A. While this may seem like the perfect solution to paying a consultant, it is actually destructive for all involved.

The primary goal of a consultant should match your goals, not his or her own short-term financial gain. We work with each of our clients to develop long-term relationships with their donors and do not want our interest to be perceived as anything but in the best interest of the donor and your organization.

We agree, whole-heartedly with the Association of Fundraising Professionals that “percentage based compensation can encourage abuses, imperils the integrity of the voluntary sector, and undermines the very philanthropic values on which the voluntary sector is based. AFP stands firm with its Standards of Professional Practice which prohibits members from working for percentage-based compensation or accepting finder’s fees.” For additional information on the subject, please visit the Association of Fundraising Professionals at http://www.afpnet.org

In addition, the Fund Raising Counsel, Inc. (Formerly known as the American Association of Fundraising Counsel) states the professional code of ethics as, “A flat, fixed fee or hourly rate is charged based on the level and extent of professional services provided. Fees are not based on the amount of charitable income raised or expected to be raised. Contracts providing for a contingent fee, a commission, or a fee based on percentage of funds raised are prohibited. Such contracts are harmful to the relationship between the donor and the institution and detrimental to the financial health of the client organization.” For further information, visit http://www.frcigroup.com/about-us/code-of-ethics