Senior Fundraising Strategy & Interim Executive Leadership
Pani Advisory provides senior-level fundraising strategy, development leadership, and interim executive support to nonprofit organizations navigating transition, growth, or fundraising pressure.
Fundraising & Development Strategy Consulting
We partner with nonprofit leaders to design fundraising strategies that are realistic, sustainable, and aligned with organizational capacity, using proven, innovative methods.
This work is most often engaged when fundraising performance has stalled, leadership has changed, or boards need a clear plan forward.
Services include:
Fundraising strategy assessment and planning
Revenue pipeline and major gifts analysis
Development team structure and staffing design
Board fundraising strategy and engagement
Short- and long-term development planning
Engagements typically take the form of 90-day strategy projects or multi-month advisory engagements, depending on scope and need.
Capital Campaign Readiness & Campaign Rescue
Capital and comprehensive campaigns require disciplined planning, leadership alignment, and board accountability. Pani Advisory supports organizations preparing for campaigns—or correcting course mid-campaign—with clear-eyed analysis and practical strategy.
Services include:
Campaign readiness assessments
Campaign strategy and positioning
Leadership and principal gift planning
Board roles, expectations, and accountability
Campaign course correction and risk mitigation
This work is commonly initiated by boards and CEOs seeking clarity before making significant fundraising commitments.
Interim Director of Development, CDO & COO Services
Pani Advisory provides interim Director of Development, Chief Development Officer (CDO), and Chief Operating Officer (COO) leadership during periods of transition, retirement of founders, or other circumstances that may create instability in the absence of leadership.
These engagements focus on organizational stabilization, continuity, and preparing the organization for long-term success—not simply filling a vacancy.
Interim leadership support may include:
Managing development or operations teams
Stabilizing fundraising performance
Partnering with boards and executive leadership
Supporting executive search and leadership transitions
Strengthening systems, processes, and internal alignment
Interim engagements range in time period, and can be part-time or full-time depending on organizational need.
Strategic Advisory Retainers for Nonprofit Leaders and Development teams
For organizations seeking ongoing senior-level guidance without a full-time executive hire, Pani Advisory offers strategic advisory retainers.
This model provides experienced counsel, continuity, and accountability over time.
Retainer support may include:
CEO and executive leadership advisory
Board partnership and facilitation
Oversight of fundraising strategy and execution
Support during periods of organizational change
Strategic problem-solving and decision support
Education seminars and coaching around relationship-based fundraising
Identifying and coaching volunteers, building frameworks to execute seasonal events or campaigns
Retainers are structured on a monthly basis, with clearly defined scope and outcomes.
How the Advisory Works
All engagements are led directly by Alicia Pani, Founder and Fundraising Strategist of Pani Advisory. Executive-level work is not delegated or outsourced.
Our approach is:
Senior-led and hands-on
Clearly scoped and outcome-focused
Grounded in real-world nonprofit leadership experience
Pani Advisory works with arts and culture organizations, mission-driven nonprofits, and international institutions seeking clarity, stability, and forward momentum.
Standard Rates
For facilitation, training, and intensive workshops:
Board retreat facilitation $2,500-$5,000/day
Staff training workshop $2,000-$4,000/day
Strategic planning session $2,500-$5,000/day
Executive coaching session $500-$1,500/session (typically 60-90 minutes)
Retainer Arrangements
Monthly retainer arrangements for ongoing advisory support:
Retainer Level
Light touch (advisory) $1,500-$3,000/month: Regular check-in, email access, 4-8 hours of support
Standard $3,000-$7,500/month: Weekly check-ins, project management, 15-25 hours
Intensive $7,500-$15,000/month: Near-embedded consultant, dedicated weekly time, 30+ hours
Project-Based Fees
Strategic planning (full process, 3-6 months) $15,000-$50,000
Board assessment and development (multi-month) $10,000-$25,000
Executive director search $15,000-$40,000
Fundraising feasibility study $15,000-$35,000
Capital campaign counsel (multi-year) $50,000-$150,000+
Fund development audit and plan $10,000-$25,000
Organizational assessment $8,000-$20,000
Grant writing (per proposal) $2,000-$10,000
Merger / partnership facilitation $20,000-$75,000
Pani Advisory works with community-centric nonprofits at affordable rates.
Startups are considered on a case-by-case basis
Operating budget of less than $500K
$100 per hour, with a monthly retainer rate of $75 per hour; Monthly retainer at $1000
Probono services
Probono projects are conducted regularly by Pani Advisory. They allow our services to be donated inkind to support a nonprofit organization that aligns with Pani Advisory’s mission and values. Probono projects are intended to be a catalyst for sourcing external inkind or funding opportunities. Inquiries are received on a rolling basis. These services are based on time and availability.
Project categories:
Female-or-Minority-led
Independent film-based alliances
Ann Arbor, Michigan cultural projects
Inquiries about probono projects can be sent to: alicia@paniadvisory.org.
Start a Conversation
If your organization is facing a fundraising challenge, operational uncertainty, leadership transition, or strategic inflection point, we can start talking with a complimentary, confidential, 60-minute consultation. Consults can be virtual or in-person and are based on availability.
Email Pani Advisory to explore next steps: alicia@paniadvisory.org.