Hiring a consultant is much like hiring an employee. Some key points are:
- Know why you need a consultant and what you want him/her to do
- Ask for word-of-mouth recommendations or consult professional associations
- Interview candidates to assess skills, experience, and fit with your organization
- Check references
- Determine fees and payment schedule
- Have a detailed written agreement
Powered by Pro Bono: The Nonprofits Step-by-Step Guide to Scoping, Securing, Managing, and Scaling Pro Bono Resources is Taproot Foundation's how-to guide for bringing capacity-building resources into your nonprofit.
Beyond Cash Guide for Nonprofit Boards is a guide on how nonprofit boards can tap pro bono and in-kind resources, co-written by Taproot Foundation and BoardSource.
See also our related Knowledge Base articles:
- Where can I find technical assistance or a consultant for my nonprofit?
- Should fundraisers be paid a fixed fee or a percentage of the money raised?
How to select and hire a consultant
Southern New England Nonprofit Consultant Directory
Includes samples for RFP format, letter of agreement, and screening questions for candidates and references
What to Do When Hiring a Consultant
PND
Succinct advice by Derrick Feldmann, president and CEO, and Dave Sternberg, vice president, of Achieve, a consulting firm for small to medium-sized nonprofits. Published July 31, 2009.
In Search of Unicorns: Finding & Hiring Grantwriters, Part 1
Blue Avocado
Explores why hiring grantwriters seems to be a hit-or-miss proposition; circumstances when a nonprofit should hire one; and alternatives if your nonprofit isn't ready.
In Search of Unicorns: Finding & Hiring Outside Grantwriters Part 2
Blue Avocado
Discusses how to find, choose, and pay grantwriters, and essential elements in the hiring contract.
All About Consulting – Guidelines and Resources
Management Library
Links to many resources that cover: understanding consultants and consulting; working as a consultant; hiring consultants; requests for proposals; proposals and contracts; and general resources.
Guarding Against Grant Fraud
NonProfit Times
Guarding against fraud in grant proposals is a responsibility of good management. Suggests 4 major steps to take as part of your policies and procedures for proposals, whether they are produced in-house or by consultants.