Our Approach to Helping Clients

A Consulting Perspective

At ACL Consulting, our work is grounded in partnership, clarity, and results. We believe effective nonprofit consulting is not about prescribing generic solutions—it is about working alongside leaders to strengthen organizations from the inside out. Our approach is collaborative, practical, and shaped by decades of real-world nonprofit experience.

Led by Tony Lokash, ACL Consulting brings deep understanding of the challenges nonprofit organizations face: limited resources, increasing demand for services, complex funding environments, and heightened expectations for accountability. Our approach is designed to help nonprofits navigate these realities while building strong, sustainable organizations.

Partnership First

partnership first

We view our role not as outside experts who “fix” problems, but as trusted partners who support leadership and boards in making informed, confident decisions. Every engagement begins with listening—understanding your mission, culture, challenges, and goals.

We work closely with:

  • Executive directors and senior leadership
  • Boards of directors and board committees
  • Staff and key stakeholders

By building strong working relationships, we ensure recommendations are realistic, aligned, and embraced by those responsible for implementation.

Assessment and Clarity

Before solutions are developed, clarity is essential. ACL Consulting begins each engagement with a thoughtful assessment of your organization’s current state. This may include reviewing governance structures, fundraising performance, financial health, programs, leadership capacity, and systems.

Our assessments focus on:

  • Identifying strengths to build upon
  • Clarifying gaps and risks
  • Understanding organizational capacity
  • Aligning mission, strategy, and resources

This process creates a shared understanding of where the organization is today and what is required to move forward.

Practical, Action-Oriented Strategies

We believe good strategy must be actionable. ACL Consulting delivers clear recommendations paired with practical implementation guidance. Our work avoids unnecessary complexity and focuses on steps that produce measurable progress.

Our strategies are:

  • Tailored to your organization’s size and stage
  • Grounded in proven nonprofit practices
  • Designed to be implemented with existing or realistic resources
  • Aligned with long-term sustainability, not short-term fixes

Whether addressing fundraising, governance, strategic planning, or impact measurement, our approach emphasizes execution as much as planning.

Strengthening Leadership and Governance

Strong organizations depend on strong leadership and effective governance. ACL Consulting works with nonprofit leaders and boards to clarify roles, strengthen decision-making, and improve accountability.

We help organizations:

  • Strengthen board engagement and effectiveness
  • Align leadership and governance responsibilities
  • Improve communication and transparency
  • Build confidence around fundraising and financial oversight

By strengthening leadership at all levels, nonprofits are better positioned to achieve their mission and adapt to change.

Focus on Sustainability and Impact

Every aspect of our approach is guided by a commitment to sustainability and impact. We help organizations move beyond reactive decision-making toward intentional, mission-driven growth.

This includes:

  • Building diversified and reliable funding models
  • Strengthening financial management and working capital
  • Establishing clear metrics for success
  • Connecting strategy to measurable outcomes

Our goal is to help nonprofits operate with confidence, stability, and a clear sense of direction.

Experience That Informs Every Engagement

professional advice and follow through

With more than 30 years of nonprofit experience, Tony Lokash brings perspective shaped by real challenges and real results. This experience allows ACL Consulting to anticipate obstacles, ask the right questions, and provide guidance that is both strategic and grounded.

We understand that nonprofit work is complex and deeply personal. Our approach respects the mission, honors the people involved, and focuses on creating lasting organizational strength.

A Thoughtful, Trusted Partner

ACL Consulting is committed to helping nonprofits become stronger, more sustainable, and more effective. Our approach is not about quick wins—it is about building organizations that are prepared for the future.

When you work with ACL Consulting, you gain a partner dedicated to clarity, accountability, and meaningful progress.