Third Sector Consulting

Find More Funders
Win More Grants
Raise More Money

Founder & Principal

Laura Rhodes, CFRE
Nonprofit Consultant | Speaker & Trainer
"HI, I'M LAURA! And I want to help you find more funders, win more grants and raise more money for your nonprofit. Are you ready?"

Laura Rhodes is a Certified Fund Raising Executive and fundraising trainer who has 20+ years of experience working with – and for – nonprofits.

Laura started her nonprofit career in development and communications. She later served as an interim executive director. As a volunteer, Laura has been a board member, board chair, marketing committee chair and resource development committee chair. And prior to starting her consulting business, Laura was a regional program officer with the American Express Foundation, which awarded $30 million to nonprofits each year.

Having been both a grantmaker and a fundraiser, Laura uses her unique perspective to help nonprofits find more funders, win more grants and raise more money for their cause.

Laura has helped nonprofits raise millions of dollars from grants, events, direct mail and workplace giving campaigns. She also provides prospect research and grant writing support for organizations that want to write their own grants.

She is a popular nonprofit conference speaker and leads workshops and trainings for nonprofit staff and boards across the U.S.

Certifications & Professional Affiliations

 

What nonprofits say about Laura...

When the foundation called to tell us we had received an increased award, they said that our proposal [that Laura wrote] was hands down 'the best, the most thorough proposal. Gold star, A+!' 

Mary, Director of Donor Relations, Child Bridge

It is so time consuming to research grants, and having Laura put together a full report on each prospect was extremely valuable to our organization. We also appreciate Laura's expert advice and suggestions on grant proposals that we have submitted.

Neelie Burman, Executive Director, Big Brothers Big Sisters of Gallatin County

Laura is a valuable resource in our community. Her presentation this year on fundraising for our monthly Nonprofit Cafe had our highest attendance to date. Laura is able to make fundraising and grant writing accessible to a nonprofit of any size and capacity.

Bridget Wilkinson, Foundation Manager, Bozeman Area Community Foundation

Working with Laura streamlined the incredibly complex process of grant writing. She got to know our organization and projects and translated that knowledge into a clear set of steps for us to move forward and grow.

Gregg Treinish, Executive Director, Adventure Scientists

Featured Blog Post

"Let's Talk Nonprofit" is a blog by Third Sector Consulting that addresses common questions that nonprofits have. Ready? Great! Let's Talk Nonprofit.

5 Little Things That Will Make a Big Difference in Your Next Fundraising Appeal
Here's a little fundraising inspiration from the football field. Bear Bryant, legendary coach of the Alabama Crimson Tide, once said, "Little things make the difference. Everyone is well prepared in the big things, but only the winners perfect the little things." That's true for your fundraising appeal, too. Yes, there are best practices in letter writing - those are the big things. This post shares 5 simple "little things" you can do to make your next fundraising letter stand out. (read more)