Funding running low for your NGO?
November 6, 2025Fundraising for a project or non-profit organisation can be a full-time job. The landscape has changed and there are many pitfalls. When you decide to set out to find a professional fundraising consultant to assist you in raising funds for your NGO or project, it is important to know what to look for. Here are some tips on what to look for in a fundraising consultant.
- Flexibility – It is important the consultant is flexible. Can the consultant you want to work with be flexible enough to support you in achieving your goals? Do they have the time, energy and availability at the times when you have capacity to meet them so that you can comfortably work together in a focused way without interruptions or stressful limitations?
- Are they efficient and effective? NGOs need to use their time effectively for the project at hand. Sourcing quotations for the fundraising budget shouldn’t really be their job. However, NGOs often find they have to pay a consultant to handle such administrative tasks because of limited capacity or time constraints within the organisation. Nowadays, some consultants are prepared to roll up their sleeves and get their hands dirty, with some of these kinds of tasks, especially when working with smaller NGOs. Consultants who are able to step in where they see the need, are the ones who are able to get down to the details that bring the funding flowing in before the funds run dry.
- Weigh up costs– When weighing up the costs, consultants should be clear and transparent about their fees. NGOs or project directors should not be too put off by a higher daily rate. One needs to weigh up what they offer with the overall time frame. If you’re looking for recruiting new donors, and the consultant has a network of funders in the area you work in, then it pays dividends to pay a bit more -they have the experience and the right contacts. This is valuable because it will save you time and money. On the other hand, consultant with a more affordable rate should be checked out as well – look at their references and what they offer you to provide services with.
- Fit is crucial – find someone that is a cultural fit for your team: someone who can work well with your team. You may find that it’s worth paying a higher rate for a good consultant, with whom you feel comfortable, and who is prepared to go the extra mile and has a sensitive approach and a good understanding of your mission. Having someone helping you raise funds who fits right in is ideal as it pays off when you connect with their approach and they understand your mission. It is great to work with someone that is personable, trusted and is able to tell you openly and with respect to what you are trying to accomplish. If you’re working with a consulting firm, make sure which member is going to be doing the work for your project. Make sure you meet the person beforehand.
- Sharing a consultant
Many NGOs in South Africa are working with small budgets, so in addition to maintaining an in-house fundraising team with limited experience, it would be effective to share a consultant across several organisations in the sector. Unfortunately, many organisations are fearful of sharing fundraising resources. In future we are likely to see more NGOs working together on similar or related projects, sharing resources and expertise. Sharing consultants is a practical way to bring in expertise, experience, and funding while keeping costs down.
How important are leadership skills in a consultant? It’s important for a consultant to have leadership skills, but be wary of people who are self-important and don’t demonstrate strategic thinking or the ability to listen to others in the room. They should not be taking over. Challenges and obstacles should be tackled constructively and with respect. A good consultant offers a listening ear and guides the team toward a strategic decision.