The nonprofit sector is continuously evolving, facing growing challenges around funding, technology adoption, organizational sustainability, and social impact. Nonprofit consulting firms play a crucial role in helping organizations navigate these challenges by providing expertise in areas such as fundraising, program evaluation, digital transformation, and operational efficiency. Whether it’s optimizing donor engagement, creating sustainable funding models, or improving internal operations, nonprofit consulting firms are vital partners in driving mission success.
Here’s The Cconnects definitive list of the Top 20 Nonprofit Consulting Firms of 2025, recognized for their ability to deliver meaningful results, strategic insights, and innovative solutions for mission-driven organizations.
1) The Bridgespan Group
Founders: Thomas Tierney, Jeffrey Bradach, Paul Carttar
Founded: 2000
Headquarters: Boston, Massachusetts, USA
Product Categories: Nonprofit strategy & growth, philanthropy advisory, organization building, evaluation & learning, mergers & collaborations
Description: Bridgespan is a mission‑driven consulting firm dedicated exclusively to nonprofits, NGOs, and philanthropic institutions. With roots in Bain & Company, Bridgespan brings rigorous strategy tools to the social sector-helping clients scale impact, align funding to outcomes, and build stronger management systems. The firm’s research‑rich approach supports everything from strategic planning to full organization design, influencing both mission‑based enterprises and donor organizations globally.
Key Features:
- Growth strategy and scaling advisory
- Organization design and leadership development
- Philanthropy advisory for foundations and impact investors
- M&A and collaboration support in the nonprofit sector
- Research and publications available freely to the sector
2) Alford Group
Founders: Dr. Howard P. Alford Jr.
Founded: 1980s
Headquarters: Chicago, Illinois, USA
Product Categories: Fundraising strategy, capital campaigns, organizational effectiveness, diversity & inclusion, capacity building
Description: Alford Group stands out for combining fundraising mastery with broad organizational consulting for nonprofits. The firm supports complex capital campaigns, embeds leadership development, and emphasizes inclusion and equity in mission‑driven organizations. With a client base across arts, education, and social services, Alford provides practical implementation and coaching-not just strategy.
Key Features:
- Capital campaign design and execution
- Fundraising infrastructure and major‑gift training
- Leadership development and board governance
- DEI integration into nonprofit strategy
- Capacity‑building workshops and coaching
3) Aly Sterling Philanthropy
Founders: Aly Sterling
Founded: 2007
Headquarters: San Diego, California, USA
Product Categories: Fundraising optimization, corporate philanthropy, major‑donor strategy, crisis communications, board development
Description: Aly Sterling Philanthropy is a full‑service consulting firm focused primarily on nonprofit fundraising and philanthropic strategy. Working with nonprofits, foundations and corporations, the firm guides major‑gift programs, develops donor pipelines, and integrates brand and communications into development strategy. Their agile model supports growth‑minded nonprofits seeking measurable fundraising outcomes.
Key Features:
- Major‑donor cultivation and strategy
- Corporate philanthropy advisory
- Fundraising training and board engagement
- Crisis and reputation management in the social sector
- Analytics‑driven campaign planning
4) DNL OmniMedia
Founders: Ed Balk and Mike Krivanek
Founded: 2011
Headquarters: Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada
Product Categories: Nonprofit technology implementation, CRM/data strategy, fundraising analytics, digital marketing, AI‑driven donor engagement
Description: DNL OmniMedia is a specialist consultancy for nonprofits focused on technology, data and digital transformation. They help mission organizations implement CRM systems (such as Salesforce Nonprofit Cloud), build predictive donor models, and integrate digital campaigns with operations. Their work enables nonprofits to elevate fundraising, engage stakeholders, and use data as a strategic asset.
Key Features:
- CRM implementation and process redesign for nonprofits
- Donor analytics and predictive modelling
- Digital marketing integration for fundraising
- Training and support for nonprofit teams on tech adoption
- Data governance and system optimisation
5) BWF
Founders: Phil Weinstein, others
Founded: 1983
Headquarters: Baltimore, Maryland, USA
Product Categories: Fundraising consulting, annual giving, campaign strategy, donor stewardship, research & analytics
Description: BWF (originally Burt & Weinstein) has decades of experience in fundraising consulting for nonprofits, particularly in higher education, healthcare and cultural sectors. They help clients design campaigns, improve donor experiences, and use research and analytics to optimize giving. Known for tailored execution, BWF’s pragmatic approach supports nonprofits with measurable fundraising growth strategies.
Key Features:
- Campaign planning and feasibility studies
- Annual fund enhancements and major gift frameworks
- Donor experience design and stewardship plans
- Fundraising analytics and modelling
- Sector‑specific expertise in education and healthcare
6) Campbell & Company
Founders: Robert Hirsch (legacy)
Founded: 1964
Headquarters: Chicago, Illinois, USA
Product Categories: Fundraising, prospect research, executive search for nonprofits, digital donor engagement, board training
Description: Campbell & Company is a consultancy that combines fundraising strategy with high‑quality prospect research and executive search services. The firm enables nonprofits to align leadership, development infrastructure, and digital tools to amplify impact. With national reach and robust analytics, Campbell serves large nonprofits in varied sectors, supporting sustainable fundraising ecosystems.
