A fundraising consultant develops successful techniques for raising money for a charitable cause, often working in consulting, inspiration, and leadership capacities. They meet with the group in need of funds to establish objectives, provide feedback, compile a list of potential donors, and assist with writing proposals. Committees are designated by the consultant, and they provide motivation and inspiration to renew members’ energy and motivation. Experience is more important than education, and a background in communications, marketing, advertising, or business is common.
A fundraising consultant’s job is to develop creative and successful techniques for raising money for a charitable cause. Plans often include ways to obtain cash donations or acquire valuable items that can be auctioned to the public. Typically, she does not participate in fundraising efforts and generally works only in consulting, inspiration, and leadership capacities. The consultant may be an independent contractor, work for a fundraising company, or provide their services, usually free of charge, to an organization or association of which they are a member.
Once hired, the consultant’s first step is usually to meet with the group in need of funds to clearly define their objectives. This usually entails defining monetary objectives and establishing a clear vision of the organization’s mission statement. This kick-off meeting also typically lays out any fundraising methods or sources of funds that the group is not interested in using. These group decisions are often based on potential conflicts of interest or may relate to personal or political relationships.
Once these goals are established, the consultant usually receives fundraising ideas from the group she works for. Typically, she is expected to provide constructive feedback in addition to presenting her ideas to the group for consideration and discussion. Once the preferred fundraising methods have been determined, a list of potential, generous and wealthy donors is usually compiled. If formal proposals are needed to seek funding from companies and corporations, the fundraising consultant typically assists with the writing.
Committees with specific tasks are often designated by the consultant. She often reviews the goals with each committee chair to ensure the objectives and methods are clearly defined. If a committee chair appears to lack confidence or focus, the fundraising consultant often provides personal assistance to ensure the group’s success.
If efforts seem to slow down once fundraising is underway, it is usually expected that a fundraising consultant will provide motivation and inspiration to renew members’ energy and motivation. She frequently meets with the committees or committee chairs and encourages them to sincerely present their challenges to her. Using their experience and knowledge, the consultant often offers solid solutions and puts fundraising efforts back on track for success.
A successful fundraising consultant is typically outgoing, engaging and analytical. Your ability to motivate and encourage fundraisers to reach goals is crucial to their success. Having a good head for numbers, along with imaginative ideas for separating people and companies from their money, is usually a winning combination for a person in this profession.
Getting hired for a fundraising consultant position often depends more on experience than education. However, most people in this position have a background in communications, marketing, advertising, or business. A proven track record of fundraising in diverse markets and environments is an asset to job seekers.
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