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Fundraising is a HUGE field and there are many great organizations that help improve the quality of the sector like the Association of Fundraising Professionals (AFP). This group is a go-to for many fundraisers looking to learn and improve their skills.

Hiring a Development Officer in-house is VERY competitive as one search on Idealist.org will reveal. As of writing this, there are over 1,600 open fundraising roles open in the US. Given this competitive landscape it can make a lot of sense to look for fundraising consultants and firms to help your nonprofit. While Whole Whale offers support for a specific kind of digital fundraising, there is a wide world of fundraising services that these companies can offer.

Fundraising Consultants

The following are some of the trusted nonprofit consulting network Nonprofit.ist. The full list of updated fundraising consultants will also help you find the right fit for your project.

Chelsea Brown

I have experience as a “double agent” in philanthropy. I have worked in nonprofit fundraising and partnerships for more than six years, and I have worked in corporate philanthropy for three years. I have great insight on how best to align nonprofit mission-driven initiatives with corporate giving and philanthropy.

Diana Hoyt | Formula for Fundraising

My greatest joy is teaching fundraising and helping nonprofits raise even more money using donor analytics and donor-centric strategies. Having worked with hundreds of nonprofits across the country, I bring a broad and varied level of experience. I am honest, ethical, and no-nonsense. I believe in the importance of nonprofit fundraising and the power of nonprofits to strengthen communities and lives. My book, Formula for Fundraising, was placed on Amazon in February 2019.

Sabrina Walker Hernandez, MPA Supporting World Hope

Certified consultant, coach, & facilitator that helps nonprofits build relationships that convert into more donations. I raised $14M in the 3rd poorest county in the US.

Katherine Ngaruiya, Ph.D. Kakati Consulting Group

We design comprehensive fundraising models, develop actionable strategic plans, implement new data management tools, and evaluate outcomes for continuous improvement. Recognizing that you are the expert on your organization and the community you serve, we hope to bring some perspective on how to improve the business and operations of doing good. We are happy to work with organizations across the continental United States.

Mark Goldstein | Communication Mark

If you need a grant writer, my team and I can help. Since 2000, we’ve helped US organizations of all types and sizes raise more than $43 million.

Amber Haywood | Fundraise Inc.

Consultant, strategist, and grant writer that helps nonprofits build equitable, sustainable organizations. Much of my work falls under the umbrella of development strategy and execution. I often partner with organizations to provide tailored development plans, grant writing services, and prospect research. Oftentimes, an extension of my services includes interim development director placement and executive fundraising support.

Deneene Graham | Deneene Graham Consulting, LLC

Our mission is to help nonprofit organizations build and grow their infrastructure to secure grant funding. We bring our experience and skills to increase staffing capacity within established nonprofits, help emerging nonprofits establish grant programs, and provide coaching, technical assistance, and grant training to nonprofit staff and volunteers. Our key services are: Full Service Grant Writing, Grant Coaching, Training and Workshops.

Madeleine St. John | St. John Consulting

Donor engagement is central to philanthropy that is transformational, not transactional. That’s why our services and solutions at St. John Consulting focus on creating memorable and meaningful donor experiences that will transform your constituents from curious to connected to contributors.

Katie Appold, MPA | Nonprofit Nav, LLC

Nonprofit consultant and professor of nonprofit leadership. I help small to mid-sized nonprofits make strides in terms of fundraising, programing, and strategic growth. I specialize in campaign preparation, strategic planning and ED coaching. My experience lends itself to small to mid-sized organizations that rely on a combination of grassroots and formal philanthropy.

Jessica DiVito & Megan Frenz | Nonprofit People

We’re Jessica and Megan and we’ve been serving nonprofits for nearly 20 years. Together, we love solving problems, making connections, and being part of something bigger than ourselves. Most of all, we love nonprofit people. Like you. The amazing people who dedicate their lives to their causes.

Nonprofit People are a team of expert planners, strategists, fundraisers, writers, data specialists, designers and public relations specialists who believe collectively in working smarter, not harder.

Mara LaLonde MSL | Grant Consulting LLC

MSL Grant Consulting provides grant / fundraising education and strategic services – helping build skill-sets, boost confidence and get organizations the funds they need.

