For nonprofit boards and executives
Steady leadership for nonprofits in transition.
Interim executive direction, fundraising, and board governance from Dr. John W. Gravley, a nonprofit leader who has guided organizations through transition, raised more than millions, and led on two continents.
Trusted by the American Truck Historical Society · Bethel Neighborhood Center · National Athletic Trainers' Association
Principal, Possibilities Unlimited LLC · Kansas City
Dr. John W. Gravley
I learned leadership where nothing was familiar.
Why work with me
For 12 years I led a nonprofit in Hong Kong, in Cantonese, in a culture not my own. I learned to listen before acting, earn trust quickly, and lead people who didn't choose me.
Those are the skills that matter most when your organization is between leaders, behind on a campaign, or stuck at the board table.
Understand the organization first. Then lead the change it needs.
How I work
HOW I HELP
Help for the moments that test a nonprofit.
Results
One example from each kind of work.
Interim leadership
Stabilized
staff and turned around short-term cash operations during a leadership transition
American Truck Historical Society
Fundraising
$10M
capital campaign for an organization whose largest prior gift was $250,000
Central Seminary
Governance
3 → 1
three separate boards united into one, working in Cantonese
Hong Kong agency
Start small. See the difference.
Free
Guides & self-assessments
One-page tools for boards and leaders: transition checklists, campaign readiness, governance health checks.
Ways to get started
Free
A 20-minute conversation
Tell me what's happening. I'll share what I'd look at first, with no obligation.
You don't have to commit to a full engagement to find out if we're a good fit.
From $2,000
Starter engagements
Transition Readiness Review
Campaign Readiness Snapshot
Governance Check-Up
Executive Compensation Benchmark
Board Retreats & Workshops
Fixed price and scope. Fee credited toward a full engagement within 60 days.
Client words
“Dr. Gravley proved himself to be an exceptional leader — one who brings stability, professionalism, accountability, and measurable results to organizations in transition.”
Marty Glomb
· Past President and Past Chairman, American Truck Historical Society
Bethel Neighborhood Center · American Truck Historical Society · National Athletic Trainers' Association · American Baptist Foundation · Bacone College · RISE · Wall Street Bound
Free guide
Leadership Transition Checklist for Boards
The first 30 days after an executive leaves
Your executive just resigned. Now what?
Resources
Download the one-page checklist I use with boards in the first 30 days of a leadership transition. More guides and articles on fundraising and governance are in Resources.
One practical idea a month
For nonprofit boards and leaders. No spam, unsubscribe anytime.
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Latest articles
All articles ›
Leadership Transitions
What a board should do in the first week after its executive resigns
Fundraising
Raising $10 million when your largest gift was $250,000
Board Governance