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Managing a church's fundraising efforts can be tough. You face challenges like engaging major donors, managing campaigns, and ensuring compliance with regulations. That's where fundraising companies for nonprofits come in. They help you tackle these issues, making your job a bit easier.

In my experience, choosing the right service provider can make a big difference. I've independently reviewed and evaluated various fundraising companies to give you an unbiased look at the top picks.

In this article, you'll find well-researched insights into the best providers available. I'll guide you through their unique offerings, so you can make an informed decision for your team.

Why Trust Our Reviews

We’ve been testing and reviewing church management software and services since 2020. As church managers ourselves, we know how critical and difficult it is to make the right decision when selecting a provider. We invest in deep research to help our audience make better purchasing decisions.

We’ve tested more than 2,000 tools and hundreds of service providers for different church management use cases and written over 1,000 comprehensive reviews. Learn how we stay transparent & check out our review methodology.

Best Fundraising Companies for Nonprofits Summary

This comparison chart summarizes pricing details for my top fundraising companies for nonprofits selections to help you find the best one for your budget and business needs.

Best Fundraising Companies for Nonprofits Reviews

Below are my detailed summaries of the best fundraising companies for nonprofits that made it onto my shortlist. My reviews offer a look at each provider’s key services, unique specialties, and pros & cons to help you find the best one for your needs.

Best for integrated marketing

  • Free consultation available
  • Pricing upon request

Meyer Partners is a full-service communications agency specializing in nonprofit fundraising and marketing. They serve 501(c)(3) organizations by focusing on donor retention and engagement through integrated marketing strategies.

Why I picked Meyer Partners: Meyer Partners excels in integrated marketing, using data analytics and creative storytelling to build long-term donor relationships. Their approach includes cross-channel connections and targeted messaging to enhance donor retention. By focusing on donor value, they help your team develop effective communication strategies that foster ongoing engagement.

Standout Services: Direct mail provides a tangible way to connect with donors, enhancing engagement and retention. Predictive modeling tailors your communications to improve donor interactions and understand their preferences.

Target industries: Faith-based organizations, healthcare, higher education, animal welfare, and human services.

Specialties: Donor retention, integrated marketing, data analytics, creative storytelling, and targeted messaging.

Pros and cons

Pros:

  • Data-driven approach
  • Tailored communication strategies
  • Emphasis on long-term relationships
  • Expertise in integrated marketing
  • Strong focus on donor retention

Cons:

  • Specialized in certain industries only
  • Focus on long-term over short-term gains
  • May not suit all nonprofit sectors
  • Limited information on trial offers
  • Pricing details not available online

Best for comprehensive campaigns

  • Free discovery call available
  • Pricing upon request

Campbell & Company offers services in fundraising, communications, executive search, and strategic information services. They primarily serve nonprofit organizations looking to execute comprehensive campaigns and strengthen their leadership teams.

Why I picked Campbell & Company: Campbell & Company specializes in comprehensive campaigns, providing strategic information services to guide your fundraising efforts. They offer executive search services to help you build a strong leadership team that aligns with your mission. Their approach ensures that your campaigns are well-planned and effectively executed, maximizing donor engagement and support.

Standout Services: Communications strategy helps your team craft messages that resonate with donors and stakeholders, enhancing engagement and support. Executive search services ensure you find the right leaders to drive your mission and fundraising goals.

Target industries: Nonprofits, education, healthcare, arts and culture, and social services.

Specialties: Fundraising, communications, executive search, strategic information services, and comprehensive campaigns.

Pros and cons

Pros:

  • Emphasis on effective campaign execution
  • Tailored communications strategies
  • Expertise in strategic information
  • Offers executive search services
  • Strong focus on comprehensive campaigns

Cons:

  • Specific to certain nonprofit areas
  • Limited trial information online
  • Focused on comprehensive campaigns
  • May require significant engagement
  • Pricing not publicly available

Best for healthcare organizations

  • Free discovery call available
  • Pricing upon request

Accordant offers specialized fundraising and nonprofit consulting services, focusing on philanthropy in healthcare organizations. They serve healthcare clients by enhancing donor engagement and building strategic partnerships.

