Created By: Katie Nickels Updated December 1, 2025 The challenges today’s nonprofits face are complicated and varied. Between juggling program management, fundraising efforts, and organizational initiatives, we know that nonprofit professionals tend to feel stretched thin. On top of that, a persistent lack of team capacity makes it even more challenging to keep up. Sound familiar? The nonprofit sector is no stranger to dealing with scarce resources—studies show that over 40% of nonprofits report a lack of finances to support their mission-critical activities, and 68% plan to cut services in the coming years. That’s where nonprofit consulting comes in. At a time when adaptability and resilience are imperative to sustainable fundraising success, investing in external support can provide your nonprofit with not only the capacity but also the expertise and outside perspective it needs to overcome challenges and grow its impact. In this guide, we’ll review how to choose the right fundraising consultant for your organization’s specific needs and help you get started with 15 top consultancies. Partner with Orr Group to see big-picture fundraising results. Table of Contents 35+ Leading Nonprofit Fundraising Consultants Orr Group Accordant Alexander Haas American City Bureau (ACB) AmPhil Apex Legacy Consultants Averill Fundraising Solutions BoardSource The Bridgespan Group Bristol Strategy Group Byrne Pelofsky & Associates Capital Campaign Pro Comprehensive Prospect Research Convergent Nonprofit Solutions The Covenant Group The Curtis Group DM Pros DNL OmniMedia Donorly Gail Perry Group GOBEL Gonser Gerber Grants Plus Ignite Philanthropy J.F. Smith Group Johnson, Grossnickle and Associates M+R The Munshine Group NextAfter Pursuant + Allegiance Group Ruotolo Associates The Sheridan Group TWB Fundraising Westfall Gold Whole Whale Fundraising Consultant FAQ 35+ Leading Nonprofit Fundraising Consultants As you bring in outside support to help you kickstart growth and overcome capacity hurdles, know that there isn’t one model of consultant to look for. Expert help can come from traditional consulting services, outsourced services, technological support services for tools that will help you upgrade your strategies, and more. With that in mind, we’ve curated a diverse list of nonprofit providers for any need. Best Overall Fundraising Consultant: Orr Group Nonprofits need more than a consultant — they need a partner who understands their mission and can provide tailored solutions to help them overcome complex challenges. Orr Group is a full-service nonprofit consulting firm that provides the people and resources you need to drive your mission forward. Why Orr Group is the Best Fundraising Consultant Embedded partnership. From HR management to AI implementation to fundraising, our team will embed in yours, supplying you with hands-on expertise and strategic counsel to achieve and exceed your goals. We launch every partnership by understanding your team, listening to your stakeholders, and ensuring we embrace your mission from the inside and out. We offer holistic support. From capital campaigns and capacity building to talent management and board development, our expertise goes beyond fundraising. A business mindset. As experts in philanthropy, we’ll help your nonprofit operate more efficiently for greater impact. We leverage the power of data, analytics, and metrics to design solutions that are rooted in reality and proven for success. Proven track record. Over the past 30+ years, we’ve collaborated with nonprofits to raise hundreds of millions of dollars to drive transformational change. Read our case studies Services Strategy. We’ll help you build customized fundraising strategies that align with your vision for the future. With our guidance, you’ll confidently reach your milestones and make a lasting impact. Fundraising. Orr Group can assist in building operational efficiency and donor relationships by leveraging innovative approaches, analyzing data using technology, and implementing effective metrics tracking. Campaigns. Our team builds custom campaign strategies to turn your vision into reality. We’ll work with your leaders to craft an actionable plan and effectively communicate your vision with donors. We’ll also provide full-service management to ensure a successful campaign effort from start to finish. Talent. Orr Group can help you attract and keep great people, from recruitment and onboarding to developing and retaining talent. We’ll manage your HR operations, audit your practices, and enhance your culture to build a strong team. Planned giving. We’ll work with you to unlock the potential of planned giving and secure commitments from the wealthiest generation in history. Our planned giving strategies are designed to help your nonprofit build a sustainable future through legacy giving. Leadership. Our team will help you identify and develop leaders, embed experienced executives to fill crucial gaps, and ensure your leadership is aligned and driving toward your organization’s goals. “ It's been wonderful to have Orr Group come in as outside experts, become a part of our team, really believe in our mission, and think creatively about how we can do better.” “It's been wonderful to have Orr Group come in as outside experts, become a part of our team, really believe in our mission, and think creatively about how we can do