Top 10+ Nonprofit Consulting Firms (With Grade A Services)
Managing a nonprofit can be a lot like building a house; when one area isn’t holding up well, chances are the rest of your foundation will start to crumble. That’s why a nonprofit consulting firm is always a trusted ally when it comes to strengthening the sum of your nonprofit’s parts.
These professionals aren’t looking to dish out temporary solutions, but rather to ensure long-term success for your organization by planning and executing a tailored nonprofit strategy.
With that said, researching the right nonprofit consulting firm for your individual needs can be a hassle — which is why we’ve decided to bring the top recommendations to you!
Before you get started with this list, ensure that your fundraising software is up to par. After all, the consulting firm that’s right for your organization should be empowered by software that streamlines your efforts (instead of lackluster software that leaves your frontline fundraisers with the urge to pull out their hair).
That said, let’s take a look at our key contenders!
Table of Contents
| Consulting Firm | Best For |
|---|---|
| Getting Attention | Google Ad Grants |
| DNL OmniMedia | Web Design and Marketing |
| Averill Fundraising Solutions | Full Service Consulting |
| Aly Sterling | Executive Search and Fundraising |
| Ter Molen Watkins and Brandt | Capital Campaigns |
| Big Duck | Branding and Communications |
| Brian Lacy and Associates | Annual Giving |
| Aspire Research Group | Prospect Research |
| Fired-Up Fundraising | Major Giving |
| Westfall Gold | Event Consulting |
| Jeffrey Byrne and Associates | Planned Giving |
| RealHR Solutions | HR Consulting |
The right consultant can take your organization’s efforts to the next level! Ready to get started? Use the table above to navigate the page or jump to exactly what you’re looking for. Let’s go:
#1 GETTING ATTENTION — BEST CHOICE FOR GOOGLE AD GRANT CONSULTING
HOW THIS NONPROFIT CONSULTING FIRM CAN HELP YOUR NONPROFIT
Getting Attention is a fundraising agency that’s devoted to Google Ad Grant management. They’ll handle everything from initial checking your nonprofit’s eligibility to actively researching the most valuable keywords for your cause. That way, you can sit back and relax knowing that you’re targeting the right prospects and that your account is in the best hands.
MOST POPULAR NONPROFIT CONSULTING SERVICES
While there are plenty of services that Getting Attention offers, here are the top ones that your cause will find particularly helpful:
- Google Ad Grants eligibility check and application
- Full account setup or existing account audit
- Comprehensive keyword research and recommendations
- Reactivation of lapsed or suspended accounts
- Complete landing page relaunch, which includes design
WHY WE RECOMMEND THIS NONPROFIT CONSULTING FIRM
Backed by a team of seasoned experts, Getting Attention understands the nuances of creating and managing an effective Google Ad Grants strategy. They’ll make sure you acquire the ad credits your team is entitled to and then put that money to the best use possible — no need to worry about a learning curve when experts will do the work for you.
By helping you boost the visibility of your most important pages, an effective Google Ad Grants strategy means you’ll drive more traffic to your website and boost conversions. In no time, you’ll connect with potential donors, volunteers, and other supporters who are motivated to help your cause succeed.
LEARN MORE ABOUT GETTING ATTENTION
#2 DNL OMNIMEDIA — BEST CHOICE FOR WEB DESIGN AND MARKETING
HOW THIS NONPROFIT CONSULTING FIRM CAN HELP YOUR NONPROFIT
DNL OmniMedia is a nonprofit consulting firm that uses expert technologies to streamline your nonprofit’s web development and marketing initiatives.
This team’s technical strategies are both easy to utilize and seamlessly integrate your web, mobile, and data solutions.
With DNL OmniMedia, your organization is guaranteed to achieve fast and efficient nonprofit communications and digital outreach.
MOST POPULAR NONPROFIT CONSULTING SERVICES
DNL OmniMedia is a leading authority in nonprofit:
- Web design and development.
- Digital and event marketing.
- Donor management.
- Content and data migration.
