Best Nonprofit Management Companies Shortlist
Here's my pick of the 10 best services providers from the 17 we reviewed.
Managing a church or nonprofit can be overwhelming. You're juggling community needs, fundraising, and daily operations. It's easy to feel stretched thin.
Nonprofit management companies can help. They offer expertise in fundraising, strategic planning, and more, so you can focus on your mission.
I've reviewed top service providers to help you find the right fit. In this article, I'll share my picks, based on independent research and years in the church management industry. You'll learn about each provider's strengths and how they can support your team.
Let's find the support you need to achieve your goals.
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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 Nonprofit Management Companies Summary
This comparison chart summarizes pricing details for my top nonprofit management companies selections to help you find the best one for your budget and business needs.
| Service | Best For | Trial Info | Price | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Best for nonprofit leadership development | Free consultation available | Pricing upon request | Website | |
| 2 | Best for pro bono consulting services | Free discovery call | Pricing upon request | Website | |
| 3 | Best for digital strategy services | Free discovery call available | Pricing upon request | Website | |
| 4 | Best for major gift consulting | Free consultation available | Pricing upon request | Website | |
| 5 | Best for board governance training | Free consultation available | Pricing upon request | Website | |
| 6 | Best for capital campaign guidance | Free consultation available | Pricing upon request | Website | |
| 7 | Best for church growth strategies | Free consultation available | Pricing upon request | Website | |
| 8 | Best for strategic planning | Free Moves Management Program Quiz available | Pricing upon request | Website | |
| 9 | Best for grant writing support | Discovery call available | Pricing upon request | Website | |
| 10 | Best for impact investing advice | Free consultation available | Pricing upon request | Website |
Best Nonprofit Management Companies Reviews
Below are my detailed summaries of the best nonprofit management companies 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.
The Bridgespan Group offers consulting services focusing on strategic planning, organizational development, and performance management for nonprofits and philanthropies. Their main client base includes organizations in sectors like child welfare, education, public health, and climate change.
Why I picked The Bridgespan Group: Their nonprofit leadership development services are key, providing your team with strategic insights and organizational effectiveness support. They also offer tailored solutions that help align your organizational goals with impact measurement strategies. Their focus on equitable funding practices and addressing social issues differentiates them from other providers.
Standout Services: They provide impact measurement services, helping your team assess and communicate the effectiveness of your initiatives. Their capacity building programs support your organization in expanding its reach and enhancing its operational capabilities.
Target industries: Child welfare, education, public health, climate change, and philanthropy.
Specialties: Strategic planning, organizational development, impact measurement, capacity building, and funding strategies.
Pros and Cons
Pros:
- Focus on social change
- Specialized knowledge in nonprofit management
- Strong reputation in the sector
Cons:
- Limited availability due to demand
- Higher costs compared to others
Taproot Foundation provides pro bono consulting services, focusing on strategic planning, marketing, and HR management for nonprofits. Their main client base includes organizations seeking to improve operational efficiency and expand their impact.
Why I picked Taproot Foundation: They connect you with skilled professionals who volunteer their expertise, ensuring your organization gets the support it needs without the financial burden. They offer a structured approach to matching nonprofits with pro bono consultants, enhancing your team's capacity to address critical challenges. Their focus on building long-term partnerships helps foster sustainable growth for your organization.
Standout Services: They provide virtual consulting sessions that allow your team to access expert advice from anywhere. Their team projects bring together groups of volunteers to tackle specific challenges, offering diverse perspectives and solutions.
Target industries: Nonprofits, education, healthcare, social services, and arts and culture.
Specialties: Strategic planning, marketing, HR management, capacity building, and volunteer engagement.
Pros and Cons
Pros:
- Enhances operational capacity
- Connects with skilled professionals
- Offers pro bono consulting
Cons:
- Requires matching process
- Availability may vary
DNL OmniMedia provides nonprofit management services focused on digital strategy, technology consulting, and web development. They work with mission-driven organizations to enhance fundraising, data management, and digital engagement.
