Looking to Hire a Fundraising Consultant? Here are a Few Tips
Leading a nonprofit means wearing many hats. Depending on the size of your team and scope of your mission, leaders can easily find themselves responsible for everything from high-level strategy to the smallest details of the day-to-day. Add a new challenge on the horizon or a strategic shift ahead and things can quickly feel daunting. If this sounds like your organization, it might be time to bring in expert help.
Attempting a capital campaign or new project: If you are embarking on a major fundraising push or a strategy you haven’t tried before, a consultant provides the specialized roadmap to ensure success.
Building a Culture of Philanthropy: When a Board is unsure how to lead or integrate fundraising into the mission, a third party can help facilitate the shift toward a shared culture of philanthropy. An outside perspective can also help establish an honest dialogue to ensure a cohesive vision to help the team move forward.
Taking your fund development to the next level: A consultant can bring new perspective, energy and experience to help you level up your fundraising. Whether you are just launching a fund development program or trying to take an existing one to the next level, a consultant helps you identify which systems and next steps to prioritize.
Hiring a fundraising consultant can be the catalyst that moves your nonprofit from "surviving" to "thriving."
What does a fundraising consultant do?
A consultant can help your team strategize, establish goals and a framework for your project, and provide accountability. They aren’t a replacement for strong leadership, but a thought partner who can help guide your existing bench of engaged team members. In some cases, they can also provide experienced task support to quickly and effectively fill gaps in staffing.
What to Look for in a Consultant
Not every consultant is the right fit for every organization, and not every organization or project needs a consultant. When you begin your search, look for these qualities:
Hire local whenever possible. If your organization/project is focused within a specific region or state, often the best option is to look local first. Local consultants have a better understanding of regional philanthropy trends, more details about the local donor landscape, and they better understand the issues and opportunities within the community. Often, they are also a more affordable option, providing better service at a lower rate than a large, out-of-state firm.
A focus on relationships, not just transactions. The best consultants understand that fundraising is not about money, it’s about relationships. Look for someone who prioritizes donor engagement and helps you share your amazing story with the right people.
Specialized systems expertise. Ensure the consultant has a proven track record in the specific area where you need support, such as capital campaigns, strategic planning, or major gift coaching.
Ask for a proposal. In early conversations and through the proposal process, ensure there are clear expectations on both sides, and measures of success are defined. It’s important that a consultant is able to outline what they can do and ensure it’s tailored to what your organization needs.
Expect a 4-6 month minimum engagement. Most often, to be effective, consultants need time to learn about the organization, interview leaders, and develop strategies. Sufficient time, both from the consultant and the organization, is important to maximize the return on the nonprofit’s investment.
The Best Time to Hire
For some nonprofit organizations, a 2- to 3-month lead time is needed to explore what the consulting engagement may look like, obtain board of directors approval, and align with the consultant’s availability. Start inquiring as soon as you think you might need help. Consultants can help advise you on appropriate timing based on the scope of your project, what fits your timeline, and their schedule. Giving yourself time to find the right support can ensure you find a partner who has the right skills and is a good fit with your team.
Amanda White Consulting is always happy to offer a free consultation for any nonprofit that could use some tips on how to move forward or is interested in utilizing a consultant. Feel welcome to schedule your Discovery session here.
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