Some tips on employing a Fundraising Advisor - whether they call themselves Consultants, Independents, or some other variation, the rules remain the same!
Employ a Fundraiser
1. As a catalyst for a campaign where there is more enthusiasm
than imagination
2. To freshen up a tired campaign
3. To research new sources for funding
4. To sharpen up applications to funders
5. To plan a new campaign
6. To come up with new ideas
7. To keep your fundraising legal
Make sure you
1. Brief your fundraiser accurately
2. Ask them to do what you want them to do
3. Review progress regularly
4. Discuss problems, ask questions, raise issues at the
time – don’t let them fester!
5. Agree a fixed fee for the job
To find a reliable Fundraiser
1. Look for membership of the
Institute of Fundraising
2. Talk to other people who have employed Fundraisers
3. Take up references
4. Discuss the brief in the context of your Fundraiser’s
experience
To manage your Fundraiser
1. Delegate – a committee cannot manage effectively
2. Keep it simple – the committee or person who has the
responsibility for paying the Fundraiser should be in direct contact – with
the Fundraiser and the Manager, in the case of delegated authority.
The Manager will be responsible for day-to-day matters, and the committee
for overall supervision
3. Any deviation from the agreed strategy must be justified
(to everyone’s satisfaction – the fundraiser’s too)
Avoid
1. Anyone who says it will be quick or easy
2. Anyone who says they can raise funds without the support
of your members/beneficiaries
3. Anyone who works on commission
The Institute of Fundraising in conjunction with NCVO offers a useful guide to employing consultants, including a model contract.