Not all consultants are the same—and knowing the difference can save your team time, money, and momentum.
Many nonprofits know they need support, but aren’t always clear on what kind. The word “consultant” is used so broadly that it often loses meaning. That lack of clarity often leads organizations to hire generalists, only to realize later that they needed something more specific.
It doesn’t have to be that way.
At Catalyst:Ed, we work with nonprofits every day that are navigating strategy, staffing, systems, equity, growth, and everything in between. The best outcomes happen when the right expert is brought in at the right time, with the right focus. That starts with knowing who does what.
Free Resource: The Consultant Roles Guidebook
We created a free, downloadable guidebook to help nonprofit teams make smarter, more strategic decisions when seeking outside support.
Inside, you’ll find:
- 12 clearly defined consultant roles
- When to bring them in and what makes a strong fit
- Sample scenarios to help you match your needs to the right kind of support
Why Getting Specific Matters
When the problem is general, the solution will be too. If you’re hiring a consultant, it’s likely because something in your organization needs focused attention—whether that’s evaluation, fundraising, internal alignment, or growth planning.
But here’s the thing:
- An evaluator won’t solve a program design issue.
- A strategist isn’t the same as a systems builder.
- A connector and a coach serve entirely different purposes.
Too many organizations bring in the wrong kind of support, then feel frustrated when outcomes fall short. The more specific you are about what you need, the more value you’ll get from the partnership.
This guide will help you see those distinctions clearly so you can get the right kind of support, right from the start.
You Don’t Have to Figure It Out Alone
Clarity is a great first step, but even when you know the role you need, finding the right person for it can still be a challenge.
That’s where we come in. At Catalyst:Ed, we work with nonprofits to:
- Define what kind of support is actually needed
- Refine the scope and priorities
- Connect you to vetted, values-aligned consultants from our network of 900+ providers
Our role is to ensure you’re not just getting expert support, but also selecting the right support.
Schedule a Free Discovery Call to explore how Catalyst:Ed can collaborate on your next project.
Start Here. Move Smarter.
If your team is exploring outside support, or if you’ve ever found yourself asking “What kind of consultant do we actually need?”, this guide was made for you.
Download the Consultant Roles Guidebook A practical resource for nonprofits who want to match the right work with the right kind of support.
You’re here to create impact. Let’s make sure you’ve got the right people backing you up, every step of the way!
<<< Go back to Resource Library