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...

I can't say enough about all the positive outcomes that Laura has brought to our organization. She's written amazing grants that have been critical to expanding our organization. She's helped me strengthen my  writing and improve my communication and contact with individual donors. She's also just truly a joy to talk to and work with.

Kelsie Severson, Director of Development, Mountain Home Montana

Laura taught a basic grant writing class in which I was enrolled. The class was well thought out and presented. Course material was reinforced by thought-provoking writing exercises. I was impressed with Laura's depth of understanding, critical thinking and ability to convey technical information.

Larry Shotland, Board Member, Public Land/Water Access Association

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

I couldn't be more pleased with the fundraising training offered by Laura. Laura's training has had a significant impact on the success of our organization. She played a very important part in allowing me to feel more confident in fundraising. I know that is shared by others at GVF2S who have participated in her workshops as well.

Sam Blomquist, Executive Director, Gallatin Valley Farm to School

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.

How You Should Be Talking To Your Donors
Penelope Burk literally wrote the book on "Donor Centered Fundraising" in 2003. So, the idea of donor-centricity isn't new. What's donor-centricity, you ask? It's organizing everything you do around the wants and needs of your donor. And in nonprofit communications, there's nothing more important than making the message about your donor. Here are some examples of how a lot of nonprofits talk to their donors...and how you should be talking to your donors. (read more)