better.” Michelle DeLaune, President and CEO, National Center for Missing & Exploited Children Connect with Us 2. Accordant Overview Accordant focuses specifically on healthcare philanthropy, partnering with hospitals, health systems, and academic medical centers to enhance their fundraising results. Services Grateful patient program design that connects patient gratitude with philanthropic opportunities and support. Healthcare campaign management that provides strategic oversight and execution support tailored to capital campaigns within the healthcare environment. Communication strategy that helps development teams better connect with marketing teams. Why They Stand Out Accordant has deep, niche expertise in healthcare and grateful patient fundraising models, bridging the gap between patient gratitude and philanthropic support. 3. Alexander Haas Overview Alexander Haas is a full-service nonprofit fundraising consulting firm serving organizations across various sectors, including education, arts, human services, and faith-based organizations, for over 35 years. Services Campaign strategy studies that evaluate readiness through research and stakeholder interviews to determine campaign viability. Capital campaign support that offers strategic guidance, planning, and management throughout the quiet and public phases of major fundraising campaigns. Development program assessments that review overall fundraising operations to identify strengths, weaknesses, and actionable opportunities for growth. Why They Stand Out This nonprofit fundraising consultant emphasizes custom, actionable strategies and has a proven track record, having served over 2,000 nonprofits across many verticals and helping raise billions for various causes. 4. American City Bureau (ACB) Overview Founded in 1913, ACB is one of the oldest fundraising consulting firms in the country, providing development services to a wide range of nonprofits. This organization primarily works with YMCAs, education, and community organizations. Services Feasibility studies that assess campaign potential and readiness through confidential interviews and thorough analysis. Capital campaign management that provides hands-on direction, strategic counsel, and implementation throughout fundraising campaigns. Development office audits that analyze existing fundraising operations and recommend improvements and strategies. Why They Stand Out With over a century of experience, ACB draws upon its extensive history and perspective to deliver tailored philanthropic development services, helping organizations further mission-critical operations. 5. AmPhil Overview AmPhil is a fundraising consultant focused on strengthening civil society by helping mission-driven organizations (often conservative, free-market, or faith-based) flourish. Services Major gift program implementation that utilizes their “Accelerator Program” to identify, attract, cultivate, and retain major donors. Hybrid fundraising management that harnesses the combined power of digital and direct mail solutions. Data and tech support, including CRM implementation, donor data management, and post-live support for Virtuous, Salesforce, and HubSpot. Why They Stand Out AmPhil thrives on hands-on partnerships, combining strategic thinking with practical guidance and data management. With their guidance and proprietary methods, nonprofits can cultivate major gifts and optimize their tools for better results. 6. Apex Legacy Consultants Overview Apex Legacy Consultants is a team of experts focused on planned giving strategy. Services Planned giving audit and strategy sessions in which the team and nonprofit will review organizational strengths and growth opportunities. Consulting on planned giving development, which is a sustainable, 10-hour/month plan to implement improvements to a client’s planned giving approach. Creating planned giving educational resources for nonprofits to share with prospective legacy donors. Why They Stand Out Apex Legacy Consultants is a small firm with deeply specialized skills in legacy giving. Their hands-on approach and intense focus on planned giving allows them to provide all types of nonprofits (from charities to schools, camps, and churches) with the guidance needed to secure sustainable support. 7. Averill Fundraising Solutions Overview Averill Fundraising Solutions is a full-service nonprofit fundraising consulting firm serving organizations across North America. Their expertise is particularly strong in faith-based, education, healthcare, and social service sectors. Services Embedded campaign direction that provides on-site, day-to-day management and strategic guidance during major campaigns. Leadership learning programs that provide customized training and coaching to boards, volunteers, and development staff. Executive search services to recruit transformational, best-fit nonprofit leaders. Why They Stand Out By providing on-site advice and daily management during critical campaign phases, Averill Fundraising Solutions’ team closely understands their clients’ needs, helping organizations execute strategies effectively and maintain fundraising momentum. 