What to look for in a Fundraising Consultant

Hiring a fundraising consultant is ideal for several reasons. First and foremost, they are well-equipped to manage relative duties from fundraising itself to strategic planning, membership promotion, marketing, and more. But what should one look for in a fundraising consultant? Whether you’re planning a charity auction or your very first nonprofit fundraising event, it’s good to understand what a nonprofit fundraising consultant does and how their diverse skills and fresh perspective can help materialize your vision.

So, what does a fundraising consultant do? Simply put, a fundraising consultant works closely with an organization to understand its mission and objectives so that it might raise the necessary funds to achieve its strategic goals. Whether it be achieving fundraising targets, aspirations, or specific objectives, a capable fundraising consultant knows what questions to ask, as well as who has the answers. Now that you understand how a fundraising consultant can benefit your fundraising efforts – let’s explore what to look for before pulling the trigger and prematurely hiring the first consultant you speak with.

Nonprofit Consulting- How can they help your nonprofit?

Whether it be an independent contractor or a member of a company, the right individual will possess the knowledge, abilities, and experience necessary to help you meet your goals and improve your fundraiser’s performance. This starts with seeking out a few key qualities during the interview process.

Ensure They Meet Your Fundraiser’s Experience Level

Once you’ve narrowed down a list of potentially qualified fundraising consultants, you’ll want to vet their experience. So, depending on the size of your fundraiser and where you are in your journey – you want to hire someone who can meet you on your level. For example, since newer nonprofits should focus on building their fundraising capacity, one should find a consultant who can manage the following:

• Growing fundraising goals

• Compiling large prospect lists

• Executing mini-campaigns to boost the success of larger events

Small to medium nonprofits are typically focused on building up their number of supporters and maximizing everything they receive. In turn, they need a consultant with the following experience:

• Supporter – member conversions

• Recommendations from similar, reputable nonprofits

• Capital campaigns and building fundraising capacity annually

Finally, more experienced nonprofits should seek out the following a consultant:

• Proven experience working with similar fundraising capacities

• A record of bolstering fundraisers with a portfolio of major prospects and donations

• Recommendations from nonprofits on their level

Hire Someone with a Degree

Whether it be a degree in the arts, marketing, public relations, communication, or business, the best consultant will possess a degree and have experience with fundraising. Otherwise, strong communication and organizational skills are a must, as well as budgeting and money management. Research shows that 45% of fundraising consultants have a bachelor's degree and it goes a long way when hiring someone to handle corporate donations, annual funds, databases, and more.

Choose the Fundraising Consultant Who is the Best Fit for Your Team

At this point, you want to be sure your top picks are a good fit. And to be certain, you’ll want to be certain they meet at least a few of these criteria:

• Have they worked with nonprofits in your sector?

• Are they experienced working in your area?

• Are they a solid cultural fit?

By simply checking in with your candidates to ensure their understanding of your mission, their ability to adapt to diverse regional fundraising requirements, and their confidence in handling the realities and culture of your nonprofit; you’ll know whether or not they’re the ideal candidate for your particular fundraising efforts.

Do They Have a Track Record for Success in a Similar Environment?

One of the most definitive signs of a talented, experienced fundraising consultant is their record. Do they have recommendations from reputable fundraisers within your sector or one that’s at least comparable? Do they have a proven history of building successful campaigns that produce results, whether that be solving a problem or addressing a concern? Because networking is so important in finding the ideal consultant, starting your search can be as easy as reaching out to your peers. With their help, you can discover the candidates that possess the qualities we discussed throughout this blog. 

Hire the Right Fundraising Consultant and Start Working to Achieve Your Fundraising Goals 

Whether you’re planning your first or fifth fundraiser, hiring a fundraising consultant is never a bad idea. However, you want to make sure you have the right candidate before entrusting them with a mission that means everything to your organization. So, if you find yourself on the hunt for a qualified individual to manage your fundraising efforts, remember the tips above before deciding. In the end, they’ll help steer you in the right direction.

There you have it! Now you know how to evaluate Fundraising Consultants.

What it comes down to is that you take these steps and create a simple plan based on what matters to you most.

Ultimately, your business depends on the actions you take to market and grow your organization.