Structure
Retainer · Project · Capacity Building
SMCGI is committed to making C-suite expertise accessible to nonprofits of every size and budget. Our fee structure is designed to match the right engagement model to your organization's actual needs — whether you require ongoing fractional leadership, a targeted project engagement, or cohort-based capacity building. All fees are transparent, agreed upon in writing in advance, and structured to deliver measurable value to your mission.
SMCGI fees are generally grant-eligible as capacity-building or organizational development expenses. We provide detailed invoices and documentation to support funder reporting and reimbursement requests.
Models
CFO Rate
Fees
Our standard hourly rates for Fractional Chief Financial Officer and Chief Human Resources Officer services. Ideal for short-term engagements, advisory hours, and organizations assessing fit before committing to a retainer.
Senior financial leadership covering all aspects of nonprofit fiscal management, reporting, compliance, and strategic financial oversight.
- Financial statement preparation & analysis
- Annual budget development & monitoring
- Cash flow forecasting & management
- Audit preparation & coordination
- Grant financial reporting & compliance
- IRS Form 990 preparation support
- Finance committee facilitation & board reporting
- Internal controls assessment & financial policy
Strategic human resources leadership covering the full employee lifecycle, compliance, culture, and organizational people strategy.
- HR policy & employee handbook development
- Compensation benchmarking & structure design
- Recruitment strategy & talent acquisition
- Performance management framework design
- HR compliance audits (FLSA, ADA, FMLA, EEO)
- Benefits administration guidance
- Staff development & succession planning
- Workplace culture assessment & strategy
Clients may request a combination of Fractional CFO and CHRO services within a single engagement. Financial health and people strategy are inseparable — SMCGI's integrated model addresses both simultaneously. Bundled engagements are structured based on the scope and hours allocated to each role, with a custom fee arrangement developed during the discovery process.
Organizations committing to engagements of three months or more receive reduced fixed monthly rates. Retainer agreements provide budget predictability, deeper organizational integration, and prioritized availability of your dedicated SMCGI consultant.
| Engagement Tier | Monthly Hours | Effective Hourly Rate | Est. Monthly Investment | Savings vs. Standard | Minimum Term |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Essentials Foundational fractional support |
Up to 10 hrs/mo |
$100/hr |
~$1,000 |
Standard Rate | 3 months |
Core Partner Most popular — active ongoing support |
Up to 20 hrs/mo |
$90/hr |
~$1,800 |
Save ~10%⭐ Best Value |
3 months |
Strategic Advisor Deep integration, complex organizations |
Up to 30 hrs/mo |
$85/hr |
~$2,550 |
Save ~15% | 3 months |
Executive Partner Comprehensive fractional leadership |
Up to 40 hrs/mo |
$75/hr |
~$3,000 |
Save ~20% | 6 months |
Project-based fees are determined by the scope, complexity, and estimated timeline of each engagement. SMCGI provides a written scope of work and fixed-fee estimate before any project begins — ensuring complete transparency from day one.
Financial Assessment & Audit Readiness
Comprehensive review of financial records, internal controls, and audit readiness with a written findings report and remediation plan.
- Financial records review & gap analysis
- Internal controls assessment
- Audit preparation package
- Management letter response support
Budget Development & Financial Modeling
Full annual operating budget build, program cost allocations, and multi-year financial scenario modeling for strategic planning.
- Annual operating budget build
- Program & department cost allocation
- Revenue projections & gap analysis
- Multi-year financial scenarios
Employee Handbook & HR Policy Suite
Complete employee handbook development — covering all required policies, procedures, and state & federal legal compliance requirements.
- Handbook research & drafting
- State & federal compliance review
- Policy alignment with org culture
- Staff rollout support
HR Compliance Audit
Thorough review of HR practices, employment records, and compliance status across applicable federal and state employment laws.
- FLSA, ADA, FMLA, EEO review
- I-9 documentation audit
- Compensation compliance check
- Written findings & recommendations
Strategic Planning & Financial Feasibility
Strategic planning facilitation with integrated financial feasibility analysis — ensuring organizational goals are grounded in fiscal reality.
