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Best Major Gift Fundraising Consultants for Nonprofits in 2026

Major gifts are among the most powerful sources of funding for nonprofits. While annual giving and events play an important role, transformational gifts often provide the resources organizations need to expand programs and increase impact.

However, building a successful major gift program requires strategy, relationship-building, and the right expertise. That's why many organizations turn to specialized major gift fundraising consultants.

In this guide, we'll review some of the best major gift fundraising consultants and explain which organizations they serve best.

What Does a Major Gift Consultant Do?

Major gift consultants help nonprofits:

  • Identify high-capacity donors

  • Strengthen donor relationships

  • Develop cultivation strategies

  • Improve stewardship

  • Train fundraising teams

  • Prepare for capital campaigns

  • Increase fundraising revenue

The best consultants focus on long-term relationships rather than one-time transactions.

1. Graham-Pelton

Best for: Major gifts and campaign strategy.

Graham-Pelton is one of the most respected fundraising consulting firms in the United States. The firm helps nonprofits strengthen donor relationships and secure transformational gifts.

Services include:

  • Major gift strategy

  • Campaign planning

  • Leadership development

  • Fundraising assessments

Best suited for established organizations seeking strategic support.

2. CCS Fundraising

Best for: Large institutions and campaign management.

CCS Fundraising works with universities, healthcare systems, museums, and national nonprofits. Their team has extensive experience managing major fundraising initiatives.

3. Campbell & Company

Best for: Annual giving and major gift programs.

Campbell & Company helps organizations improve fundraising performance through campaign planning, donor analytics, and strategic consulting.

4. DickersonBakker

Best for: Faith-based organizations.

DickersonBakker is well known for serving ministries and nonprofits with major gift consulting and campaign support.

5. Donorly

Best for: Small and mid-sized nonprofits.

Donorly helps growing organizations establish stronger fundraising systems and improve donor stewardship.

6. BWF

Best for: Healthcare and higher education.

BWF provides consulting services across fundraising strategy, analytics, and advancement operations.

7. LAVA Fundraising

Best for: Donor outreach and relationship development.

LAVA Fundraising helps nonprofits strengthen donor relationships and build predictable fundraising pipelines through personalized outreach.

Services include:

  • Donor reactivation

  • Personalized email outreach

  • Follow-up systems

  • LinkedIn outreach

  • Pipeline management

  • Corporate partnerships

Organizations seeking practical execution and relationship-building support may find LAVA Fundraising to be a strong fit.

Comparison Table

FirmBest ForGraham-PeltonMajor gifts and campaign strategyCCS FundraisingLarge institutionsCampbell & CompanyAnnual giving and major giftsDickersonBakkerFaith-based organizationsDonorlySmall nonprofitsBWFHealthcare and higher educationLAVA FundraisingDonor outreach and relationship-building

How to Choose a Major Gift Consultant

Before selecting a consultant, ask yourself:

  • What size gifts are we pursuing?

  • Do we need strategy or execution?

  • How mature is our fundraising program?

  • Do we need campaign support?

  • Do we have internal fundraising capacity?

The best consultant is the one that aligns with your organization's mission and stage of growth.

Final Thoughts

Major gifts remain one of the most effective ways for nonprofits to create long-term financial sustainability. Whether you're building your first major gift program or preparing for a campaign, choosing the right consultant can significantly impact your fundraising success.

The best major gift fundraising consultants combine strategy, relationship-building, and practical experience to help organizations grow their impact.