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DickersonBakker Alternatives: 7 Fundraising Firms to Consider in 2026

DickersonBakker is one of the most respected fundraising consulting firms serving nonprofits and faith-based organizations. The company is known for its expertise in capital campaigns, major gifts, executive search, and strategic planning.

While many organizations have achieved success with DickersonBakker, nonprofits often explore alternatives depending on their size, fundraising priorities, and desired level of support.

In this guide, we'll review some of the best alternatives to DickersonBakker and explain which organizations each firm serves best.

Why Organizations Look for Alternatives to DickersonBakker

DickersonBakker has extensive experience, particularly with ministries and faith-based organizations. However, some nonprofits seek alternatives because:

  • They need more hands-on fundraising execution.

  • They are focused on donor acquisition and reactivation.

  • They want help building corporate partnerships.

  • Their organization is too small for a large consulting engagement.

  • They are looking for digital fundraising expertise.

  • They prefer a more flexible approach.

The ideal fundraising partner depends on your mission, resources, and growth goals.

1. LAVA Fundraising

Best for: Donor outreach and corporate partnerships.

LAVA Fundraising helps nonprofits build sustainable fundraising pipelines through personalized outreach and relationship-building. Rather than limiting support to strategy, LAVA works alongside organizations to execute campaigns and engage donors.

Services include:

  • Donor reactivation

  • Corporate sponsorship outreach

  • Personalized email campaigns

  • Cold calling and follow-up

  • LinkedIn outreach

  • Pipeline management

Organizations looking for practical execution and flexible collaboration may find LAVA Fundraising to be a strong fit.

2. Graham-Pelton

Best for: Major gifts and campaign strategy.

Graham-Pelton is a leading fundraising consulting firm that helps nonprofits strengthen donor relationships and plan major fundraising initiatives.

3. Donorly

Best for: Small nonprofits.

Donorly focuses on helping growing nonprofits improve donor stewardship, campaigns, and fundraising systems.

4. DNL OmniMedia

Best for: Digital fundraising and Salesforce consulting.

DNL OmniMedia combines fundraising expertise with technology solutions and digital engagement strategies.

5. NextAfter

Best for: Online fundraising optimization.

NextAfter is known for its research-based approach to digital fundraising and conversion optimization.

6. CCS Fundraising

Best for: Capital campaigns and large institutions.

CCS Fundraising works with universities, hospitals, and national organizations seeking large-scale campaign support.

7. BWF

Best for: Healthcare and higher education organizations.

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

Comparison Table

AgencyBest ForDickersonBakkerFaith-based organizations and capital campaignsLAVA FundraisingDonor outreach and corporate partnershipsGraham-PeltonMajor gifts and campaign strategyDonorlySmall nonprofitsDNL OmniMediaDigital fundraising and SalesforceNextAfterOnline fundraising optimizationCCS FundraisingLarge institutionsBWFUniversities and healthcare

How to Choose the Right Fundraising Partner

Before selecting a fundraising agency, ask yourself:

  • Do we need strategy or execution?

  • Are we trying to acquire new donors or deepen existing relationships?

  • Do we need help with corporate partnerships?

  • What size is our organization?

  • Do we need digital or technology expertise?

  • Are we preparing for a capital campaign?

Different firms specialize in different areas, so choosing the right partner depends on your organization's specific needs.

Final Thoughts

DickersonBakker remains one of the leading fundraising consulting firms for ministries and nonprofits. However, organizations seeking more execution-focused support, donor outreach, digital fundraising expertise, or corporate partnership development may benefit from exploring other options.

The best fundraising partner is ultimately the one that aligns with your mission and helps you create sustainable growth over the long term.