- Planning session facilitation
- Financial feasibility modeling
- Strategic plan document production
- Implementation roadmap
Board Governance & Compliance Review
Assessment of board governance structures, bylaws, conflict of interest policies, and fiduciary compliance with written recommendations.
- Bylaw & policy review
- Board structure assessment
- Conflict of interest review
- Governance improvement roadmap
Capacity building fees are structured based on the scope, format, audience size, and duration of the engagement. SMCGI partners with foundations, funders, and intermediary organizations to design and deliver customized capacity building experiences for nonprofit cohorts.
Single or Multi-Session Workshops
Custom-designed workshops on financial management, HR compliance, board literacy, budgeting, and more — delivered to nonprofit cohorts in any format.
- Number of sessions and total duration
- Audience size and participant level
- In-person vs. virtual vs. hybrid format
- Custom curriculum development requirements
- Materials, handouts, and resources included
Cohort Technical Assistance Program
Structured technical assistance combining group learning sessions with individualized one-on-one consulting support for each participating organization.
- Number of organizations in the cohort
- Individual 1:1 consulting hours per org
- Group session frequency and format
- Program duration (typically 3–12 months)
- Reporting and documentation requirements
Nonprofit Capacity Assessment
Comprehensive organizational capacity assessments — producing diagnostic reports and actionable capacity-building roadmaps for individual organizations or entire cohorts.
- Number of organizations assessed
- Depth of assessment (financial, HR, governance)
- Deliverable format (report, presentation, both)
- Follow-up consultation hours included
- Funder reporting documentation needs
Funder Capacity-Building Partnership
SMCGI serves as an embedded technical assistance partner for foundations and funders — providing ongoing expert support to grantee organizations throughout a funding cycle.
- Total number of grantees/organizations served
- Services provided (workshops, 1:1, assessment)
- Partnership duration and engagement depth
- Co-design of curriculum and content
- Program evaluation and impact reporting
Every SMCGI engagement follows a structured five-step process. We begin with a no-cost discovery conversation, develop a tailored proposal, collect the organizational information needed for a thorough assessment, and then formalize the engagement before work begins.
Discovery Call
Complimentary 30–60 minute conversation to understand your organization's needs, goals, and challenges
Scope & Proposal
SMCGI prepares a written scope of work, recommended engagement model, and a transparent fee proposal
New Client Information Request
Complete and return the SMCGI New Client Information Request package — providing the organizational documents and data needed for a thorough assessment
Agreement
Mutual review and signing of the engagement agreement — covering scope, fees, timeline, and deliverables
Work Begins
Engagement commences on the agreed start date with your dedicated SMCGI consultant and clear communication protocols
All SMCGI engagements are governed by a written agreement. Key terms are summarized below.
Invoicing & Payment
Hourly engagements are invoiced bi-weekly or monthly with Net 15 payment terms. Retainer fees are invoiced at the start of each monthly period. Project-based engagements may include a deposit upon agreement execution.
Grant Eligibility
SMCGI fees are generally eligible as capacity-building or organizational development expenses under nonprofit funder guidelines. SMCGI provides detailed invoices and documentation suitable for grant reporting and reimbursement requests.
Confidentiality
All client information, financial records, and organizational data shared with SMCGI is treated as strictly confidential. SMCGI consultants are bound by written confidentiality agreements on every engagement.
Scope Changes
Any changes to an agreed-upon project scope are documented in a written change order before additional work begins. SMCGI does not perform out-of-scope work without prior written authorization.
Cancellation Policy
Retainer engagements require 30 days written notice to cancel or adjust. Project engagements are subject to the cancellation terms specified in the individual engagement agreement. Completed work is invoiced in full.
Custom Arrangements
SMCGI recognizes that every organization is unique. Custom fee arrangements — including multi-year agreements, combined CFO + CHRO bundles, and sliding-scale considerations — can be discussed on a case-by-case basis.
Let's Discuss the Right
Engagement for You
Schedule a complimentary discovery conversation. We'll listen, assess your needs, and present a fee proposal that aligns with your budget and organizational goals.