8. BoardSource Overview BoardSource is a consultant dedicated to improving nonprofit board leadership and engagement. Services Custom educational resources and tools covering an array of topics, such as board roles, strategic planning, and fundraising tips. Board Support Program, a year-long crash course in governance and board management. Board assessments that help nonprofits gauge board performance and provide insights for improvement. Why They Stand Out Your nonprofit’s board provides crucial support in fundraising, relationship-building, and community outreach. BoardSource makes it easy to promote an engaging, meaningful experience for board members that makes them want to stay involved. 9. The Bridgespan Group Overview The Bridgespan Group is a global consulting firm that advises mission-driven organizations and impact investors about corporate giving opportunities. Services Strategy consulting for nonprofits that helps them develop growth plans, effective operating models, and clear theories of change. Corporate social impact strategy that helps companies design and implement philanthropic initiatives for greater social change. Advising for philanthropists and impact investors that includes sourcing and diligence for grants and impact investments to maximize their social impact. Why They Stand Out Bridgespan is a leader in applying a for-profit management consulting approach to the unique challenges of the social sector, elevating both nonprofits and major philanthropists. 10. Bristol Strategy Group Overview Bristol Strategy Group helps mid-sized nonprofits improve fundraising productivity and effectiveness, focusing on major gifts and campaign readiness. Services Campaign Readiness framework that helps nonprofits identify their strengths and areas for improvement before campaign launch. “Leaky Bucket” assessments that reveal gaps in nonprofit fundraising tactics and provide actionable solutions. Capacity building guidance that strengthens development teams, systems, and operational fundraising processes. Why They Stand Out With their various proprietary techniques and assessments, Bristol Strategy Group brings a unique approach to fundraising consulting. Plus, they offer services for nonprofits big and small, meaning a tight budget doesn’t hold their clients back from accessing fundraising expertise. 11. Byrne Pelofsky & Associates Overview Byrne Pelofsky is a nonprofit fundraising consulting firm providing comprehensive management and strategic services to nonprofits across various sectors. Services Grant management support, including research, proposal writing, submission, and funder outreach. Full-service consulting model with strategic planning, development assessments, fundraising planning, and governance. Major gift counsel that helps nonprofits identify new and existing prospects. Why They Stand Out Byrne Pelofsky emphasizes a partnership approach, combining data-driven insights with practical strategies to help organizations overcome challenges and achieve mission-critical results. 12. Capital Campaign Pro Overview Capital Campaign Pro provides a structured support system, including expert coaching, online tools, and peer support, for nonprofit leaders running capital campaigns. Services Campaign readiness assessments and coaching that determine if organizations are prepared for a major campaign and, if not, help them get ready. Guided feasibility studies that combine expert analysis with templated resources for efficient execution. Exclusive campaign advising and resources that deliver support through a membership-based platform with tools, templates, and coaching. Why They Stand Out Their model blends traditional consulting expertise with modern technology and a community approach, making guided campaign support accessible, particularly for organizations seeking structure and resources. 13. Comprehensive Prospect Research Overview Comprehensive Prospect Research (CPR) is a fundraising consultant that specializes in providing in-depth prospect research insights. Services Wealth screenings to estimate a prospect’s capacity to give. Data hygiene and lead sanitation to keep important data updated and ready to use. Cross-market research to help clients expand and engage new audiences. Why They Stand Out With their experience in corporate intelligence, business startups, and philanthropy, CPR offers a wealth of experience that can improve prospect research. Plus, CPR understands the risks of encountering misinformation on search engines, using advanced search methods to eliminate this data from your findings, giving clients the most accurate results possible. 14. Convergent Nonprofit Solutions Overview Convergent Nonprofit Solutions is a fundraising consulting firm specializing in planning and executing capital campaigns, particularly for nonprofit organizations, chambers of commerce, and economic development entities. Services Investor-driven campaign models that frame funding requests around a clear Return on Investment (ROI) for community and economic development projects. Comprehensive campaign management that integrates funding for capital projects, program expansion, and operations into a single effort. Full-time campaign support that embeds Convergent’s team into your nonprofit. Why They Stand Out Convergent reframes philanthropy as an investment in community ROI, a model that strongly resonates with chambers of commerce and economic development organizations. 