Why I picked Accordant: Accordant specializes in working with nonprofits, providing fundraising solutions that are tailored to each organization’s mission. Their services include strategic planning and leadership development, helping nonprofit leaders build strong philanthropic strategies. By focusing on cultivating meaningful donor relationships, Accordant ensures nonprofits have the resources and support needed to sustain and expand their impact.

Standout Services: Leadership development helps you cultivate strong leaders who can drive your philanthropic goals and engage effectively with donors. Strategic planning provides a roadmap to align your fundraising efforts with your organization's mission, ensuring sustainable growth.

Target industries: Healthcare, hospitals, medical centers, health systems, and clinics.

Specialties: Philanthropy, donor engagement, strategic partnerships, leadership development, and strategic planning.

Pros and cons

Pros:

  • Strong donor engagement strategies
  • Tailored solutions for healthcare needs
  • Focus on leadership training
  • Offers strategic partnership development
  • Specializes in healthcare philanthropy

Cons:

  • Requires collaboration with healthcare professionals
  • Specific focus may limit broader applicability
  • May not suit non-healthcare sectors
  • Limited to healthcare industry
  • Pricing not listed online

Best for strategic planning

  • Free discovery call available
  • Pricing upon request

Marts&Lundy provides philanthropic consulting services tailored to nonprofits, with a focus on sectors like healthcare, education, social justice, and climate change. They serve organizations aiming to enhance their strategic planning and donor engagement efforts.

Why I picked Marts&Lundy: Marts&Lundy helps nonprofits strengthen their fundraising through strategic planning and tailored guidance. They provide resources such as reports and training that highlight the role of storytelling in philanthropy. With a strong emphasis on inclusion and equity, they ensure nonprofit missions align with modern, transformative approaches to donor engagement.

Standout Services: Micro-credentialing courses equip your team with the skills needed to improve fundraising efforts and understand sector trends. Special reports provide valuable insights into donor behavior and effective engagement strategies.

Target industries: Healthcare, education, social justice, climate change, and nonprofits.

Specialties: Strategic planning, donor engagement, inclusion and equity, storytelling, and philanthropy consulting.

Pros and cons

Pros:

  • Commitment to transformative philanthropy
  • Insights into donor resilience
  • Offers courses and reports
  • Emphasis on inclusion and equity
  • Focus on strategic philanthropy

Cons:

  • Specific to certain nonprofit areas
  • Requires engagement with provided resources
  • Focus may not suit all sectors
  • Limited trial information
  • Pricing not disclosed

Best for higher education

  • Free consultation available
  • Pricing upon request

Johnson, Grossnickle and Associates offers consulting services focused on fundraising strategy, feasibility studies, and campaign management. They primarily serve educational institutions looking to enhance their development programs and donor relations.

Why I picked Johnson, Grossnickle and Associates: Johnson, Grossnickle and Associates is tailored for higher education clients, providing strategic guidance and feasibility studies to support your fundraising goals. Their expertise in campaign management ensures your institution can effectively engage donors and achieve funding targets. With a focus on personalized strategies, they help your team build stronger relationships with alumni and supporters.

Standout Services: Feasibility studies provide your team with insights into potential fundraising success and areas for improvement. Campaign management offers structured guidance to execute your fundraising strategies effectively and reach your goals.

Target industries: Higher education, nonprofits, cultural institutions, healthcare, and community organizations.

Specialties: Fundraising strategy, feasibility studies, campaign management, donor relations, and development programs.

Pros and cons

Pros:

  • Emphasis on donor relations
  • Personalized fundraising strategies
  • Expertise in feasibility studies
  • Strong focus on campaign management
  • Tailored for higher education institutions

Cons:

  • Specific to higher education needs
  • Focus on long-term strategies
  • May require significant engagement
  • Limited to certain sectors
  • Pricing details not publicly available

Best for Canadian nonprofits

  • Free consultation available
  • Pricing upon request

KCI Philanthropy offers fundraising services like tailored counsel, strategic assessments, research, analytics, communications, and executive search. They primarily serve non-profits focused on community engagement and partnerships.

