The United Way NEXT Consultant Collaborative is a growing network of mission-driven professionals with real-world United Way experience. These consultants bring specialized expertise in areas like strategic planning, fundraising, board development, DEI, executive coaching, and more! Together, they're helping strengthen the United Way movement by supporting local teams and leaders across the network 💙
Ready to get started? Join the Consultant Collaborative today or watch the Launch Party replay for more information!
Join the Consultant Collaborative!
About the Consultant Collaborative
The Consultant Collaborative is where United Way NEXT consultants come together to stay connected, stay informed, and support one another as peers. Built for consultants by consultants, this community provides space to collaborate, share insights, and amplify the collective impact of professionals offering services to the United Way network and beyond.
Whether you're looking to grow your consultancy, exchange referrals, or simply stay plugged into what's happening across the movement, the Consultant Collaborative offers meaningful opportunities to engage with others who understand both the mission and the work.
As part of the Consultant Collaborative, you'll also be featured in our Consultant Directory, which is available to all UW NEXT members. Through this directory, members can review your profile, request warm introductions, & pass along RFPs!
Member Benefits
As a member of the Consultant Collaborative, you’ll unlock exclusive opportunities to elevate your visibility, strengthen your practice, and connect with like-minded professionals who understand the United Way landscape. Whether you're just launching your consultancy or looking to expand your impact, this community is here to support your journey!
Your Consultant Collaborative Membership Includes:
Invitation to the Consultant Collaborative New & Prospective Member Orientation
Listing in the UW NEXT Membership Directory & Consultant Directory
Entry to the UW NEXT Membership hub as well as the Consultant Collaborative hub
Dedicated features & member spotlights across UW NEXT marketing channels
Updates on United Way frameworks, trends, & happenings across the network
Participation in quarterly consultant roundtables to connect & collaborate
Warm introductions on behalf of local United Ways and the greater UW network
Exclusive professional development sessions tailored to consultants
Library of past Consultant Collaborative event recordings & resources
Ability to provide and/or receive guidance through our mentorship program
Early access to the UW NEXT guest speaker application for upcoming events
Free listing in the UW NEXT Member Discount Hub
Ready to connect, grow, and lead alongside fellow consultants? Join the Consultant Collaborative today!
PS. These benefits are in addition to the benefits you’ll receive by maintaining your individual UW NEXT Membership.
Member Expectations
The Consultant Collaborative is designed to foster connection, visibility, and growth for mission-driven consultants with United Way experience. While we are proud to offer opportunities that can lead to new relationships and professional referrals, participation in the Consultant Collaborative does not guarantee consulting contracts or engagements.
Our goal is to support you in building a thriving, purpose-driven practice by helping you stay informed, make meaningful peer connections, and position yourself as a trusted resource within the United Way network!
As a member of the Consultant Collaborative, we ask that you:
Pay an annual participation fee of $200
Maintain an active UW NEXT Membership ($35+)
Respond to all UW NEXT referral requests within two business days
Uphold the Consultant Collaborative’s shared values by agreeing to our Code of Conduct
Serve as a positive ambassador for United Way NEXT by encouraging local United Ways and fellow professionals to engage with our community
Making the leap from nonprofit work to consulting can often feel overwhelming. The Consultant Collaborative is here to help you navigate that journey, connecting you with others who have traveled this path and are eager to support your growth!
Ready to join a community to support you in whatever comes NEXT? Sign up for the Collaborative today!
Leadership Team
Irmo, SC
Township, NJ
Camden, ME
Seattle, WA
Fresno, CA
Oak Ridge, TN
Louisville, KY
Livingston, TX
Founding Members
United Way NEXT is proud to recognize the 32 founding members that joined the Consultant Collaborative in 2025! It’s thanks to their generous support and enthusiasm that we’ve built such a valuable resource for both the UW NEXT community and the greater United Way network 🫶🏻
Amy Crowell
Andrea Sok
Angela Marino
Benton Clark
Betsy Block
Charles “Chuck” Gordon
Doris Pagelkopf
Elena Fracchia
Eric Crammond
Harry “Winston” Faircloth
Heather Polinik
Jeffrey Wilcox
Jodee O'Brien
Josh Kilgas
Katie Koglman
Kyle Rahn
Lindsay Fox
Maya Hemachandra
Megan Tracz
Naomi Asher
Neil Parekh
Patrick Jinks
Paul DeBassio
Robert “Bob” Giannino
Robyn Davis
Sarah Emmert
Sarah Smith Orr
Stephanie Butler
Susan Dunn
Terry Tolan
Victor Millsap
Zina Allen
PS. If you join the Consultant Collaborative by December 31, 2025, we’ll add your name to the list too!
Everything Else You Might Need to Know
On September 30, 2025 the United Way NEXT staff partnered with the Consultant Collaborative Leadership team to kick off the official launch party! In the recording below, you’ll get an in-depth look at the Consultant Collaborative, why it was created, the benefits of joining, and a virtual walkthrough of the Consultant Collaborative Hub (exclusive to members).
If you still have questions, we’d highly encourage you to watch the video before exploring the FAQ section below!
Frequently Asked Questions
What if I’m not considered a United Way professional or alumni?
If you have an existing partnership with a United Way, whether that’s as a donor, a volunteer, or a consultant, we’d love to hear about it! Feel free to reach out to us & we’ll walk you through all of your options!
Can I register as a group of consultants?
Absolutely! At this time, each consultant would need to make their own CC Annual Investment in addition to their Individual UW NEXT Membership. Of course, you’re more than welcome to make the purchase on their behalf if that’s easier! And if we decide to introduce group consulting rates in the future, we’ll be sure to send you an update 💙
Still Need a little Bit more info?
Please don’t hesitate to fill out the form below. We’d love to touch base with you & answer any other questions that you might have!