And they need to understand the organization. Kohl has been in situations where consultants have tried to press their own agendas. They can really shift the whole focus of your agency if they're not listening to you, if they're not being directed by you. You don't want the consultant necessarily to be involved in content, but in process. Nonprofits need to hold the consultant accountable for his or her responsibilities, those interviewed say.
Bad experiences do occur, as illustrated by what happened at one nonprofit.
The nonprofit did not earn an extra penny from this extended effort. The assistant treasurer, who asked not to be identified, has vowed to remember this lesson when hiring another consultant. Straight up money talk Finance does not have to be a sensitive issue throughout the relationship if it is clearly understood from the beginning who will be responsible for what and what is included in the cost. Briggs says the consultant's proposal needs close scrutiny. Find out exactly what the base cost covers.