Why I picked KCI Philanthropy: KCI Philanthropy is ideal for Canadian nonprofits because it emphasizes community engagement and partnerships, which are critical in the Canadian context. They provide tailored fundraising counsel and strategic assessments to help you connect with supporters effectively. With a focus on metrics-driven success, they offer actionable strategies that align with your organization's goals.

Standout Services: Research and analytics provide you with data-driven insights to enhance your fundraising strategies and understand donor behavior. Executive search helps you find the right leadership to drive your organization's mission and engage effectively with your community.

Target industries: Non-profits, education, health, arts and culture, and community organizations.

Specialties: Metrics-driven success, community philanthropy, tailored fundraising counsel, strategic assessments, and research and analytics.

Pros and cons

Pros:

  • Presence in multiple Canadian cities
  • Emphasis on metrics-driven success
  • Tailored fundraising strategies
  • Focus on community engagement
  • Expertise in Canadian nonprofit sector

Cons:

  • Focus may not suit international organizations
  • Potentially high costs for small nonprofits
  • No online trial information
  • Limited to Canadian market
  • Pricing details not readily available

Best for leadership development

  • Free consultation available
  • Pricing upon request

Development Guild DDI offers services in strategic planning, fundraising consulting, and leadership development. They serve nonprofits, educational institutions, and healthcare organizations aiming to strengthen their leadership and fundraising capabilities.

Why I picked Development Guild DDI: Development Guild DDI focuses on leadership development, providing tailored strategies to enhance your team's effectiveness. Their expertise in strategic planning ensures your organization can align its goals with actionable plans. By emphasizing fundraising consulting, they help you build a sustainable donor base and achieve your mission.

Standout Services: Board development equips your team with the skills needed to govern effectively and drive organizational success. Executive coaching helps your leaders improve their performance and foster a culture of growth and collaboration.

Target industries: Nonprofits, education, healthcare, arts and culture, and social services.

Specialties: Leadership development, strategic planning, fundraising consulting, board development, and executive coaching.

Pros and cons

Pros:

  • Offers executive coaching
  • Emphasis on sustainable fundraising
  • Strong board development programs
  • Tailored strategic planning services
  • Focus on leadership development

Cons:

  • Leadership focus may not suit all needs
  • Focused on certain sectors
  • May require significant engagement
  • Limited trial information
  • Pricing not publicly disclosed

Best for public media fundraising

  • Free consultation available
  • Pricing upon request

Contributor Development Partnership (CDP) offers data-driven fundraising services, focusing on CRM, reporting, and partner services. They primarily serve public media organizations aiming to enhance their fundraising strategies and contributor engagement.

Why I picked Contributor Development Partnership (CDP): CDP specializes in public media fundraising, providing CRM platforms and transactional support through their Member Services Bureau. They focus on increasing net income and expanding contributor bases by leveraging data insights. Their commitment to innovative fundraising strategies and collaboration makes them ideal for public media entities.

Standout Services: Webinars and promotional support offer your team valuable resources for enhancing fundraising initiatives and engaging contributors. CDP Labs conducts ongoing research to identify new fundraising technologies, helping you stay ahead in the industry.

Target industries: Public media, broadcasting, nonprofit organizations, arts and culture, and educational institutions.

Specialties: CRM services, transactional support, data-driven insights, fundraising strategy, and audience behavior analysis.

Pros and cons

Pros:

  • Supports expanding contributor bases
  • Emphasis on collaboration and innovation
  • Provides CRM platforms
  • Offers data-driven fundraising strategies
  • Strong focus on public media

Cons:

  • Limited trial information online
  • Requires collaboration with their systems
  • May not suit all nonprofit sectors
  • Limited to public media focus
  • Pricing details not publicly available

Best for philanthropic strategy

  • Free discovery call available
  • Pricing upon request

AmPhil offers strategic consulting services focused on philanthropy, development, and donor engagement. They serve nonprofits looking to enhance their fundraising strategies and deepen their donor relationships.

