We caught up with the brilliant and insightful Janell Harvey a few weeks ago and have shared our conversation below.

Janell , appreciate you joining us today. We’d love to have you retell us the story behind how you came up with the idea for your business, I think our audience would really enjoy hearing the backstory.

After more than 20 years working in the nonprofit sector, I began to notice a pattern that was impossible to ignore.
I had seen passionate leaders with powerful missions struggle not because they lacked vision, but because they lacked access to the right guidance, systems, and sustainable strategies. I watched organizations pour their energy into doing good work, yet fall short when it came to funding, infrastructure, and long term growth.
Over time, I became the person others turned to for answers. Colleagues, emerging leaders, and even seasoned executives would ask for advice on everything from program development to fundraising to organizational strategy. What started as informal mentoring quickly grew into something more intentional.
That is when the idea truly took shape.
I realized that what the sector needed was not just one more consultant. It needed a space where nonprofit leaders could learn, build, and lead with confidence. A place that did not just offer quick fixes, but equipped people with the tools, knowledge, and mindset to create lasting impact.
That vision became Nonprofit Consulting Academy™.
It was born out of experience, shaped by real world challenges, and driven by a deep commitment to helping others succeed. More than anything, it reflects my belief that when nonprofit leaders are properly supported, entire communities benefit.
After two decades in the field, creating this academy was not just the next step. It was the natural one.

Awesome – so before we get into the rest of our questions, can you briefly introduce yourself to our readers.

For those who may not be familiar with my work, I am a nonprofit strategist, consultant, and educator with more than 20 years of experience helping organizations grow, sustain, and maximize their impact. My journey into this field was not accidental. It was rooted in a deep passion for service, leadership, and creating meaningful change in communities.
Over the years, I have had the privilege of working with organizations across the country, supporting leaders at various stages of their journey. From grassroots startups to established nonprofits, I have helped develop programs, strengthen infrastructure, and create strategies that lead to long term sustainability and measurable results. These experiences gave me a broad and practical understanding of the challenges nonprofit leaders face every day.
A major milestone in my journey was earning my doctoral degree, which deepened both my academic and practical expertise. That experience strengthened my ability to connect research, strategy, and real world application in a way that truly benefits the organizations I serve. I do not just teach theory. I bring lived experience, tested strategies, and proven frameworks.
In 2023, I was honored to be recognized as one of the Top 20 Businesses to Watch. That recognition affirmed the impact of my work, but more importantly, it reflected the success and growth of the clients and communities I serve.
I am the founder of Nonprofit Consulting Academy™, a platform designed to equip nonprofit leaders with the tools, knowledge, and confidence they need to build sustainable and effective organizations. Through the academy, I offer consulting services, training programs, workshops, and capacity building resources tailored to meet the real needs of nonprofit professionals.
The problems I solve are the ones I have seen repeatedly throughout my career. Many nonprofit leaders struggle with funding, organizational structure, program development, and strategic planning. They are passionate about their mission, but often lack access to the systems and support needed to grow and sustain their work. I help bridge that gap by providing clear strategies, practical tools, and hands on guidance.
What sets me apart is my combination of experience, education, and authenticity. I understand the nonprofit sector from multiple perspectives, and I approach my work with both strategic insight and genuine care for the people I serve. I am not just focused on short term wins. I am committed to helping organizations build strong foundations that will support long term success.
What I am most proud of is the impact. Seeing organizations secure funding, expand their programs, and reach more people in their communities is incredibly meaningful to me. I am also proud of the leaders I have mentored who have gone on to grow their own organizations with confidence and clarity.
What I want potential clients, partners, and supporters to know is that my work is rooted in purpose and results. I believe that when nonprofit leaders are equipped and supported, they can create lasting change that extends far beyond their organizations. My brand is built on integrity, excellence, and a deep commitment to helping others succeed. Both of my teenage sons have their own philanthropic agency they are my pride and joy.

At the end of the day, this is more than a business for me. It is a mission to strengthen the nonprofit sector and empower those who are called to serve.

Any advice for growing your clientele? What’s been most effective for you?

One of the most effective strategies for growing my clientele has been making a very intentional decision not to restrict my work to just one target audience.
Early on, I realized that the challenges within the nonprofit sector are not limited to one type of organization or leader. Whether it is a startup founder, an established executive director, a faith based organization, or even individuals looking to launch community initiatives, many of them face similar gaps in strategy, structure, and sustainability.
By keeping my approach flexible and inclusive, I was able to serve a broader range of clients while still delivering targeted, high value solutions. This allowed me to build a diverse portfolio of work and expand my reach across different communities and sectors.
Another key benefit of this approach is that it naturally increased referrals. When you serve a wide range of clients effectively, your name travels in different circles. One connection leads to another, and your network begins to grow organically. Much of my clientele growth has come from word of mouth, relationships, and the results my clients experience.
It also pushed me to become a stronger strategist. Working with different types of organizations required me to adapt, think critically, and develop solutions that are not one size fits all. That versatility has become one of my strengths and a major value I bring to my clients.
At the same time, not restricting my audience does not mean lacking clarity. I am very clear about the problems I solve, which include helping organizations build strong foundations, secure funding, and create sustainable programs. That clarity allows me to serve a broad audience without diluting my impact.
If anything, this approach has reinforced my belief that growth comes from both focus and openness. Being clear on your expertise while remaining open to who you can serve creates more opportunities, deeper connections, and long term success.

We’d love to hear about how you keep in touch with clients.

Staying connected with my clients and fostering brand loyalty is something I approach very intentionally. For me, it is not just about delivering a service. It is about building long term relationships rooted in trust, consistency, and value.
One of the primary ways I stay in touch is through ongoing communication and follow up. I make it a point to check in with clients even after a project or program has ended. That continued connection shows that I am invested in their long term success, not just the immediate outcome.
I also use my website, nonprofitconsultingacademy.org, as a central hub where clients and potential clients can stay engaged with my work. Through the site, they can access information about services, upcoming programs, and resources designed to support their growth. It creates a consistent touchpoint where people can reconnect with my brand at any time.
In addition, I provide value driven content through trainings, workshops, and shared insights that help nonprofit leaders stay informed and empowered. This keeps my audience engaged while reinforcing my role as a trusted resource in the field.
Another important piece is personalization. I take time to understand my clients’ unique goals and challenges, and I tailor my communication and support accordingly. People remember how you make them feel, and when clients feel seen, supported, and understood, they are more likely to stay connected and refer others.
What truly fosters loyalty, though, is results. When clients see real progress in their organizations, whether that is increased funding, stronger programs, or clearer strategy, they develop confidence in both the process and the partnership.
At the end of the day, my goal is to create an experience where clients feel supported beyond the transaction. That is what turns clients into long term partners and advocates for my brand.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://Nonprofitconsultingacademy.org
• Instagram: drjanellharvey-global
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/share/1Aqwoq9sNk/?mibextid=wwXIfr
• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/drjanellharvey