How to Get Hired as a Nonprofit Consultant: Why Nonprofits Hire Consultants and What They Look For

If you’re considering nonprofit consulting, you might be wondering: Do nonprofits actually hire consultants?

The short answer: Yes! Nonprofits regularly hire consultants to provide expertise, fill staffing gaps, and help them solve complex challenges. But getting hired as a consultant requires more than just having experience—you need to position yourself as the right solution to their needs.

In this blog, we’ll break down why nonprofits hire consultants, what they look for, and how you can get hired.

Why Nonprofits Hire Consultants for Specialized Expertise and Capacity Building

Nonprofits often operate with limited internal capacity, meaning they don’t always have the in-house expertise or resources to tackle every challenge. Instead of hiring full-time staff, they bring in consultants to provide strategic guidance, training, and specialized services.

Common Reasons Nonprofits Hire Consultants:

• Lack of internal expertise – They need specialists in grant writing, fundraising, strategic planning, or marketing.

• An outside perspective – They need fresh insights to improve operations, fundraising, or leadership.

• Short-term or project-based needs – Hiring a full-time staff member isn’t cost-effective for one-time projects.

• Capacity building – They need training or coaching for staff and board members.

• Funders or boards require outside expertise – Some grants and donors require nonprofits to work with consultants for evaluation or strategic planning.

If you offer a clear, results-driven solution to any of these challenges, nonprofits are looking for your expertise.

The Most In-Demand Nonprofit Consulting Services

Not all nonprofits need the same type of consulting help. Here are some of the most in-demand consulting services in the sector:

Grant Writing and Fund Development Consulting

• Writing and managing grant applications

• Identifying funding opportunities

• Coaching nonprofit leaders on fundraising strategies

Fundraising Strategy and Donor Development

• Creating fundraising campaigns

• Developing major donor programs

• Improving donor retention and engagement

Board Development and Governance Consulting

• Training nonprofit boards on fundraising and governance

• Assisting with board recruitment and engagement

• Helping organizations improve leadership effectiveness

Strategic Planning and Organizational Development

• Developing long-term strategic plans

• Helping nonprofits navigate leadership transitions

• Assessing organizational effectiveness and growth opportunities

Nonprofit Marketing and Communications Consulting

• Social media strategy and digital fundraising

• Nonprofit branding and storytelling

• Website and email marketing strategy

Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) Consulting for Nonprofits

• DEI training for staff and boards

• Advising on equitable hiring and policies

• Creating inclusive organizational cultures

Financial and Operations Consulting for Nonprofit Organizations

• Nonprofit financial planning and budgeting

• Implementing better accounting and reporting systems

• Assisting with compliance and audits

If you specialize in one or more of these areas, nonprofits already need your expertise—it’s just a matter of positioning yourself effectively.

How to Get Nonprofits to Hire You as a Consultant

Now that you know nonprofits hire consultants, the next question is: How do you make sure they hire you?

Here are the five key steps to getting consulting clients in the nonprofit space:

Step 1: Define Your Nonprofit Consulting Niche and Services

Nonprofits don’t hire general consultants—they hire experts who solve specific problems. Instead of saying, “I help nonprofits,” be specific about who you serve and what you do.

Example Positioning Statements:

• “I help small nonprofits build sustainable fundraising strategies and improve donor engagement.”

• “I work with nonprofit leaders to create strategic plans that drive organizational growth.”

• “I specialize in grant writing and funding development for mission-driven organizations.”

The clearer your niche, the easier it is for nonprofits to recognize your value.

Step 2: Build Your Credibility and Thought Leadership in the Nonprofit Sector

Nonprofits want to hire consultants who demonstrate expertise. If you want to stand out, start sharing insights publicly.

Ways to Build Credibility:

• Post helpful content on LinkedIn (fundraising tips, strategy insights, nonprofit best practices).

• Write blog posts that answer common nonprofit challenges.

• Speak at webinars or nonprofit association events to showcase your expertise.

• Ask past colleagues for testimonials about your work.

The more you position yourself as a trusted expert, the more nonprofits will seek out your services.

Step 3: Network Where Nonprofit Leaders and Decision-Makers Are

Most nonprofit consultants get clients through referrals and networking rather than cold outreach. Build relationships with nonprofit leaders by engaging in spaces where they already are.

Where to Connect With Nonprofit Leaders:

• LinkedIn: Engage in nonprofit conversations, comment on posts, and connect with nonprofit executives.

• Facebook & LinkedIn Groups: Join nonprofit leadership, fundraising, and grant writing groups.

• Local Nonprofit Associations: Attend networking events and workshops.

• Nonprofit Conferences & Webinars: Speak at or attend industry events to connect with decision-makers.

Tip: Instead of immediately pitching, focus on building relationships and adding value first. This makes it more likely that nonprofit leaders will reach out when they need help.

Step 4: Offer a Free Consultation to Attract Nonprofit Clients

Nonprofits often hesitate to hire consultants because they aren’t sure what to expect. A free discovery call or low-risk introductory session can help overcome this barrier.

Example Consultation Offer:

• “Book a free 20-minute strategy session to discuss your nonprofit’s biggest fundraising challenge.”

• “Schedule a free nonprofit marketing audit—I’ll review your website and donor messaging.”

This allows you to demonstrate value before nonprofits commit to working with you.

Step 5: Simplify the Hiring Process for Nonprofit Consulting Clients

Many consultants miss out on clients simply because their process is unclear. If a nonprofit leader is interested in your services, they should know exactly how to work with you.

How to Make It Easy:

• Have a simple website with clear services and a contact form.

• Use a scheduling tool (like Calendly) so clients can easily book calls.

• Offer clear pricing or package options (so nonprofits know what to expect).

• Provide a contract template to streamline agreements.

If a nonprofit is ready to hire you, eliminate friction and make the next steps simple.

Final Thoughts: Nonprofits Hire Consultants—Position Yourself to Get Hired

Nonprofits regularly hire consultants for fundraising, strategy, grant writing, marketing, board development, and more. The key to getting hired is positioning yourself as a specialist, building trust, and making it easy for nonprofits to say yes.

Take Action Today:

• Define your niche and update your LinkedIn profile to reflect it.

• Start engaging in nonprofit communities (LinkedIn, Facebook, networking events).

• Share insights through posts, blog content, or speaking opportunities.

• Offer a free consultation to start conversations with nonprofit leaders.

• Set up simple systems so it’s easy for nonprofits to work with you.