Why I picked AmPhil: AmPhil partners with nonprofits to strengthen their fundraising through tailored consulting and strategic guidance. Their services focus on development and donor engagement, helping organizations build lasting supporter relationships. By emphasizing mission-driven strategy, AmPhil ensures fundraising efforts are both effective and sustainable.

Standout Services: Donor engagement strategies help your team foster deeper connections with supporters, enhancing retention and loyalty. Strategic planning provides a clear roadmap to guide your fundraising efforts and align them with your mission.

Target industries: Nonprofits, education, healthcare, arts and culture, and religious organizations.

Specialties: Philanthropic strategy, development, donor engagement, strategic planning, and mission alignment.

Pros and cons

Pros:

  • Alignment with organizational mission
  • Strategic planning expertise
  • Emphasis on donor relationships
  • Tailored consulting services
  • Strong focus on philanthropic strategy

Cons:

  • Specific to certain nonprofit areas
  • May require high engagement
  • Focused on strategic planning
  • Limited trial information available
  • Pricing details not disclosed

Best for Catholic organizations

  • Free discovery call available
  • Pricing upon request

Petrus Development offers services that focus on fundraising strategy, development consulting, and campaign management. They primarily serve Catholic organizations seeking to enhance their fundraising capabilities and build sustainable donor relationships.

Why I picked Petrus Development: Petrus Development is ideal for Catholic organizations, providing tailored fundraising strategies that align with your mission and values. Their development consulting helps your team create effective plans to engage donors and supporters. With a focus on campaign management, they ensure your fundraising efforts are organized and successful.

Standout Services: Annual fund management helps your team maintain consistent donor engagement and support throughout the year. Major gift strategies provide you with the tools to secure significant contributions and strengthen donor relationships.

Target industries: Catholic organizations, educational institutions, religious institutions, nonprofits, and community services.

Specialties: Fundraising strategy, development consulting, campaign management, annual fund management, and major gift strategies.

Pros and cons

Pros:

  • Emphasis on sustainable donor relationships
  • Expertise in major gift strategies
  • Strong focus on campaign management
  • Offers tailored fundraising strategies
  • Specializes in Catholic organizations

Cons:

  • Focused on certain sectors only
  • May require significant engagement
  • Specific to Catholic organizations
  • Limited trial information
  • Pricing not publicly available

Other Fundraising Companies for Nonprofits

Here are some additional fundraising companies for nonprofits that didn’t make it onto my shortlist, but are still worth checking out:

  1. DBD Group

    For faith-based fundraising

  2. Ruotolo Associates

    For capital campaigns

  3. CCS Fundraising

    For large-scale capital campaigns

  4. Graham-Pelton

    For global fundraising efforts

  5. GOBEL

    For healthcare philanthropy

  6. Gail Perry Group

    For donor engagement strategies

  7. Changing Our World

    For corporate social responsibility

What Do Fundraising Companies for Nonprofits Do?

Fundraising companies for nonprofits are specialized service providers that help organizations raise funds effectively. They might offer things like:

  • Strategic planning and counsel
  • Donor engagement and retention strategies
  • Capital campaign management
  • Grant writing and research
  • Event planning and execution

Nonprofits, educational institutions, and healthcare organizations typically seek out fundraising companies for nonprofits. These professionals help address challenges like increasing donor engagement, managing large fundraising campaigns, and developing long-term funding strategies.

Fundraising Companies for Nonprofits Selection Criteria

When selecting the best fundraising companies for nonprofits to include in this list, I considered common business needs and pain points that these providers address. This included things like increasing donor engagement and managing large-scale fundraising campaigns. I also used the following framework to keep my evaluation structured and fair:

Core Services (25% of total score)
To be considered for inclusion in this list, each provider had to offer these basic services:

  • Fundraising strategy development
  • Donor management and engagement
  • Campaign planning and execution
  • Grant writing and research
  • Event management

Additional Standout Services (25% of total score)
To help further narrow down the competition, I also looked for unique or especially valuable services, such as:

  • Customized training programs
  • Data analytics and reporting
  • Digital fundraising tools
  • Crisis management strategies
  • Community partnership development

Industry Experience (10% of total score)
To get a sense of the industry experience of each provider, I considered the following:

