How to Get Clients for Your New Nonprofit Consulting Business

Starting your nonprofit consulting business is exciting, but let’s be real—the hardest part is landing your first few clients. You know you have the skills and experience to help nonprofits, but how do you actually get them to hire you?

The good news? Nonprofits do hire consultants. The challenge is positioning yourself so they see you as the right fit. This guide will walk you through the exact steps to get your first (or next) consulting clients, even if you’re just getting started.

The #1 Mistake New Nonprofit Consultants Make (and How to Avoid It)

Many new consultants assume that nonprofits will find them if they just have a website or post on social media. But nonprofits rarely hire consultants they don’t already trust.

Instead, most consultants get clients through relationships and referrals. If you’re not actively reaching out, networking, and building trust, you’re missing the biggest opportunity to grow your business.

So let’s focus on proactive client acquisition strategies that actually work.

How to Tap Into Your Nonprofit Network to Find Clients

Your first clients are often people who already know and trust you—former colleagues, board members, or nonprofit leaders you’ve worked with before. Here’s how to leverage your existing network:

• Make a list of 20–30 people in the nonprofit space who might know organizations that need consulting help.

• Send a personalized email letting them know what you do and who you help.

• Ask for introductions to nonprofit leaders who might need your services.

Example email template:

“Hi [Name], I hope you’re doing well! I recently started consulting, helping nonprofits with [your specialty]. I’d love to reconnect and hear what you’re working on. Also, if you know of any organizations that might need support, I’d appreciate any introductions!”

Many consultants land their first few clients just by reaching out to people they already know.

Why Specializing Helps You Win Nonprofit Consulting Clients

One of the fastest ways to attract clients is to niche down. Nonprofits don’t look for “general consultants”—they look for experts in specific areas.

Instead of saying, “I help nonprofits,” try:

• “I help small nonprofits build sustainable fundraising strategies.”

• “I work with nonprofits to optimize their grant-writing process.”

• “I help nonprofits improve donor engagement through storytelling.”

When you specialize, nonprofits see you as a go-to expert, making it easier for them to hire you.

Find Nonprofit Consulting Clients in Online Communities

Many nonprofit leaders already hang out in online communities, looking for advice. These are gold mines for finding clients.

Facebook Groups & LinkedIn Groups

• Search for groups like “Nonprofit Leadership & Fundraising” or “Nonprofit Executive Directors.”

• Provide value by answering questions, sharing insights, and offering free tips.

• If someone mentions a challenge you can solve, send them a message offering to chat.

Local Nonprofit Associations & Meetups

• Join nonprofit networking events (check sites like Eventbrite or Meetup).

• Volunteer to speak at local nonprofit workshops.

• Follow up with attendees after events.

Showing up consistently in these spaces builds trust and leads to consulting opportunities.

How to Use LinkedIn to Get Nonprofit Consulting Clients

LinkedIn is a powerful tool for getting consulting clients, but most new consultants use it passively. Instead, take these steps:

• Optimize Your Profile: Make sure your headline clearly states your expertise (e.g., “Helping Nonprofits Raise More Money Through Grant Writing”).

• Post Value-Driven Content: Share short posts with tips, stories, and nonprofit insights two to three times per week.

• Engage with Nonprofit Leaders: Comment on posts from executive directors, fundraising managers, and board members. Start conversations in the comments.

• Send Connection Requests: Reach out to nonprofit professionals and introduce yourself without selling right away.

Consistency is key here—many consultants land clients from LinkedIn just by showing up regularly.

Offer Free Mini-Workshops to Attract Nonprofit Clients

A great way to get clients fast is by offering a free webinar or in-person workshop. This builds credibility and allows nonprofits to experience your expertise before hiring you.

Ideas for Free Trainings

• “Three Simple Ways Small Nonprofits Can Improve Fundraising in 2025”

• “How to Get More Grants (Even If You’re a Small Nonprofit)”

• “The Biggest Donor Retention Mistakes Nonprofits Make”

Reach out to local nonprofits, nonprofit associations, or even LinkedIn connections and offer a free 30–45 minute session. This is an easy way to turn attendees into paying clients.

How Other Nonprofit Consultants Can Help You Find Clients

If you know other nonprofit consultants, collaborate instead of competing. Many experienced consultants get requests for work they can’t take on—and they’d rather refer those leads to someone they trust.

• Connect with other consultants in different specialties (if they do grant writing, but you do donor engagement, you’re not competing).

• Ask if they ever get overflow work and offer to take on smaller projects.

• Offer a referral incentive (such as a small commission or a referral swap).

This is one of the easiest ways to get consulting leads without chasing clients.

Build an Email List with a Nonprofit Lead Magnet

Not every nonprofit leader is ready to hire you right now, but they might be in a few months. Instead of letting them forget about you, capture their info with a lead magnet.

Examples of Free Resources You Can Offer

• A “Grant Readiness Checklist” for nonprofits applying for grants.

• A short PDF on “How to Find Major Donors for Your Nonprofit.”

• A free mini-course on “Social Media Fundraising for Nonprofits.”

This way, nonprofit leaders join your email list, and you can nurture them with valuable content until they’re ready to work with you.

Final Thoughts: Action Steps to Land Your First Nonprofit Clients

Getting clients as a nonprofit consultant isn’t about luck—it’s about taking action. Here’s a simple challenge:

• Today: Make a list of 20 people in your network and send a message to five of them.

• This week: Post something valuable on LinkedIn and engage with nonprofit leaders.

• This month: Join a nonprofit group or host a free training.

If you consistently put yourself out there, you will get clients. The key is building relationships, showing up where nonprofit leaders already are, and positioning yourself as the go-to expert.