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Nonprofit consulting firms specialize in assisting organizations that prioritize social impact over profit. These firms understand the unique challenges nonprofits face, such as managing multiple bottom lines and addressing issues like fundraising and donor retention. Success in this sector requires consultants to possess strong communication skills and the ability to work with diverse stakeholders.
To support nonprofits effectively, top consulting firms offer services including fundraising strategy development, technology implementation, donor relations, marketing strategy, and internal function optimization. These services are tailored to enhance the organization’s capacity to achieve its mission-driven goals.
This ranking of the top nonprofit consulting firms is not specific to management consulting or strategy consulting firms, but any and all nonprofit consultancies.
Top 10 Nonprofit Consulting Firms
1. The Bridgespan Group
Niche: Management Consulting
The Bridgespan Group is a prominent global consulting firm dedicated to serving nonprofits, NGOs, and philanthropists. Established in 2000 as a nonprofit organization headquartered in Boston, Massachusetts, Bridgespan originated as a spin-off from Bain & Company, with co-founders Thomas Tierney, Jeffrey Bradach, and Paul Carttar leading its inception. The firm specializes in “social impact consulting,” focusing on enhancing organizational strategies to maximize social change and effectiveness. Bridgespan’s services encompass areas such as strategy development, growth planning, organizational assessments, and funding approaches, all tailored to address the unique challenges faced by mission-driven organizations.
Over the past two decades, Bridgespan has expanded its reach, opening offices in San Francisco, New York, Mumbai, Johannesburg, and Singapore. The firm collaborates with a diverse clientele, including prominent foundations like the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation, Ford Foundation, and Rockefeller Foundation, as well as various nonprofits and NGOs. By leveraging rigorous research and a deep understanding of the social sector, Bridgespan continues to assist clients in refining their strategies, improving organizational effectiveness, and achieving significant social impact.
2. Aly Sterling Philanthropy
Niche: Fundraising
Aly Sterling Philanthropy is a full-service consulting firm renowned for assisting nonprofits, foundations, and corporations in overcoming challenges and achieving their philanthropic goals. Founded in 2007 by Aly Sterling, the firm has established a strong reputation for helping organizations develop and execute effective fundraising strategies, emphasizing the cultivation of long-term donor relationships. Their comprehensive services include fundraising solutions, strategic planning, board governance, and corporate philanthropy, all designed to enhance organizational effectiveness and sustainability.
In addition to their core services, Aly Sterling Philanthropy offers specialized support in areas such as crisis response communications and leadership development. The firm is committed to empowering clients through workshops and presentations, providing tools and knowledge to navigate the complexities of the nonprofit sector. As a member of The Giving Institute, Aly Sterling Philanthropy aligns with the highest standards of ethics and excellence in the field, continually striving to make a positive impact on the communities they serve.
3. DNL OmniMedia
Niche: Technology Implementation
DNL OmniMedia is a nonprofit consulting firm specializing in technology solutions tailored to the unique needs of nonprofit organizations. Recognized as a leader in nonprofit software consulting, DNL OmniMedia collaborates closely with prominent technology providers to deliver comprehensive services. Their offerings include technology strategy development, software implementation, custom web development, and data management. By identifying and addressing specific technological gaps, DNL OmniMedia empowers nonprofits to enhance their operational efficiency and mission impact.
In addition to their core services, DNL OmniMedia provides ongoing support and marketing solutions to help nonprofits navigate the digital landscape effectively. Their expertise spans various platforms, including Blackbaud and Salesforce, ensuring that organizations can leverage the best tools available. By bridging the technology divide between the private and nonprofit sectors, DNL OmniMedia enables mission-driven organizations to thrive in an increasingly digital world.
4. Averill Fundraising Solutions
Niche: Fundraising
Averill Fundraising Solutions is a full-service philanthropic management firm renowned for its expertise in the faith-based, education, and healthcare sectors. Founded by President Robert C. Happy, Jr., the firm has partnered with clients to raise over $3.25 billion across various nonprofit domains. Averill offers a comprehensive suite of services, including campaign direction and planning, annual fund management, embedded staffing, and executive search. Their approach is hands-on, ensuring that fundraising efforts consistently exceed expectations and are tailored to each organization’s unique circumstances.
Headquartered in New York City, Averill maintains additional offices in Chicago, Los Angeles, and Toronto, providing regional support to clients across North America. In 2018, Averill was acquired by Collegium Holdings, Inc., enhancing its capacity to serve the expansive nonprofit sector. This strategic partnership has bolstered Averill’s ability to deliver creative and tailored service models, flexible pricing, and unmatched commitment to client success. Their extensive experience and dedication make them a major player in the nonprofit consulting world, particularly noted for their downstream support options compared to strategy-focused firms like Bridgespan.
5. Byrne Pelofsky & Associates
Niche: Fundraising strategy
Byrne Pelofsky + Associates, LLC is a nationally recognized fundraising and financial development firm based in Kansas City, Missouri. With over 100 years of combined nonprofit experience, the firm has assisted clients in raising more than $2.7 billion. Byrne Pelofsky specializes in fostering strong relationships among various stakeholders within nonprofit organizations, including boards, executive leadership, donors, volunteers, and the broader community. This holistic approach ensures cohesive collaboration and alignment toward achieving the organization’s mission.
