Marcus S. Atkinson spent over a decade in Atlanta, GA where he earned a bachelor's degree in Business from Clayton State University. During that time in the south, he immersed himself in political and community organizing - a priceless experience that would shape his worldview for years to come. His keen community insight developed as a result of being a societal bridge between multiple racial, ethnic, socio-economic and political communities in metro Atlanta and, eventually, in the Greater Erie area as well.
Marcus S. Atkinson
Principal
Marcus Atkinson is a seasoned nonprofit leader with more than 35 years of hands-on experience driving mission-focused growth and community revitalization. As a longtime board member of the Erie Community Foundation and one of the founding members of East Side Renaissance, Marcus has shaped strategic initiatives that foster economic opportunity and neighborhood renewal. His tenure includes eight years as Director and an additional eight years as Executive Director at ServErie and the YMCA Teen Center, during which he successfully raised nearly $20 million to fund the development of new commercial, residential, and programmable spaces that continue to serve and empower Erie’s residents.
Now, Marcus channels his extensive fundraising, organizational development, and facility-planning expertise into his consulting practice, M. Atkinson & Associates. Whether you’re a nonprofit seeking to scale your impact, a foundation aiming to maximize community investment, or a public-private partnership pursuing innovative programming, Marcus offers tailored guidance to help you achieve your goals. Reach out today to schedule an initial consultation and explore how his proven track record can advance your organization’s mission.
Past and Present Executive, Board, and Advisory Positions Held Include:
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Why Small Nonprofits Need to Hire Experienced Consultants
Starting and running a nonprofit organization, especially one that is small or in its infancy, can be an exciting yet challenging endeavor. The need for an experienced consultant is not just a luxury—it’s a strategic investment that can have a transformative impact on your nonprofit's success. Here's why hiring an experienced consultant is critical for the growth and sustainability of your nonprofit agency:
1. Expertise in Fundraising and Financial Strategy
One of the most crucial aspects of any nonprofit is funding. Many small or startup nonprofits struggle to raise money, secure grants, or attract individual donors. Experienced consultants bring an in-depth understanding of the fundraising landscape, including what funders are looking for, how to craft compelling grant proposals, and how to build sustainable fundraising strategies. They can also assist with budgeting and financial planning, ensuring that your organization uses its resources wisely and remains financially viable in the long term.
2. Developing Clear and Effective Strategy
Many startups lack a clearly defined strategy. Experienced consultants can help refine your mission and vision, ensuring that they resonate with your target audience and potential funders. They can work with your leadership team to set measurable goals, identify key performance indicators (KPIs), and create action plans that align your resources with your long-term objectives. Consultants bring an outside perspective that allows them to identify areas of improvement that might be overlooked internally.
3. Optimizing Operations and Efficiency
As your nonprofit grows, inefficiencies can start to surface. An experienced consultant will assess your organization's operations and identify areas where processes can be streamlined. Whether it’s improving communication between departments, implementing new technology, or refining administrative tasks, consultants can help you build the operational backbone your nonprofit needs to function efficiently. This ensures your team spends less time on paperwork and more time focusing on its mission.
4. Navigating Compliance and Legal Requirements
Nonprofits face complex legal and regulatory requirements, including tax-exempt status, donor restrictions, and reporting obligations. An experienced consultant can guide you through these legal complexities, helping you comply with local, state, and federal regulations while minimizing legal risks. They also help you implement policies and procedures to ensure your nonprofit stays compliant as it grows.
5. Building Sustainable Partnerships
Building relationships with other organizations, government entities, and businesses can accelerate the success of your nonprofit. Consultants with deep knowledge of the nonprofit sector know who the key players are and how to approach potential partners. They can leverage their network to introduce you to influential stakeholders who can support your organization’s mission through collaboration, donations, or access to new resources.
6. Capacity Building and Staff Development
A small or startup nonprofit may have limited staff with varying levels of experience. Consultants can provide capacity-building services to train your team in essential areas, such as strategic planning, project management, or fundraising. They can also offer leadership coaching and professional development programs to help your staff reach their full potential, improving retention and ensuring the growth of organizational knowledge and skill sets.
7. Minimizing Risk and Avoiding Pitfalls
Startups are especially vulnerable to common missteps, such as unrealistic expectations, poor financial management, and ineffective marketing. With years of experience under their belt, consultants can help you avoid these mistakes by providing valuable insights on what’s worked for other organizations and what hasn’t. They can act as your safety net, ensuring that your nonprofit doesn’t fall into costly traps that could undermine its success.
8. Short-Term Solutions with Long-Term Impact
One of the unique benefits of hiring a consultant is that you get the expertise you need for specific challenges without the overhead costs of a full-time hire. Whether you need a consultant for a short-term project, such as launching a fundraising campaign, or a longer-term engagement to guide your organization’s strategic direction, consultants can provide flexibility and scalability. They work on your schedule and within your budget to deliver results without the long-term commitment
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9. Access to Best Practices and Innovative Solutions
Experienced consultants have worked with many organizations and can bring best practices, innovative solutions, and new ideas that have proven successful in the nonprofit sector. Their broad exposure to different nonprofit models means they know what strategies have worked, what tools are the most effective, and how to leverage new technologies for maximum impact.
10. Increased Credibility with Funders and Stakeholders
Funders often prefer to support nonprofits that demonstrate professionalism, strategy, and the ability to execute their mission effectively. Bringing an experienced consultant onboard signals to potential donors and partners that your nonprofit is serious about its mission and is capable of achieving its goals. This credibility can make a huge difference when competing for grants and donations.
11. Transformative Results
Finally, an experienced consultant doesn’t just provide advice—they provide results. Whether it’s securing funding, improving efficiency, or building strategic partnerships, the right consultant can bring your nonprofit’s vision to life. Their track record of success means they can help you overcome barriers and achieve transformative outcomes that elevate your organization’s impact and sustainability.
Conclusion:
For small or startup nonprofits, the road ahead can be filled with both challenges and opportunities. Hiring an experienced consultant like M. Atkinson & Associates provides your organization with the expertise, strategy, and guidance needed to overcome these challenges. From fundraising and financial management to strategic planning and operations optimization, an experienced consultant can make a world of difference. Investing in a consultant is an investment in your nonprofit’s future success—one that can help turn your vision into a lasting impact on the community. Reach out today for an initial consultation to explore how we can help you achieve your mission.