List of Large Nonprofit Fundraising Companies

Aly Sterling Philanthropy

Website: https://alysterling.com/

Aly Sterling Philanthropy is a partnership-driven consulting firm powering fundraising, strategic planning, and board leadership solutions for the well-positioned nonprofit. AS works with nonprofits across a wide range of industries, including arts and culture, the environment, foundations, and government.

Donorly

Website: https://www.donorly.com/

Donorly provides a powerful team of fundraising professionals with experience across sectors to get results. It was founded based on the idea that donor research is crucial to successful development and fundraising operations.

Brian Lacy & Associates

Website: https://www.brianlacy.com/

Brain Lacy & Associates provide services for nonprofits including augmentation, analysis of data, prospect research, major donor information, and matching gift data. The firm has over 30 years of experience and has worked with over 400 nonprofits to make custom-tailored solutions for success.

Alexander Haas

Website: https://fundraisingcounsel.com/

Alexander Haas is an Atlanta-based fundraising consulting firm that serves clients nationwide, including those in higher education, museums, schools, performing arts, human services, healthcare, and religious organizations. The firm can help develop fundraising plans, identify prospective donors, and strategize ways to gain support to meet fundraising goals.

Byrne Pelofsky & Associates, LLC

Website: https://byrnepelofsky.com/ (think this is old: http://fundraisingjba.com/)

With a full team of consultants and fundraising experts, Byrne Pelofsky helps nonprofits meet their goals while keeping focused on key criteria for each project. For example, the firm prioritizes stewardship, prospective donor development, and strategy implementation. Byrne Pelofsky has served clients in various sectors for services from grant writing to campaign management.

CCS Fundraising

Website: http://ccsfundraising.com/

With 70 years under their belt, CCS Fundraising works with nonprofits across all sectors to create and execute tailored strategies. They offer services in five main categories: planning and strategy; campaign and development management; data analytics, systems, and research; training and leadership development; and crisis management, in response to the COVID-19 pandemic.

Graham-Pelton

Website: https://grahampelton.com/

Graham-Pelton works with just nonprofits across all areas and provides sector-specific approaches to individual client needs. The firm is guided by their values of authenticity, optimism, being focused, being bold, and being emphatic. Their services include those related to fundraising, organizational effectiveness, and business intelligence.

Changing Our World, Inc.

Website: https://www.changingourworld.com/

Made of a team of dedicated impact consultants, Changing Our World, Inc. focuses on building collectives and community for social change. Guided by a three step process—immerse, inform, and implement—these tenets translate to their services offered in fundraising, corporate social engagement, research and analytics, and communications.

Aspire Research Group

Website: http://www.aspireresearchgroup.com/

Aspire Research Group is a fundraising and research consulting firm that specializes in boutique research, campaigns, and major gifts. The firm is especially committed to working with partners involved in performing arts, the environment and conservation, education, and women.

The Munshine Group

Website: https://www.munshinegroup.com/

Based in New Jersey, the Munshine Group is a nonprofit consulting firm dedicated to organizations in the Northeast corridor. Their services include those in fundraising, communications, corporate social responsibility, and strategy and implementation.

The Covenant Group

Website: https://covenantgrouponline.com/

Founded over 20 years ago, The Covenant Group specializes in fundraising campaigns for nonprofits and religious organizations. In addition, the firm offers services in planning studies, strategic planning, development audits, board training, and executive searches for nonprofits across sectors.

The Phoenix Philanthropy Group

Website: http://www.phoenixphilanthropy.com/

The Phoenix Philanthropy Group provides customized services for nonprofits to accelerate and enhance fundraising performance and build organizational strength. They’ve worked with clients across many sectors for services including fundraising, volunteer management, alumni relations, strategic planning, mergers and acquisitions, and more.

Capstone Advancement Partners

Website: http://capstoneadvancementpartners.com/cap-wp/

Capstone Advancement Partners is a nonprofit fundraising firm based in Atlanta. They say they treat clients the same way they tell them to treat donors: like valued partners who give us the opportunity to make a difference in our communities. Previously, CAP has served clients in education, human services, youth serving organizations, religious organizations, and arts, culture, history, and environmental.

