Bridging people, purpose, and possibility
I bring nonprofits, government, funders, and business together
to create lasting change for communities.
Through coaching, digital learning, and storytelling, I help leaders turn overwhelm into focus, burnout into balance, and meetings into meaningful change.
Welcome to
The NGO Coach
Kia ora — I’m Rochelle Stewart-Allen, The NGO Coach.
With more than 20 years in the nonprofit sector — as a CEO, board member, advisor and coach — I understand the real pressures: limited resources, big missions, and constant change. I don’t deal in theory or one-size-fits-all fixes.
I provide practical, strategic, and calm support that helps you and your organisation move forward with clarity and confidence.
Who I Work With and Why
Whether you’re leading a nonprofit, serving on a board, funding community initiatives, working in government, or partnering with charities as a business or consultant — we’ll work together.
- We’ll navigate complexity and work in the grey
- We’ll build strategic clarity and strong governance
- We’ll design partnerships that turn big ideas into lasting impact
As a connector and catalyst, I help organisations focus on what matters most: making a difference for communities.
How I Can Help You
Strategic
Leadership
Guiding nonprofits, boards, and leaders to think bigger, act smarter, and grow sustainably.
Governance
& Capacity Building
Strengthening boards and organisations through governance training, leadership development, and systems change.
Coaching
& Mentoring
Supporting NGO leaders to find clarity, confidence, and calm in the chaos of leadership.
Facilitating & Connecting
Designing and leading workshops, webinars, and hui that amplify diverse voices and spark collaboration.
Relationship & Sector Building
Working across philanthropy, government, and community to create trust-based partnerships and lasting impact.
What’s Changing in Our Sector and What Leaders Need Now
Nonprofit leadership is at a crossroads.
Leaders are juggling shrinking budgets, bigger missions, and heavier expectations.
Yet they crave lightness — structure, reflection, connection, and joy in the work again.
The Five Shifts Shaping the Next Decade
- Sustainability over survival – The future belongs to leaders who protect their energy as fiercely as their mission.
- Digital intelligence + human empathy – AI and automation are here to stay, but heart-centred leaders will define how we use them.
- Distributed leadership – Hierarchies are flattening; collaboration and co-governance are becoming the norm.
- Volunteering re-defined – People want meaningful, flexible ways to contribute.
- Storytelling as strategy – Leaders who communicate well build trust, funding and followership.
If you’re ready to lead differently — to move from overwhelm to impact — you’re in the right place.
Your Survival Guide for Nonprofit Leadership
Running a nonprofit isn’t easy — the long hours, the tough calls, the constant juggle of people, purpose, and funding. You don’t have to carry it alone.
Join my Substack for practical tips, honest stories, short videos and ready-to-use tools designed to make your nonprofit journey lighter and more sustainable.
Paid members get to join my monthly Q&A session.
What Others Say
“Rochelle is a generous and caring leader who instinctively works in a collaborative and relational way.”
MICHELLE KITNEY
chief executive, Tūao Aotearoa / volunteering new zealand
“Rochelle is one of the sharpest thinkers in our sector.”
NIKKI HURST
FORMER CHIEF EXECUTIVE, NZ Council of christian social services
“Ngā mihi nui ki a koe, Rochelle …Your deep knowledge of the sector … has made a huge difference.”
TAYLOR CURD,
FORMER CO-CHAIR, Wellington Pride Festival / Tū Whakahīhī e Te Whanganui-ā-Tara
“Rochelle brings people from different backgrounds together … her style is warm and inclusive.”
SUE MCCABE,
CEO, Wellington community fund / te upoko o te ika
“Rochelle’s clear, actionable feedback has had a significant impact on my performance and confidence as a leader.”
TAIM LIGHTWOOD,
CHAIR, NZ NATIONAL REFUGEE YOUTH COUNCIL