Why I picked DNL OmniMedia: You get tailored digital strategies that tie directly to your goals. Their team connects web development, CRM consulting, and analytics into a single approach so your campaigns and outreach stay aligned. This focus on building a cohesive digital strategy makes it easier for your team to grow support and track impact.
Standout Services: You can use data and analytics to clean, organize, and measure your information so your team can make smarter decisions. Their nonprofit web development creates accessible, mobile-friendly websites that help you improve donor engagement and align your online presence with fundraising needs.
Target industries: nonprofits, schools, healthcare, arts and culture, and foundations
Specialties: web development, crm consulting, fundraising strategy, data and analytics, and advocacy campaigns
Pros and Cons
Pros:
- Good support for CRM migrations
- Strong focus on digital strategy
- Flexible service packages
Cons:
- Some services may require long timelines
- Pricing not publicly listed
CCS Fundraising offers a range of services, including campaign planning, data analytics, and strategic planning, catering primarily to nonprofits in sectors like advocacy, arts, health, and education. They focus on enhancing fundraising effectiveness and supporting transformational change for their clients.
Why I picked CCS Fundraising: Their major gift consulting is a standout service, providing your team with the expertise needed to secure significant contributions. They also offer strategic planning that helps align your fundraising efforts with organizational goals. Their data analytics services allow you to make informed decisions based on comprehensive insights.
Standout Services: They provide systems management to optimize your fundraising operations and interim development management to support your team during transitions. Both services ensure your organization maintains momentum and efficiency.
Target industries: Advocacy, arts and culture, health, education, and nonprofit organizations.
Specialties: Campaign planning, data analytics, strategic planning, systems management, and training.
Pros and Cons
Pros:
- Offers strategic planning services
- Tailored approach to client needs
- Extensive experience in fundraising
Cons:
- Requires client commitment
- Varying pricing structures
Aly Sterling Philanthropy provides consulting services in strategic planning, board development, and corporate philanthropy, focusing on individuals, families, nonprofits, foundations, and corporations. They aim to enhance organizations' philanthropic efforts through tailored advising and workshops.
Why I picked Aly Sterling: Their board governance training is a key service, helping your team develop effective leadership and decision-making skills. They offer strategic planning to align your organization's mission with actionable goals. Their corporate philanthropy services enable you to engage with businesses for mutual benefit.
Standout Services: They provide workshops that offer practical guidance on fundraising and leadership. Their philanthropic advising helps tailor strategies to meet your specific goals and challenges.
Target industries: Nonprofits, foundations, corporations, families, and individuals.
Specialties: Strategic planning, board development, corporate philanthropy, philanthropic advising, and workshops.
Pros and Cons
Pros:
- Offers practical workshops
- Tailored philanthropic advising
- Focus on board governance
Cons:
- Limited trial information
- Pricing details not available
Averill Fundraising Solutions specializes in capital campaigns and capacity building for not-for-profit organizations. They serve key business functions such as campaign direction and leadership learning, primarily targeting non-profit and faith-based institutions.
Why I picked Averill Fundraising Solutions: They offer a hands-on approach to capital campaigns, providing planning and feasibility studies that align with their specialty. Your team can benefit from their embedded staffing and leadership learning services, which are integral to executing successful fundraising campaigns. Their extensive experience in directing high-impact campaigns differentiates them in the nonprofit management services sector.
Standout Services: They offer embedded staffing, providing your organization with dedicated support for campaign execution. Their leadership learning programs ensure your team gains vital skills and insights for long-term fundraising success.
Target industries: Non-profits, faith-based institutions, educational organizations, healthcare, and cultural organizations.
Specialties: Capital campaigns, capacity building, campaign direction, feasibility studies, and leadership training.
