The difference between a fundraising consultant and a professional fundraiser
A major point of note is that the term ‘fundraising consultant’ is generally used to describe a fairly wide spectrum of professionals who often carry out a wide range of fundraising services on behalf of charities and other non-profit making groups.
According to the Oxford Modern English Dictionary, a consultant is 'a person providing professional advice for a fee'.
This is different from a professional fundraiser who are defined within the Charities Act 1992 (Section 58(1)) as being, 'any person who carries on a fundraising business who for reward solicits money or other property for the benefit of a charitable institution'.
Therefore there are 2 main groups of fundraising consultants, those that will actually raise money on your behalf and those that will provide advice only. The former group (those that raise funds) are often called professional fundraisers, the latter group (those that provide advice) are called fundraising consultants.
Since the information contained within this guide refers to both groups, we will refer to both as ‘fundraising consultants’ to avoid any confusion with terms.
About fundraising consultants
What do fundraising consultants do?
What do fundraising consultants charge?
What to look for when hiring a fundraising consultant
The difference between a fundraising consultant and professional fundraiser
Things to consider before employing a fundraising consultant
Model template for commissioning a fundraising consultant
The tendering process
Working successfully with your fundraising consultant
Exit strategies
Monitoring and measuring the work of a fundraising consultant
Supporting your fundraising consultant
Where to find reputable fundraising consultants
