Helping nonprofits build better systems

Hi there!

I'm Abbey, and I believe nonprofit work should be sustainable and human-centered. Too often, small organizations sacrifice their people in service of their mission - and I'm here to challenge that.

My work helps teams build capacity without burning out. Our systems are only as strong as the people behind them!

I've spent 20 years helping nonprofits build clarity through strategic planning, fundraising, and facilitation. At the center of my work is always the question: "What supports the people doing this work?" not just "What gets it done?"

I'm building a community of nonprofit leaders who refuse to accept that martyrdom is the price of mission work. People who want practical support and open conversations - without sacrificing ourselves in the process.

Whether you're looking for free community learning, group programs, or customized consulting, there's a way to be part of what we're creating together.

Outside of all of this, I live in Vermont with my delightful family. You can usually find me with them, in my vegetable garden, or behind a book - practicing the same balance I help nonprofit cultures build.

Learn more

Community Learning

Upcoming Sessions

The Way We Work: Winter Roots • January - March 2026

Clear Plans. Real Conversations. Steady Progress.

Nonprofit work is important.

It should also feel manageable and people-centered, with thoughtfulness woven into how we plan, raise money, and communicate.

If you're balancing big goals with limited time while supporting a team, a community, and a mission, you're not alone. I help nonprofits find stable ground, get clear on their direction, and communicate in ways that feel doable and true to who they are.

Strategy That Centers Mission, People & Possibility

You need space to regroup, make thoughtful choices, and move forward with clarity. I help teams slow down just enough to get realigned so your next steps actually support the people doing the work.

Fundraising That Builds Real Capacity

When everything feels urgent, fundraising can lose its focus. I help you build a steadier rhythm, rooted in relationships, repeatable systems, and the boundaries your team needs to stay healthy.

Messaging That Reflects Your Values

Whether you're launching a campaign or explaining your mission to new audiences, we can find language that’s honest, consistent, and easy for your whole team to use.

The work is big. You don’t have to carry it alone.

I work with nonprofits through 1:1 consulting, group programs, and community learning.

Let’s find out what fits:

  • “I had the pleasure of working with Abbey Harlow during our busiest fundraising season. Abbey not only brought a high degree of professionalism to every task, but her diligence in understanding our clients’ specific needs and their unique organizational voices truly set her apart. She proactively tackled challenges and consistently delivered results promptly, which was a tremendous help amidst the seasonal rush. Her ability to adapt and create materials that resonated with each client’s target audiences was remarkable. I am immensely thankful for her support, and I look forward to working with her again in future!”

    Aimée Lindenberger Founder & Chief Engagement Officer Refocus Fundraising

  • “Abbey brings a wealth of knowledge, innovation, and organization to her work with many different types of non-profits; always with her sunny, upbeat disposition. She’s a joy to work with!”

    Charma Bonanno, Weston Playhouse Theatre Company

  • “Wow! You knocked it out of the park! I am so thrilled about this letter and the graphics. It is spot on.....one I can feel very proud to send out to our donor base and new prospects. With such a fantastic letter I am really going to advocate for a much larger mailing list than last year. ”

    Lisa Martin, American Precision Museum

  • “Abbey has been such a joy to work with. Her expertise and wisdom are outstanding, and her patient and caring nature as well as her fun attitude are absolutely refreshing. We are deeply grateful for the impact she and her team have had on our organization.”

    Martina Anderson, Vermont Association for Mental Health & Addiction Recovery/Recovery Vermont

  • “Abbey expertly combines thoughtfulness, skill, and knowledge in her work, and perhaps most importantly, she brings an easy-going approach to collaboration. I thoroughly enjoyed working with Abbey and would welcome the opportunity to work with her again.”

    Emily Kirkel, ZERO Prostate Cancer

  • “Abbey possesses the rare combination of being both task oriented and creative/forward thinking. She has demonstrated time and time again an ability to get the job at hand accomplished efficiently and with the highest of standards while also problem solving to find creative ‘out-of-the-box’ solutions to difficult projects. Abbey brings a wealth of expertise to her work while also maintaining a very client-centered personal approach.”

    Kevin Molloy, Spring Lake Ranch

  • “Abbey has been fantastic to work with - clear communication, openness, timely, and creative!”

    Catherine Cusack, Green Mountain Farm to School

  • “I have worked with Abbey on many projects over the past several years and it is always a pleasure. Abbey is both professional and personable and brings great vision and intelligence to her work. I am a photographer and she has done an excellent job clearly communicating the needs of her clients to me. She also fosters creativity and collaboration to maximize the results and options in ways that go above and beyond expectations.”`

    Ben DeFlorio, Photographer

  • “Abbey will be a wonderful partner for your development needs. She is thoughtful, knowledgeable, and precise. As an added bonus, she is also a delightful person! Her warmth is infused into all of her work, a particularly valuable quality for a development professional whose aim is to help your organization connect on a deeper level with your constituents. I loved my time working with Abbey!”

    Anna Sutton, Spring Lake Ranch