Fundraising FAQs

The Heller Fundraising Group is a small, smart, and versatile nonprofit consulting firm based in New York City. We work exclusively with nonprofits to help them overcome organizational challenges, donor fatigue, and limiting beliefs — so they can raise more money than ever before. Our team has supported more than 120 nonprofits across the U.S. and internationally. Meet our team →

Not necessarily. We’re headquartered in New York City but help clients nationwide and abroad. We meet with project leaders virtually and in person as needed. Recent clients include nonprofits in New York, New Jersey, Connecticut, Virginia, Pennsylvania, California, Maine, North Dakota, and New Hampshire. View our client list →

A fundraising consultant provides both strategic guidance and hands-on support for your capital campaign, feasibility study, major gift program, leadership training, and development assessment. We don’t raise the money for you — we help you do it better yourself. Explore our services →

A professional fundraiser is often paid a percentage of funds raised, which is considered poor practice in the industry. A fundraising consultant provides strategy, training, and coaching — not commission-based fundraising. Heller Fundraising Group strengthens your team’s capacity and relationships rather than substituting for them.

You’re in the right place. The first step is a conversation. We’ll learn about your goals and determine if we can help. Contact us →

Costs depend on project type and scope. Fundraising consultants typically charge a daily rate, monthly retainer, or project-based fee. Heller Fundraising Group provides a clear, written agreement for every engagement, outlining deliverables and pricing upfront.

Not often. The best consultants don’t “bring their own donors” — they help you build your own. We help nonprofits identify and cultivate their Natural Networks to grow sustainable donor relationships.

Yes — when you’re ready to grow. If you’re new to fundraising, we provide structure and training. If you’re preparing for a capital campaign or scaling major gifts, we add expert strategy and systems for success.

A capital campaign is a focused, time-limited effort to raise funds beyond annual operations, often for building projects, program expansion, or endowments. Campaigns rally your board, staff, donors, and community around your future vision. Learn more about capital campaigns →

Major gifts often represent 80–90% of a nonprofit’s revenue. We help you build a structured major gift toolkit, train your team, and coach leadership for effective donor relationships. Explore major gift programs →

Almost always. A feasibility study helps you test readiness, define your goal, and inspire leadership buy-in. Our studies examine six key success elements: Goal, Case, Donors, Leadership, Systems, and Timing. Learn about feasibility studies →

Probably. Even experienced fundraisers benefit from targeted training. We provide custom workshops for development teams, boards, and campaign committees — helping your leaders build confidence and skill. See training options →

Our fundraising training meets your team where they are — from beginner to advanced. We combine high-level strategy with practical next steps so you can act confidently after every session.

Fundraising is ongoing. A major gift program typically takes six months to gain traction, while a capital campaign may run 18–48 months depending on project size and readiness.

No. Like most worthwhile endeavors, fundraising requires an investment. If your organization lacks a fundraising budget, start with online resources — but professional consulting significantly increases long-term success.

Yes — always. Common obstacles include weak storytelling, poor organization, and underused donor connections. We help you fix all three. Start a free strategy session →

Talk with us. Nonprofits succeed when they have clear systems and confident teams. We’ll help you plan, focus, and fund your next big goal. Book a consultation →