Consultant Stories
Real stories from nonprofit consultants about how they got started, what they learned building their businesses, and the advice they’d give someone earlier in their journey.
Candra Ilse, Fundwell Solutions
“Now I think of imposter syndrome as a sign that I’m challenging myself, learning something new, and growing.”
Kidus Solomon, Angel Fire Media
“I help nonprofits transform their communications with individual stories of impact…”
Aria Sundberg, Sundberg Grants & Research
“What’s changed is realizing mentorship doesn’t require a title. It just requires showing up consistently for people.”
Randi Burlew, The Burlew Group
“Nobody knows these systems better than the communities that are disproportionately impacted by them every day.”
Andy McCullough, Bridges of Opportunity
“I have been pleasantly surprised how much other leaders love to share the wealth and help each other.”
Kandace Vallejo, Remedios Consulting
“Hot take, but money doesn’t solve all your problems in nonprofits.”
Jessica Cloud, Real Deal Fundraising
“That project is a great reminder that fundraising problems are often system problems.”
Jamie McDonald, J McDonald Strategies
“The HARDEST part of building my business has been all in my head.”
Kate Manley, Collaborkate
“I knew my career journey held various chapters, and in this chapter, I wanted to put my family first.”
Bill Roberson, My Comm Team
“The key skills are actually listening and then responding with clarity.”
Ellena Fortner Newsom, Nonprofit Bestie
“Your clients don’t care how smart you are. They care if you can make their life easier and their fundraising more effective.”
Mike Slaton, Slaton Consulting
“Lots of people you know may be volunteers or board members for an organization that could be your next client.”
Shelby Schmidt, The Cove Consulting LLC
“None of us have to be a jack of all trades or wear ‘all the hats’ perfectly.”
Katie Booth, Kind Capacity
“My work is rooted in care, consent, and capacity because I believe we can do meaningful work without burning people out.”
Heather Bellew, HB Consulting Co
“Sometimes the best way to learn is by just jumping in and doing the dang thing!”
Patricia Glass, Flourish
“Growing up in a cycle of poverty, I witnessed firsthand the powerful role nonprofits play in community support and transformation.”