Our “Why” Makes All the Difference

How to Select a Consultant

• Choosing a consultant is more than a decision; it’s a process. To choose wisely, we recommend a thorough process of vetting your consulting firm options, including:
  • • • • Frame the project: Determine what you need — a development plan, a campaign feasibility study, campaign planning, staffing, etc. — and formulate a general sense of the budget for project costs and for consultants.
        • Research potential counsel: Ask your peers, key funders, and your current or past board leaders for referrals.
        • Make initial outreach: Conduct preliminary conversations to establish baseline fitness for the project and determine if an RFP is needed.*
        • Ask for proposals: Either continue with further conversations or, when you’re ready to advance the project, ask for a proposal with a scope of work and specific timeline, costs, and references.
        • Review materials: Assemble a task force to assess proposals, visit websites, and screen potential consultants.
        • Host face-to-face meetings: Plan individual interview format meetings with up to three firms to ask specific questions and get to know their team.
        • Check references: Calling references gives a good read on a potential consultant’s experience.
        • Ask questions: Follow up with firms where you have lingering questions.
        • Courtesy: After you’ve finalized terms with your chosen firm, take a moment to notify the other firms that submitted proposals. They invested time in your process, and a brief note goes a long way.
      • *Most projects and organizations do not require the strict parameters of a Request for Proposal, but supplying some basic background information is helpful for potential consultants.