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 is simply the gold standard! If you're fortunate enough to work with her, your nonprofit will be better off. And if you are the liaison with her, you will be rewarded personally as well. A stellar human being and an expert at her craft, bar none!

Mary Bryan, Co-Founder, 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's prospect report was not merely a matter of her handing us a list. Because Laura cares and is conscientious, her services went above and beyond what was expected. She attended several board meetings and was professional and generous, often giving us specific suggestions that might help us with fundraising.

Chuck Peck, Board Member, Bozeman Sculpture Park

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)