Making Every Minute Count
In the fast-paced world of fundraising, time is one of your most valuable resources. Whether you’re a small charity or a national organisation, bringing in a fundraising consultant can be a powerful way to boost your impact – but only if every minute of that collaboration truly counts.
Here are some key ways to make sure you get the best value from your consultant and achieve meaningful results.
- Start with Clear Objectives
Before you bring in a consultant, define exactly what you’re trying to achieve.
Are you looking to raise core funding, secure capital support, or develop project-specific grants? The clearer your objectives, the easier it is for a consultant to focus their expertise where it will make the biggest difference.
- Establish a Clear Point of Contact
To keep work flowing efficiently, appoint a dedicated point of contact who will act as the liaison between your organisation and the consultant. This ensures decisions are made promptly, information is provided quickly, and communication remains consistent throughout the project.
- Ensure your Governance is in Good Shape
To maximise your funding potential, your organisation needs to be properly constituted and compliant. If you are – or intend to be – a Charitable Incorporated Organisation (CIO), make sure your structure, governing documents, and registrations are all in place. Strong governance gives funders confidence and helps your consultant work more effectively.
- Allocate a Realistic Fundraising Budget
Consultants can help you secure income, but they need the right level of resource to deliver results. Make sure you’ve set aside an appropriate budget for fundraising activity – whether that’s consultancy time, prospecting tools, CRM development, or campaign materials.
- Have Your Accounts Ready
Funders expect up-to-date financial information. Ensure you have a full set of accounts available – and ideally that they’ve been submitted on time. Clear, timely accounts allow your consultant to move quickly and confidently when preparing applications.
- Agree on What Success Looks Like
Success can mean different things to different organisations. It might be income targets, new donor relationships, or building internal fundraising capacity. Establish these measures early on so both sides can track progress and celebrate milestones along the way.
- Be Transparent and Share Information
A consultant can only work effectively with the information they have. Provide access to relevant data, reports, donor lists, and strategic plans. This transparency helps them hit the ground running, avoid duplication, and tailor their approach to your organisation’s needs.
- Keep Communication Open
Regular check-ins are vital. They help you track progress, address challenges, and adapt strategies as your fundraising landscape evolves. Clear communication builds trust – and ensures that everyone stays aligned and motivated.
- Choose Expertise that Fits Your Sector
Fundraising isn’t one-size-fits-all. Seek consultants who understand your sector – whether that’s museums, heritage, health, youth, family, education, or community development. Relevant experience means they’ll bring tested insights, realistic strategies, and a deeper appreciation of your unique opportunities.
- Look for Cultural Fit
A good consultant doesn’t just represent your organisation; they embody your values. Choose someone who can authentically champion your mission and work seamlessly with your team. When there’s a strong cultural fit, collaboration becomes more efficient – and enjoyable.
- Set Clear Roles and Responsibilities
Finally, take a strategic approach to defining who does what. Clarify roles around donor relationships, proposal writing, and decision-making. This avoids confusion and ensures everyone’s time and energy are used productively.
In Summary
Working with a fundraising consultant like Good Fundraising should feel like a partnership – one that saves you time, builds capacity, and drives results. With clear goals, honest communication, and a shared vision of success, you’ll make every minute count.