15. Corporate Giving Connection Overview Corporate Giving Connection (CGC) is a fundraising consultant for nonprofits looking to forge and strengthen strategic corporate partnerships. Services Connecting corporations with like-minded nonprofits to achieve mutually beneficial goals. Organizing corporate giving campaigns with the help of the corporation and the nonprofit. Creating marketing materials for nonprofits and corporations looking to promote corporate giving opportunities. Why They Stand Out CGC provides more than just connections. Their team offers services in many areas, such as marketing, peer-to-peer fundraising, and public relations. Nonprofits can rest assured that this partner has a breadth of expertise that can help them leverage the best opportunities for sustainable growth. 16. The Covenant Group Overview The Covenant Group provides campaign management services, with significant experience serving faith-based organizations and schools. Services Wealth screening to help nonprofits pinpoint valuable potential supporters. Marketing and communications development for reaching and interacting with target audiences. Leadership development built for both nonprofit staff and volunteers to achieve their full potential. Why They Stand Out The Covenant Group’s faith-based expertise makes them an ideal partner for religious organizations needing long-lasting campaign support. 17. The Curtis Group Overview The Curtis Group is a fundraising consulting firm based in Virginia, providing personalized advice to nonprofits primarily in the Mid-Atlantic region. Services Campaign planning and management that provides ongoing strategic counsel through campaign execution. Program assessment and capacity building that helps nonprofits play to their fundraising strengths. Planned giving services that empower nonprofits to secure reliable long-term funding. Why They Stand Out The Curtis Group emphasizes a team-based approach, taking on a select number of clients to ensure deep engagement and customized strategy. 18. DM Pros Overview DM Pros is a direct-mail service that provides mailing and printing services for fundraising collateral. Services Diverse printing offerings (letterheads, envelopes, business cards, fact sheets, and more) that leverage new technology. Optimized mail services that take the work out of direct mail, from personalization to postal processing. Data analytics to fill strategy gaps, segment audiences, and send resonant direct mail offerings. Why They Stand Out Contrary to popular belief, direct mail is actually rising in popularity and even competes with digital fundraising results in many key verticals. DM Pros gives your nonprofit the infrastructure, resources, and (most importantly) expertise to inspire donations via mail. 19. DNL OmniMedia Overview DNL OmniMedia is a nonprofit consultant focused on leveraging technology to help organizations achieve mission-critical goals. Services Technology strategy consulting that empowers nonprofits to align their digital tools with organizational objectives. CRM implementation and support for key fundraising software solutions, like Blackbaud and Salesforce. Website design and development that creates interactive online presences optimized for fundraising and engagement. Why They Stand Out DNL OmniMedia’s expertise lies at the intersection of fundraising strategy and technology implementation, helping nonprofits optimize their digital tools and systems for better engagement and fundraising outcomes. 20. Donorly Overview Donorly is a fundraising consulting firm that tailors its services for nonprofits with budgetary constraints. Services A three-month action plan, Jumpstart, that helps small nonprofits launch fundraising efforts quickly. Donor relationship development, including cultivation, retention, and stewardship. Capital campaign management, from the planning stage through the end of the public phase. Why They Stand Out Cost can often limit small nonprofits from accessing professional fundraising expertise. However, Donorly understands how to help small nonprofits hit the ground running, making a big impact with fewer resources. 21. Gail Perry Group Gail Perry Group is a fundraising consulting firm led by Gail Perry, a nonprofit management expert, speaker, and author focused on major gifts and capital campaigns. Services Capital campaign consulting that includes training programs, strategic coaching, and active campaign management. “Major Gifts Officer Bootcamp,” an interactive program that empowers nonprofit teams to secure larger donations. Board training and retreats that utilize the “Fired-Up Fundraising” approach to motivate board members in philanthropy. Why They Stand Out Gail Perry’s high energy and expertise in major gifts are this firm’s greatest strength! Their personalized approach and proprietary fundraising framework works well for nonprofits of any size. 22. GOBEL Overview GOBEL is a leading fundraising consulting firm focused exclusively on healthcare philanthropy. Services Grateful patient program development that uses AI to identify and engage potential donors. Major gift initiative support that provides strategy and coaching specifically for healthcare philanthropy. AI-powered predictive modeling through their Gratitude To Give (G2G) platform that identifies prospects with the highest propensity to give. Why They Stand Out GOBEL combines deep healthcare-specific expertise with proprietary AI technology to help organizations build robust grateful patient pipelines and drive donations. 