Factors Influencing Fees
The salary is determined by education, experience, and job location. Compensation styles vary: hourly rate, project fee, commission, etc. Reasons to avoid commission: Donors may lose trust, hard to quantify consultant’s contribution, hampers consultant-client relationships.
Common Fee Structures
- Flat fee for defined projects
- Monthly retainer for long-term work
- Hourly rate for limited involvement
Fees vary by project complexity. Capital campaigns cost more than one-day retreats.
Establishing Credibility and Setting Fees
Promoting a fundraising consultancy involves establishing expertise through:
- Conferences
- Writing
- Training programs
Joining a professional association also builds credibility.
When setting appeal fees, consider the fundraising goal and what amount is realistic. Events are not the main activity but they raise awareness and attract new supporters.