Hire Someone Who is Ethical

I am writing this blog because of a recent article by The NonProfit Times entitled Don’t Pay Consultants a Percentage and also because of a recent phone conversation that I had with a professional contact who inquired about nonprofit consultant compensation. I have also received several calls over the past five years since starting my consulting business Bernhardt Consulting Co. about working for nonprofits on a percentage basis, a percentage of funds raised.

Because of my Certified Fund Raising Executive (CFRE) credential, I cannot provide a nonprofit organization services on a percentage basis. It is both wrong and unethical. As stated on CFRE website, the purpose of the CFRE credential is to be confident that a nonprofit is hiring the best person for the organization who practices ethical fundraising, knows best practices and is committed to the fundraising profession for the long-term.

If you are seeking a consultant for your nonprofit organization, be very wary of a consultant who will accept pay on a percentage basis. They do not hold to the best practices of the nonprofit sector.