Foundation Fundraising Consultant

Join to apply for the Foundation Fundraising Consultant role at H-CAP, Healthcare Career Advancement ProgramBe among the first 25 applicantsOrganization OverviewH-CAP is a national labor‐management organization that promotes job quality and equity for the healthcare workforce through "high-road" training partnerships and worker‐centered workforce development strategies. We envision a healthcare industry that provides quality jobs for all workers and quality care to all service recipients, in which workers of all genders, races, ethnicities, and backgrounds can access equitable career advancement opportunities and prosper with dignity at all levels, from entry‐level to advanced specialty roles.Current Funding LandscapeH-CAP's current funding portfolio includes government contracts, membership fees, and foundation grants. While we have successfully secured funding from key foundations, we recognize the need to diversify our institutional giving base, cultivate new foundation relationships, and develop a more strategic approach to identifying and pursuing grant opportunities aligned with our programmatic priorities.Project Purpose and DescriptionThis project aims to strengthen H-CAP's foundation fundraising capacity and establish sustainable systems for identifying, cultivating, and securing institutional funding. The selected consultant will work collaboratively with H-CAP leadership, program staff, and the Board of Directors to develop a multi-year foundation fundraising strategy.Project ObjectivesConduct a comprehensive assessment of H-CAP's current foundation fundraising capacity, systems, and practicesDevelop a strategic, multi-year foundation fundraising plan that identifies priority funding areas, target foundations, and cultivation strategiesCreate or refine compelling case statements and grant narratives that effectively communicate H-CAP's impact and programmatic workResearch and identify 30-50 potential foundation funders whose priorities align with H-CAP's mission and programsCreate concept papers and project pitches for potential fundersWrite and submit grant applications and proposalsDevelop and implement systems for grant tracking, reporting, and relationship managementProvide training and capacity building for H-CAP staff on foundation research, grant writing, and funder stewardshipSupport the preparation and submission of 3-5 foundation grant proposals during the engagement periodEstablish a framework for ongoing foundation relationship management and stewardshipProject ScopeAssessment and Strategy DevelopmentReview existing fundraising materials, grant proposals, funder reports, and foundation relationshipsConduct interviews with key staff, board members, and current foundation partners to understand organizational strengths, challenges, and prioritiesAssess current systems for grant management, tracking, and reportingConduct comprehensive prospect research to identify target foundationsDevelop a multi-year foundation fundraising strategy with specific goals, timelines, and metricsCreate or refine organizational case statements and funding priorities documentsPhase 2: Implementation and Capacity Building (Months 4-9)Support the development and submission of 3-5 grant proposals to targeted foundationsImplement grant tracking and management systems (provide recommendations for CRM/database solutions if needed)Develop templates for letters of inquiry (LOIs), concept papers, and grant proposalsProvide staff training on foundation research, grant writing best practices, and funder relationship managementFacilitate cultivation meetings or calls with priority foundation prospects (as appropriate)Develop stewardship plans for existing and new foundation fundersSustainability PlanningDevelop internal processes and workflows for ongoing grant managementEstablish metrics and reporting mechanisms to track progress against fundraising goalsDeliver a final report with recommendations for sustaining and growing foundation fundraising capacityDeliverablesOrganizational assessment report with findings and recommendationsMulti-year foundation fundraising strategic planProspect research database with 30-50 qualified foundation leadsRefined case statements and organizational funding priorities documentGrant proposal templates and writing guidelinesGrant tracking and management system recommendations and implementation support3-5 grant proposals submitted to targeted foundationsFoundation stewardship and relationship management frameworkMonthly progress reports and quarterly check‐ins with H-CAP leadershipFinal report with sustainability recommendationsConsultant QualificationsThe ideal consultant will possess:Minimum 5-7 years of experience in foundation fundraising, preferably with mission‐driven organizationsProven track record of securing six‐figure and seven‐figure foundation grantsDemonstrated expertise in prospect research and foundation relationsStrong grant writing skills with experience crafting compelling narratives for complex programmatic workKnowledge of the healthcare, workforce development, labor, or equity/social justice sectors preferredExperience building fundraising capacity and systems in growing organizationsUnderstanding of equity principles and commitment to anti‐racist organizational practicesProposal GuidelinesThis Request for Proposal represents the requirements for an open and competitive process. All proposals must be signed by an official agent or representative of the company or individual submitting the proposal.If the organization or individual submitting a proposal must outsource or contract any work to meet the requirements contained herein, this must be clearly stated in the proposal. Additionally, all costs included in proposals must be all‐inclusive to include any outsourced or contracted work. Any proposals that call for outsourcing or contracting work must include the name and description of the organizations or individuals being contracted.All costs must be itemized to include an explanation of all fees and costs. Contract terms and conditions will be negotiated upon selection of the winning bidder for this RFP. All contractual terms and conditions will include the scope of work, budget, schedule, and other necessary items pertaining to the project.Proposal Submission RequirementsProposals should include the following components:A brief introduction outlining your interest in the project and understanding of H-CAP's mission and fundraising needs (maximum 2 pages).Qualifications and ExperienceProposed Approach and Work PlanDetailed methodology for achieving project objectivesTimeline with key milestones and deliverablesDescription of how you will collaborate with H-CAP staff and ensure knowledge transferBudgetDetailed budget breakdown including consultant fees, expenses, and any anticipated additional costsFee structure (hourly rate, project-based fee, or monthly retainer)ReferencesAt least three professional references from organizations for which you have provided foundation fundraising services.Evaluation CriteriaRelevant experience and demonstrated success in foundation fundraising (35%)Quality and feasibility of proposed approach and methodology (30%)Understanding of H-CAP's mission and the healthcare workforce development/equity sectors (15%)Cost-effectiveness and value proposition (10%)Strength of references and past client satisfaction (10%)Capacity building and knowledge transfer approach (10%)Request for Proposal and Project TimelineRFP TimelineQuestions Due: January 31, 2026, 5:00 PM ESTProposals Due: February 14, 2026, 5:00 PM ESTEvaluation Period: February 17‐28, 2026Finalist Interviews (if needed): March 3‐7, 2026Selection and Notification: March 14, 2026Contract Execution: March 21, 2026BudgetAll proposals must include proposed costs to complete the tasks described in the project scope. The total budget for this project should not exceed $75,000. This budget should include all consultant fees, anticipated expenses, and any technology or system recommendations.Consultants should clearly delineate what is included in the proposed fee and what expenses (travel, research databases, software subscriptions, etc.) may be billed separately. Any expenses requiring pre‐approval must be identified in the proposal.H-CAP reserves the right to accept or reject any or all proposals, to waive irregularities and technicalities, and to request additional information from bidders. H-CAP also reserves the right to negotiate final terms and conditions with the selected consultant.Additional InformationSeniority level: Mid‐Senior levelEmployment type: ContractJob function: Marketing, Public Relations, and Writing/EditingIndustries: Hospitals and Health Care#J-18808-Ljbffr