Faq
What is a consultant?
A consultant by definition is someone who adds 'value' to your organization, or for a fee assists an organization achieve a higher level of proficiency, improving the status quo. Consultants conduct 'interventions'. Depending on the goals of the consultancy, the consultant can play a peripheral role, serving as a coach, or they can assume a role that is closer to an 'outsourced' staff position.
In general, if a consultant leans more towards a coaching role, they typically do what is called organizational development. The other broad category is fund development, which typically involves grant writing and all the tools and communication strategies necessary for raising money from foundation, corporate and government sources.
Consultants can work for several years with clients. However, a relationship between a consultant and client is usually punctuated by a series of contracts with a set goal in mind, and a timeline linked to specific outcomes.
What are the benefits of using a consultant?
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Augment and enhance your staff with a senior-level professional for half to one-third the cost of hiring a DOD.
- Increase productivity and accelerate growth.
- Obtain a fresh perspective on long standing problems.
- Keep abreast of major trends in your field and innovative new strategies in raising funds.
When should I not use a consultant?
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You are faced with an unpleasant task.
- You can't commit internal resources to work with a consultant, particularly the time necessary to complete a project.
- You're looking for someone to help prove your point.
- You expecting a consultant to come with a rolodex of contacts with deep pockets
How do you retain objectivity when you work with several clients?
PCG never shares specific details, fundraising or otherwise, about its client base. Sensitive information such as financials, donors and programming are considered proprietary information. Sometimes methodology or new approaches to old problems are shared from one client to another. This is actually a consultant's most valuable trait. Our range of knowledge is broader and deeper because we work with a diverse number of organizations.