• Independent consultants or firms serving U.S. nonprofits.
• At least three years of documented nonprofit consulting experience.
• An active business website and reachable business email.
• Willingness to complete a full profile within 14 days of acceptance.
• Agreement to the Consultant Code of Conduct.

Program size is capped at 50 firms. Once filled, new applicants join the standard membership path.

• Six months of complimentary Professional membership — full profile features and promotional benefits at no cost.
• Founding Consultant badge displayed on your public profile and directory card.
• Profile setup assistance — we'll help draft your bio, structure your service areas, and format case studies.
• Priority consideration for early matching requests that fit your specialties and states served.
• First look at Verified status — Founding Consultants are invited into the Verified review process ahead of the general queue.

• A claimed profile with accurate contact information, headquarters city and state, and service area.
• A short firm bio, list of specialties, engagement models, and typical project budget range.
• At least one representative result, case study, or client outcome.
• A response time commitment for match introductions (typically two business days).
• Truthful, current information — Founding status can be removed for material misrepresentation.

The six months of complimentary Professional membership carry no automatic conversion. At the end of the founding term you can continue on any paid tier, downgrade to the free Listed tier, or leave the marketplace entirely. We won't charge a card on file, and we won't hide your profile behind a paywall to force renewal.

You can update, pause, or remove your listing at any time from your consultant dashboard.

Founding Consultant is a program badge. It recognizes early partners who helped launch the marketplace. It is not a verification claim — it does not certify credentials, references, or professional conduct on its own.

Verified Consultant is a separate status earned by meeting our published verification standards: a claimed profile, confirmed business contact, active website, at least three years of documented nonprofit consulting work, and review of references and credentials. Verification is renewed annually.

Founding Consultants are invited into the Verified review process early, but the two badges are always shown distinctly and the Founding badge never appears in place of Verified.

Who is eligible to become a Founding Consultant?

Independent consultants or firms that serve U.S. nonprofits, have at least three years of documented nonprofit consulting experience, maintain an active business website and email, and agree to our Code of Conduct. The program is limited to the first 25–50 accepted firms.

Is the Founding Consultant badge the same as Verified?

No. The Founding badge recognizes early partners who helped launch the marketplace. It does not certify credentials, references, or professional conduct. Only the Verified badge means a firm has met our published verification standards.

Can a Founding Consultant display the Verified badge too?

Yes. Founding Consultants are invited into the Verified review process early, and both badges can appear together. They are always shown distinctly so nonprofits understand what each one means.

What happens after the six free months end?

There is no automatic conversion or hidden charge. You may continue on any paid tier, downgrade to the free Listed tier, or remove your profile entirely. We will not charge a card on file without explicit consent.

I am already listed on ConsultNonprofit. Can I apply?

Yes. Start by claiming your existing listing, then submit the application below and mention your current profile. We will review your request within three business days.

What if the program fills before my application is approved?

If the cap is reached, we will notify you promptly and offer the next available path: standard membership, a waitlist spot, or help listing your firm on the free tier.

Can Founding status be revoked?

Yes. Founding status may be removed for material misrepresentation, violation of the Code of Conduct, or prolonged inactivity. Revocation does not affect a separate Verified status earned through the standard review process.

Already listed on ConsultNonprofit? Start by claiming your existing profile — this confirms ownership and unlocks the ability to edit your information.

Claim your existing listing

New to the marketplace? Submit your firm and mention "Founding Consultant" in the notes field. We'll review and reply within three business days.

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