Study Measures Use of Consultants

Nearly two-thirds of nonprofit organizations in the San Francisco area hire consultants each year, spending a total of $65-million, according to a study by two management consulting firms in California.

The study, which was conducted jointly by CompassPoint Nonprofit Services and Harder Co., is based on a survey of 506 nonprofit organizations in the San Francisco Bay area. A report on the study said that those groups most frequently hired consultants to work on technology issues, accounting, and fund raising.

Nonprofit organizations generally reported being satisfied with consultants’ work. Using a scale of one to five, with five being “very satisfied,” organizations gave the firms they hired an average rating of 4.1.

The study was financed by the David and Lucile Packard Foundation.

Copies of the consulting report are available for $10 each and can be obtained by contacting CompassPoint, 706 Mission Street, Fifth Floor, San Francisco 94103; (415) 541-0000; info@compasspoint.org.