The job of running a nonprofit organization or successfully managing a community- or neighborhood-based agency is becoming increasingly complex and competitive. Strapped for resources and buffeted by economic and political forces while trying to address growing needs in the community, these organizations face enormous challenges, as well as opportunities. Many have the resources to hire consultants, planners, trainers, technical advisers, researchers, and facilitators to assist them in this enormous task; many do not.

This book is written for the growing numbers of consultants who provide various kinds of help to nonprofit and community organizations. It's also written as a guide for those who haven't yet started consulting but who, after retirement, education, or job changes, may begin. But behind those people are the thousands of nonprofit and community organizations who need highly skilled practitioners to assist them in addressing the formidable needs in our communities. The real goal of the book is to strengthen the quality of consulting available to these organizations to help them to do the work of meeting human needs, educating and enriching our society and building stronger, vital communities.

More than thirty consultants from across the country contributed ideas and stories and challenged my thinking during the development of this book. The final book is immeasurably enhanced by the participation of these people. Collectively, these contrbutors have over four hundred years of nonprofit consulting experience.

This book can be used in several ways:

• Those who have chosen the field of nonprofit consulting as a profession will find the book useful as a reference or a way to organize what they are already doing, whether they learned it through professional training or experience.
  
  
• People with technical specialties such as performing arts, accounting, social work, or housing will find the book provides a perspective on organizational and process issues encountered while consulting.
  
  
• Those who are new to the field of consulting may use the book as orientation to the field and a step-by-step guide through a particular consulting project.
  
  
• Consultants in the for-profit or public sectors can use the book to develop the skills and sensitivities needed when working with nonprofits.
  
  
• Funders can learn more about what to look for when funding consultation or technical assistance to their grantees.
  
  
• Students in public administration, nonprofit management, organization development or related fields may find it a useful guide for fieldwork, service projects or future career search. (p. XI-XII)

CONTENTS
Acknowledgements.
About the Author.
Preface.

Chapter One. The Environment: Consultation and the Nonprofit Sector.

The Need for Consultants in the Nonprofit Sector.
Definition of Consultation.
Kinds of Consultation.
Orientation to Nonprofit Consulting.
Chapter One Summary.

Chapter Two. The Process: Stages of Consulting.

Stage 1: Contracting.
Stage 2: Gathering and Analyzing Data.
Stage 3: Planning the Work.
Stage 4: Implementing and Monitoring.
Stage 5: Sustaining Change and Evaluating Impact.
Stage 6: Terminating the Consulting Project.
Chapter Two Summary.

Chapter Three. Artistry: Consulting Roles, Dynamics, and Ethics.

Consulting Roles.
The Dynamics of Change in the Consulting Process.
Team Consulting.
Internal vs. External Consultation.
Ethical Issues in Consultation.
Chapter Three Summary.

Chapter Four. Nuts and Bolts: Managing Your Consulting Practice.

Marketing Your Services.
Establishing Consulting Rates.
Evaluating Consulting Services.
Managing Your Development as a Consultant.
Funding Consultation and Technical Assistance.
Chapter Four Summary.
Conclusion.

Appendices: 
     Appendix A: Resources. 
     Appendix B: Sample Consulting Proposals. 
     Appendix C: Client Worksheeets. 
     Appendix D: Consultant Worksheets. 
     Appendix E: The Difference between Employee and Independent Contractor. 
     Appendix F: The Nonprofit Management Association Professional Standards for
                        Management Assistance Providers.
Index.

The job of running a nonprofit organization or successfully managing a community- or neighborhood-based agency is becoming increasingly complex and competitive. Strapped for resources and buffeted by economic and political forces while trying to address growing needs in the community, these organizations face enormous challenges, as well as opportunities. Many have the resources to hire consultants, planners, trainers, technical advisers, researchers, and facilitators to assist them in this enormous task; many do not.