Online Fundraising

10 tips to help you choose a fundraising partner

Choosing the right fundraising partner is not easy. Some non profits choose a strategic consultant to design a fundraising strategy and separate vendors to implement it. Some work solely with vendors. Seeking out and managing separate fundraising consultants and service providers can be time consuming and often troublesome. Also, relying on a consultant who has not had direct experience implementing a plan, or a service provider who was not part of the strategic planning in the first place is not wise.

Finding a fundraising partner who will listen to and challenge you, someone you can trust to design and implement a fundraising strategy that is creative, innovative and focused on your short and long-term priorities is crucial. The right fundraising partner will ensure that you meet your fundraising goals as well as keep your Board and donors happy.

When meeting with prospective professional fundraisers make an informed decision based on careful consideration of the following criteria:

Track record, reputation and experience

		Ask how long the company has been in business.
		Check the credentials of the management team.
		Does the company belong to the Association of Fundraising
		Professionals, the American Association of Fund Raising Counsel, the Association for Healthcare Philanthropy or the Council for Advancement and Support of Education?

Creativity and innovation

		Ask to see case studies.
		Review examples of representative work.

Accountability for results

		Find out what response and fulfillment rates to expect.
		Ask about projected net revenue.

Ethics and values

		Check the company’s website or inquire about its vision and
		mission.
		See if it aligns with your own.

Responsiveness to client needs

		Ask for and check client references.
		Ask about campaign timelines and whether the company can
		respond quickly in emergency situations.

Seamless integration of strategy and service delivery

		Find out how the consulting team and operations team work
		together.
		Ask how the company proposes to work with your organization
		from a strategic planning and operations perspective.

Sensitivity to donor rights and relationships

		Check if the company endorses or promotes the “Donor Bill of
		Rights”.
		Review examples of representative work to check for tone and
		sensitivity.

Value-added services

		See what additional professional services and products are on
		offer.
		Ask how the company can add value beyond its services and
		products.

Quality assurance measures

		Check the company’s website for information on quality control.
		Ask to see the company’s quality assurance policy.

Efficient technology

		Ask what technology exists to support the company’s services
		and products.
		Ask if the company has a Business Continuity or Disaster
		Recovery Plan.