Development and Fundraising Consultant (RFP)
Respond by:Request for Proposals (RFP): Development and Fundraising Consultant
Issued by: Blue Water Theatre Company
Location: Wayzata, MN
Proposal Due Date: December 20, 2024
Introduction
Blue Water Theatre Company (BWTC) invites proposals from experienced development and fundraising consultants to support our mission of providing youth with exceptional theatre education and performance opportunities. We are a small, community-based nonprofit dedicated to fostering creativity, confidence, and collaboration among young people through a diverse range of theatrical productions and educational programs. We seek a consultant to help expand and sustain our fundraising efforts, ensuring long-term financial health and programmatic growth.
Scope of Work
The selected consultant will work closely with the BWTC team to assess current fundraising strategies, develop new initiatives, and support ongoing donor engagement. The consultant's primary focus will be on building a comprehensive development plan to increase annual revenue, secure grant funding, and enhance donor relationships, with specific attention to the unique needs and resources of a small youth theatre organization.
Key Responsibilities
1. Fundraising Strategy & Planning
- Conduct a comprehensive assessment of BWTC’s current fundraising activities, including individual giving, corporate sponsorships, and event-based revenue.
- Develop a multi-year fundraising plan with realistic and achievable revenue targets.
- Identify potential new revenue streams and funding sources aligned with BWTC’s mission and vision.
2. Grant Writing & Management
- Identify and prioritize grant opportunities, focusing on regional and national foundations that support youth arts programs.
- Help Prepare and submit compelling grant proposals, including the necessary supporting materials.
- Establish a grant tracking system for deadlines, reporting requirements, and renewal opportunities.
3. Individual Giving & Donor Cultivation
- Develop a strategy to grow individual donations, including annual giving, major gifts, and planned giving programs.
- Design and implement donor engagement plans to strengthen relationships with current donors and attract new supporters.
- Create and oversee donor communication materials, including appeal letters, acknowledgment letters, and impact reports.
4. Corporate Sponsorships & Partnerships
- Identify potential corporate sponsors and partners within the community and develop customized proposals that align with their goals.
- Provide guidance on building long-term partnerships with local businesses and organizations to support BWTC’s events and productions.
5. Special Events & Campaign Support
- Advise on fundraising strategies and best practices for special events, including Minnesota’s Give to the Max Day, benefit performances, and community events.
- Support BWTC’s social media and marketing efforts related to fundraising campaigns to increase visibility and engagement.
6. Training & Capacity Building
- Train board members, staff, and volunteers on effective fundraising techniques, including donor outreach, stewardship, and storytelling.
- Offer guidance on establishing development-focused roles and responsibilities within the organization to sustain fundraising efforts long-term.
Proposal Requirements
Please include the following in your proposal:
1. Consultant Background & Experience
- Overview of the consultant or firm, including relevant experience with nonprofit arts organizations, youth-focused initiatives, or similar-sized organizations.
- Profiles of key personnel who would be involved in this project.
2. Approach & Methodology
- Description of your proposed approach to achieve the outlined scope of work, including any specific methodologies or strategies.
- Timeline for implementing the proposed development and fundraising strategies, including key milestones and deliverables.
3. Budget
- Detailed fee structure, including hourly or project-based rates, and any additional expenses.
- Total estimated cost for the proposed scope of work, with a breakdown by task or deliverable. Key responsibilities are negotiable and rate not to exceed $2,200 per month reviewable after 3- and 6-months per success of strategies.
4. References
- At least two references from recent clients, ideally in the arts, youth services, or nonprofit sector.
Evaluation Criteria
Proposals will be evaluated based on the following criteria:
- Relevant experience and demonstrated success in similar projects.
- Quality of approach and methodology.
- Alignment with BWTC’s mission, goals, and values.
- Value of services relative to the proposed budget.
- Strength of references and prior work samples.
Submission Instructions
Proposals must be submitted by December 20, 2024 to Jeffrey Prottas at [email protected]. Please include “Development and Fundraising Consultant Proposal” in the subject line. Late submissions will not be considered. Flexible and alternative formatting for the proposal will be accepted as long as the proposal speaks to the key responsibilities.
Timeline
- RFP Issued: November 27, 2024
- Proposal Due Date: December 20, 2024
- Consultant Selection: December 20, 2024
- Contract Start Date: January 6, 2025
Contact Information
For questions regarding this RFP, please contact:
Jeffrey Prottas, Chair, Board of Directors
612-293-9031
About Blue Water Theatre Company
BWTC is dedicated to creating meaningful and high-quality theatrical experiences for young people. Through our programming, students develop valuable skills, build lifelong friendships, and gain self-confidence. As a community-supported nonprofit, BWTC relies on the generosity of donors, sponsors, and grantors to sustain our programming and fulfill our mission.
Thank you for your interest in partnering with Blue Water Theatre Company. We look forward to reviewing your proposal.