Key Features:
- Prospect research and donor intelligence
- Executive search and staffing solutions
- Digital donor engagement and platform strategy
- Fundraising training and team coaching
- Multi‑sector nonprofit experience
7) The Alford Group
Founders: (See above)
Founded: (See above)
Headquarters: Chicago/Seattle, USA
Product Categories: Investment in nonprofit capacity, DEI strategy, leadership transition, governance, strategic planning
Description: The Alford Group, again emphasised for its focus on leadership and organizational equity, supports nonprofits seeking to build inclusive governance, diversify their leadership, and transition through growth phases. Their model emphasizes internal alignment, board capacity, and sustainable governance-not simply fundraising.
Key Features:
- Inclusive governance and diversity advisory
- Leadership transition and succession planning
- Strategic planning and scenario modelling
- Capacity assessments and restructuring support
- Coaching for nonprofit executives and boards
8) Keystone Accountability
Founders: David Bonbright, André Proctor
Founded: 2004
Headquarters: London, United Kingdom & Washington, DC, USA
Product Categories: Impact evaluation, constituent‑voice surveys, benchmarking, feedback systems, learning & adaptive management
Description: Keystone Accountability specializes in measuring and improving impact for social‑purpose organizations and nonprofits. Their flagship Constituent Voice methodology enables organizations to collect feedback from beneficiaries, donors, and partners, benchmark performance, and embed learning loops into operations. Keystone helps nonprofits shift from hoping for impact to measuring, understanding, and improving it.
Key Features:
- Constituent Voice survey methodology
- Benchmarking across NGOs and foundations
- Impact‑measurement frameworks and tools
- Feedback‑loop design and organizational learning
- Global network of clients and peer comparisons
9) Mission Measurement
Founders: Peter Smith, Nick Sinclair
Founded: 2010s
Headquarters: London, United Kingdom
Product Categories: Impact evaluation, social‑return‑on‑investment (SROI), outcomes measurement, cost‑benefit analysis, data visualisation
Description: Mission Measurement is a specialist consultancy that helps nonprofits and social‑impact organizations quantify their outcomes, evaluate programs and communicate impact to funders. Their work enables mission‑driven organizations to translate activities into evidence of social return, using robust methodologies and engaging dashboards.
Key Features:
- Social return on investment (SROI) frameworks
- Program evaluation and outcomes tracking
- Data visualisation for nonprofit dashboards
- Cost‑benefit analysis tailored to NGOs
- Communication of impact to stakeholders
10) Nonprofit Finance Fund (NFF)
Founders: Unknown
Founded: 1980s
Headquarters: New York, USA
Product Categories: Financial consulting for nonprofits, capital access, strategic finance, performance measurement, sustainability planning
Description: NFF supports nonprofits with financial and strategic consulting-helping mission organizations access capital, build business models, and strengthen operations. Their advisory work guides nonprofits in aligning resources, strengthening financial resilience, and managing growth. NFF’s capacity‑building emphasizes sustainable funding models and impact‑conscious finance.
Key Features:
- Strategic finance and business‑model advisory
- Capital access and loan facilitation for nonprofits
- Sustainability and resilience planning
- Performance measurement of financial health
- Sector‑specific financial benchmarking
11) FMA – Foundation Management Associates
Founders: Not specified
Founded: 1992
Headquarters: New York, NY, USA
Product Categories: Foundation consulting, strategic planning, governance, grantmaking optimization, organizational effectiveness
Description:
FMA helps foundations and philanthropic institutions increase their impact through strategic planning, governance optimization, and organizational effectiveness. Their work focuses on improving grantmaking practices, building internal capacity, and aligning mission with measurable outcomes.
Key Features:
• Strategic planning for foundations
• Board governance and leadership support
• Grantmaking strategy and impact optimization
• Organizational assessment and capacity building
• Mission-alignment and performance tracking
12) TCC Group
Founders: Ken Berger, Cynthia Gibson
Founded: 1976
Headquarters: Washington, DC, USA
Product Categories: Strategy consulting, evaluation & learning, leadership development, diversity & equity, advocacy strategy
Description:
TCC Group provides strategy and evaluation services for nonprofits and foundations, helping them align mission, strategy, and operations. Their focus spans program design, impact assessment, leadership development, and equity-centered organizational change.
Key Features:
• Strategic planning and scenario modeling
• Program evaluation and learning frameworks
• Leadership and board development
• Equity, diversity, and inclusion advisory
• Advocacy and policy strategy support
13) La Piana Consulting
Founders: Michael La Piana
Founded: 1999
Headquarters: Oakland, California, USA
Product Categories: Nonprofit strategy, mergers & collaborations, sustainability planning, organizational assessment
Description:
La Piana Consulting specializes in helping nonprofits achieve sustainable impact through mergers, collaborations, and strategic planning. They guide organizations in assessing capacity, improving operations, and building long-term organizational resilience.
