I’ve hired consultants in the past and don’t have anything to show for it. What added value can DB&A provide to my organization?
We structure our contracts to ensure specific deliverables with real, sustainable value, such as:
* Compelling new language to describe your programs
* New ways of presenting your program to prospective supporters
* Strategies to build and strengthen your relationships with specific funders
* Strategies to maximize individual and institutional giving
* New funding prospects
How do I know that it's the time for my organization to hire a consultant?
Organizations typically approach us when growth, change, or opportunity has led them into unfamiliar and / or challenging territory. Planning for growth, revisiting the mission, embarking on a major fundraising program, dealing with a financial crisis, transitioning from a founder led to a Board led organization, and making the most of a promising opportunity are typical of the issues facing the dynamic cultural organizations with whom we work. We have helped hundreds of organizations successfully address these challenges.
What size organizations does DB&A work with?
We specialize in the needs of small and mid-sized organizations. Generally, we work with organizations whose budgets range from $50,000 to $5 million, although we've made exceptions on occasion.
How does DB&A choose clients?
DB&A offers meetings with prospective clients at no cost or obligation to assess whether we can be effective for the client. We will only recommend that you work with us if we think we can be helpful.
What if our goals change during the course of our contract?
We work with each prospective client to devise a plan that specifically addresses their needs. We are always willing to modify the course of our work in response to unexpected opportunities and new information, maximizing the effectiveness of our collaboration.
Who does the work?
We are a group of seven development professionals working collaboratively. DB&A's work is informed and enhanced by our associates’ "in the trenches" development experience as well as our professional experience as artists, performers, company directors, scholars, and educators. We are committed to doing the best work for our clients in the most efficient way possible. This includes managing workflow and billing in order to ensure maximum productivity at the lowest possible cost.
By hiring a consultant, will I be stepping on the toes of my development team?
We see ourselves as a support for development staff and organizational leadership. Because we have consultants at a range of levels, we provide customizable services that complement the skills and experience of each of our client's existing personnel. In effect, we become part of an organization's development team bringing expertise, assessment, and perspective when needed most.
How does DB&A bill clients?
We bill on an hourly basis. This way, clients only pay for work that is completed. This gives the client substantial control over the work and its cost.
How will I know the cost of working with DB&A?
Our staff works with prospective clients to create an estimate of the work needed, and together we determine a “contract amount” based on that estimate. This amount determines the maximum cost DB&A is entitled to charge over the term of the contract.
How often can clients obtain reports of contract hours billed?
A client may request to see a report of time spent on their contract at any time. Generally we're able to e-mail or send a detailed report (by the quarter hour) within 5 days. A detailed report is also sent with any bill we submit to the client.
What are your rates?
Hourly rates for DB&A staff members and affiliated consultants range from $50-$200/hour.
What accreditations does DB&A have?
DB&A has been registered as a Fundraising Consultant with the New York State Charities Bureau since 1999. DB&A is also an approved vendor for grantees of the Upper Manhattan Empowerment Zone, Kellogg Action Lab, and the NYC Department of Cultural Affairs.
