What We Offer

Every organization is unique and has unique needs. Unfortunately, the price point of many large consulting firms is simply out of reach for small- to mid-size nonprofits. Black Dog Philanthropic was established to help augment the great work of nonprofit organizations through bespoke philanthropic consulting at a fair, sustainable cost. Each scope of work is customized based on the organization’s needs. Depending on your goals, we may structure our work as a project-based flat fee, a monthly retainer, or another model that ensures you get the right level of support without unnecessary overhead.

  • Whether you’re preparing for a capital campaign, strengthening your annual fund, or exploring new grant opportunities, we build fundraising plans that fit your organization’s strengths. We specialize in:

    • Capital campaigns: feasibility studies, case development, prospect research, and campaign management

    • Major and annual gifts: custom donor strategies, gift tables, cultivation plans, and crafting annual appeals

    • Grants: prospecting, writing, and reporting to align with funder expectations

    • Comprehensive fundraising plans: integrating board, staff, and community resources for sustainable growth

  • A good plan doesn’t sit on a shelf… it brings people together and sparks momentum. We design processes that engage board, staff, and stakeholders in real conversation, surfacing both opportunities and challenges. Through interviews, retreats, and data-driven analysis, we help organizations clarify their mission, set bold yet achievable priorities, and build roadmaps that guide action. The result is not just a document, but a shared vision your team feels ready to own and implement.

  • Strong boards and strong teams make strong missions. We support board recruitment and training, ensuring that members are prepared to govern and fundraise effectively. We also help organizations align their values with inclusive governance practices and conduct salary and benefits benchmarking to support fair, competitive compensation.

  • We don’t gatekeep: we believe fundraising knowledge should be shared widely. That’s why we regularly teach classes and lead learning cohorts of all sizes. From annual giving and digital campaigns to major gifts and planned giving, our sessions are practical, interactive, fun (!), and designed to meet organizations where they are. Whether it’s a one-time workshop or a multi-week cohort, participants leave with tools they can put to work right away, and the confidence to grow their fundraising.

  • From the spark of an idea to a fully recognized 501(c)(3), we help founders navigate the process of starting a nonprofit with clarity and confidence. We guide you through the practical steps (incorporation, bylaws, IRS applications, and governance structures) while also helping you shape a mission, vision, and fundraising strategy that set you up for long-term success.

Looking for something different, but don’t see it here? Don’t know what you might need? Get in touch!