About us
About Spark Nonprofit Consulting
Spark Nonprofit Consulting was founded on a simple belief: nonprofits deserve expert guidance from someone who truly understands their challenges. With over 15 years of hands-on experience in nonprofit strategic fundraising, grant identification and proposal writing, our founder brings deep expertise and genuine passion to every partnership.
Our Expertise
We specialize in comprehensive support across every critical area of nonprofit operations. We develop strategic fundraising programs that generate consistent, diversified revenue streams. We craft compelling grant proposals that secure critical funding. We build communications strategies that deepen stakeholder engagement and amplify your mission. We design and execute special events that energize supporters and drive resources. And we strengthen board governance to ensure visionary leadership that propels your organization forward.
Our Approach
What truly sets Spark apart is our commitment to genuine partnership. We don't simply deliver recommendations and move on. Instead, we take time to understand your unique challenges, culture, and aspirations before crafting tailored strategies designed for your specific context and goals. Whether you are looking to launch your first major gifts program, strengthen your grant writing capabilities, revitalize your board, or reimagine your organization holistically, Spark brings both strategic insight and authentic commitment to help you achieve your mission and create meaningful change in your community.
About Jennifer Ratner, Primary Consultant
Jennifer Ratner brings over 15 years of direct nonprofit development experience to Spark Consulting. She has deep expertise in strategic fundraising, grant writing, major gifts cultivation and building sustainable funding systems for mission-driven organizations. Jennifer holds an MA in Nationalism Studies/Sociology from Central European University in Budapest and an MA in History from Georgia Southern University.
Jennifer is passionate about helping nonprofits build the strategies and systems they need to create lasting community impact. Outside of work, you will find her in the garden, experimenting in the kitchen with new recipes and baking projects, or spending time with her husband Brett, daughter Margot and their pets. Jennifer believes that the same care and intentionality she brings to her hobbies—whether nurturing plants or perfecting a sourdough loaf—carries over into her consulting work.
Jennifer Ratner, Primary Consultant
Our Mission
At Spark Nonprofit Consulting, we are passionate about igniting sustainable change in the nonprofit sector. We partner with mission-driven organizations to build the strategic fundraising programs, governance structures and communications systems they need to grow, thrive, and create lasting impact in their communities. Our approach is rooted in deep expertise, genuine commitment and a true understanding of the unique challenges nonprofits face.
With over 15 years of hands-on experience in fundraising, grant writing and strategic development, we know what it takes to build sustainable funding and strong organizational leadership. We do not believe in one-size-fits-all solutions. Instead, we take time to understand your organization's mission, culture and goals before crafting strategies tailored specifically to your needs. Whether you are strengthening your board, launching a major gifts program, securing grant funding or reimagining your entire development strategy, Spark brings both strategic expertise and authentic commitment to help you achieve your vision and create meaningful change.
