Third Sector Consulting

Find More Funders
Win More Grants
Raise More Money

Founder & Principal

Laura Rhodes, CFRE
Nonprofit Consultant | Speaker & Trainer
"HI, I'M LAURA! And I want to help you find more funders, win more grants and raise more money for your nonprofit. Are you ready?"

Laura Rhodes is a Certified Fund Raising Executive and fundraising trainer who has 20+ years of experience working with – and for – nonprofits.

Laura started her nonprofit career in development and communications. She later served as an interim executive director. As a volunteer, Laura has been a board member, board chair, marketing committee chair and resource development committee chair. And prior to starting her consulting business, Laura was a regional program officer with the American Express Foundation, which awarded $30 million to nonprofits each year.

Having been both a grantmaker and a fundraiser, Laura uses her unique perspective to help nonprofits find more funders, win more grants and raise more money for their cause.

Laura has helped nonprofits raise millions of dollars from grants, events, direct mail and workplace giving campaigns. She also provides prospect research and grant writing support for organizations that want to write their own grants.

She is a popular nonprofit conference speaker and leads workshops and trainings for nonprofit staff and boards across the U.S.

Certifications & Professional Affiliations

 

What nonprofits say about Laura...

I can't tell you how much your classes have taught me and how valuable they are going to be to our Chamber! Whipping our board into shape is the first item on our list and we wouldn't be able to do that in an effective way if it wasn't for you!

Keri Driggers, Membership Director, Fountain Inn Chamber of Commerce

Laura taught a basic grant writing class in which I was enrolled. The class was well thought out and presented. Course material was reinforced by thought-provoking writing exercises. I was impressed with Laura's depth of understanding, critical thinking and ability to convey technical information.

Larry Shotland, Board Member, Public Land/Water Access Association

Laura's prospect report was not merely a matter of her handing us a list. Because Laura cares and is conscientious, her services went above and beyond what was expected. She attended several board meetings and was professional and generous, often giving us specific suggestions that might help us with fundraising.

Chuck Peck, Board Member, Bozeman Sculpture Park

Laura is a valuable resource in our community. Her presentation this year on fundraising for our monthly Nonprofit Cafe had our highest attendance to date. Laura is able to make fundraising and grant writing accessible to a nonprofit of any size and capacity.

Bridget Wilkinson, Foundation Manager, Bozeman Area Community Foundation

Featured Blog Post

"Let's Talk Nonprofit" is a blog by Third Sector Consulting that addresses common questions that nonprofits have. Ready? Great! Let's Talk Nonprofit.

Anatomy of a Stellar Thank You Letter
Here are some simple truths: When you give someone a gift, you expect them to say "thank you." And when a donor makes a contribution to your nonprofit, you should always say thank you. In writing. It doesn't have to be handwritten. It could be a typed letter. Or even email. Whatever medium you choose, your "thank you" should have some basic elements. Follow these four simple steps and you'll take your thank you letters from average to All Star! (read more)