For a lot of nonprofits, fundraising is one of the most important (and stressful) parts of the job. It keeps programs running and lights on, but it will also take up an incredible amount of time and energy. This is why many organizations look for outside help from fundraising firms. The right partner can boost your impact. The wrong one can create more work for you. Or worse, they can damage your organization.
So before you hire fundraising help, here are a few things to think about when bringing in third-party fundraising support.
Mission and Values Should Match
When someone represents your nonprofit, you want them to really get what you do. More than that, you want them to care about it. A good fundraising partner will feel connected to your mission and share your sense of purpose.
Your nonprofit has its own culture, brand, and voice. A partner who doesn’t understand this can cause confusion or even damage relationships. Look for a firm that “speaks your language,” appreciates your values, and knows how to represent your organization the right way.
Be Clear About Who Will Do What
Nothing derails a partnership faster than confusion over responsibilities. Outline exactly what you expect from your fundraising partner and what they can expect from you. Who “owns” which tasks? How are deliverables to be presented? Put it all in writing. Then, keep the conversation going with regular check-ins. Clear expectations help everyone stay on track and make it easier to solve problems quickly.
Does Their Experience Match With Your Audience?
Ask about their track record and request examples of projects similar to yours. If they already understand your audience, they’ll have a much better chance of hitting the right notes in your campaign. Not all fundraising experience is the same. A company might have done great work in one sector but may not know how to reach your supporters.
Are you thinking of engaging with a new fundraising consultant who doesn’t yet have an extensive track record? There’s no harm in asking for a sample or two of how they may reach out to your stakeholders.
How Do They Treat Donors?
The people these third-party folks are talking to are still your donors. That means customer relationship management should be a big priority. A strong partner will be professional, discreet, and respectful. They’ll keep accurate records and always put donors at the center of the work. Donor trust is perhaps your most valuable fundraising asset. You can’t afford to take risks here.
Evaluate the Results
Once you’ve found a good partner and embark on a working relationship with them, you’ll need to regularly ask: Is this partnership working? Is the investment paying off? Is the fundraising firm actually saving your team time, or is it creating more work? Keeping an eye on results will help you make adjustments early and avoid long-term problems.
Working with a third-party fundraiser can be a huge boost for your nonprofit, but it’s not something to rush into. The best partnerships are built on shared passion, clear expectations, and ongoing communication. If you take the time to find the right fit and keep track of how things are going, you’ll set your organization up for stronger donor relationships and better results.
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