23. Gonser Gerber Overview Founded in 1950, Gonser Gerber is one of the nation’s first comprehensive advancement consulting firms. They serve organizations in verticals such as education, healthcare, and faith-based. Services Ongoing advancement advice that provides continuous, tailored guidance through a long-term partnership model. Campaign readiness studies that assess institutional preparedness and philanthropic potential before launching major fundraising initiatives. On-demand and live webinars and workshops that offer professional development for advancement professionals at various career stages. Why They Stand Out Their long history and focus on relationship-building mean they offer deep expertise and tailored, long-term partnerships aimed at improving overall institutional advancement performance. 24. Grants Plus Overview Grants Plus is a dedicated fundraising consulting firm that focuses exclusively on helping nonprofits secure funding from foundations, corporations, and government sources. Services Comprehensive identification and vetting of funding opportunities aligned with your organization’s specific programs, goals, and location. Full-service development of competitive grant applications, managing the entire process from draft to submission. Long-term grant strategy and planning to help organizations build sustainable grant revenue streams and train internal staff on best practices. Why They Stand Out Unlike generalized fundraising firms, Grants Plus specializes entirely in the grant-seeking landscape. Their deep expertise in navigating complex government and foundation requirements allows them to deliver a high return on investment for organizations looking to maximize this revenue channel. 25. Ignite Philanthropy Overview Ignite Philanthropy works with nonprofit organizations, foundations, and individual philanthropists to plan and execute fundraising and community investment initiatives. Services Co-creative fundraising strategies that help nonprofits secure resources for major projects by inspiring existing donors and attracting new ones. Strategic grantmaking advising that aligns funder values with community investment. Data-driven analytics support, which unlocks donor insights and trends to establish a strong foundation for philanthropic efforts. Why They Stand Out Ignite Philanthropy uniquely serves both nonprofits needing to raise funds and philanthropists looking to grant funds, giving them a broad perspective on the philanthropic landscape. 26. J.F. Smith Group Overview The J.F. Smith Group functions as a project management and fundraising consultant, specializing in guiding academic institutions and nonprofits through successful feasibility studies and capital campaigns. Services Hands-on campaign management approach that integrates their consultants into nonprofit teams to manage every phase. Development training that covers everything from fundraising basics to in-depth capital campaign best practices. Robust donor screening powered by a leading prospect research platform, DonorSearch. Why They Stand Out Their core philosophy is to be with their clients every step of the way, acting as embedded project managers rather than sideline advisors. This training-focused approach, combined with a track record of high client retention for multiple campaigns, ensures practical implementation and long-term team empowerment. 27. Johnson, Grossnickle and Associates Overview Johnson, Grossnickle and Associates (JGA) is a nonprofit fundraising consultant providing data-driven insights to nonprofits across various sectors, including education, healthcare, arts, and faith-based organizations. Services Advanced analytics and data insights through tools like Acuity® Donor Scores and DARTS™ dashboards. Comprehensive philanthropic audits that assess program effectiveness, identify opportunities, and provide benchmarking against peers. Customized coaching that provides tailored guidance and professional development for staff and volunteer leadership. Why They Stand Out JGA combines experience with proprietary advanced analytics tools to help clients prioritize efforts and achieve fundraising success. 28. M+R Overview M+R is a fundraising consultant that blends fundraising, communications, and advocacy to help nonprofits build movements and mobilize supporters. Services Multichannel campaign design that combines fundraising appeals with advocacy actions (like signing petitions) to deepen supporter engagement. Development of messaging, branding, and media relations strategies that help nonprofits stand out in a crowded market. Paid media management across social and search platforms to acquire new donors and drive campaign visibility. Why They Stand Out M+R is renowned for their annual “Benchmarks” report, which sets the industry standard for digital fundraising metrics and showcases M+R’s understanding of digital fundraising and marketing. This expertise helps them excel at creating the voice and energy behind a campaign, making them a top choice for advocacy organizations and nonprofits looking to build a mass-market brand movement. 