Services range from having senior executives do periodic consultations with organizations (a service usually reserved for major institutional clients such as hospitals and universities) to full-time resident counsel. Resident counsel, usually a younger person who works under the direct supervision of an executive, moves to your city and works completely for your organization. Most consulting firms charge on a flat fee basis based on the time and service provided. Almost none work on a percentage basis. The more service required, the higher the fee. In almost every circumstance, a resident director firm will cost more than an executive consultant firm. There are relative strengths and weaknesses to each. Be certain to interview EVERYONE in the firm who you’ll be working with – not just the executive making the sales presentation.

Consulting firms are not "Solicitation Firms". Consulting firms work to teach, train, motivate and orient organizations to succeed in fund raising. Like any consulting arrangement, volunteer and staff leaders must be very involved and active in the campaign to succeed.

Independent Consultants. There are numerous individuals who consult with organizations - either full-time or an adjunct to their full-time job. Many are quality individuals with excellent track records. Some are just in it to earn extra money or are between jobs. The major difference between an Independent Consultant and Consulting Firm is the number of people available to work on the campaign. Consulting Firms will almost always use a "team approach", thereby increasing the quality and amount of advice and guidance available.

Almost always, Independent Consultants are less expensive than Consulting Firms - mostly because they provide less time and resources than the Consulting Firm, and their overhead is considerably lower.

There are many very good Independent Consultants, but the same criteria should be used in retaining an Independent Consultant that is used in retaining a Consulting Firm. In retaining an Independent Consultant, remember that this is the person you will be working with throughout the campaign – there is no one else. If it turns out that you lose confidence in this individual, chances are your campaign will be delayed and possibly jeopardized.

Solicitation Firms. There are companies, usually telemarketing firms, that will call or otherwise contact thousands of people to seek support. They usually charge based on a percentage of the funds raised - often times taking much of the income. Many consider this type of arrangement to be unethical.