A fundraising consultant has mastered the fine art of fundraising. They are well-versed as they know the ins and outs of fundraising. They have an idea what works best and they are also familiar with the practices to follow to increase the chances of success. They also have all the contacts with providers. For organisations that are new to fundraising, hiring a consultant might be deemed necessary especially when it comes to public relations. Since consultants have contacts with the local media and fundraising providers, they know exactly how to get the word out to the public.

A consultant provides a sense of professionalism, which is essential to your organisation especially in creating a positive public opinion of your organisation’s mission. They are known for bringing new concepts and ideas. If you decide to hire a professional, their scope will depend on your budget and needs.

Since consultants give their professional advice for a living, expect them to charge a professional fee and this is something that your organisation should be prepared for. It is also interesting to note that a consultant can be expensive. You may need to pay them upfront once the fundraising begins.

When do you need a fundraising consultant?

For organisations that do not have a lot of experience in fundraising, a consultant is often beneficial. They can provide you useful tips that are not biased since they are from a third-party perspective. The consultant will also help you create an overall strategy including planning for your next fundraising event, making connections and facilitating introductions.

Although a consultant has substantial knowledge with fundraising, they are not doing the actual fundraising. Which is why you should not expect them to bring in money directly. However, their strategic help will increase the likelihood of succeeding in fundraising.

A consultant is also essential if you wish to venture into a new aspect of fundraising such as online fundraising. Larger organisations also use a consultant in searching for qualified executive staff members. While hiring a consultant can be an exciting idea, it is important to decide first on some specific results you want delivered. Hiring a consultant just because you want to improve your fundraising does not take you in the right direction because your goal is too vague.

Your committee should work together so you can come up with action points. A consultant is helpful in creating more innovative campaigns, improving your messaging and more.