Fundraising Consultant - Request for Proposal (RFP)

1.0 Introduction
NPower Canada is a leading national charity that launches underserved youth and adults into meaningful and sustainable digital careers. Our current funding model is robust, with a strong base of support from government grants (60%), as well as significant contributions from corporate partners and foundations.

We are currently working towards an $18M operating budget for this fiscal year, and we are seeking to expand and diversify our revenue streams to secure our long-term financial health and scale our impact.

We are seeking a highly experienced fundraising consultant with a proven track record of helping charities like ours to identify, assess, and develop new revenue streams. We require a partner with a lean, action-oriented approach who can move quickly from analysis to a tangible, actionable strategy. Our goal is to complete the initial strategy development within 3-4 months.

2.0 Project Objectives & Scope of Work
The primary objective of this engagement is to conduct a comprehensive assessment of new revenue stream opportunities and develop a clear, actionable strategy for NPower Canada.

This project will be executed in two distinct phases and the selected consultant will be responsible for the following key activities:

Phase 1: Strategic Assessment and Development (3-4 months)
Objective: To provide a comprehensive and actionable strategy to diversify Npower Canada’s revenue streams, with a focus on new areas such as major individual giving, impact investing models, and fee-for-service opportunities.

Key Activities:
• Discovery: A swift and focused review of our current financial model, existing grants and contributions, and interviews with senior leadership.
• Strategic Analysis: A targeted market conditions scan to identify and evaluate new funding opportunities specifically relevant to our mission and scale.
• Strategy Development: A detailed report that evaluates and prioritizes potential new revenue streams and provides a clear recommendation on which to pursue, as well as competitor positioning, brand strengthening, and value proposition to remain competitive against or leading over other workforce nonprofits.

The report must include:
a. A clear case for support for each viable revenue stream identified
b. An ideal prospect profile and list of identified target prospects
c. A detailed implementation roadmap with key milestones
d. Budget and resource recommendations (staffing, technology, etc.)

Phase 2: Execution Support (Optional Add-on, Timeframe to be negotiated)
Objective: To direct the initial execution of the Phase 1 strategy. This will be an optional, negotiated engagement following the successful completion of the first phase.

Potential Activities: The consultant may assist with activities such as staff job descriptions and recruitment, major gift prospect cultivation, foundation proposal development, and coaching Npower Canada’s internal team.

3.0 Proposal Submission Requirements
The bidder’s proposal will be limited to 8 pages (single sided); font size no smaller than 11 and submitted electronically. The proposal must have a Table of Contents. The bidder’s proposal must consist of the following items arranged in the order given:
• Cover Letter: An introduction to your firm and a summary of why you are a good fit for this project.
• Proposed Methodology: A detailed description of your proposed work plan, including your approach to the objectives outlined in this RFP, and a preliminary timeline.
• Consultant/Company Profile – include documentation to support organizational stability, relevant project team staff and related resumes or biographies, details providing area of expertise, specific roles, and relevant accomplishments.
• Budget & Fee Structure: A clear, detailed budget for core strategy development (Phase 1 of the project). All quotes must be provided in CDN Dollars and must include a budget reasonably within the range of $35-55k (or hourly equivalents) that corresponds with the proposed timeline and list of deliverables. Any anticipated travel and related expenses anticipated during the term of the contract must be detailed and included in the bid. NPower Canada is a non-profit organization, so cost-efficiency is critical. NPower Canada may wish to negotiate costs with preferred bidders. The execution support phase (Phase 2) requires further scoping and is to be negotiated, based on the outcomes of Phase 1.
• Relevant Experience: A summary of at least three similar projects i.e. high-value funding and related project goals and outcomes achieved that you have completed with timely closures. List any associated challenges and indicate expertise in navigating.
• Provide client references including contact names, phone numbers and email addresses for references that can provide information relevant to bidder’s experience on related types of work undertaken in the last three years.
• Conflict of Interest: A statement confirming there are no conflicts of interest. All bidders will be required to declare any conflict of interest with the organization.
• Confidentiality & NDA Requirement - All consultants/firms shortlisted for this engagement will be required to execute a Non-Disclosure Agreement (NDA) with NPower Canada prior to receiving access to detailed background materials, partner/funder information, or participating in interviews. By submitting a proposal, respondents acknowledge and agree to this requirement.
The bidder shall bear all costs for preparing the proposal.

4.0 Timeline & Budget
• RFP Release Date: August 26, 2025
• Deadline for Questions: September 12, 2025
• Proposal Submission Deadline: September 19, 2025
• Interviews: Week of September 29, 2025
• Consultant Selection & Notification: October 10, 2025
• Project Commencement: October 20, 2025

5.0 Contact Information
Please direct any questions regarding this RFP and submit your proposal electronically to: Molly Hill, Vice President, Development, NPower Canada, molly.hill@npowercanada.ca. We look forward to receiving your proposals and partnering with an exceptional consultant to help NPower Canada grow our impact.

• SUBMITTED PROPOSAL EVALUATION
  Relevant Experience demonstrates a track record of securing multi-year funding, building joint ventures, and partnership management.
  Understanding of NPower Canada’s context is evidenced with experience with nonprofits, workforce development and talent or economic relevant innovations
  Methodology & Work Plan demonstrates clarity, feasibility, and innovation of approach, and particularly identifying diverse income streams
  Capacity Building Approach includes a practical plan
  Value for Money indicated by clear justification of fees, willingness to structure performance-based incentives.
  Total Score = 100. Proposals above 75% threshold shortlisted for interviews