  • Years in the nonprofit sector
  • Specialization in specific industries
  • Track record of successful campaigns
  • Client testimonials and case studies
  • Thought leadership and publications

Onboarding (10% of total score)
To evaluate the onboarding experience for each provider, I considered the following:

  • Clarity of onboarding process
  • Availability of training resources
  • Speed of implementation
  • Customization options for clients
  • Support during initial setup

Customer Support (10% of total score)
To assess the level of customer support each provider offers, I considered the following:

  • Availability of support channels
  • Response time to inquiries
  • Expertise of support staff
  • Access to dedicated account managers
  • Availability of ongoing support

Value For Price (10% of total score)
To evaluate the pricing and potential ROI of working with each provider, I considered the following:

  • Transparency of pricing models
  • Comparison with industry standards
  • Flexibility of pricing plans
  • Discounts for long-term contracts
  • Cost-effectiveness of services provided

Customer Reviews (10% of total score)
To get a sense of the overall satisfaction of existing customers, I considered the following when reading customer reviews:

  • Overall satisfaction ratings
  • Specific feedback on service quality
  • Consistency of positive or negative feedback
  • Frequency of customer complaints
  • Testimonials about successful outcomes

How to Choose a Fundraising Company for Nonprofits Provider

It’s easy to get bogged down in long lists of services and complex pricing structures. To help you prioritize the things that matter most for your business, keep the following factors in mind:

FactorWhat to Consider
Business ObjectivesEnsure the provider aligns with your goals, whether it's increasing donor engagement or launching a new campaign. Their approach should match your vision.
Service Scope and SLAsCheck the range of services offered and any service-level agreements. Make sure they cover your needs, from strategy to execution, with clear deliverables.
Support AvailabilityLook for 24/7 support or dedicated account managers. Quick response times and knowledgeable staff can make a big difference when issues arise.
Costs and Pricing StructureUnderstand the pricing model, including any hidden fees. Compare costs to your budget and assess if the value matches the price.
Communication and ReportingEnsure they provide regular updates and reports. Clear communication helps track progress and adjust strategies as needed.
Industry ExperienceConsider their experience in your sector. Providers familiar with your industry can offer insights and strategies that are more likely to succeed.
Reputation and ReviewsResearch client testimonials and case studies. A solid reputation and positive reviews can indicate reliability and effectiveness.
Customization OptionsLook for providers that offer tailored solutions. Customization can ensure the services meet your specific needs and challenges.

Key Fundraising Companies for Nonprofit Services

When selecting a fundraising company for a nonprofit provider, keep an eye out for the following key services:

  • Fundraising strategy development: Crafting tailored plans to guide your fundraising efforts and align them with your organizational goals.
  • Donor engagement and retention: Implementing strategies to build long-term relationships with donors and increase loyalty.
  • Campaign management: Overseeing the planning and execution of fundraising campaigns to ensure successful outcomes.
  • Grant writing and research: Assisting in identifying and applying for grants to secure additional funding sources.
  • Event planning and execution: Organizing fundraising events that engage donors and raise awareness for your cause.
  • Data analytics and reporting: Providing insights into donor behavior and campaign performance to inform future strategies.
  • Board development: Strengthening the skills and effectiveness of your board members to support your mission.
  • Executive search: Helping find the right leaders to drive your organization's fundraising initiatives.
  • Annua givingl fund management: Maintaining consistent donor support through year-round fundraising efforts.
  • Community partnership development: Building collaborations with other organizations to enhance fundraising opportunities and reach.

Benefits of Fundraising Companies for Nonprofits

Partnering with a fundraising company for nonprofits offers several benefits for your team and your business. Here are a few you can look forward to:

  • Improved donor relations: With donor engagement and retention strategies, you can build stronger, lasting relationships with your supporters.
  • Targeted fundraising efforts: Fundraising strategy development helps you focus your efforts on the most effective practices to meet your goals.
  • Efficient campaign execution: Campaign management services ensure your fundraising events and initiatives are executed smoothly and effectively.
  • Access to funding opportunities: Grant writing and research services help you identify and secure additional funding sources.
  • Informed decision-making: Data analytics and reporting provide insights that guide your future fundraising strategies and decisions.
  • Enhanced leadership skills: Board development and executive search services strengthen your leadership team to drive your mission forward.
  • Stronger community ties: Community partnership development fosters collaborations that expand your reach and fundraising potential.