They can also help your nonprofit customize and configure software to your liking by utilizing relationships with digital platforms like Blackbaud Luminate, Salsa, Drupal, and Salesforce.
WHY WE RECOMMEND THIS NONPROFIT CONSULTING FIRM
DNL OmniMedia takes a personalized approach to revamping your digital operations by taking the time to get to know your nonprofit’s mission and goals first.
Their team also embraces working with a variety of nonprofit causes such as higher education, faith-based, healthcare, animal welfare, and much more.
With high-profile clients like the ALS Association and Big Brothers and Big Sisters of New York City, DNL OmniMedia is committed to making your philanthropic communications as fluid and effective as possible.
LEARN MORE ABOUT DNL OMNIMEDIA
#3 AVERILL FUNDRAISING SOLUTIONS — BEST CHOICE FOR FULL SERVICE CONSULTING
HOW THIS NONPROFIT CONSULTING FIRM CAN HELP YOUR NONPROFIT
With more than 75 years in combined fundraising consulting experience, the Averill Fundraising Solutions team will work with your team on every step of your capital campaigns to ensure long-term success.
You can rely on Averill’s leadership team for the height of ethical practice in the industry.
MOST POPULAR NONPROFIT CONSULTING SERVICES
As a full-service fundraising consulting firm, Averill can take on a wide array of projects. Most common, though, are:
- Campaign/annual fund direction.
- Campaign planning/feasibility studies.
- Leadership learning.
- Executive search.
Whichever service you choose, you’re sure to get a healthy return on investment — Averill subscribes to a variety of industry-standard ethical practices.
WHY WE RECOMMEND THIS NONPROFIT CONSULTING FIRM
Averill has a wealth of experience across the entire nonprofit sector, so no matter what you’re fundraising for, there’s a solution for you there. Most notably, Averill partners with faith-based, education, and healthcare organizations.
Whatever project you partner with Averill to complete, the firm will look beyond the immediate concerns in both directions.
Averill plans for success in your campaigns and then ensures the structures and strategies in place will lead you to success again in the future.
LEARN MORE ABOUT AVERILL FUNDRAISING SOLUTIONS
#4 ALY STERLING PHILANTHROPY — BEST CHOICE FOR EXECUTIVE SEARCH AND FUNDRAISING
HOW THIS NONPROFIT CONSULTING FIRM CAN HELP YOUR NONPROFIT
Aly Sterling Philanthropy is an established nonprofit consulting firm that provides hands-on assistance for enhancing your nonprofit’s executive search and fundraising strategies.
In particular, their services help organizations reshape donor giving tactics and organize an exceptional staff and board.
Above all, their top priority is to create sustainable solutions that grow with your nonprofit.
MOST POPULAR NONPROFIT CONSULTING SERVICES
Aly Sterling Philanthropy is a one-stop-shop for all things:
- Executive search.
- Fundraising solutions.
- Strategic planning.
- Board governance.
They also offer workshops on board development and fundraising techniques as well as a nonprofit job board for executive search clients.
WHY WE RECOMMEND THIS NONPROFIT CONSULTING FIRM
A member of The Giving Institute, Aly Sterling Philanthropy is responsive to your needs and provides cost-effective solutions for growing your nonprofit.
Their team represents decades of experience crafting customized game plans for organizations all of all shapes and sizes.
To top it off, this nationwide firm raised millions of dollars for Midwest nonprofits in Ohio, Indiana, and Southeast Michigan.
LEARN MORE ABOUT ALY STERLING PHILANTHROPY
#5 TER MOLEN WATKINS AND BRANDT
HOW THIS NONPROFIT CONSULTING FIRM CAN HELP YOUR NONPROFIT
Ter Molen Watkins & Brandt is a nonprofit consulting firm that provides expert fundraising counsel for executing a memorable (and lucrative) capital campaign. They also assist in developing other nonprofit giving areas, corporate and government funding, and volunteer and staffing growth.
Their capital campaign consultants walk your nonprofit through every milestone from feasibility studies and soliciting donations to campaign leadership and marketing.