Key Features:
• Mergers and collaborative planning
• Organizational assessment and capacity building
• Strategic and sustainability planning
• Leadership and governance coaching
• Scenario analysis for growth and change
14) Social Impact Architects (SIA)
Founders: Not specified
Founded: 2010
Headquarters: Toronto, Ontario, Canada
Product Categories: Impact strategy, evaluation, theory of change, social innovation, capacity building
Description:
SIA helps mission-driven organizations design, measure, and maximize their social impact. They focus on theory of change, program evaluation, and building internal systems that translate mission into measurable results.
Key Features:
• Theory of change design and implementation
• Social impact measurement and evaluation
• Program improvement and innovation
• Organizational capacity building
• Strategic communications for impact
15) Arabella Advisors
Founders: Jeffrey Solomon
Founded: 2005
Headquarters: Washington, DC, USA
Product Categories: Philanthropy advisory, impact investing, nonprofit strategy, advocacy, donor engagement
Description:
Arabella Advisors provides consulting and advisory services to foundations, donors, and nonprofits. They specialize in impact investing, philanthropy strategy, and advocacy initiatives, helping clients amplify their social change efforts efficiently.
Key Features:
• Philanthropy strategy and advising
• Impact investing and programmatic guidance
• Advocacy and policy engagement planning
• Nonprofit organizational consulting
• Donor engagement and management
16) Community Wealth Partners
Founders: Susan Mac Cormac, Michael Tierno
Founded: 2010
Headquarters: Chicago, Illinois, USA
Product Categories: Strategy, capacity building, funding models, leadership coaching, social impact evaluation
Description:
Community Wealth Partners helps nonprofits and philanthropic organizations develop sustainable strategies and increase social impact. Their consulting emphasizes capacity building, funding model optimization, and long-term organizational health.
Key Features:
• Nonprofit strategy and organizational design
• Leadership development and coaching
• Capacity and performance assessment
• Funding model innovation
• Social impact evaluation frameworks
17) Keystone Strategy
Founders: David Erickson
Founded: 2008
Headquarters: Boston, Massachusetts, USA
Product Categories: Nonprofit analytics, strategic growth, digital strategy, operational efficiency
Description:
Keystone Strategy advises nonprofits on data-driven decision-making, operational efficiency, and scaling social impact. Their approach combines analytics with strategic planning to help organizations make measurable improvements.
Key Features:
• Data-driven strategy and growth planning
• Digital transformation advisory
• Operational and process optimization
• Performance measurement systems
• Social impact assessment and reporting
18) The Good Exchange
Founders: Not specified
Founded: 2012
Headquarters: London, United Kingdom
Product Categories: Fundraising platforms, donor engagement, grant management, digital solutions
Description:
The Good Exchange provides digital platforms to help nonprofits and funders collaborate and fundraise effectively. Their technology facilitates transparent grantmaking, donor engagement, and simplified funding processes for impact-driven organizations.
Key Features:
• Digital fundraising and donor engagement
• Grant management and workflow optimization
• Transparency in fund allocation
• Platform training and support
• Collaboration tools for nonprofits and funders
19) FSG
Founders: Mark Kramer, Michael Porter
Founded: 2000
Headquarters: Boston, Massachusetts, USA
Product Categories: Strategy, evaluation, shared value creation, social impact measurement, corporate social responsibility
Description:
FSG helps nonprofits, foundations, and corporations design strategies that maximize social impact. The firm specializes in shared value, strategy consulting, evaluation, and creating measurable outcomes for social sector initiatives.
Key Features:
• Nonprofit and foundation strategy consulting
• Impact measurement and evaluation
• Shared value and social innovation
• Corporate social responsibility guidance
• Data analytics and reporting for impact
20) MissionMind
Founders: Not specified
Founded: 2015
Headquarters: San Francisco, California, USA
Product Categories: Nonprofit strategy, digital transformation, fundraising innovation, social impact measurement
Description:
MissionMind empowers nonprofits to innovate in strategy, technology, and fundraising. They provide data-driven insights and practical tools for organizations looking to scale operations and optimize mission outcomes.
Key Features:
• Strategic planning and advisory
• Digital transformation consulting
• Fundraising optimization and donor strategy
• Social impact measurement and evaluation
• Innovation and organizational growth support
Conclusion
Nonprofit consulting firms are essential partners in creating social impact and organizational sustainability. As the nonprofit sector faces growing complexity in funding, operations, and accountability, these Top 20 Nonprofit Consulting Firms of 2025 provide critical guidance, strategy, and implementation support.
From fundraising and donor engagement to impact measurement, organizational design, and digital transformation, these firms help mission-driven organizations thrive today while preparing them for future challenges.
Together, they set the standard for excellence in nonprofit consulting-ensuring that organizations can maximize their resources, deliver measurable outcomes, and sustain long-term impact.
