Request for Proposals: Fundraising Campaign Consultant 

ByInclusiveAction

Introduction

Inclusive Action for the City (“Inclusive Action”) is seeking an experienced Fundraising Campaign Consultant to design, drive, and support the implementation of a major fundraising campaign for the organization aimed at raising $100 million by the end of 2028. This multi-year campaign will fuel an expansion of Inclusive Action’s programming and build our ability to help communities grow wealth, own and control assets, and have more power in their neighborhoods.

We seek a strategist and hands-on partner who can serve as the campaign architect, manage execution, and support the team in building the relationships and internal systems required for success. The $100 million campaign consists of two major funding goals: 1) $50M to sustain and expand IAC’s existing community development and advocacy work, and 2) $50M dedicated to a one-of-a-kind real estate acquisition fund, which we anticipate will be sourced from program-related investments and mission-driven investors.

Background on Inclusive Action

Inclusive Action’s mission is to serve underinvested communities and build thriving local economies by improving access to transformative capital, and advancing policy through collaborative research and community-driven advocacy. Through innovative programs, policy advocacy, and community-centered investment strategies, Inclusive Action works to build a more inclusive, resilient local economy.

Key priorities over the next three years include:

  • Building a sustainable capital base to anchor long-term operations of our lending program
  • Expanding and strengthening small business programming to help low-income marginalized entrepreneurs achieve financial stability and increase revenue
  • Expand real estate and community ownership programming, including launching an acquisition fund to support small businesses and community-serving projects
  • Expanding policy research, advocacy, and coalition building

Purpose of This RFP

Inclusive Action seeks a Fundraising Campaign Consultant (individual or firm) to:

  1. Design a comprehensive strategy and roadmap for a $100M fundraising campaign
  2. Lead and support the execution of campaign activities
  3. Coordinate internal and external stakeholders
  4. Identify, cultivate, solicit, and steward major philanthropic, private, and institutional supporters
  5. Build internal systems, processes, and discipline around development operations throughout the multi-year campaign period

Scope of Work

The consultant will work closely with Inclusive Action’s leadership team, development staff, and board of directors to develop, manage, and implement the fundraising campaign. Responsibilities include, but are not limited to:

A. Campaign Strategy & Planning

  • Develop a comprehensive multi-year fundraising campaign plan, including goals, strategies, timelines, and benchmarks
  • Define a compelling campaign case statement, messaging, and materials
  • Analyze internal readiness; recommend staffing, systems, and capacity improvements
  • Develop a giving pyramid, donor segmentation, and prioritization framework

B. Pipeline Development & Research

  • Conduct prospect research on individual donors, foundations, CDFIs, corporate partners, and mission-aligned investors
  • Create and maintain a robust prospect pipeline, tracking engagement and movement toward solicitation
  • Identify funding opportunities aligned with Inclusive Action’s programmatic goals

C. Campaign Management 

  • Act as lead strategist and day-to-day coordinator of the campaign
  • Assign tasks, manage schedules, and ensure follow-through across team members
  • Prepare leadership and board for donor meetings, including research briefs and briefing materials
  • Develop and maintain systems for tracking outreach, follow-ups, proposals, and stewardship
  • Provide continuous support around organizing, task management, meeting preparation, and documentation

D. Donor Cultivation, Solicitation, & Stewardship

  • Draft outreach strategies, talking points, and appeals to major donors and institutions
  • Support or lead donor meetings, as appropriate
  • Coordinate proposal writing with internal team or external partners
  • Ensure timely follow-up, stewardship, and relationship building

E. Reporting & Accountability

  • Produce monthly progress reports on donor pipeline, activities, and benchmarks
  • Conduct quarterly strategic reviews and adjust the campaign plan as needed
  • Offer real-time feedback and recommendations to accelerate fundraising success

Deliverables

  • Comprehensive campaign plan and case statement
  • Donor segmentation and giving pyramid
  • Prospect research reports and a populated donor pipeline
  • Campaign management calendar and systems/tools for tracking progress
  • Biweekly calls with campaign committee 
  • Monthly written updates and quarterly strategic summaries
  • Prepared materials for donor meetings (briefs, decks, backgrounders, follow-up emails, etc.)
  • Final project summary at the completion of engagement

Desired Qualifications

  • Demonstrated experience leading or supporting large-scale fundraising campaigns ($25M+ preferred; $100M+ ideal)
  • Proven track record securing major gifts from foundations, high-net-worth individuals, corporate donors, and/or impact investors
  • Deep knowledge of fundraising best practices, donor psychology, and philanthropic landscapes
  • Ability to manage complex campaigns with competing priorities and multiple internal/external stakeholders
  • Strong organizational skills, persistence, and attention to detail
  • Exceptional communication and writing abilities
  • Familiarity with community development, economic justice, real estate, CDFIs, or advocacy-oriented organizations (preferred but not required)
  • Ability to work effectively with diverse communities and align with Inclusive Action’s values

Proposal Requirements

Interested consultants should submit a proposal including:

  1. Cover Letter summarizing interest and relevant experience
  2. Overview of Proposed Approach, methodology, and expected workplan
  3. Firm or Individual Qualifications
  4. Descriptions of Relevant Past Projects, including outcomes
  5. Proposed Team Members (if applicable) and their roles
  6. Budget and Fee Structure, including hourly rates and estimated total cost
  7. Three References from similar campaign or fundraising strategy engagements
  8. Timeline and Availability for the project

Contract Period

The anticipated start date is March 2026. The initial contract period will be 6-12 months, with the possibility of extension depending on campaign progress and funding.

Evaluation Criteria

Proposals will be evaluated based on:

  • Demonstrated success with large-scale fundraising campaigns
  • Strategic insight and clarity of proposed approach
  • Relevant experience with similar organizations or sectors
  • Strength of references and past performance
  • Budget feasibility and value
  • Alignment with Inclusive Action’s mission and values

Submission Instructions

Please submit your proposal as a single PDF to:
Email: work@inclusiveaction.org
Subject Line: RFP Submission – Fundraising Campaign Consultant

UPDATE: Proposals must be received by February 27, 2026. Finalists may be invited for virtual or in-person interviews.

Questions

Questions about this RFP may be directed to work@inclusiveaction.org.

Reservation of Rights

Inclusive Action reserves the right to reject any or all proposals, to request additional information, and to modify the scope of work before contracting.