Pros and Cons
Pros:
- Strong leadership training
- Hands-on approach to projects
- Extensive campaign experience
Cons:
- Limited online resources
- Pricing details are not transparent
The Malphurs Group offers services in church health, growth, and discipleship, focusing on strategic planning, ministry analysis, and leadership development. Their main client base consists of churches seeking revitalization and sustainable growth strategies.
Why I picked The Malphurs Group: Their church growth strategies are tailored to align with your church's mission and vision, supporting effective ministry and leadership development. They provide a Healthy Churches Toolkit, which includes resources and training modules to simplify ministry efforts. Their Strategic Envisioning process helps your team align with the Great Commission and develop sustainable growth plans.
Standout Services: They offer leadership pipeline programs to cultivate leaders at all levels in your church. Their on-site consulting provides personalized guidance with follow-up coaching to ensure successful strategy implementation.
Target industries: Churches, faith-based organizations, Christian ministries, religious institutions, and nonprofit organizations.
Specialties: Church growth strategies, strategic planning, leadership development, ministry analysis, and discipleship training.
Pros and Cons
Pros:
- Provides leadership development programs
- Offers a Healthy Churches Toolkit
- Focus on church revitalization
Cons:
- Pricing details not transparent
- Requires engagement for effective results
Alford Group provides comprehensive services in strategic planning, fundraising, and leadership development, primarily serving nonprofits across various sectors. Their client base includes organizations in arts and culture, education, healthcare, and human services.
Why I picked Alford Group: Their strategic planning services are designed to align with your organization’s mission and goals, making it easier for your team to navigate complex challenges. They also emphasize leadership development, ensuring your team is equipped with the necessary skills to lead effectively. Their commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion further enhances their approach to nonprofit consulting.
Standout Services: They offer interim staffing solutions, providing experienced leaders to help your organization maintain momentum during transitions. Their data analytics services give your team insights into fundraising effectiveness, allowing for informed decision-making.
Target industries: Arts and culture, education, healthcare, human services, and nonprofit organizations.
Specialties: Strategic planning, fundraising, leadership development, data analytics, and interim staffing.
Pros and Cons
Pros:
- Commitment to diversity and inclusion
- Emphasis on leadership development
- Strong focus on strategic planning
Cons:
- Limited trial information
- Pricing details not transparent
Byrne Pelofsky + Associates provides services in campaign management, grant writing, and consulting, targeting nonprofits in healthcare, education, and social services. They focus on enhancing financial sustainability and donor engagement for their clients.
Why I picked Byrne Pelofsky + Associates: Their expertise in grant writing support is a key differentiator, helping you secure essential funds for your projects. They also offer comprehensive campaign management, ensuring your fundraising efforts are well-coordinated. Their consulting services provide strategic insights to help your organization reach its financial goals.
Standout Services: They offer social impact initiatives that help your organization measure and communicate the impact of your programs. Their strategic planning services guide your team through effective decision-making processes to enhance long-term growth.
Target industries: Healthcare, education, social services, faith-based organizations, and the arts.
Specialties: Campaign management, grant writing, consulting, social impact initiatives, and strategic planning.
Pros and Cons
Pros:
- Focus on donor engagement
- Extensive campaign management experience
- Strong grant writing expertise
Cons:
- May require long-term commitment
- Pricing details not transparent
Nelson & Kraft offers services in executive recruitment, strategic planning, and board governance, primarily serving non-profits and faith-based organizations in Canada. They focus on enhancing leadership selection and governance practices to support effective organizational transitions.
Why I picked Nelson & Kraft: Their impact investing advice sets them apart, guiding your team through financial decisions that align with your mission. They provide strategic planning that supports your organization's long-term goals. Their expertise in executive recruitment ensures you find leaders who fit your culture and objectives.
Standout Services: They provide Birkman Method® assessments to enhance team cohesion and HR consulting to improve your organization's processes and policies. These services help address core challenges in leadership and team management.
