Working with a Nonprofit Consultant: Expectations and Magic Tricks
- Michelle Crim, CFRE
- Feb 19, 2020
- 2 min read
I’m going to be really honest with you, consultants are not magicians. I know, this is hard to believe because fundraising can be mystifying to many people. There’s no magic wand, or special tricks, just experience and knowledge. I often tell people that my Magic 8 ball is in the shop but I still have ways to help them.
Oftentimes, perspective clients will call me for one thing, but as we talk, we soon discover they really need something else first. I help them manage their expectations by listening and asking a few questions, such as:
Are you just getting started and need help establishing your fundraising efforts?
Who is handling the fundraising at your organization?
Do you need help with a specific fundraising campaign?
Does your board of directors or staff need training?
Is this a short-term project or a long-term commitment?
The magic of fundraising comes together with a plan of action. Having a plan allows you to follow your passion to serve those in need. Using a fundraising expert gives you and your organization the tools to be successful. Consultants have the talent, the experience, and the knowledge to work with you to develop the fundraising strategy that works best for you now, and for the future.
A consultant can help you create a fundraising plan of action, analyzing your donor database, research foundations, and coach you and others on making The Ask. Your job is to cultivate, solicit and steward your donors. Building and maintaining those ongoing relationships is crucial.
We can help you get all the pieces in place so that as you create a trusting relationship with your donors, the ask will be a natural part of the process.
Cheers,
Michelle Crim, CFRE
Dynamic Development Strategies can help. We offer coaching and fundraising services for our nonprofit clients. We specialize in startup and smaller nonprofits because we understand your challenges. Please contact us for more information.
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