MOST POPULAR NONPROFIT CONSULTING SERVICES
Ter Molen Watkins & Brandt have consulting strengths in:
- Capital campaign coordination.
- Fundraising feasibility studies.
- Fundraising analytics.
- Annual campaign development.
- Board and volunteer leadership development.
This nonprofit consulting firm has partnerships with The Giving Institute and DonorSearch as well as a virtual nonprofit education center.
#6 BIG DUCK
HOW THIS NONPROFIT CONSULTING FIRM CAN HELP YOUR NONPROFIT
A New York City-based consultant, Big Duck uses smart communications to generate funds and awareness for nonprofit causes. This nonprofit consulting firm reaches new donors by telling your nonprofit’s story with personalized branding, fundraising, and awareness campaigns.
Their market research tool, Brandraising Benchmark, is particularly useful for measuring public awareness and engagement with your nonprofit in addition to donor analytics.
MOST POPULAR NONPROFIT CONSULTING SERVICES
Big Duck specializes in:
- Marketing and communications.
- Brand development.
- Fundraising campaigns.
- Recruitment strategies.
Big Duck’s services are also designed to strengthen your nonprofit’s in-house communications with workshops in staff searches and structure, planning, and assessments.
For a breakdown of Big Ducks’s nonprofit promotional pyramid, see the diagram below.
#7 BRIAN LACY AND ASSOCIATES
HOW THIS NONPROFIT CONSULTING FIRM CAN HELP YOUR NONPROFIT
Brian Lacy and Associates is a nonprofit consulting firm with services rooted in fine-tuning a nonprofit’s annual giving strategy. They also have experience in cultivating prospect research and marketing and communications.
Their annual giving consulting starts with conducting a development audit of your existing plan before crafting a new strategy to improve your nonprofit’s data management, donor stewardship, and more.
MOST POPULAR NONPROFIT CONSULTING SERVICES
Brain Lacy and Associates primarily offers:
- Annual giving.
- Audits.
- Temporary management programs.
Brian Lacy and Associates views annual giving as a nonprofit’s lifeblood and has helped over 400 nonprofits raise more than $1 billion in philanthropic support.
LEARN MORE ABOUT BRIAN LACY AND ASSOCIATES
#8 ASPIRE RESEARCH GROUP
HOW THIS NONPROFIT CONSULTING FIRM CAN HELP YOUR NONPROFIT
Aspire Research Group, led by Jen Filla, guides organizations through prospect research with efficient tools and in-depth training. This nonprofit consulting firm lives by 8 core principles which reflect strong communications, personal interactions, and evolving goals.
Aspire Research Group is mainly known for their prospect profile services with qualification, solicitation, and verification options for donors and frontline fundraisers.
MOST POPULAR NONPROFIT CONSULTING SERVICES
Aspire Research Group offers services ranging in:
- Prospect identification.
- Donor cultivation and asking strategies.
- Relationship/prospect management.
- Major giving enhancement.
Their versatile packages allow both large and small nonprofits to better identify prospects, develop tailored solicitation strategies, and exceed their major giving goals.
LEARN MORE ABOUT ASPIRE RESEARCH GROUP
#9 FIRED-UP FUNDRAISING
HOW THIS NONPROFIT CONSULTING FIRM CAN HELP YOUR NONPROFIT
Championed by fundraising expert Gail Perry, Fired-Up Fundraising offers nonprofits stellar services aimed at boosting major giving, capital campaigns, and board development. Her board training workshops motivate and organize your nonprofit board to build up fundraising efforts.
Gail Perry’s Major Gifts Coaching and Mentoring Program is also a must-know, step-by-step resource for cultivating lasting major donor relationships.
MOST POPULAR NONPROFIT CONSULTING SERVICES
Fired-Up Fundraising offers nonprofits:
- Major giving training and growth.
- Board development.
- Feasibility study management.
- Capital campaign coaching and workshops.
Gail Perry provides free fundraising tools to nonprofit professionals and a series of instructive fundraising videos on the Fired-Up Fundraising website.
