Are you looking for quick answers about how Productive Fundraising works and what to expect? You’re in the right place. Productive Fundraising’s FAQs are your go-to resource for clear, straightforward information about our services, process, and how we support your success. Whether you’re exploring your options or already working with us, you’ll find helpful insights to guide you every step of the way. Take a look around and get to know Productive Fundraising’s services a little better.
Consulting Questions
Q: What is Productive Fundraising?
A: Productive Fundraising is an organization founded and owned by Chad Barger, ACFRE, ACNP that helps nonprofit professionals raise more money with greater efficiency and effectiveness. The organization specializes in delivering actionable, research-based fundraising strategies tailored specifically for small and mid-sized nonprofits.
Through training, coaching, and strategic advising, Productive Fundraising equips fundraisers, executive directors, and board members with practical tools they can immediately implement. Chad Barger is a top-rated conference speaker, webinar presenter, and master trainer known for helping nonprofit staff and boards gain the confidence and skills needed to succeed.
Q: Who does your consulting serve best?
A: The consulting services are tailored especially to small and mid-sized nonprofit organizations (including key focus areas with public libraries, museums / historical societies, health clinics and educational foundations), though nonprofits of many types have benefited from working with Chad.
Q: What types of consulting or coaching services do you offer?
A: Services include ongoing fundraising coaching, strategic reviews, onboarding coaching for new fundraisers or staff stepping into development roles, and customized coaching programs designed to clarify strategy and improve fundraising outcomes.
Q: How do I start consulting with Productive Fundraising?
A: You can schedule a discovery call with Chad to discuss your organization’s needs, goals, and a custom proposal.
Q: Who is Chad Barger?
A: Chad is a seasoned nonprofit fundraiser, trainer, coach, and speaker with 25+ years of experience. He holds the Advanced Certified Fund Raising Executive (ACFRE) credential, one of only 117 individuals in the world to do so (as of 2025), and is also an Advanced Certified Nonprofit Professional (ACNP). You can view his full bio here.
Speaking Questions
Q: Do you do speaking engagements?
A: Yes! Chad is a sought-after fundraising speaker and presenter at nonprofit events, conferences, and webinars across the U.S. and Canada. He delivers keynotes, workshops, and breakout sessions in person or virtually.
Q: What topics do you speak about?
As a fundraising speaker, Chad focuses on a wide range of topics from, board engagement, donor stewardship, to improving personal productivity and current fundraising trends. Check out a current list of topics here.
Q: How do I book you for a conference or event?
A: You can schedule a call with Chad to talk about your event, audience, dates, topic preferences, and speaking fees.
Q: Are your speaking fees fixed?
A: Fees vary widely depending on audience size, location, topic, and format. Travel costs are covered by the host organization (even for pro bono engagements).
Webinars/Trainings/Free Resource Questions
Q: Do you offer training separate from consulting?
A: Yes! Productive Fundraising also provides free fundraising workshops and training sessions for nonprofit staff or agency teams, in person or virtually. Topics range from donor visits to planning pitfalls, grant seeking basics, and more.
Q: Can training be customized?
A: Absolutely, custom training is available for organizations looking for sessions closely aligned with their goals (additional lead time is required and higher fees are charged).
Q: Do you offer any free fundraising resources?
A: Productive Fundraising provides several free learning resources for nonprofit professionals, including free monthly webinars, weekly fundraising tip emails, and access to a free resource library designed to help organizations strengthen their fundraising efforts.