When the landscape for charities, social enterprises, and purpose-driven organisations becomes increasingly complex, many turn to professional consultants for guidance. But what exactly does a charity consultant do, and how can they add value to your organisation?
At Sailfin, our work centres around helping mission-driven organisations reach their full potential through expert, pragmatic support. But it can be difficult for charities to know that the cost of a consultant is money well spent and a strong investment that they can justify to their board and stakeholders.
Each charity and purpose-driven organisation is different; and the situation or context for why you might be considering hiring a freelance consultant can vary dramatically (sometimes day by day in a funding crisis). So it’s important to have an introductory call or meeting to understand what charity consultants do, and how they support the sector.
Strategic guidance
One of the most significant contributions a consultant offers is fresh perspective and expertise in strategy and planning. At Sailfin, we help organisations set clear goals, chart practical pathways to growth, and improve operational effectiveness. Whether refining a long-term vision, rethinking delivery models, or supporting leadership teams through transitional periods, consultants provide objective analysis and tailored recommendations. This strategic input can sharpen focus, enhance decision-making, and ultimately, increase an organisation’s impact.
Communications that connect
Effective communication is vital for every purpose-driven organisation. Consultants can strengthen your brand, develop communications strategies, and design campaigns that engage stakeholders and build trust. At Sailfin, we also advise on digital platforms, helping charities make the most of their digital presence and reach wider audiences online. By translating your mission into clear messages, consultants ensure your organisation is seen, heard, and understood.
Fundraising and income generation
Sustainable income generation is a concern for most charities. Consultancy support in this area can include fundraising strategy, grant writing, donor relations, and income diversification. At Sailfin, we focus on helping organisations broaden their income streams, nurture funder relationships, and sharpen their case for support. Our aim is to help you secure the resources needed to deliver your mission effectively, now and in the future.
Governance and assurance
The regulatory environment for charities is ever-changing. Consultants can provide expert advice on good governance, risk management, and regulatory compliance. This can involve reviewing governance structures, supporting Trustees, and advising on policies that keep organisations robust and compliant. At Sailfin, our experience in providing assurance frameworks gives our clients confidence that their governance practices are sector-leading and fit for purpose.
Measuring impact
Demonstrating impact is increasingly important for funders, partners, and beneficiaries. Charity consultants can help design effective programmes, develop evaluation frameworks, and gather the right data to measure outcomes. By turning impact measurement from a tick-box exercise into a meaningful management tool, consultants help organisations prove the difference they make.
Training and capacity building
Charity consultants are also skilled trainers, offering workshops, mentoring, and tailored training to upskill teams and build organisational capacity. Whether through leadership development or practical, skills-based training, this support can enhance confidence and effectiveness across all levels of an organisation.
There are a number of great training and support resources available to charities including online resources from infrastructure support organisations like NCVO – but sometimes you need direct support from someone who can really understand the specific nuances of your charity and cause – and through working in partnership with you, can provide specific actionable advice to either empower your team to deliver against the objectives, or supplement the work of your team to deliver agains the objectives while also providing additional capacity.
A charity consultant is both a critical friend and a practical supporter; helping organisations navigate challenges, grasp new opportunities, and ultimately increase their positive social impact. At Sailfin, our commitment is to provide the expert guidance, creative thinking, and hands-on support that charities, social enterprises, and purpose-led organisations need to thrive, sustainably and confidently.
Questions to ask when hiring a charity consultant
When considering hiring a charity consultant, it is important for a charity to go beyond reputation and look for a true fit with their needs, values, and ambitions. Here are the key questions your organisation should ask, structured around due diligence, organisational fit, and impact:
Organisational fit & values
Does the consultant understand our mission and culture?
Ask how well they grasp your purpose and working environment, and whether they’ve worked with similar organisations before.
Do their ethics align with ours?
Ethics and accountability are essential in the charity sector. Request examples of how they prioritise client needs and avoid unnecessary work.
Approach & expertise
What experience and track record do they have?
Inquire about relevant work with charities or social enterprises of comparable size and mission. Ask for case studies or evidence of success.
Are they a specialist or a generalist?
Reflect on whether your needs require deep expertise in an area (e.g. fundraising, governance), or a broader consultancy approach. Ask the consultant where their strengths lie.
How will they tailor their approach to our challenges?
Good consultants adapt their support. Ask for examples where they customised solutions for other clients.
Process & practicalities
What will the scope of their work include—and not include?
Clarify project deliverables, roles, responsibilities, and what outputs you can expect. Request a draft work plan or scope of work.
Who exactly will deliver the work?
If working with a larger firm, check that the people you meet will be the ones supporting you day-to-day.
What is their fee structure and what does it cover?
Understand if fees are hourly, project-based, or tied to deliverables. Ask what is not included and if there are potential additional costs. Be clear about travel and subsistence expenses.
What support is available after project completion?
Will the consultant provide post-engagement support or follow-up if you need further help or training later?
Partnership & impact
How will success be measured?
Agree upfront on what success looks like for your project. How will impact be assessed and demonstrated?
Can they provide references or testimonials from similar projects?
Speaking to prior clients can offer valuable insight into their capabilities and style.
Internal reflection
Before reaching out, reflect internally:
- What is prompting the need for consultancy now?
- Where are your skills and capacity gaps?
- What budget and time investment are realistic for your charity?
- Is now the right time, and are you set up to implement the consultant’s recommendations?
Taking a thoughtful, structured approach and asking these questions will help you select a consultant who can make a genuine difference to your organisation’s effectiveness, resilience, and impact.