Target industries: Non-profits, faith-based organizations, and organizations in Canada.
Specialties: Executive recruitment, strategic planning, succession planning, board governance consulting, and HR consulting.
Pros and Cons
Pros:
- Offers Birkman Method® assessments
- Expertise in governance best practices
- Strong focus on leadership selection
Cons:
- Limited to Canadian organizations
- Pricing details not transparent
Other Nonprofit Management Companies
Here are some additional nonprofit management companies that didn’t make it onto my shortlist, but are still worth checking out:
- Elemental Group
For environmental initiatives
- Mendicant
For Canadian nonprofit support
- Vanderbloemen
For church staffing solutions
- The Unstuck Group
For church health assessments
- Graham-Pelton
For fundraising consulting services
- Recentered Group
For leadership transition planning
- Arabella Advisors
For philanthropy strategy development
What Do Nonprofit Management Companies Typically Offer?
Nonprofit management companies are service providers that assist nonprofits in improving operations and achieving their missions. They might offer things like:
- Fundraising strategy and planning
- Board development and training
- Strategic planning and execution
- Financial management and oversight
- Leadership development and coaching
Nonprofit management companies are sought out by nonprofit leaders, board members, and executive teams. They address challenges like fundraising, governance, and strategic growth.
Nonprofit Management Companies Selection Criteria
When selecting the best nonprofit management companies to include in this list, I considered common business needs and pain points that these providers address. This included things like improving fundraising strategies and enhancing board effectiveness. 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
- Board development
- Strategic planning
- Financial management
- Leadership coaching
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:
- Donor engagement strategies
- Impact measurement
- Succession planning
- AI-driven analytics
- Community outreach programs
Industry Experience (10% of total score)
To get a sense of the industry experience of each provider, I considered the following:
- Years in operation
- Number of clients served
- Range of sectors covered
- Expertise in nonprofit challenges
- Testimonials from industry leaders
Onboarding (10% of total score)
To evaluate the onboarding experience for each provider, I considered the following:
- Initial setup support
- Training materials provided
- Availability of onboarding specialists
- Customization options
- Time to full implementation
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
- Quality of support staff
- Access to online resources
- Customer service reviews
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
- Comparison with industry averages
- Included features for the price
- Discounts or flexible payment options
- Long-term cost benefits
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
- Commonly mentioned pros and cons
- Frequency of positive feedback
- Reports of service reliability
- Client retention rates
How to Choose a Nonprofit Management Companies 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:
| Factor | What to Consider |
| Business Objectives | Make sure the provider understands your goals and can align their services with your mission. Look for tailored strategies that support your specific objectives. |
| Service Scope and SLAs | Check if the provider offers the specific services you need and if they have clear service level agreements to ensure reliability and accountability. |
| Support Availability | Ensure they offer support when you need it, including after-hours or emergency assistance. Look for multiple support channels like phone, email, and chat. |
| Costs and Pricing Structure | Understand the pricing model, including any hidden fees or variable costs. Ensure it fits your budget and offers value for the services provided. |
| Communication and Reporting | Evaluate their communication practices. You need regular updates and reports to track progress and make informed decisions. |
| Reputation | Research the provider’s reputation through reviews and testimonials. Look for consistent positive feedback and a history of successful partnerships. |
| Customization Options | Determine if they can tailor services to your needs. Customization can address unique challenges your organization faces. |
| Industry Experience | Consider their experience in your specific sector. A provider with relevant experience can offer insights and solutions that are more effective. |
Key Nonprofit Management Companies Services
When selecting a nonprofit management company, keep an eye out for the following key services:
- Fundraising strategy: Develops tailored plans to increase donations and support your organization's financial goals.
- Board development: Provides training and resources to enhance board effectiveness and governance.
- Strategic planning: Helps set long-term goals and actionable steps to achieve your mission.
- Financial management: Offers oversight and guidance on budgeting, accounting, and financial reporting.