The firm offers a comprehensive suite of services tailored to nonprofits across sectors such as education, senior living, faith-based initiatives, and cultural organizations. Their expertise includes campaign organization and management, capacity building consulting, planned giving program development, and grant writing. Byrne Pelofsky’s proficiency in establishing planned giving programs from inception enables organizations to secure sustainable funding streams for long-term success. Their deep community connections and hands-on approach equip clients with the tools necessary to master the art of fundraising and achieve their resource development goals.
6. Bristol Strategy Group
Niche: Fundraising strategy
Bristol Strategy Group is a renowned consulting firm specializing in fundraising strategies for mid-sized nonprofit organizations. Founded by Ellen Bristol in 1995, the firm leverages over 25 years of experience to assist nonprofits in enhancing their fundraising productivity. Bristol Strategy Group offers services such as campaign planning workshops, strategic planning, and development audits, focusing on areas like board development and fundraising consultation. Their expertise lies in identifying underlying weaknesses in fundraising strategies and developing tailored solutions to address these challenges.
A signature tool developed by the firm is the “Leaky Bucket Assessment,” designed to pinpoint inefficiencies in an organization’s fundraising processes. This assessment helps nonprofits uncover “leaks” in their fundraising efforts, enabling them to implement targeted strategies for improvement. By adopting disciplines from high-performing sales teams, Bristol Strategy Group empowers nonprofits to enhance their fundraising outcomes without compromising their mission-driven values.
7. Astron Solutions
Niche: HR consulting
Astron Solutions is a human resources consulting firm dedicated to simplifying HR processes for small and mid-sized organizations. Established in 1999 and headquartered in New York City, the firm offers over two decades of expertise in addressing HR challenges. Astron Solutions provides tailored services in compensation and performance management, employee retention strategies, and web-based talent management through their Flare® Talent Management Suite. Their customized approach ensures that HR programs align with each organization’s unique needs, fostering enhanced employee engagement and streamlined HR operations.
The firm’s comprehensive services are designed to support organizations aiming for growth and scalability. By focusing on areas such as compensation strategy development, performance appraisal systems, and the implementation of user-friendly HR software solutions, Astron Solutions assists clients in achieving their long-term strategic objectives. Their commitment to reducing HR complexities and costs has solidified their reputation as a trusted partner for nonprofits and businesses nationwide.
8. Donorly
Niche: Donor relations
Donorly is a data-driven fundraising consulting firm dedicated to empowering small and mid-sized nonprofits to enhance their donor engagement and fundraising capabilities. Specializing in comprehensive donor lifecycle management, Donorly offers services that encompass donor research, prospecting, and relationship cultivation. By meticulously analyzing existing donor databases, the firm identifies potential major donors and provides actionable insights to strengthen fundraising strategies. This approach ensures that nonprofits can effectively target and engage supporters who are most likely to contribute significantly to their missions.
In addition to donor research, Donorly offers a range of services designed to support various phases of fundraising and development. These include capital campaign guidance, feasibility studies, interim staffing solutions, and holistic strategic planning. The firm’s commitment to data-driven decision-making and personalized support enables nonprofits to navigate the complexities of donor relations with confidence and efficiency. By partnering with Donorly, organizations can build robust fundraising infrastructures that drive sustainable growth and amplify their impact within the communities they serve.
9. Aspire Research Group
Niche: Major Gifts
Aspire Research Group is a fundraising research consulting firm specializing in major gifts and campaigns. They assist organizations worldwide in identifying the right prospects, determining appropriate gift sizes, and effectively utilizing prospect research to enhance fundraising efforts. Their services include prospect profiles, wealth screening, and specialized training, all aimed at building and growing major gift programs. Aspire’s expertise enables nonprofits to transform data into actionable strategies, facilitating successful major gift solicitations.
In addition to their core services, Aspire Research Group offers a la carte support, providing organizations with on-call expertise for quick and efficient service. Their flexible approach ensures that nonprofits, regardless of size, can access the research and insights needed to advance their missions. By partnering with Aspire, organizations can enhance their fundraising capabilities, leading to increased donor engagement and substantial financial support for their causes.
10. Grants Plus
Niche: Grant funding
Grants Plus is a leading grant consulting firm dedicated to assisting nonprofits in securing essential funding. Since its establishment in 2007, the firm has partnered with organizations across the United States, helping them obtain over $350 million in grants from private, corporate, and government sources. Grants Plus offers a comprehensive range of services, including grant prospect research, federal grant writing, and grant writing support, all tailored to meet the unique needs of each client. Their team of experienced professionals collaborates closely with nonprofit leaders to develop effective grant strategies and compelling proposals, ensuring that each organization’s mission and goals are effectively communicated to potential funders.
In addition to their core services, Grants Plus provides a Partner Plan designed for organizations seeking to enhance their long-term grant-seeking capabilities. This plan offers strategic guidance and support, enabling nonprofits to build sustainable funding pipelines and achieve their programmatic objectives. The firm’s commitment to understanding each client’s unique context and challenges has solidified its reputation as a trusted partner in the nonprofit sector. By leveraging their expertise and personalized approach, Grants Plus empowers organizations to navigate the complex landscape of grant funding successfully.
Conclusion
In the dynamic landscape of nonprofit organizations, specialized consulting firms play a pivotal role in addressing diverse challenges. From strategic planning and technology implementation to fundraising and human resources, these firms offer tailored solutions that enhance operational efficiency and amplify social impact. By partnering with experts in areas such as donor relations, major gift development, and grant acquisition, nonprofits can navigate complexities more effectively, ensuring sustainable growth and the successful fulfillment of their missions. If you want to part of this important and mission-driven industry, Management Consulted has the tools to help you land an offer.