LEARN MORE ABOUT FIRED-UP FUNDRAISING
#10 WESTFALL GOLD
HOW THIS NONPROFIT CONSULTING FIRM CAN HELP YOUR NONPROFIT
Westfall Gold is a leading nonprofit event consultant whose major donor event strategy has been perfected over 20 years. Their event production and creative communications succeed in crafting ideal environments for your nonprofit to connect with donors.
Most importantly, this nonprofit consulting firm nails finer event details by assigning a senior consultant to work with you every step of the way.
MOST POPULAR NONPROFIT CONSULTING SERVICES
Westfall Gold are certified experts in:
- Event consulting.
- Event services.
- Event speakers.
- Even production.
- Creative Services.
Overall, this firm’s mission is to ensure donors have an unforgettable time at your fundraising event with five-star event consulting services.
LEARN MORE ABOUT WESTFALL GOLD
#11 JEFFREY BYRNE AND ASSOCIATES
HOW THIS NONPROFIT CONSULTING FIRM CAN HELP YOUR NONPROFIT
Jeffrey Byrne and Associates is a nonprofit consulting firm that aids organizations with all manner of fundraising consulting initiatives. They also help nonprofits with advancement planning, prospect research analytics, and marketing and communications.
This firm’s primary service is their Futures Program which involves planning and building a lucrative nonprofit planned giving program from the ground up.
MOST POPULAR NONPROFIT CONSULTING SERVICES
Jeffrey Byrne and Associates are well-versed in:
- Planned giving.
- Major giving.
- Capital campaign coordination.
- Fundraising feasibility studies.
- Annual campaign development.
Jeffrey Byrne and Associates also serves a wealth of nonprofit areas such as education, faith-based, healthcare, arts, culture and humanities, and more.
LEARN MORE ABOUT JEFFREY BYRNE AND ASSOCIATES
#12 REALHR SOLUTIONS
HOW THIS NONPROFIT CONSULTING FIRM CAN HELP YOUR NONPROFIT
RealHR Solutions is an HR consulting firm that specializes in helping both new and established nonprofit organizations address a variety of HR needs. For nonprofits with fully-functioning HR teams, RealHR can offer expertise and bandwidth for additional projects. For nonprofits without an HR team, they can offer ongoing outsourced HR infrastructure.
For every client, they design customized solutions best suited to your unique needs. Because their team is comprised of HR experts from varied backgrounds and experiences, they can serve the needs of a diverse set of clients.
MOST POPULAR NONPROFIT CONSULTING SERVICES
RealHR Solutions are experts in:
- Developing recruitment, hiring, retention, talent management, and compensation strategies
- Increasing HR capacity in preparation for growth or change
- Setting up HR infrastructure to align best practices with organizational goals
- Auditing and assessing existing HR practices and policies
Whatever your goals, RealHR’s versatile HR options offer the right amount of HR support for any nonprofit.
LEARN MORE ABOUT REALHR SOLUTIONS
By partnering with the right nonprofit consulting firm, there’s no telling how far your organization will go to achieve your long-term philanthropy goals.
For more information on nonprofit consulting services, check out these expert resources:
- Peer-to-Peer Fundraising: The Ultimate Guide — Enlist a nonprofit consulting firm to help you organize a rockstar peer-to-peer fundraiser with our in-depth guide!
- 10 Leading Consulting Firms For Your Philanthropy Needs — Explore Double the Donation’s picks for superior nonprofit consulting firms with this top 1o list.
- 7 Smarter Donor Prospecting Tools and Services from Donorly — Whether a consultant or in-house researcher conducts your donor prospecting, you need the best tools possible.
About the Author
Diana Fragnito
Director of Partner Development, OneCause
Diana Fragnito is the Director of Partner Development, where she builds and manages relationships with strategic partners to achieve mutual goals and support nonprofits in their fundraising success. With 16 years of experience in fundraising technology for nonprofits—spanning sales, event management, customer success, and the past five years building and growing partner programs—Diana has developed comprehensive expertise in nonprofit technology and fundraising software from every angle. She manages partner certification programs and integration partnerships, ensuring...