If you decide to enter into this type of agreement (and I hope you don't), please be very careful that this contractor is properly registered and bonded in accordance with the oversight regulator in your state (the Bureau of Charitable Organizations or Attorney General's Office, varies per state). There is strict oversight to this type of 3rd party fundraiser/solicitor in almost every state, and non-complying nonprofits are subject to fines. I also want to add that all of the reputable event planner and fund solicitors that I know charge a flat or hourly fee rather than a percentage, and make a small profit on each line item in the fundraising expense budget by marking up the 'wholesale/preferred-customer' pricing they have negotiated due to the volume business they represent to the various vendors. And lastly, a percentage-based agreement, if known, will upset almost all of the involved donors who believe you are receiving 100% of their gift/investment. That could end up a long-term problem for you.
