For 30 years, The Rome Group has been a trusted partner for nonprofits, helping them develop strategies, secure funding, and strengthen their organizations. But it all started with a simple idea—one rooted in relationships, trust, and a deep commitment to the nonprofit sector.

We recently had the opportunity to sit down with the co-founder of The Rome Group to reflect on its evolution, the challenges faced along the way, and the legacy that continues under new leadership.

The Beginnings: A Leap into Consulting

Like many great ventures, The Rome Group wasn’t born from a grand plan, but rather an organic progression. Before officially forming the company, its founder was working as a consultant alongside a colleague in the arts sector.

“I started consulting in the late ’80s with a friend who was the development director at The Rep. We worked on fundraising and strategic initiatives outside of our full-time jobs. One thing led to another, and we both eventually left our jobs to consult full-time.”

While nonprofit consulting wasn’t a widely recognized field at the time, the need was there. Many organizations sought guidance on fundraising, but they often lacked foundational strategic planning. The Rome Group’s work quickly expanded beyond fundraising, helping organizations clarify their missions, build strong leadership structures, and plan for sustainable growth.

Building a Business in a Changing Landscape

When The Rome Group was officially formed, nonprofit consulting was a relatively niche space.

“There weren’t many of us at the time—maybe three or four consultants working specifically with nonprofits. Now, it’s a whole industry.”

One of the biggest challenges? Convincing nonprofits to invest in consulting services.

“The short answer is yes, it was hard to convince them to pay for consulting. But if they came to us, they already knew they needed help. The challenge was often managing expectations. Many thought consultants would do the fundraising for them, but our philosophy was always to teach them how to do it themselves—give them the tools, rather than just the outcome.”

Growth, Challenges, and Milestones

Over the years, The Rome Group grew both in reputation and in team size, building a strong team of consultants who share a passion for the nonprofit sector.

The organization has become known for launching key initiatives that support the broader nonprofit community, such as:

• The Nonprofit Career Board: Initially created as a free service to help clients find talent, the job board has become one of the most widely used nonprofit hiring platforms in the region.
• The Philanthropic Landscape Event: A yearly gathering that brings together nonprofit leaders, funders, and stakeholders to discuss trends, challenges, and opportunities in the sector.
• The INSIGHTS Newsletter: A monthly resource offering insights, trends, and job opportunities, keeping the community informed and connected.

Leadership Transition and The Next Chapter

In 2020, after more than 25 years at the helm, Amy Rome decided to step back, passing the leadership to Dayna Stock, who has built a strong reputation in the nonprofit sector. The transition came at a particularly challenging time—the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic.

“I joke that when I hired Dayna, I didn’t think to ask, ‘What would you do if a global pandemic hit?’ But she navigated it brilliantly. I honestly don’t think I would have had the energy to adapt the way she did. She immediately shifted gears, launched virtual meetups to support nonprofits during the crisis, and made smart decisions to keep the company strong.”

Under Dayna’s leadership, The Rome Group has expanded its team and strengthened its internal processes while continuing to serve the nonprofit community with excellence. Looking ahead, the organization is exploring opportunities to expand its job board into new markets and further innovate its consulting approach.

A Legacy of Relationships

When asked about the secret to The Rome Group’s success, the answer was simple: relationships.

“The entire business was built on trust. We didn’t do traditional marketing—it was all word-of-mouth. Our goal was always to truly understand our clients, their missions, and their challenges. We listened, we strategized, and we helped them build sustainable paths forward.”

As The Rome Group celebrates its 30th anniversary, it remains committed to the values that have defined it from the start—supporting nonprofits, strengthening leadership, and fostering a thriving philanthropic community.