29. The Munshine Group Overview The Munshine Group is a fundraising, communications, and strategy consulting firm that serves nonprofits and socially-minded companies alike. Services Integrated fundraising and communications plans that align messaging and outreach across all channels for maximum impact. Corporate philanthropy program development that helps companies design and implement strategic giving initiatives. Wealth and philanthropy research that provides detailed insights into donor capacity, interests, and giving patterns. Why They Stand Out The Munshine Group’s project team model allows them to offer a comprehensive and integrated range of services, seamlessly combining fundraising strategy with strong communications and implementation support. 30. NextAfter Overview NextAfter acts as both a nonprofit fundraising consultant firm and research lab, using rigorous data analysis and testing to help nonprofits decode what motivates donors to give online. Services A/B testing for donation pages, emails, and ads to improve conversion rates. High-frequency email campaigns based on behavioral data and designed to drive immediate revenue. Original open-source study management so nonprofits can understand the psychology behind donor decision-making Why They Stand Out NextAfter operates with a “scientist” mindset that is unique in the sector. They don’t guess what works; they prove it through thousands of fundraising experiments. Their focus on data-driven digital optimization makes them an ideal partner for nonprofits looking to scale their online giving programs rapidly. 31. Pursuant + Allegiance Group Overview Pursuant + Allegiance Group partners with nonprofits, associations, and unions to enhance fundraising, marketing, and technology strategies. Services Direct response fundraising programs that design and execute multi-channel campaigns, including mail, digital, and phone, to engage donors. Digital marketing and engagement services that encompass fundraising website optimization, SEO/SEM, social media strategy, and online advertising. Technology solutions and consulting that includes CRM selection and implementation, fundraising data management, and analytics reporting. Why They Stand Out This nonprofit fundraising consulting firm specializes in direct response fundraising with strong digital marketing and technology capabilities, offering integrated solutions to drive constituent engagement across multiple channels. 32. Ruotolo Associates Overview Ruotolo Associates is a comprehensive fundraising and public relations consulting firm serving nonprofits in sectors such as education, healthcare, religion, and social services since 1979. Services Comprehensive campaign services that span feasibility studies, planning, management, and post-campaign counsel. Analytics and engagement strategies that integrate prospect research and AI for effective donor outreach. Executive search for development leadership that identifies and recruits experienced fundraising professionals. Why They Stand Out As a long-standing firm and member of The Giving Institute, they offer experienced support across a wide range of fundraising and communication needs, emphasizing ethical fundraising practices and tailored tactics. 33. The Sheridan Group Overview The Sheridan Group is a full-service fundraising consulting firm based in the Washington, D.C. area, serving nonprofits across various sectors nationally. Services Campaign planning that includes conducting readiness studies and providing ongoing strategic oversight. Major gift program development that helps nonprofits build capacity for securing large donations. Board and staff training that equips leadership and teams with essential fundraising skills. Why They Stand Out With a track record of helping clients achieve significant fundraising success (over $1 billion claimed), Sheridan Group focuses on building capacity and driving results for nonprofits of all sizes. 34. TWB Fundraising Overview TWB Fundraising provides experienced fundraising guidance to nonprofits across the country with particular strength in arts, culture, education, healthcare, and social services. Services Executive recruitment and transition services that focus on finding and placing nonprofit leadership talent. Strategic advancement planning that helps organizations align fundraising goals with overall mission and operational capacity. Interim staffing solutions that provide experienced professionals to fill critical development roles during transitions. Why They Stand Out TWB emphasizes increasing results, capacity, and impact with data-driven fundraising strategies to provide holistic advancement solutions. 35. Westfall Gold Overview Westfall Gold is a specialized consultant focused on designing and executing “Major Donor Experience” events to accelerate major gift fundraising for nonprofits. Services Major donor experience design that crafts transformational events centered on relationship building. Comprehensive event production that handles all logistics, creative elements, and execution details for their signature events. Post-event major gift tactics that help nonprofits cultivate major donor relationships after the interactive experiences. Why They Stand Out Their unique, highly focused model centers on creating experiences designed specifically to inspire major donors and secure transformational gifts. Plus, they handle all the logistics so your nonprofit can focus on building relationships. 