The Valuable Resource Of Consultants For Fundraising

There are many resources that are available to associations, not-for-profits, schools, or other groups to assist them in their fundraising endeavors. Some of those resources include workshops, seminars, textbooks, volunteers, etc.

One additional valuable resource that is available to these agencies to help them raise funds is by contracting with consultants for fundraising. When considering the utilization of consultants for fundraising events it is important to understand how consultants for fundraising are defined, the advantages of using these consultants and how to select this type of professional.

What Are Consultants For Fundraising?

Consultants for fundraising are those professional fundraisers who come with specific experiences in the fundraising profession along with the proper educational requirements. Generally, these consultants for fundraising categorize themselves into various areas. These fundraising areas can be specific such as special events, capital campaigns, endowments, developing the Board of Directors, major gifts, etc.

A fundraising consultant may charge by the hour or may establish a flat fee with the organization that maybe considering the utilizing of their services. In addition, consultants will charge for the materials that they provide to help the organization with their fundraising as well as for any reports that will be generated that reflect their findings.

Often, consultants for fundraising seldom do any fundraising themselves. Generally, their plan of action is to observe the organization, share their findings, and provide the tools and strategies necessary for the organization to successfully conduct fundraising activities.

Advantages

There are several advantages associated with using consultants for fundraising. One of the major advantages is the opportunity of the hiring organization to avail themselves of fundraising experience and education that the consultant brings.

Often these consultants for fundraising are experts in their field and are able to quickly assess the fundraising climate in the community and the readiness of the agency itself. Therefore, through this assessment they are able to suggest to the client what will work and what will not work in their community.

Another advantage of utilizing consultants for fundraising is that they come with a fresh perspective. Often that perspective is very real and straightforward. Therefore, when assessing the agency's ability to raise funds or successfully run a fundraising campaign, the consultant can be very candid with the leadership of the organization.

Selection Process

When beginning a selection process for consultants for fundraising it is important to follow a number of standard procedures. Those standard procedures include compiling a list of consultants, requesting a bid based on the fundraising efforts required, reviewing the submitted bids by utilizing a panel, narrowing down the consultant list to a manageable number and inviting a representative from that consulting firm to be part of an interview process.

Utilizing this process a fewer number of candidates should be considered. At this point it is important to check on references. This can be accomplished by following up with the consulting firm's clients and ask appropriate questions regarding their activities and success. Once this process has been completed bring the top two or three firms back for a second interview and then allow the panel to make their choice.