Frequently Asked Questions

Before you consider entering into a professional relationship with MULTIPLY, please read the following frequently asked questions:

1. Why should I hire a consultant?

A consultant can offer a fresh and unbiased view of the inner workings of your organization and is therefore able to make honest and necessary recommendations to improve the efficiency of your organization’s actions and programs. With much professional experience and many accomplished campaigns under their belts, we have valued knowledge of what does and doesn’t work.

3. When is the best time to hire a consultant?

It depends on what your needs are. Do you have a budget? Are you really ready for change? Do you have the time to commit to working with a consultant? Do you have an understanding of the organization’s big picture goals? By answering these questions, you will understand which type of consultant (whether it be for governance, strategic planning, fundraising, communications or other) you will need. Still not sure? Give us a call and let us help you decide if you are ready.

4. What makes MULTIPLY different from other fundraising firms?

Through extensive market research in the greater Montreal region, a shortage of affordable consultancy firms with a heightened level of expertise in both English and French became evident. MULTIPLY was launched in order to respond to this shortage and caters to small to mid-sized nonprofits that are often dealing with specific issues such as fundraising, board management and strategic planning for the future. MULTIPLY believes in a personalized approach to training nonprofits how take control of the situation to ensure long-term sustainability and development.

5. What fundraising expertise do you specialize in?

Our expertise is vast and varied. We cover topics including:

• feasibility studies
• database development
• major gifts
• annual appeals
• special events
• planned giving
• capital campaigns
• sponsorship
• building infrastructure of your organisation to support fundraising
• donor research
• board development in fundraising

6. What does good governance mean and how can MULTIPLY help?

Good governance equals leadership excellence: it’s about making the right decisions for your organization and determining the most effective way to implement them. Usually, in a nonprofit context, governance is the duty of an organization’s board of directors. In order to achieve its mission with excellence it is necessary that a board be comprised of members who understand their roles and responsibilities. With MULTIPLY, you can realign your organization’s mission and vision, redefine the responsibilities of your board members and learn how to efficiently manage your team. We can help:

• define the roles and responsibilities of the board team
• determine or adjust your mission and purpose
• determine or adjust your vision
• build a competent board
• monitor and strengthen your organization’s structure
• ensure effective planning
• evaluate your board members

7. What is a strategic plan? Why does a nonprofit need one?

A strategic plan determines where an organization is going and, most importantly, how it will get there. It takes into account all aspects of an organization and creates concrete and realistic objectives based on its resources. It is also a management tool that helps an organization do a better job, as it draws a road map for the future. Nonprofits can particularly benefit from strategic plans as they help demonstrate to partners the seriousness of the organization, letting them know that their goals are set and the team is all looking in the same direction. Usually, a strategic plan is made up for a 3 to 5 year period. We can help:

• define the purpose of your organization
• analyze your past history (what worked, what didn’t work and why)
• conduct and internal and external analysis (SWOT)
• define your perspectives
• define your realistic goals
• propose recommendations to achieve those goals
• determine an action plan (calendar)
• train / coach in the implementation of an action plan
• define your evaluation tools

8. How frequent are the consulting visits?

This depends on the schedule that is set up before the contract is signed. While some clients prefer an intensive weekly consultation, others, depending on their needs, may decide to meet for a half day every two weeks. Together, we help define a plan that will work for you.

9. How long will this take?

It depends on the service requested. While a board retreat may only take an afternoon, other services, such as providing a diagnostic overview, analyses and a detailed multi-year strategic plan, will take more time. MULTIPLY understands that working with consultants on-site can be time consuming and resource-intense, so therefore we aim to maximize our time together. This means that the more involvement you have, the more productive the work and the greater the outcome.