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Social Impact Insights

Our blog provides insights for social impact professionals in business and nonprofits. We offer advice on making the greatest impact in your organization by giving clear real-world advice on important topics of today.

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How much does it cost to hire a nonprofit consultant?

9/22/2018

1 Comment

 
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Many people wonder if they could afford to hire a nonprofit performance consultant. Our answer is simple in many cases: you can't. Do you want to be the best leader possible? Do you want to spend all of your energy working toward you mission? Would you like to improve in areas where you feel you face more challenges? These are all good reasons to hire a consultant. 

Rates and fees vary greatly among consultants locally and nationwide. Some consultants charge by the hour or provide a flat rate based on the project. There's no easy answer because the range is so broad -- some may charge $15/hr, while others charge $250/hr. Some may charge you $100 for a task that someone else will charge $2,000 for. Typically, more experienced and seasoned professionals are going to charge more for their expertise -- but then again, sometimes they do not. Also some people work faster and produce better results than others. Would you rather pay $500 for something that takes one consultant a month to do with loads of editing and feedback required from you to complete? Or would you rather spend $2,500 to get something delivered within a week, error free? It really all depends on what you're looking for and what you're willing to spend.

How does Blackbird Philanthropy Advisors determine rates?

It's really hard for us to give you an estimate of how much a project will cost until we dive deeper into the details. We know that's not exactly the answer you're looking for but it's an honest one. Generally, a "one-off" short term project that involves highly skilled work on a very temporary, short-term basis (1 hour to 2 weeks) will cost a little more than an agreement where there is an ongoing, retainer-based relationship with guaranteed work over a longer period of time or for a larger project. If you hired Blackbird to completely manage, plan, and organize all aspects of an entire special event -- this would be charged as a flat fee rate on a payment structure that works for both parties. If you're looking to hire Blackbird for a short term project, you might end up having an agreement where our services are charged by the hour. Long story short, there's no one size fits all plan.  


Some things you'll want to knock out of the way before you hire a team to pitch in at your organization: 
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  • Know exactly why you need a consultant and what you want him/her to do
  • Ask for word-of-mouth recommendations or consult professional associations
  • Interview candidates to assess skills, experience, and fit with your organization
  • Check references
  • Determine fees and payment schedule
  • Have a detailed written agreement
1 Comment
Mia Evans link
2/18/2023 12:57:01 am

Thanks for helping me understand that there are various rates and fees whether your consultants are from the local area or those who are catering nationwide. In that case, it is a good idea to shop for various research consultants and compare their rates and their inclusions. Doing so will probably help you find someone who is within your budget, especially when you are just starting out and have a limited fund.

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  • For Businesses
    • Philanthropy Planning
    • Philanthropy Audits
    • Employee Engagement
    • Cause Marketing
    • C-Suite Philanthropy
  • For Nonprofits
    • Fundraising Help
    • Marketing Communications
    • 501c3 Formation
    • How to Start a Nonprofit
  • Insights
    • Blog
    • Digital Tools for Business
    • Case Studies
    • Social Impact Measurement
    • Researching Nonprofits
    • Resources
  • About
    • Our Approach
    • Our Team
    • Giving Back
    • LinkedIn
    • Contact