Focus Fundraising

Website: https://focus-fundraising.com/

Focus Fundraising consultants work side-by-side with nonprofit teams to strategize and execute plans to raise money. The team specializes their services in assessment, planning, messaging, research, and coaching.

Orr Group

Website: https://orrgroup.com/

Orr Group applies analytical frameworks and ROI-based models developed in the for-profit world to help with nonprofit development. Since its 1991 founding, Orr Group has worked with more than 600 nonprofits to help them innovate, execute, and manage their fundraising campaigns more effectively.

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Fundraising Prospect Tools

The Prospect Finder

Website: http://www.prospectfinder.com/

The Prospect Finder is a full service fundraising research firm that helps organizations raise more money—and faster—through the use of data and technology. The firm is skilled in designing and implementing customized research solutions to meet clients’ specific needs. Specific services include donor database management, prospect identification, direct mail testing and analysis, online giving optimization, telephone solicitation surveys and custom reporting for all aspects of your organization’s fundraising efforts.

Chase Solutions, Inc.

Website: https://www.prospectresearch.com/

Chase Solutions is a national leader in prospect research and wealth intelligence for nonprofits and philosophy. Based in Cape Cod, Mass., the firm offers services in wealth intelligence planning, prospect research, presentations and conferences, and seminars and training.

Fundraising Consultant FAQ

How to Choose the Right Fundraising Consultant for Your Organization?

Choosing the right fundraising consultant involves careful consideration of the consultant’s experience, expertise, and approach to fundraising. Start by identifying your organization’s specific needs, then look for a consultant who specializes in those areas. Also, consider the consultant’s track record of success, their communication style, and whether their values align with those of your organization. Consider how you use an RFP or RFI to find the right person.

What are the Key Services Provided by Fundraising Consultants?

Fundraising consultants offer a variety of services. They can help you develop a fundraising strategy, assist with major gift programs, provide grant writing support, conduct feasibility studies, and help improve donor relations. They also often provide training to your team, and may offer advice on digital fundraising and event management.

What’s the Impact of Hiring a Professional Fundraising Consultant on a Nonprofit’s Success?

Hiring a professional fundraising consultant can significantly boost a nonprofit’s success. A skilled consultant brings fresh perspectives, innovative strategies, and expert knowledge to your fundraising efforts. They can identify opportunities you may have missed, help you avoid common pitfalls, and train your team to be more effective fundraisers. While it does require an investment, the return can be substantial.

How Much Does it Cost to Hire a Fundraising Consultant for a Nonprofit Organization?

The cost of hiring a fundraising consultant varies greatly from $50 to $250 per hour, according to the 2022 nonprofit consulting survey by Nonprofit.ist and Do Better Consulting. Of course cost depends on the scope of work, the consultant’s experience and reputation, and the size and complexity of your organization. Some consultants charge a flat rate for a project, others work on a retainer basis, and some charge hourly rates. It’s important to discuss fees and expenses upfront to ensure their services fit within your budget.

What Does a Fundraising Consultant Do?

A fundraising consultant works with nonprofit organizations to help them raise more money. They may develop and implement fundraising strategies, identify potential donors, write grant applications, plan events, and offer training. They use their expertise to provide guidance, improve efficiencies, and increase the effectiveness of a nonprofit’s fundraising efforts.

How Do I Start a Fundraising Consultancy?

Starting a fundraising consultancy involves several steps. First, you’ll need to gain experience in the nonprofit sector and specifically in fundraising. Then, define your niche or areas of expertise. Create a business plan outlining your services, target market, pricing structure, and marketing strategy. Next, legally establish your business and consider getting professional liability insurance. Then, create a website and start networking to find your first clients. Continue to learn and adapt as you grow your business. Joining and getting listed on a consulting network like Nonprofit.ist can also help build leads and a community of practice.

What next?

If you are ready to try to hire a fundraising consultant make sure to have a process that fits your organization. If hiring a Development Officer or Consulting firm is too expensive right now, Whole Whale has developed a full fundraising course that teaches our full Digital Fundraising strategy. The course is also a CFRE (Certified Fundraising Executive) approved for credits.

Online Course

Online Fundraising Essentials

Build a successful online fundraising strategy from the ground up

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