What a Consultant can do for YOU!
Updated: Jan 5, 2021
In the nonprofit world, there are three major truths:
1.You run lean and mean - Budgets are always a concern regardless of the size of the nonprofit. There is always a need to stretch a dollar as far as possible.
2. You wear many hats - So many hats, all the hats. Sometimes it is hard to define your actual position because you might have your hands in a little of everything from admin to marketing to operations.
3.You need help - Help from volunteers, help from your community, help from your cousin’s brother’s wife, help from each other, and sometimes, outside help from professionals.
That third truth can get a little murky from time to time. What sort of help is needed, who should give it, and what impact should be expected? Is the outside help from a consultant just what you need to skyrocket that program or lockdown that much needed grant?
Join us in our two part series where we dive into what purpose a consultant can serve to your organization and how to work successfully with an outside professional to achieve measurable, positive results.
Consultant? That sounds a little vague. What do they do?
The term consultant does sound a little vague and that’s because it can mean a lot of different things. To break it down simply - a professional consultant gives expert advice to businesses and organizations. Consultants may work as independent contractors and often work for several different clients. Here at Jelly Nonprofit Consulting, we work solely with nonprofits, as the nonprofit sector is where our expertise lies.
As a nonprofit organization, you will want to look for a consultant with a proven track record of success in achieving the results you’re after. It is a big bonus if the consultant has ties in your local community or understands the granters and audience that might be desirable within your area.
Tell me more, Tell me more, What can they really do?
Consultants can lead or assist on a short-term project, such as a grant application or capital campaign or they may serve as long-term help with marketing initiatives or social media management. They can provide an objective perspective, bring new skills and outside market knowledge, and they have the ability to focus all their time on a special project while organizational leadership focus on wearing all those hats we mentioned. So, so many hats.
Ok I want one but do I need one?
Do you have an idea or project that you want to make a reality, but lack the time or know how to plan and execute it properly? If the answer is yes, then you likely need a consultant. They are equipped with the expertise and time needed to take your project or funding dreams from an idea to action.
Proof is in the puddin’ - let’s talk results!
What results can you expect from a consultant? Your consultant should possess experience and knowledge of your business industry and should present you with a clear plan focused on the goals that you want to achieve. They should present every product fully developed and provide you with measurable outcomes at determined intervals. While no consultant can promise that you will be granted your funds or that your initiative will achieve its desired results, they should present to you key performance indicators regularly so that strategies can be adjusted as needed or alternate plans can be formed. Additionally, any consultant should be willing to maintain a clear channel of communication and listen to any concerns or answer any questions that may arise.
Dolla Dolla Bills Y’all!
We find that one of the main concerns from nonprofits is cost. As we mentioned above, nonprofits run lean. Costs for consultants can vary greatly depending on the project and the hours necessary to achieve the desired outcome. At Jelly Nonprofit Consulting, we charge an hourly rate for most services and will provide a quote outlining the estimated hours and cost to the client. If the service is for project management that will exceed one month, a proposal for services with the monthly cost estimate will be provided to the client.
Best of all, we offer a free consultation to discuss your project and how we can help.
Whatcha waiting for?
Call us today to set up your free consultation!
Office: 325-326-6110
Mobile: 325-374-7304
Or shoot us an email