Running a nonprofit arts organization in the Philadelphia area means juggling passion with limited budgets, small teams, and constant pressure to prove impact. You need a consultant who speaks your language — not just business jargon, but the unique challenges
Why Philadelphia’s Nonprofit Consulting Scene Is a Perfect Fit for Arts Organizations
Philadelphia is home to a dense network of arts, culture, and education nonprofits, from small community theaters to major museums. Yet many of these organizations operate with lean staffs and tight budgets, making it hard to invest in strategic planning, fundraising infrastructure, or leadership development. That’s where independent consultants come in. Unlike large national firms, local solo practitioners and small teams offer affordable, customized support that respects your mission and constraints. The consultants on this list all work primarily in the Greater Philadelphia region and have deep experience with arts and culture clients. They understand the funding landscape, the importance of board engagement, and the need to balance artistic integrity with financial sustainability.
How I Selected and Ranked These Consultants
I evaluated each consultant based on four criteria: (1) Niche alignment with arts, education, and cultural nonprofits in the Philadelphia area; (2) Depth of experience and range of services offered; (3) Client feedback and reputation (where available); and (4) Accessibility and fit for small to mid-sized organizations. I prioritized consultants who demonstrate a clear understanding of the unique challenges nonprofits face — limited resources, passionate but overworked staff, and the need for practical, actionable plans. Pricing transparency was not a factor since all firms use custom quotes, but I noted where pricing information is available.
Here’s a quick comparison of the five consultants to help you narrow down your options.
| Provider | Best For | Pricing |
|---|---|---|
| Strategy Arts | Nonprofits needing comprehensive strategic planning with a focus on equity and community engagement | Not publicly listed; custom quotes based on engagement scope |
| Catch 3 Consulting | Small to mid-sized arts and culture nonprofits needing integrated fundraising and communications strategy | Not publicly listed; custom project-based pricing |
| Concentric Strategy | Arts and education nonprofits seeking a dedicated solo consultant for strategic planning and facilitation | Not publicly listed; custom quotes based on project scope |
| Jay Pennie Consulting | Small to mid-sized arts and cultural nonprofits that need hands-on strategic planning and startup guidance | Not publicly listed; custom hourly or project-based rates |
| Kim Andrews Nonprofit Consulting | Nonprofits in transition needing interim management or change management support | Not publicly listed; custom hourly or project-based rates |
Detailed Reviews of Each Consultant
#1 Strategy Arts
A screenshot of the Strategy Arts website.
Strategy Arts is a certified B Corporation based in West Chester, PA, serving nonprofits, government, and corporate clients since 2003. They focus on strategic planning, program strategy, brand development, equitable community engagement, and collective impact. Their team brings deep facilitation skills and a commitment to equity, making them a strong choice for organizations undergoing major change or growth. They work with arts and culture clients regularly, but also serve education, health, and social services. Because they’re a larger firm (multiple consultants), they can handle complex, multi-stakeholder projects that a solo practitioner might struggle with. Their B Corp status signals a values-driven approach that aligns well with nonprofit missions.
Consultant Comparison:
- Pro: Certified B Corporation with a strong equity lens and capacity for large-scale projects
- Con: May be overkill or too expensive for very small nonprofits with limited budgets
- Pricing: Not publicly listed; custom quotes based on engagement scope
#2 Catch 3 Consulting
A screenshot of the Catch 3 Consulting website.
Catch 3 Consulting is a women-owned small business in Philadelphia with a team of four principals: Liz McClearn, Juliette Hyson, Katie Cannon, and Candace Bell. They specialize in fund development, strategy, and communications for small to mid-sized nonprofits, with a particular focus on arts, arts education, historic preservation, and youth development. Their niche overlaps almost perfectly with Jay Pennie Consulting, making them a direct competitor. The team approach means you get multiple perspectives and skill sets, which can be invaluable for organizations that need both fundraising strategy and communications support. They offer project-based pricing and are known for being hands-on and responsive.
Consultant Comparison:
- Pro: Team of four experienced consultants provides diverse expertise in one engagement
- Con: May not be ideal for organizations that prefer a single point of contact or very small projects
- Pricing: Not publicly listed; custom project-based pricing
#3 Concentric Strategy
A screenshot of the Concentric Strategy website.
