For over two decades, I’ve had the privilege of working as a fundraising consultant, guiding nonprofit organizations to achieve their missions through strategic philanthropy. While the journey has been deeply rewarding, it’s important to recognize that, like any career, consulting comes with its own set of challenges. Here, I’d like to share some insights into the pros and cons of being a fundraising consultant.
The Pros
- Diverse Experience Across Sectors: As a fundraising consultant, I’ve had the opportunity to work with a wide range of organizations—from healthcare and education to arts and human services. Each client brings unique challenges and goals, which keeps the work dynamic and intellectually stimulating. This exposure to different missions enriches your knowledge and hones your ability to adapt fundraising strategies to various contexts.
- Flexibility and Autonomy: One of the most appealing aspects of being a consultant is the flexibility it offers. As the founder of my own firm, I have the freedom to choose the clients I work with and manage my own schedule. This autonomy allows for a balance between personal and professional life that might be difficult to achieve in a traditional nonprofit role.
- Impactful Work: Few careers offer the ability to make such a direct and meaningful impact. As a consultant, I work with organizations to implement campaigns and initiatives that can shape the future of entire communities. The success of a capital campaign or the launch of a major gift program can have a lasting effect on an organization’s ability to serve its beneficiaries.
- Continuous Learning: Fundraising is an ever-evolving field, and being a consultant means you are constantly learning. Whether it’s staying updated on the latest digital fundraising trends, navigating new donor software, or understanding the changing philanthropic landscape, continuous education is a core part of the job. This keeps the work fresh and exciting.
Related Reading: Start Your Campaign Off Right
The Cons
- Uncertainty of Work: Consulting comes with periods of uncertainty, especially when it comes to securing new clients or navigating economic downturns. Unlike full-time employment, where a steady paycheck is expected, consultants must be proactive in business development. There are peaks and valleys in the workload, and managing this inconsistency requires careful planning.
- Balancing Business Development with Client Service: As consultants, we wear multiple hats. While it’s critical to consistently engage in business development to secure new clients, this can often conflict with serving existing clients. Maintaining the quality of service while prospecting for future work can be a delicate balance, and losing focus on either can be detrimental to your practice.
- Managing Difficult Clients: Not all client relationships are smooth. From internal disagreements within the nonprofit to unrealistic expectations, navigating complex client dynamics can be challenging. Sometimes organizations are not ready for the changes you recommend, which can make it difficult to move projects forward and achieve the desired outcomes.
- Managing Multiple Clients Simultaneously: Consultants often juggle several clients at once, each with their own set of needs, timelines, and priorities. While multitasking is a necessary skill, it can also lead to overwhelm, particularly during peak campaign seasons or when multiple deadlines coincide. Ensuring each client feels prioritized while keeping everything organized is an ongoing challenge.
Being a fundraising consultant offers an unparalleled opportunity to contribute to causes you care about, while providing flexibility and the chance to work across diverse sectors. However, it’s not without its challenges—balancing business development with client service, managing difficult client relationships, and handling the uncertainty of work can be taxing. Despite these obstacles, the ability to help organizations thrive through philanthropy makes it a deeply rewarding profession.
At Advancement Advisors, we strive to support nonprofits in their fundraising efforts, empowering them to make a lasting impact on the communities they serve. If you’re considering a career as a fundraising consultant or if your organization is in need of strategic philanthropic support, I’m always happy to connect and share my experiences.
By Maureen Mahoney Hill, CFRE, Founder and Principal of Advancement Advisors