FAQs

[accordions] [accordion title=”1. What makes C. Spear & Associates a different kind of consulting firm?”]

Several things make us different. First, assurance. Catherine Spear is certified by the national Association of Fundraising Professionals/CFRE. The CFRE rating means certified fund raising executive and is awarded based on funds raised, service to the nonprofit sector and continuing education. Second, experience we have years of collective experience across a broad range of nonprofit organizations, with budgets from $400,000 to $82,000,000 that are engaged in issues from homelessness to the arts. Third, innovation. We will bring new and dynamic approaches to your organization’s fundraising and development. We will design solutions and products that are unique and tailored to your organization.

[/accordion] [accordion title=”2. What are your fees?”]

You will find that are fees are competitive and are based on the scope of the project. We will work with your organization to stay within your budget. In compliance with the AFP Fundraising Code of Ethics, fees are never a percentage of dollars raised.

[/accordion] [accordion title=”3. What if consulting fees aren’t in our budget this year?”]

That’s a tough question for a lot of charities in these challenging times. The best answer may be that it’s far more expensive to let your organization fall short in its fundraising or in its program and organizational goals. Invest in the professional help that will get results for you!

[/accordion] [accordion title=”4. What do we get when we contract for services and products?”]

We are bound by the AFP Code of Ethics for professionals, and are required to provide detailed, current contracts to all of our clients that specify the services and the products that we are providing, the cost of both and the length of the contract.

[/accordion] [accordion title=”5. Where and how do we begin?”]

1 – We begin with an informal no-cost, introductory phone call.  2- We will follow up with you virtually or on site to do an initial evaluation of your organization’s fundraising, development and/or planning needs. At the end of the meeting, we will give you an opinion on next steps to take. 3 – If we are in agreement, we will send you a written proposal and letter of agreement.

[/accordion] [/accordions]

What Should Fundraising Cost?

It’s a challenge to shop for a service if your organization doesn’t have a good idea about industry costs.

To help you in your considerations, here are some recommended standards from the National Association of Fundraising Professionals:

The overall national cost to raise a dollar is $0.20 – meaning that $0.80 goes to charity. [www.supportingadvancement.com]