NONPROFIT CONSULTING SERVICES
Put Your Best Foot Forward in Your Community
With over 30 years of experience in the Nonprofit world, L. M. Lewis Consulting's experts have seen what works and what doesn't. Whether you need some advice on what board structure you should go with, leadership coaching to ensure your nonprofit is heading in the right direction, guidance on how to engage with your community, or more, we can lend a hand. We'll work with you to ensure your nonprofit is meeting your communities' needs and more.
What Is Nonprofit Consulting?
Nonprofit consulting provides expert guidance to charitable and mission-driven organizations on governance, strategic planning, community engagement, and operational efficiency. Nonprofits face unique challenges that differ from for-profit businesses — including managing volunteer workforces, navigating complex regulatory and tax requirements, maintaining donor relationships, and demonstrating impact to funders and communities.
A nonprofit consultant brings specialized experience across these areas, helping organizations address specific challenges such as launching new programs, restructuring boards, developing fundraising strategies, or recovering from leadership transitions. Consulting engagements are typically project-based and scoped to the organization's most pressing needs, making outside expertise accessible even for organizations with limited budgets.
OUR SERVICES
BUSINESS & STRATEGIC PLANNING
Strategic planning for nonprofits involves setting a clear organizational direction for the next three to five years. A consultant facilitates stakeholder conversations, analyzes the organization's strengths and challenges, reviews financial sustainability, and develops a written strategic plan with specific goals, timelines, and accountability measures. For new nonprofits, this process also includes business planning fundamentals — defining the mission, identifying target communities, and building a sustainable operating model.
LEADERSHIP & EXECUTIVE COACHING
Nonprofit leadership coaching provides one-on-one or small-group support for executive directors, senior staff, and emerging leaders. Coaching addresses challenges specific to the nonprofit sector, including managing diverse stakeholders, leading through resource constraints, building organizational culture, and navigating board dynamics. Sessions are structured around the leader's specific goals and challenges, with regular check-ins to track progress and adjust focus.
BOARD DEVELOPMENT
Board development consulting helps nonprofits build governance structures that support long-term organizational health. This includes evaluating current board composition and identifying skills gaps, designing recruitment processes to attract diverse and qualified board members, establishing governance policies and procedures, and creating onboarding programs for new members. A well-structured board provides strategic oversight, fiduciary accountability, and connections that strengthen the organization's capacity.
COMMUNITY ENGAGEMENT
Community engagement consulting helps nonprofits build meaningful relationships with the communities they serve. This includes assessing current outreach strategies, identifying underserved or underrepresented stakeholders, developing communication plans, and designing programs that invite community input into organizational decision-making. Effective engagement ensures that a nonprofit's programs reflect actual community needs rather than assumptions.
FAQs
What does a nonprofit consultant do?
A nonprofit consultant provides expert guidance on governance, strategic planning, board development, fundraising, community engagement, and operational efficiency. Consultants assess an organization's current state, identify areas for improvement, and develop actionable recommendations tailored to the nonprofit's mission, capacity, and budget.
How much does nonprofit consulting cost?
Costs vary depending on the scope and duration of the engagement. Short-term projects like a board assessment may cost a few thousand dollars, while comprehensive strategic planning or ongoing advisory relationships are priced higher. Many consultants offer flexible arrangements to accommodate nonprofit budgets.
When should a nonprofit hire a consultant?
Common triggers include preparing for a major growth phase, undergoing a leadership transition, needing to revise a strategic plan, facing governance or board challenges, launching a new program, or experiencing operational difficulties that exceed internal capacity. If the organization faces a challenge outside its staff's expertise, a consultant can provide targeted support.
What is the 33% rule for nonprofits?
The 33% rule is a governance guideline suggesting that a nonprofit board should aim for no more than one-third of its members to be affiliated with each other (e.g., from the same family, organization, or business). This principle helps ensure diverse perspectives and independent oversight on the board.
How can a small nonprofit afford consulting?
Many consultants offer scaled engagements, phased projects, or reduced-rate services for smaller organizations. Some foundations provide grants specifically for capacity-building consulting. Even a short, focused engagement — such as a board assessment or a strategic planning facilitation — can deliver significant value without requiring a large budget.
Frequently Asked Questions About Nonprofit Consulting