36. Whole Whale Overview Whole Whale is an agency that provides marketing and analytics services to nonprofits. Services Digital marketing campaigns and performance, from Google Analytics 4 configuration to search engine optimization (SEO) to content marketing. Google Ad Grant management to help nonprofits get the most out of $10,000 per month of free ad space. Speaking engagements for events, training sessions, and workshops. Why They Stand Out Whole Whale is a B Corporation, meaning they meet high standards for social and environmental performance. Plus, Whole Whale’s nonprofit-specific expertise helps organizations of all sizes mobilize support for their missions. Fundraising Consultant FAQ What do fundraising consultants do? Fundraising consultants provide nonprofits with expert guidance on optimizing fundraising strategies, streamlining operations, and executing successful campaigns and initiatives. As you begin your search for the right consulting partner, you’ll likely encounter the following common consultant offerings: Prospect research: The process of gauging potential supporters’ likelihood of donating to your cause based on certain historical indicators and data. Grants: Funds provided by a foundation, government body, or company that may have certain reporting or fund usage requirements. Board and staff development: The process of continually educating team members, leaders, and the board of directors about best practices related to their roles as ambassadors of your organization. Corporate sponsorships: A partnership between a nonprofit and a business wherein the business funds nonprofit initiatives, often in return for positive publicity. CRM implementation: The process of integrating a new donor management software into a nonprofit’s existing tech stack, daily operations, and fundraising strategy. Marketing and digital fundraising: Leveraging multi-channel marketing strategies and digital campaigns to build an organization’s brand awareness and reputation and generate funds through effective messaging tactics. Events: Highly-organized gatherings of donors, stakeholders, and constituents aimed at generating financial support while also raising awareness, building deeper community connections, and fostering a stronger base of support for an organization’s mission. Planned giving: The process of donating cash, property, or other valuable assets to a nonprofit through a financial or estate plan. Philanthropic advising and management: Wealth planners who act as liaisons between nonprofits and donors to maximize philanthropic potential while promoting optimal financial health, flexibility, tax efficiency, and aligned impact. As previously mentioned, each consultant brings unique experiences and skills that influence their service offerings. Before choosing a fundraising consultant to partner with, you’ll need to assess gaps in your strategy and determine which consulting services would be the most helpful for your particular needs. What are the elements of a great fundraising partnership? Nonprofits are guided by their values, and those should not be compromised when entering a partnership with an outside consultant. Here are several characteristics that make up a positive consulting partnership, regardless of the service or scope provided: Collaboration. Your partnership with a fundraising consultant should feel like a hands-on, reciprocal collaboration rather than a distant transaction. Ensure the consultant can serve as an embedded team member, taking your organizational priorities and needs into account and providing tailored solutions. Commitment to the work. Above all, nonprofits are driven by decisions that will move their mission forward. The right consulting partner should hold this mindset close throughout your engagement, aligning every suggestion and action with your organization’s values. Transparent and frequent communication. Consultants perform best when they understand the full story behind a nonprofit’s challenges. Establishing an honest and open communication style will allow your consulting firm to ask the right questions and design the right solutions. Similarly, the right consultant will proactively seek to understand your organization from the inside out to make informed decisions on a path forward that will best serve your team. Expertise and innovation. An ideal consultant should be able to balance best practices and proven models with creative problem-solving and innovative approaches. Consultants who utilize data-driven decisions to elevate your unique strengths will empower your organization with the confidence to achieve sustainable success. Equitable and inclusive decision-making. Throughout your engagement, the right consultant should ensure your voice remains at the forefront of any decisions that are made. Understanding that your values and reputation are top-of-mind, your partner should incorporate those into the work at hand to drive results that are reflective of your vision for the future. It is critical for your team to come together and decide what an ideal partnership looks like for you based on your values, priorities, and requirements. How can we choose the best fundraising consultant? Now that you have an understanding of what services nonprofit consultants provide and what an ideal engagement looks like, it’s crucial to prepare your organization for success before diving into a partnership. Here are key steps and considerations: 1. Define your goals Bringing on an external consultant is a significant investment. Before having conversations with potential partners, ensure your organization is aligned on what the engagement should accomplish. Whether you’re seeking specific services (like launching your next capital campaign) or have a less defined vision to generally elevate your fundraising operation, being able to communicate your goals with prospective partners from the onset will allow you to connect with the right partner for your needs. 