On-Demand Expert Consulting
Get expert guidance when you need it most.
Sometimes you just need to talk through your event challenges with someone who’s been there before. Our strategic consulting gives you direct access to fundraising event expertise—whether you need ongoing support or just a quick brainstorming session.
Professional guidance to solve problems, generate ideas, and maximize your fundraising potential. This is your opportunity to work directly with our consultants to increase fundraising opportunities, problem-solve program details, refine your special appeal, streamline your workload, and get strategic advice on any aspect of your event planning.
We Provide:
Ongoing event planning support and strategic guidance throughout your planning process.
Perfect For:
Organizations that need immediate expert guidance on specific challenges or want strategic support without long-term commitments.
Choose Your Consulting Approach
Option 1: On-Retainer Consulting
5-hour block billed in advance
Perfect for ongoing event planning support and strategic guidance throughout your planning process.
How It Works:
- Purchase 5-hour blocks in advance ($1,500 per block)
- Time logged in quarter-hour increments
- Includes all emails, phone calls, prep work, and meetings
- When a block is used, we’ll request approval before billing the next one
- Consulting blocks are good for one year from contract
- You maintain all sponsor and donor communications
Option 2: On-Demand Consulting
Schedule online directly with consultant at per-hour rates
Book individual sessions as needed with any of our three highly experienced, specialized fundraising event consultants. This is ideal if you’re looking for solutions to specific challenges or one-time strategic guidance.
Meet Our Consultants
Samantha Swaim
Event + Fundraising Strategy ($350/hour)
- Best event format for your organization
- How to produce a hybrid event or virtual event
- Sponsorship solicitation strategies
- Logistics (room set up, virtual components, registration, etc.)
- Maximizing your fundraising
- Special appeal story + strategy
Kristin Steele
Event Messaging + Storytelling ($350/hour)
- An impactful sequence of speakers and stories for an event program
- Talking about your organization in an emotionally compelling way that drives supporters to donate
- How to share your special appeal story in an ethical, impactful way
- How a great organizational speech can drive the energy of your event program
- Using storytelling in your event marketing
Mary Elizabeth
Event Data + Registration ($300/hour)
- Software + giving platform solutions for your fundraising event
- Training and expert advice on using specific fundraising event software (including Greater Giving, OneCause and Give Lively)
- How to best track sponsorships + guests attending your event
- How to best track auction items + packages for your event
- How to best track pre-committed donations for your special appeal
- Onsite registration setup (including check-in and check-out advice)
- How to handle hybrid event logistics within your event software (guest management, sales and donations)
The Bottom Line
This is pure strategic thinking time with experienced event fundraising professionals. You get direct access to expertise that helps you make better decisions, solve problems faster, and maximize your event's fundraising impact.
Consulting time focuses on strategic guidance only. Written deliverables, day-of-event support, and detailed documents require additional contracting.
On-Demand Consulting - Frequently Asked Questions
What are hourly consulting services for fundraising events?
Our hourly consulting services provide direct, strategic support for nonprofits planning fundraising events. Whether you need a one-time brainstorming session or ongoing guidance throughout your planning process, our consultants offer expert insight into fundraising strategy, event storytelling, data management, and more.
You can book a session on-demand or purchase a 5-hour retainer block for ongoing support. This service is ideal for organizations seeking flexible, expert input without committing to full-service event planning.
How does on-demand consulting work?
On-demand consulting is perfect if you need focused support on a specific challenge. You simply choose a consultant based on your needs and book an hourly session online.
Here are the available consultants and their specialties:
- Samantha Swaim – Event & Fundraising Strategy
- Kristin Steele – Event Messaging & Storytelling
- Mary Elizabeth – Event Data & Registration Systems
Common topics include hybrid event formats, special appeal messaging, registration systems, storytelling for fundraising, and more. It’s fast, flexible, and tailored to your most pressing questions.
How does on-retainer consulting work?
On-retainer consulting is best if you want strategic guidance throughout your event planning process. Here’s how it works:
- Purchase a 5-hour consulting block at a discounted rate, billed in advance
- Time is tracked in 15-minute increments (includes prep, emails, calls, and meetings)
- When one block is used, you’ll be notified before the next block is billed
- Blocks are valid for one year from the contract date
This model offers continuity and the ability to work with our team over time as your event develops.
What types of fundraising events do you support?
We support all types of nonprofit fundraising events, including:
- In-person galas and auctions
- Virtual and hybrid events
- Campaign launches or special appeal events
- Donor stewardship gatherings
Our consultants have experience across formats and can help you navigate logistics, maximize fundraising, and create compelling event narratives.
Can you help us with our special appeal story and program flow?
Yes! Crafting an effective and emotionally compelling special appeal is one of the most important aspects of a successful fundraising event. Kristin Steele specializes in storytelling and event messaging, offering guidance on:
- Sequencing speakers and stories
- Writing your special appeal in an ethical and motivating way
- Building donor-centered messaging that drives engagement and donations
And Samantha Swaim specializes in your fundraising strategy, matching gift leverage and paddle raise scripting, offering guidance on:
- Matching gift strategy
- Starting levels
- Revenue opportunities
- Path to hitting your fundraising goals
This ensures your event not only informs but also inspires giving.
Can you help us choose or use event software?
Absolutely. Mary Elizabeth is our expert in event data and registration systems, including:
- Comparing fundraising event platforms like Greater Giving, OneCause, Auctria, Paybee, Give Lively and more
- Advising on system setup for auctions, donor tracking, sponsorships, and hybrid event management
- Helping you streamline guest check-in, checkout, and donation processing
This is ideal if you’re navigating new software or want to improve how you’re using your current platform.
What’s included in consulting time?
Consulting time includes:
- Strategic advice during meetings, calls, and emails
- Prep time and review of materials
- Real-time problem solving, brainstorming, and guidance
- A recording of our call
It does not include written deliverables, day-of-event support, or detailed documentation. Those services may require a separate contract.
How do I know which consultant to book?
Each consultant focuses on a different area of event planning:
- Samantha – overall event & fundraising strategy
- Kristin – messaging, storytelling, special appeal scripting
- Mary Elizabeth – registration, software, and data systems
If you’re unsure which consultant best fits your needs, contact us and we’ll help match you with the right expert.
How do I get started?
Getting started is simple:
- For on-demand consulting, book a session online directly with your preferred consultant.
- For on-retainer consulting, contact us here to purchase your first 5-hour block and get a contract in place.
Once you’re set up, you’ll have direct access to expert guidance that helps your event thrive.
What if I need help with something not listed?
If you’re not sure whether your challenge falls under our listed services, just reach out! Our consultants have decades of experience across all areas of nonprofit event planning. We’re happy to clarify what’s included — or refer you to a trusted partner if it’s outside our scope.