What "Verified" means on ConsultNonprofit
The Verified badge is only granted to consultants who meet every one of the published standards below. It is not a paid tier and it is not automatic — our team reviews each request.
Verified is not the same as Founding. The Founding Consultant badge recognizes early participation in the marketplace; it does not certify credentials, references, or professional conduct. Only Verified reflects the review described on this page.
1. Profile has been claimed
The consultant (or an authorized representative) has claimed the listing and confirmed the details are accurate.
2. Business contact confirmed
We confirm a working business email — either via a matching website domain, a signed reply from the listed address, or a phone confirmation.
3. Active professional website
The listed website loads over HTTPS, describes the consultant's nonprofit services, and shows a real point of contact.
4. 3+ years of documented experience
The consultant can point to at least three years of nonprofit consulting work — engagements, case studies, references, or public bios.
5. Two client references on file (2 required, 3rd optional)
At least two nonprofit clients (past or current) willing to confirm the scope and outcome of the engagement when we reach out. A third reference is optional and can strengthen the review.
6. Credentials reviewed
We review documented credentials — degrees, professional certifications (CFRE, CAP, CNP, etc.), licenses, and association memberships — and confirm they are current and issued by a recognized body.
7. Code of Conduct accepted
The consultant has read and formally accepted the ConsultNonprofit Code of Conduct, agreeing to honest representation, client confidentiality, transparent pricing, and the AFP Donor Bill of Rights where applicable.
8. Clean standing
No unresolved client complaints on file with us, and no active regulatory or ethics issues we've been made aware of.
How to get verified
Start by claiming your profile. Once it's claimed, email hello@consultnonprofit.com with (a) links or documentation for standards 3–5, (b) copies or issuer links for any credentials you'd like reviewed, and (c) a signed acceptance of the Code of Conduct below. We usually respond within 3 business days.
Consultant Code of Conduct
Every Verified consultant agrees to the following. Acceptance is recorded with the firm's verification record and can be revoked if the consultant breaches these terms.
- Represent qualifications, experience, and outcomes honestly — no inflated claims, ghost-written case studies, or fabricated references.
- Keep client information confidential; never share donor data, strategy, or financials without explicit written consent.
- Disclose pricing, scope, and any conflicts of interest in writing before work begins.
- Do not accept commissions or percentage-based fees on funds raised (aligned with AFP standards).
- Honor the AFP Donor Bill of Rights when advising on fundraising strategy.
- Decline engagements outside the consultant's demonstrated area of competence, or bring in qualified partners.
- Respond to legitimate client complaints in good faith and cooperate with ConsultNonprofit review when asked.
What's on a Verified profile
Verified profiles publicly display the date the badge was granted, the current expiry date, the scope of what was reviewed (credentials, references, website, and Code of Conduct acceptance), and a link back to these standards so nonprofits can evaluate the signal themselves.
Annual renewal
The Verified badge is valid for 365 days from the date it's granted (or last renewed). Starting 30 days before expiry we email the primary contact with a one-click renewal link. If the firm re-attests to standards 1–8 above, the badge extends for another year. If the window closes without a response, the badge is automatically removed until the firm renews.
Renewal keeps the signal honest: it confirms the firm is still active, still serving nonprofits, and still in good standing.
We reserve the right to revoke the Verified badge at any time if a consultant no longer meets these standards. Verification is a signal — not a guarantee — and nonprofits should always conduct their own due diligence before engaging a consultant.