Concentric Strategy is a solo practice founded by Melinda Steffy, based in Philadelphia. She offers strategic planning, facilitation, and communications for nonprofits, with a focus on arts & culture, education, environment, philanthropy, and social justice. As a solo practitioner, she provides a highly personalized experience and can be more flexible with scheduling and scope than larger firms. Her background includes both nonprofit leadership and consulting, so she understands the operational realities you face. She’s a good fit for organizations that want a dedicated consultant who will deeply understand their mission and work alongside them through the planning process.
Consultant Comparison:
- Pro: Highly personalized service from an experienced solo practitioner with a strong arts focus
- Con: Limited capacity for large or multi-site projects; may have longer lead times
- Pricing: Not publicly listed; custom quotes based on project scope
#4 Jay Pennie Consulting
A screenshot of the Jay Pennie Consulting website.
Jay Pennie Consulting is a solo practice serving the Greater Philadelphia area, founded by Jay Pennie, who brings over 20 years of leadership experience in nonprofit arts, education, and cultural organizations. He also has 15 years of retail business operations experience, giving him a unique blend of entrepreneurial and nonprofit expertise. Services include strategic planning for sustainability, developing strategic partnerships, guidance for nonprofit startups, leadership development and transition assistance, and management advisory. Jay works closely with executive directors, boards, and volunteers to create customized plans that address resource constraints. His website emphasizes that nonprofits are businesses too, and he focuses on helping you bridge the gap between passion and operational reality.
Consultant Comparison:
- Pro: Deep experience in both nonprofit and retail business operations brings a practical, entrepreneurial perspective
- Con: Solo practitioner may have limited availability for large or time-sensitive projects
- Pricing: Not publicly listed; custom hourly or project-based rates
#5 Kim Andrews Nonprofit Consulting
Kim Andrews Nonprofit Consulting is a solo practice listed on the Chester County Community Foundation consultant directory. Kim specializes in change management, partnerships, strategic planning, interim management, and organizational development for nonprofits. She serves the Greater Philadelphia region and is a good option for organizations going through leadership transitions or needing interim executive support. Her background includes both nonprofit leadership and consulting, so she understands the operational realities you face. As a solo practitioner, she offers a personalized approach and can be more flexible with scheduling and scope than larger firms.
Consultant Comparison:
- Pro: Strong focus on change management and interim leadership, filling a specific gap
- Con: Less publicly visible online presence and fewer client testimonials compared to others on this list
- Pricing: Not publicly listed; custom hourly or project-based rates
How to Choose the Right Consultant for Your Nonprofit
Start by clarifying what you need: strategic planning, fundraising help, leadership transition support, or startup guidance. Then consider the size and complexity of your organization. If you’re a very small nonprofit with a tight budget, a solo practitioner like Jay Pennie Consulting or Concentric Strategy may offer the most personalized attention at a lower cost. If you need a team with multiple skill sets (e.g., both fundraising and communications), Catch 3 Consulting’s four-person team could be a better fit. For large-scale strategic planning involving multiple stakeholders, Strategy Arts has the capacity and equity expertise. And if you’re in the middle of a leadership change, Kim Andrews Nonprofit Consulting specializes in interim management. Always ask for a free initial consultation to gauge chemistry and approach.
Can You Automate Parts of Your Nonprofit Consulting Engagement?
While the human touch is essential in consulting, you can streamline certain aspects of the engagement using simple tools. For example, use a shared project management platform like Trello or Asana to track action items from strategic planning sessions. Automate meeting scheduling with Calendly to avoid back-and-forth emails. Use Google Forms or SurveyMonkey to collect board and staff input before a planning retreat. And for ongoing communication, set up a simple CRM like HubSpot’s free tier to track donor or partner outreach. These tools won’t replace the consultant’s expertise, but they can make the collaboration more efficient and keep everyone accountable.
The Bottom Line: Find a Consultant Who Understands Your Mission and Your Budget
The best consultant for your nonprofit is the one who listens first, asks smart questions, and offers a plan that fits your reality — not a cookie-cutter template. All five consultants on this list have proven experience with arts and culture organizations in the Philadelphia area. Whether you choose a solo practitioner like Jay Pennie Consulting or a small team like Catch 3 Consulting, the key is to find someone who respects your mission while pushing you to build a sustainable business model. Don’t be afraid to interview two or three before committing. The right partnership can transform your organization’s trajectory.