Association of Philanthropic Counsel

Join APC

Peer Community Dedicated to
Nonprofit Consulting Excellence

International professional association of philanthropic consultants working with nonprofit organizations.

For Ethical Firms Committed to Putting Nonprofit Clients First

Rigorous Code of Ethics

Forums & Events

Peer-to-Peer Support

What Members Say

Joining APC immediately put me on a ‘team’ with 40+ other consultants from around the U.S. and Canada. I was searching for peer support, professional development and friendship with my peers and found it through APC.

For those of us who approach our work not only as a practitioner, but as a student – committed to learning every day from each other, and our clients – APC affords me an intellectual and practical experience that nourishes my knowledge, and my ability to better serve my clients.

Upcoming Events

To help you run a successful and profitable nonprofit consulting practice.

APC Differentiating Your Consultancy
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APC Member Benefits

Exclusive Peer-to-peer resources

Member conference calls to discuss lates research, trends, or philanthropy publications

Member listserv for advice, dialogue and discussion

Online resources, documents and tools for your clients and managing your practice

Enriching Educational Forums

Stay current and connected with members and guests at our signature events

Pre-approved CRFE continuing education credits

2x/year

Member-Only Discounts

Discounts on products and services used by nonprofit consultants, e.g., DonorSearch, etc.

Up to 20% off CFRE certification and renewal fees

Join APC Today

APC is open to any practitioner or firm whose primary business (60% or more of your firm's time) provides counsel in one or more of the following philanthropic activities:

  • Annual and/or capital campaigns
  • Board development
  • Strategic planning
  • Development communications
  • Grant writing
  • Development planning or training

Members must meet APC Criteria Standards (below).

APC Membership Criteria

Upholding the Highest Ethical Standards and Verifiable Integrity

Membership is open to sole practitioners whose primary professional endeavor is philanthropic consulting as well as firms with multiple employees or contractors who meet the following criteria:

  • The principal of the firm must possess at least five years’ professional experience with nonprofit 501(c)(3) organizations.
  • Maintains a client profile that consists of at least 60% nonprofit, charitable, and/or public organizations including significant service to 501(c)(3) organizations.
  • The principal or lead consultant has worked solely as a consultant for the previous three years**
  • Has experience in serving organizations as staff in a development, executive management, or in a paid consultant role.
  • Possesses educational qualifications and training from institutions of higher education and/or professional organizations. A bachelor’s degree, CFRE, or CASE designation is required.
  • Conducts business in an ethical manner and within the code of ethics of the fund-raising profession and all applicable laws and regulations.
  • Interfaces with nonprofit, charitable, and/or public institutions with legally constituted nonprofit governing boards.
  • Encourages and seeks public understanding of the needs addressed by these nonprofit organizations.
  • Serves causes that exemplify the definition of the word “philanthropy.”
  • Provides professional fundraising guidance and advice to nonprofit organizations and is financially remunerated for such services from at least two clients annually.
  • Assists in the success of their nonprofit client organizations.
  • Evidences positive results from such services which are acknowledged by clients.

** An Emerging Firm membership is available for consultants that have between one and three years of consulting experience.

What members say

APC has been an enriching experience through the relationships developed and the professionalism experienced through specialized seminars for nonprofit consulting.