Can you help with charity organisational development?
Yes, we offer comprehensive charity consultancy services. We assist with organisational development, helping your charity ensure that the people you serve are driving your services, helping you to develop an inclusive strategy, improve your internal processes, governance, and overall structure. By focusing on organisational growth, we enable charities to thrive and make the greatest impact whilst operating more effectively.
What is programme development and can you assist with this?
Programme development is crucial for charities looking to expand or refine their service delivery. With a solid background in development management and a project cycle management approach, in projects both overseas and in the UK, we provide guidance in programme development for non-profits, helping you design, implement, and evaluate projects that align with your mission. Whether you are launching a new initiative or improving an existing programme, we ensure your charity delivers measurable, sustainable outcomes.
What services do charity fundraising consultants offer?
As a consultancy firm for charities and non-profits, we provide a wide range of services, including fundraising strategy development, audits of your current fundraising activities, and practical hands-on support such as grant writing, prospect research and income forecasting based on the fundraising pipeline that we develop. We are here to help you achieve long-term fundraising success and organisational growth.
How do I choose the best charity consultant for organisational growth?
Selecting the right non-profit consultant is key to achieving your goals. Start by identifying your charity's needs, whether that’s fundraising strategy, organisational development, or programme development. Once you've defined your requirements, feel free to get in touch and speak to us about what you need from a charity consultant. We offer a consultation free of charge to find out how we might be able to help you and to ensure a good fit. We are happy to provide references and case studies to help inform your decision.
Can you help us develop a fundraising strategy?
Yes! We specialise in helping charities develop effective fundraising strategies tailored to their unique needs and that help them to achieve their organisational goals. We have developed fundraising strategies and acted as a sounding board for charities who have written their own strategy but want someone to run it past. Our services include both strategic advice and hands-on support, such as grant writing, donor management. Whether you need high-level guidance or practical help, we will work with you to build a sustainable strategy that meets your fundraising goals.
Do you offer practical fundraising support?
Absolutely. We provide hands-on fundraising support for charities, including writing applications for trusts and foundations, corporates, institutional funding and commissioning, as well as conducting prospect research, creating content for crowdfunding appeals. We also provide mentoring and training for fundraisers of all levels, from new fundraisers to CEO’s and Directors of Fundraising/Development.
What’s the difference between a freelance fundraiser & a charity consultant?
The terms freelance fundraiser and charity consultant are sometimes used interchangeably, but there are differences. A freelance fundraiser usually works alone, while a charity consultant offers a broader range of services, often as part of a multidisciplinary team. At Social Innovation Solutions, we offer expertise in programme development, fundraising, organisational development, inclusion and gender and disability mainstreaming. We work with a number of non-profit associates too, ensuring you get the best advice and support for your organisation’s needs and budget.
How much does a charity consultant charge?
Our fees depend on the scope of work and the complexity of the services required. We charge a day rate. If you have a specific budget in mind, please let us know so that we can let you know what support we can provide for that budget. To support smaller charities, we offer reduced rates for those with a turnover of less than £100,000, as well as a range of online training, making expert consultancy accessible to all.
Do I need a contract with a fundraising consultant?
Yes, the Fundraising Regulator mandates that all charities must have a written contract with any external party helping to raise funds. Our contracts and data sharing agreements have been drafted by the UK’s leading small business solicitor who is an expert in her field, so we will provide a clear and robust contract outlining the scope of work, the day rate and terms, ensuring full transparency from the start.
Is commission-based fundraising an option?
No, we do not work on a commission basis, as both the Fundraising Regulator and the Chartered Institute of Fundraising strongly advise against this approach. Instead, we offer fundraising consultancy as an investment in your charity’s long-term success, providing expert guidance without the need for committing to long-term funding for a permanent position.
What types of charities do you work with?
We support a broad range of charities, including those focused on social justice, poverty alleviation, gender, children and young people, community welfare, healthcare, mental health, education and training, international development and organisations serving vulnerable groups such as the elderly and homeless. We have extensive experience across various sectors to help you achieve your goals.
Do you work with charities outside the UK?
We work primarily with UK-registered charities that work in the UK and internationally. We do also assist organisations seeking international funding opportunities.
Do you offer services in languages other than English & What languages can you provide your services in?
Yes, we provide our services in multiple languages. In addition to English, we speak French, Spanish, and Albanian and have used these languages with clients in DRC, Rwanda, Peru, Kosova and many more countries. If it is easier for you to work in these languages, we would be happy to hear from you and can translate your application into English where needed. This allows us to support a wider range of clients and communities. If you require assistance in any of these languages, please feel free to get in touch.
Do you have insurance?
Yes, like all reputable charity consultants, we hold both professional indemnity and public liability insurance. We take every precaution to protect both our clients and ourselves, ensuring peace of mind throughout our working relationship. We are ensured worldwide except in the US and Canada.
How can I contact you for more information?
If you have more questions or want to learn how we can help your charity, CIO, or CIC, feel free to contact us on our contact form. We would be delighted to explore how we can support your fundraising and organisational goals.