10 Reasons Fundraising Consultants Should Join APC

Looking for a help desk for your consulting practice?  

Would you love to bid on that feasibility study, but there’s too much travel?  

Do you wish you had colleagues to talk with about a client or your consulting practice?   

If this sounds like you, it’s time to check out APC (Association for Philanthropic Counsel).  

I joined APC after starting my solo consulting practice. I wanted to continue to grow in my skills and fundraising knowledge. I’d been a member of a large firm and missed being able to call on colleagues and get together for educational sessions. I needed colleagues who were willing to share and learn.  

After attending my first APC forum I was in, and it’s been a great ten years. No other organization focuses with intent on smaller fundraising consulting firms. At the semi-annual forums, you’re in a small group with a speaker who is willing to be open and really interact with the attendees. What other group affords you the opportunity to have a candid, even lengthy conversation with the head of a major foundation, a high level donor, or a peer facing challenges similar to your own?  

Through APC, I have colleagues I can contact for a sample document, to help problem solve or to work with me for a client either locally or in another state. When you join APC, you develop relationships with the other members, and with sponsors who see themselves as partners. These close connections enhance your services for your clients. Our membership includes specialists in communications and research as well as firms that assist with everything from annual fund to capital campaigns.  

Our next forum is June 27 – 29 in Detroit if you are interested in learning more about that, go to apcinc.org/members/2019-summer-forum. The early-bird registration deadline ends May 27. This forum is for consultants who serve primarily nonprofit organizations. Give us a “test drive” by joining us there.

Also check out APC membership. Here’s the top 10 list of how APC serves you.

1. Improves your consulting skills and your business.
2. Serves small firms and independent nonprofit consultants.
3. Provides 2 educational forums a year, plus webinars and phone conferences.
4. Features leading-edge speakers about philanthropy such as Adrian Sargent, Russell James, Simone Joyaux, Jen Shang, Paul Brest, Jay Love, heads of major foundations, and other fundraising thought leaders in small-group settings for deep-dives into trends and concerns.
5. Offers regular sessions on “the business of our business.” Topics range from social media marketing and virtual assistants to business coaches and complying with registration requirements. 
6. Creates a ready-made team for you through a nationwide network of peer consultants.
7. Is built on collegiality. Members readily share experience and resources through the list serve, online resource library, and forums.
8. Offers discounts on services such as DonorSearch, Market Smart and CFRE fees, select CRMs, and other products.
9. Promotes best practices and ethical standards.
10. Enhances your business and marketing.

Visit the website www.apcinc.org or contact APC’s membership chair, Michael Rubin at [email protected] or the APC office at [email protected] for more information.