Foundation Fundraising Consultant

Join to apply for the Foundation Fundraising Consultant role at H-CAP, Healthcare Career Advancement Program Be among the first 25 applicants Organization Overview H-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 Landscape H-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 Description This 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 Objectives Conduct a comprehensive assessment of H-CAP's current foundation fundraising capacity, systems, and practices Develop a strategic, multi-year foundation fundraising plan that identifies priority funding areas, target foundations, and cultivation strategies Create or refine compelling case statements and grant narratives that effectively communicate H-CAP's impact and programmatic work Research and identify 30-50 potential foundation funders whose priorities align with H-CAP's mission and programs Create concept papers and project pitches for potential funders Write and submit grant applications and proposals Develop and implement systems for grant tracking, reporting, and relationship management Provide training and capacity building for H-CAP staff on foundation research, grant writing, and funder stewardship Support the preparation and submission of 3-5 foundation grant proposals during the engagement period Establish a framework for ongoing foundation relationship management and stewardship Project Scope Assessment and Strategy Development Review existing fundraising materials, grant proposals, funder reports, and foundation relationships Conduct interviews with key staff, board members, and current foundation partners to understand organizational strengths, challenges, and priorities Assess current systems for grant management, tracking, and reporting Conduct comprehensive prospect research to identify target foundations Develop a multi-year foundation fundraising strategy with specific goals, timelines, and metrics Create or refine organizational case statements and funding priorities documents Phase 2: Implementation and Capacity Building (Months 4-9) Support the development and submission of 3-5 grant proposals to targeted foundations Implement grant tracking and management systems (provide recommendations for CRM/database solutions if needed) Develop templates for letters of inquiry (LOIs), concept papers, and grant proposals Provide staff training on foundation research, grant writing best practices, and funder relationship management Facilitate cultivation meetings or calls with priority foundation prospects (as appropriate) Develop stewardship plans for existing and new foundation funders Sustainability Planning Develop internal processes and workflows for ongoing grant management Establish metrics and reporting mechanisms to track progress against fundraising goals Deliver a final report with recommendations for sustaining and growing foundation fundraising capacity Deliverables Organizational assessment report with findings and recommendations Multi-year foundation fundraising strategic plan Prospect research database with 30-50 qualified foundation leads Refined case statements and organizational funding priorities document Grant proposal templates and writing guidelines Grant tracking and management system recommendations and implementation support 3-5 grant proposals submitted to targeted foundations Foundation stewardship and relationship management framework Monthly progress reports and quarterly check‑ins with H-CAP leadership Final report with sustainability recommendations Consultant Qualifications The ideal consultant will possess: Minimum 5-7 years of experience in foundation fundraising, preferably with mission‑driven organizations Proven track record of securing six‑figure and seven‑figure foundation grants Demonstrated expertise in prospect research and foundation relations Strong grant writing skills with experience crafting compelling narratives for complex programmatic work Knowledge of the healthcare, workforce development, labor, or equity/social justice sectors preferred Experience building fundraising capacity and systems in growing organizations Understanding of equity principles and commitment to anti‑racist organizational practices Proposal Guidelines This 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 Requirements Proposals 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 Experience Proposed Approach and Work Plan Detailed methodology for achieving project objectives Timeline with key milestones and deliverables Description of how you will collaborate with H-CAP staff and ensure knowledge transfer Budget Detailed budget breakdown including consultant fees, expenses, and any anticipated additional costs Fee structure (hourly rate, project-based fee, or monthly retainer) References At least three professional references from organizations for which you have provided foundation fundraising services. Evaluation Criteria Relevant 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 Timeline RFP Timeline Questions Due: January 31, 2026, 5:00 PM EST Proposals Due: February 14, 2026, 5:00 PM EST Evaluation Period: February 17‑28, 2026 Finalist Interviews (if needed): March 3‑7, 2026 Selection and Notification: March 14, 2026 Contract Execution: March 21, 2026 Budget All 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 Information Seniority level: Mid‑Senior level Employment type: Contract Job function: Marketing, Public Relations, and Writing/Editing Industries: Hospitals and Health Care #J-18808-Ljbffr H-CAP, Healthcare Career Advancement Program