Three things to think about before hiring a Fundraising Consultant

Most not-for-profit organisations are on a constant lookout for additional funding and improved sustainability. Fundraising Consultants can help your organisation to succeed when you and your staff may not have the capacity or lack the confidence or skills to fundraise. However, before hiring a Consultant there are a few things that you might want to consider:

1. Decide what you want help with

Do you need help achieving your ‘dream’ project, or support securing general running costs? Do you simply want help putting a fundraising strategy or would you rather have someone who could come in and deliver the actual fundraising too? A good Consultant can help you narrow down your thoughts and put together a defined project.

2. Consider what you might be able to do in-house

Speak to Trustees, Senior Management and the Administrative team to understand what they might be able to offer. For example, does the Admin Assistant have half a day a week free which could be utilised for research purposes, or are Trustees able to utilise personal networks? Speaking to your team, however large or small, will help to decide if a Fundraising Consultant is really for you and what you might be able to deliver in-house.

3. Find someone you trust and feel you can happily work alongside

Once you’ve decided a Fundraising Consultant is the route you want to take aim to speak to a handful of Consultants so that you can make sure your getting the ‘right one’ for your organisation and you. Always check references and credentials to give you peace of mind. Once you believe you’ve found your Consultant try to give them the best possible induction to your organisation so that they can thoroughly understand the need for your project or cause to develop.

Any good Fundraising Consultant will provide you with a written document which details obligations and payment details from both sides. It goes without saying to make sure you review this thoroughly before signing anything.

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