2. Research consultants Once you begin your research, the sheer volume of consultants might seem overwhelming. Consider evaluating your options based on trust-building factors as well as specific criteria, including: Pricing/rates Case studies and external reviews Information about provided services and approaches Staff qualifications Specializations in your industry, like healthcare or education In addition to online searches, seek input from colleagues or peer organizations in the sector to determine if they have experiences or insight into certain consultants. 3. Make a connection Introductory conversations with potential partners will help you narrow down your list and better determine the right fit for your organization. This is your chance to ask the consultant about their experience, express questions or concerns, and assess alignment with your needs and their solutions. These conversations will also help you realize sooner rather than later any dealbreakers or limitations that might prevent a partnership. 4. Request proposals Once you’ve determined your priority list, request a formal proposal from the consultant. This is their time to prove how they’ll help your nonprofit achieve its goals by outlining their specific approach and processes. Make sure you’ve established a review committee (consisting of key leaders and board members) to ensure stakeholder approval and buy-in throughout the process. Keep in mind that the review process may entail several rounds of interviews with candidates in order to make informed recommendations. 5. Bring findings to leadership Set a meeting with key decision-makers at your nonprofit when you have your top choices of proposals to decide between. 6. Align on contract terms Once leadership has decided on your consultancy of choice, touch base with their team to finalize a contract. If possible, have a lawyer or contract expert review it to ensure both parties are adhering to their organizational policies. Make sure that critical details are crystal-clear, such as fee structures, key performance indicators, and the execution timeframe. 7. Get started! It’s the moment you’ve been waiting for—kick-off! As you embark on this exciting new partnership, communicate regularly to align on roles, responsibilities, and next actions to get your plans off the ground. Wrapping Up By keeping these tips and recommendations in mind, your team will be better equipped to choose the right partner for your goals and needs. While a significant investment, consultants can substantially elevate your work and help you grow faster, smarter, and stronger. If you’re curious to learn more about what a partnership with Orr Group looks like, get in touch today. We’re eager to help your nonprofit grow. Your mission deserves more than a quick fix. Unlock your full potential with Orr Group’s strategic fundraising solutions. Contact Us As the Director and Head of Growth at Orr Group, Katie Nickels plays a key role in advancing the firm’s mission to empower nonprofit organizations. She leads the firm’s branding, marketing, communications, thought leadership, and business development efforts. With over 8 years of experience, Katie is well-versed in optimizing marketing initiatives, driving business success, and fostering strategic relationships. She connects nonprofits with the fundraising, development, and strategic planning experts at Orr Group, ensuring they receive the support needed to thrive.
“ It's been wonderful to have Orr Group come in as outside experts, become a part of our team, really believe in our mission, and think creatively about how we can do better.” “It's been wonderful to have Orr Group come in as outside experts, become a part of our team, really believe in our mission, and think creatively about how we can do better.” Michelle DeLaune, President and CEO, National Center for Missing & Exploited Children
How to Turn Etiquette into a Fundraising Advantage in Today’s Landscape Fundraising Published Date 2025 How to Turn Etiquette into a Fundraising Advantage in Today’s Landscape Donors choose organizations that make them feel valued, understood, and connected to change. Explore how a modern approach to etiquette in donor engagement is an essential fundraising advantage in today's climate.
Giving USA 2025 Report: What the Data Tells Us and Where We Go from Here Fundraising Published Date 2025 Giving USA 2025 Report: What the Data Tells Us and Where We Go from Here The 2025 Giving USA report confirms that generosity remains strong, but the data also raises critical questions. Explore where the sector is headed and how nonprofits should be focusing their time and resources.
Understanding the Tax Bill’s Impact on Nonprofits and Philanthropy Fundraising Published Date 2025 Understanding the Tax Bill’s Impact on Nonprofits and Philanthropy The “One Big Beautiful Bill Act” was signed into law on Friday, July 4. Explore key provisions likely to impact philanthropic giving, operational planning, and overall fundraising strategy.