- Leadership development: Cultivates leadership skills within your team to foster growth and innovation.
- Donor engagement: Builds relationships with supporters to increase loyalty and contributions.
- Impact measurement: Evaluates the effectiveness of programs and initiatives to demonstrate value.
- Community engagement: Enhances outreach efforts to strengthen connections with stakeholders.
- Succession planning: Prepares your organization for leadership transitions to ensure continuity.
- Custom consulting: Provides tailored advice and solutions to address unique organizational challenges.
Benefits of Nonprofit Management Companies
Partnering with a nonprofit management company offers several benefits for your team and your business. Here are a few you can look forward to:
- Increased donations: With a focused fundraising strategy, your organization can attract more donors and boost financial support.
- Stronger leadership: Leadership development services help build a capable team that can drive your mission forward.
- Better governance: Board development ensures your board members are well-equipped to make informed decisions.
- Clear goals: Strategic planning provides a roadmap for achieving your long-term objectives.
- Improved financial oversight: Financial management services help your team maintain accurate budgeting and reporting.
- Enhanced community ties: Community engagement efforts strengthen relationships with stakeholders and supporters.
- Effective transitions: Succession planning prepares your organization for leadership changes, ensuring stability.
Costs and Pricing Structures of Nonprofit Management Companies
Nonprofit management companies 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: Charges a recurring fee for ongoing access to services and support.
- Project-based: Costs are determined by the scope and duration of a specific project.
- Hourly rate: Fees are billed based on the time spent on services.
- Scope of work (SOW): Pricing is based on predefined deliverables and tasks.
- Retainer fee: A fixed monthly fee for a set amount of services and availability.
Key Factors That Influence Nonprofit Management Companies Pricing
Beyond the specific pricing model, here are some additional factors that can influence the cost of nonprofit management companies:
- Customization level: More tailored solutions typically require additional resources and expertise, increasing costs.
- Organization size: Larger organizations may incur higher fees due to increased service needs and complexity.
- Compliance requirements: Adhering to industry regulations or standards can add to the overall cost.
- Service frequency: Regular, ongoing services may be priced differently than one-time consultations.
- Geographic location: Costs can vary based on regional economic conditions and provider location.
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.
Nonprofit Management Companies: FAQs
Here are some answers to common questions about nonprofit management companies:
How do nonprofit management companies help with fundraising?
Nonprofit management companies can provide expert advice on developing effective fundraising strategies. They help you identify potential donors, create compelling campaigns, and manage donor relationships. By leveraging their expertise, your team can increase donations and ensure sustainable funding for your programs.
What should I look for when choosing a nonprofit management company?
Look for a company with experience in your specific sector and a track record of success. Consider their range of services, pricing structure, and customer support. It’s also important to find a provider that aligns with your organization’s values and understands your mission.
How can nonprofit management companies improve board effectiveness?
These companies offer board development and training services to enhance governance and decision-making. They provide resources and workshops to help board members understand their roles and responsibilities. This leads to more effective leadership and better organizational outcomes.
Are nonprofit management companies suitable for small organizations?
Yes, many nonprofit management companies offer services tailored to small organizations. They can provide affordable solutions that address your specific needs, such as strategic planning and leadership development. It’s important to discuss your budget and goals with potential providers to find the right fit.
How do nonprofit management companies support leadership development?
They offer coaching and training programs designed to enhance leadership skills within your organization. These services help your team members grow professionally and prepare for future leadership roles. By investing in leadership development, your organization can foster a culture of growth and innovation.
What kind of reports can I expect from a nonprofit management company?
You can expect regular progress reports that outline the services provided and their impact on your organization. These reports may include metrics on fundraising success, board engagement, and strategic planning outcomes. Clear communication and reporting help you track progress and make informed decisions.
What’s Next:
If you're in the process of researching nonprofit management companies, connect with a SoftwareSelect advisor for free recommendations.
