Our Story and Approach
We created No Small FEAT Consulting after working together–and having fun while doing it–for over 10 years on a successful and sophisticated development team. After discovering that we were both looking to start our own business and share our experience with the many nonprofit organizations working to build a better world, we decided to combine our considerable experience (combined over 55 years!) and talent to establish No Small FEAT Consulting. It is an incredible privilege to provide mission-driven, nonprofit organizations with expert consulting services to help them reach their goals.
Our experience leading and serving on development teams of all shapes and sizes gives us a unique perspective, grounded in the realities of day-to-day development work. We know there is no one-size-fits-all fundraising plan because, quite simply, no two organizations are alike. Budgets, department size, staff size and expertise, leadership structure, mission and services - all vary widely. We know that fundraising plans are beneficial only if they are based on an organization’s current reality, with a keen focus on future potential. We will work side by side with staff and leadership to develop plans and recommendations customized to your specific circumstances. We will partner with your team in a way that works for your staff and your organization.
Our commitment to you is that our solutions will be thoughtful, pragmatic and informed by your organization's circumstances and needs.
We have no specific gimmicks or trendy promotions, and we don’t and won’t rely on templates or short-cuts. Instead, we listen carefully, we respect our clients and each other, and we draw on our skills, knowledge, and experience to get the job done right for our clients. If we need help, we ask for it. We have both been recognized throughout our careers for being kind and thoughtful leaders, respectful colleagues, and hard workers who value quality work and workplaces with a conscience. We are also a lot of fun to work with (if we don’t say so ourselves) and we always prioritize enjoying the ride.
Ellen Frank
Ellen Frank is a seasoned nonprofit executive with over three decades of experience in development and development leadership, with significant longevity at two prominent Boston nonprofit organizations (GBH Boston for 15 years and Planned Parenthood League of Massachusetts for 10 years). Specializing in major giving and donor relations, campaign strategy, board relations, and organizational transitions, she has successfully built and led development programs, most recently leading a successful $50 million comprehensive campaign at Planned Parenthood League of Massachusetts. Her expertise in thoughtfully guiding organizations through leadership transitions and fundraising challenges–as both a chief development officer and interim chief executive officer–positions her well to provide strategic advice for nonprofits seeking to enhance their development operations and achieve sustainable growth. Ellen left in-house development and leadership work in October of 2024 to start No Small FEAT Consulting.
Ellen holds a BA in Communications and Psychology from the State University of New York at Oswego, an M.Ed. in Counseling Psychology from the University of Missouri-Columbia, and an MBA from Binghamton University of the State University of New York.
Abby Thorp
Abby Thorp has over 20 years of experience as a nonprofit development professional. For the past decade, she built and managed the major gift program at Planned Parenthood League of Massachusetts and, most recently, served as the lead fundraising strategist for PPLM's successful $50M comprehensive campaign. Her career has touched many aspects of fundraising including event strategy and execution, direct mail, grant writing, budgeting, and operations. Abby's depth and breadth of experience positions her to provide thoughtful, customized, and clear guidance to nonprofits of all sizes looking to launch, grow, or improve their development programs.
Abby enjoys living the country life at her home in Vermont that she shares with her husband, Dan, and dog, Snacks. Favorite activities include getting her hands dirty out in the garden, hosting and cooking for friends and family, and spending time at the barn and riding her horse, Tara.
Abby holds a BA in Political Science and Classics from The University of Massachusetts-Amherst.