultimate Board Toolkit to Onboard New Board Members by Christal M. Cherry
1-hour Board Leadership Coaching by Linley Daly
Design & Lead Inclusive, Interactive Meetings Workbook & Toolkit by Renee Rubin Ross
Board Fundraising Exercises & Tips on How to be an Effective Trainer Guide by Andy Robinson

Cost: $99
Secure your spot today and take the first step towards transforming your nonprofit's leadership and governance.

Register Now: https://www.theboardpro.com/board-builders-symposium

05/09/2024

June 3 & 10
Nonprofit Strategic Planning
CSUEB course, June 3 & 10, 5-8 pm PST (online course, accessible from anywhere in the world)
Designed for key staff members, board members, and other leaders of nonprofit organizations or foundations. In this 6-hour hands-on, interactive workshop, we¿ll build a nonprofit strategic plan together. We will choose an organization and then work through the steps of creating a strategic plan for that organization. Topics will include: parts of a strategic plan, sample timeline and process, data collection, vision, mission, strategic pillars, goals and implementation planning.

Register here - https://bit.ly/49wU7RB

10/17/2023

Registration is open for our Nonprofit Strategic Planning Course - Nonprofit Strategic Planning
CSUEB course, November 8 & 15, 5-8 pm PST (online course, accessible from anywhere in the world), $155.

Designed for key staff members, board members, and other leaders of nonprofit organizations or foundations.

In this 6-hour hands-on, interactive workshop, we’ll build a nonprofit strategic plan together. We will choose an organization and then work through the steps of creating a strategic plan for that organization. Topics will include: parts of a strategic plan, sample timeline and process, data collection, vision, mission, strategic pillars, goals and implementation planning. Register.- bit.ly/44cWOFx

09/28/2023

https://www.therosscollective.com/blog/how-planning-gets-everyone-on-the-same-page-and-builds-commitment

This post describes the process of moving from vision to the creation of strategic plan strategies and goals