Fundraising Consultants vs. Strategic Planning Consultants: Which Does Your Nonprofit Need?

When your nonprofit needs outside expertise, the first question isn’t always if you should hire a consultant — it’s which kind. Two of the most common roles nonprofits seek help with are fundraising consultants and strategic planning consultants. Both play a critical part in strengthening an organization, but they serve very different purposes.

Here’s how to tell the difference between a fundraising consultant vs a strategic planning consultant and choose the right fit for your needs.

What a Fundraising Consultant Does

Fundraising consultants specialize in helping nonprofits increase revenue. They might:

• Develop fundraising campaigns and appeals

• Train staff or board members on donor engagement

• Design capital campaigns for major projects

• Build systems for donor cultivation and stewardship

In short, a fundraising consultant helps ensure your nonprofit has the financial resources to sustain its mission.

What a Strategic Planning Consultant Does

Strategic planning consultants focus on the big picture. They work with leadership and boards to:

• Define mission, vision, and values

• Create a multi-year roadmap for growth

• Prioritize programs and resources

• Align staff and board around common goals

A strategic planning consultant helps clarify direction so your nonprofit can operate with focus and efficiency.

Fundraising Consultant vs Strategic Planning Consultant: Which One Does Your Nonprofit Need?

If your main challenge is money, a fundraising consultant is usually the right call. If your challenge is focus — unclear priorities, a disengaged board, or uncertainty about the future — a strategic planning consultant may serve you best.

Some nonprofits hire both, often in sequence: first a strategic planning consultant to set the vision, then a fundraising consultant to secure the resources to achieve it.

Making the Right Choice

Every nonprofit’s situation is unique. The key is to define your most pressing challenge before you start looking for outside help.

At NonprofitConsulting.org, we make it simple to connect with both fundraising and strategic planning consultants who understand the unique needs of nonprofits. Explore the directory, send an RFP, and find the right partner for your mission.