Rose Courtney
Founder & Principal
Rose is a seasoned nonprofit executive leader with over 20 years of experience supporting underserved youth and individuals, beginning her career in direct services and advancing to executive leadership. Her journey reflects both hands-on compassion and strategic vision, grounded in equity, collaboration, and sustainability.
Through Rose Courtney Consulting, I help young nonprofits build the strong foundations they need to grow with confidence. My support is designed for organizations under $1M in their first five years - when resources are lean, teams are small, and founders are wearing every hat.
I know what it feels like to run a nonprofit in survival mode - depending on one big fundraiser, juggling QuickBooks and HR without training, and wearing every hat at once just to keep the mission alive. In my early years of leadership, I learned the hard way that passion alone isn’t enough. Nonprofits need strong systems, engaged boards, diversified revenue, and the right staff capacity to move from fragile survival to confident growth.
Over time, I build those foundations shifting from single-event fundraising to year-round donor strategy, implementing reliable financial systems, engaging boards as true partners, and launching a fee-for-service model that created steady earned income. Those lessions transformed the organization I led - and now they shape the support I offer today.
Through Rose Courtney Consulting, I partner with young nonprofits under $1M, typically in their first five years, to provide fractional leadership, donor strategy, and operational support. My goal is to help founders build strong, sustainable organizations - so they can focus on their mission knowing they have the systems and strategy in place to thrive.
Curious how I can support your nonprofit? Book a coffee chat, I’d love to hear your story.
Began her career in direct service roles supporting youth with IEPs, adolescents and adults with autism, and individuals with disabilities—laying the foundation for her lifelong commitment to underserved populations.
As CEO of Boys to Men Mentoring Network, led the organization through COVID-19 and a period of transformational growth, expanding to 39 schools across 13 districts and reaching 800+ youth annually.
Drove record fundraising, including securing the first $1.5 million legacy gift, nearly doubling event revenue, and developing a sustainable $235,000+ earned-income stream through a fee-for-service model.
Built strong cross-sector coalitions to expand mentorship opportunities and community engagement.
Guided organizations through leadership transitions with clarity, stability, and mission alignment.
Recognized for leadership as a San Diego Business Woman of the Year Nominee (2023) and trusted to guide organizations through leadership transitions with clarity, stability, and mission alignment.
Currently serves as Co-Vice Chair of Philanthropy Collective Committee, advancing the University Club’s role to establish itself as Southern California’s premier nonprofit hub.