Costs and Pricing Structures of Fundraising Companies for Nonprofits

Fundraising companies for nonprofits typically come at a custom price to accommodate various business needs, sizes, and circumstances. Providers generally work within one of the following pricing structures:

  • Subscription-based: You pay a regular fee for ongoing access to services.
  • Project-based: Costs are determined by the scope and duration of specific projects.
  • Hourly rate: You pay for the time consultants spend working on your needs.
  • Retainer fee: A fixed amount is paid regularly to retain ongoing services.
  • Scope of work (SOW): Pricing is based on the specific deliverables and services outlined in an agreement.

Key Factors That Influence Fundraising Companies for Nonprofits Pricing

Beyond the specific pricing model, here are some additional factors that can influence the cost of fundraising companies for nonprofits:

  • Customization level: More tailored solutions may require additional resources and expertise, increasing costs.
  • Service complexity: More complex services or campaigns can lead to higher fees due to the additional work involved.
  • Organization size: Larger organizations may face higher costs due to increased service demands and user numbers.
  • Industry requirements: Specific industry regulations or compliance standards can lead to additional costs for specialized expertise.
  • Geographic location: Costs may vary based on the provider's location and the areas they serve.

Being aware of these factors before you start seeking out custom quotes from providers helps you get a sense of what to expect and compare and contrast quotes more effectively.

Fundraising Companies for Nonprofits: FAQs

Here are some answers to common questions about fundraising companies for nonprofits:

How do I choose the right fundraising company for my nonprofit?

Choosing the right fundraising company involves evaluating your organization’s specific needs and goals. Look for providers with experience in your industry and check their track record with similar organizations. Consider their service offerings, pricing structure, and the level of support they provide. A good fit should align with your mission and enhance your fundraising efforts.

What services can I expect from a fundraising company?

Fundraising companies typically offer services like strategy development, campaign management, donor engagement, and grant writing. They may also provide event planning, data analytics, and board development. The goal is to support your nonprofit in raising funds more effectively and building strong donor relationships.

How do fundraising companies charge for their services?

Most fundraising companies offer custom pricing based on your organization’s specific needs. Common pricing models include subscription-based, project-based, hourly rates, and retainers. It’s important to discuss pricing structures upfront and ensure they align with your budget and expectations.

Can fundraising companies help with donor engagement?

Yes, many fundraising companies specialize in donor engagement strategies. They can help you develop personalized communication plans, retention strategies, and events to foster strong relationships with your donors. Effective donor engagement is crucial for building long-term support and increasing contributions.

How long does it take to see results from a fundraising company?

The timeline for seeing results can vary based on the scope of services and your organization’s goals. Some initiatives, like strategic planning, may show immediate benefits, while others, like donor engagement campaigns, might take longer to yield results. Discuss timelines with your provider to set realistic expectations.

Can a fundraising company work with organizations of any size?

Yes, fundraising companies can tailor their services to fit organizations of various sizes. Whether you’re a small nonprofit or a large institution, they can adjust their strategies and resources to meet your needs. It’s essential to choose a provider that has experience with organizations similar to yours to ensure a good fit.

What’s Next:

If you're in the process of researching fundraising companies for nonprofits, connect with a SoftwareSelect advisor for free recommendations.

You fill out a form and have a quick chat where they get into the specifics of your needs. Then you'll get a shortlist of software to review. They'll even support you through the entire buying process, including price negotiations.

Joshua Gordon
By Joshua Gordon

Joshua Gordon is a lay-pastor, author, and senior editor of TheLeadPastor.com. Over the last two decades, Josh has worked closely with pastors and other christian leaders, helping them to sharpen and elevate their messages. Today, Joshua pastors at New Life Fellowship, a thriving church he helped plant in Cambridge, Ontario, Canada.