Part One: Do You Really Need a Fundraising Consultant?

Written by the Gail Perry Group, helping nonprofits build clarity, confidence, and momentum in fundraising.

The Real Question Isn’t “Should We?” But “Are We Ready?”

You might think the first question is whether you need a fundraising consultant. But the truth is, the more important question is whether your organization is ready for one.

Many development teams jump straight to “should we hire help?” without pausing to assess readiness. You might need outside expertise, but that doesn’t automatically mean your organization can make the most of it.

Here’s a simple two-part framework to guide your thinking:

• Signs you need help: What situations practically require an outside fundraising expert?
  
• Are we ready for counsel: Are you set up to actually benefit from consulting?
  

By the end, you’ll have a clearer yes or no and a better sense of what steps to take next.

When to Hire a Fundraising Consultant

Sometimes it’s clear that outside expertise can make all the difference. Here are the moments when bringing in a consultant is usually the right move.

1. You’re launching a campaign
A major initiative like a campaign demands specialized planning and structure. Few organizations have that experience in-house, and learning by trial and error on a million-dollar project can be costly.

2. You’ve hit a revenue plateau
If your results haven’t changed in two or more years, it’s time for a new approach. A consultant brings outside perspective, fresh ideas, and proven strategies to re-energize fundraising.

3. You’re venturing beyond your team’s expertise
Starting a major gifts or planned giving program or trying to engage your board in fundraising for the first time requires guidance. Consultants help you avoid common pitfalls and build sustainable systems.

4. You need an objective outside voice
When internal dynamics stall progress, a neutral third party can move things forward. Consultants help boards and staff hear difficult truths in a constructive way.

5. You’re in a critical transition moment
Leadership changes, mergers, or strategic pivots can unsettle even the strongest development teams. Consulting ensures continuity and clarity through change.

6. You have ambitious growth goals
If your strategic plan calls for major revenue growth, a consultant provides structure, accountability, and expertise to help your team deliver.

Preparing Your Nonprofit for Consulting Success

Recognizing the signs is just the first step. The next is understanding what readiness really looks like: clear goals, engaged leadership, and openness to change.

In our next post, we’ll explore what to expect when you hire a fundraising consultant so you can set realistic goals, define success, and build a strong partnership from day one.

Bottom Line

• A consultant can accelerate growth, but readiness is the foundation for success.
• The best time to bring in help is when your organization has both a clear goal and the will to change.
• Outside perspective can’t replace internal leadership. It enhances it.

Ready to explore your next step?

Talk with our team about how Gail Perry Group helps organizations build clarity, confidence, and momentum through expert fundraising consulting. Click here to schedule a call.