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Building Capacity Through Strategic Consultant Partnerships�

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QUICK FACTS!

  • I’m a mom to an 8-year-old named Diego.
  • I’ve been in the nonprofit sector for 16 years.
  • RevComm Consulting was launched in 2017 & I left 9-5 NPO work in December of 2018.

Facilitator Introduction

Crystal Gonzalez

Founder & Chief Changemaker�RevComm Consulting, LLC

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Workshop Objectives

Understand when consulting support makes sense versus hiring staff

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Learn how consultants can expand organizational capacity

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Identify best practices for engaging and managing consultants

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Leave with practical next steps for your own agency to work with a consultant

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66%

of nonprofit organizations in the US utilize consultants each year

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Nonprofits consultants specialize in different areas, provide different offerings, and use different service models. For nonprofits considering working with a consultant for the first time, this workshop will explore different types of nonprofit consultants and the services they offer, and how to effectively work with a consultant to expand your organizational capacity.

Let's dive in!

What’s a Nonprofit Consultant anyway?

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Common Nonprofit Consultants

Grant�Writing

Strategic�Planning

Program�Evaluation

Website�Design

Technology/Systems

Fiscal Management

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Consultant/Contractor

Employee

  • Hired as a 1099 contractor.
  • Project-based or retainer-based service provider.
  • These individuals have autonomy over their work.
  • 1099’s are not eligible for benefits, and you are not responsible for taxes.
  • Common roles within the social sector: graphic designer, grant writer, strategic planner, financial auditor.
  • **In CA, it’s required that independent contractors meet AB5 guidelines.
  • Hired as a W-2 employee.
  • Requires a job description with clearly defined expectations.
  • These individuals may be eligible for benefits.
  • A W-2 role has a defined work schedule.
  • Employer is required to withhold income taxes.

Consultant versus Employee

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Is there a specific department/area where your organization feels currently stretched?

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Some important questions to ask:

  • Are you missing someone with the right skills?
  • Does that team feel like they don’t have enough time?
  • Are you missing the right systems?
  • Is there an ongoing operational role missing?

Reflection – Capacity Gap or Staffing Gap?

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Preparing for a Success Partnership

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Fully executed,

mutually agreed

upon contract

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Clear scope of

work and

deliverables

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Set timelines

and key project

personnel

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Open

communication

and feedback

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Understanding

of agency

culture

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Alignment

with mission

and values

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Red Flags to Lookout For

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Expectations are unclear or

shifting often

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Lacking an�internal lead/�project lead

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Lacking staff�buy-in; team�is defensive

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Consultants�expected to�“fix everything”

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Agency not�learning along�the way

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Consultant�with limited

NPO experience

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Ensuring a Successful Engagement

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Plan regular�check-ins/refer

back to goals

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Having concerns?

Communicate

them early.

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Share feedback

generously

+ with context

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Respect

timelines and

boundaries

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Have a

sustainability

plan

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They are your

partner and

vice versa.

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The Right Fit

Value

Cost

The Business of a Consulting Partnership

  • Influenced by the Scope of Work – is this project-based or ongoing?
  • Hourly or flat-rate?
  • Do they offer a sliding scale?
  • Will there be a significant ROI?
  • Will the project leave you with enhanced systems/capacity?
  • Will there be a reduction in strain on staff?
  • Does the consultant believe in your mission?
  • Are outcomes realistic?
  • Do you see them as a partner in your work?

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Pro Bono Consulting Options

Program Name

Services Offered

Taproot Foundation

Think job board but for nonprofit consultants! Ability to post a consultant opportunity and have subject mater experts apply and be interviewed by your agency.

Catchafire

Very similar to Taproot – find nonprofit consultants for short-term projects at no cost to your agency.

Google for Nonprofits

Pro bono technology support and access to Google Business Suite at no-cost for nonprofits.

Masters-level Interns

Semester based projects where students can earn credit and your agency can benefit from services.

Corporate Consultants

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These pro bono consultant opportunities usually support the areas of finance, legal and technology.

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Key Takeaways

CONSULTANTS ARE NOT REPLACEMENTS FOR STAFF. They extend an organization’s capacity by providing specialized expertise, structure, and perspective.

MORE THAN MONEY. Effective consulting is about alignment. Clear goals, realistic timelines, and an understanding of organizational stage.

BE TRANSPARENT. Begin with defined outcomes, shared accountability, and intentional knowledge transfer. Consultants are partners.

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THANK YOU!

Crystal Gonzalez

cgonzalez@revcommconsulting.com

Visit us at: https://www.revcommconsulting.com/

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Open Discussion for Q + A