Request for Proposals (RFP) - Strategic Planning & Development Consultant

Request for Proposals (RFP)

Strategic Planning & Development Consultant

Date of Issue: February 4, 2026

Proposals Due: February 18, 2026, at 5 pm EST to [email protected] 

Project Timeline: 3 Months (Approx. March– June 1, 2026)

Organizational Overview

About InnovateEDU

InnovateEDU is a non-profit organization dedicated to [Insert brief mission statement, e.g., closing the achievement gap by fostering innovation in next-generation learning models and tools]. We work at the intersection of technology, policy, and practice to ensure all learners have access to high-quality education.

Current Context

We are currently at a pivotal moment in our organizational lifecycle. As we look to the future, we are seeking a strategic partner to help us consolidate our learnings, align our team around three specific focus areas, and build a sustainable roadmap for financial growth.

Project Purpose & Objectives

InnovateEDU invites qualified consultants or firms to submit proposals for a 3-month strategic planning process. The primary objective is to refine our strategic direction, ensure organizational alignment, and develop a robust fundraising strategy to support this work.

Key Objectives:

1. Stakeholder Alignment: engage internal and external stakeholders to validate our impact and direction.
2. Focus Area Refinement: Operationalize our three identified key areas of focus:

• Focus Area 1: Staffing Structure Examination & Recommendations - Goal: To align human capital with our new strategic direction and ensure long-term sustainability.

• Current State Analysis: Conduct gap analysis revealing critical needs in [specific area, e.g., development, program management] vs. current capacity.
• Critical Hires (Year 1-3): Prioritize recruitment to drive immediate revenue and program outcomes.
• Retention & Succession: Implement new professional development pathways and staff supports to mitigate turnover in key leadership positions.

• Focus Area 2: Strategic Goals 
  • Pillar 1: Program Expansion and Strategic Alignment 
  • Pillar 2: Develop a plan for Operational Excellence: Digitize core operational and marketing processes to reduce overhead costs and improve reporting capabilities.
  • Pillar 3: Brand Authority: Establish InnovateEDU as a top-tier thought leader through a dedicated messaging strategy 
• Focus Area 3: 3-Year Fundraising Plan Goal: To diversify revenue streams and fuel strategic growth initiatives.
  • Diversification Strategy: Reduce reliance on foundations and move to more earned revenue models and funding 
  • Sustainability: Create a concrete fundraising plan and donor pipeline to fuel these focus areas.

3. Scope of Work (SOW)

The engagement will take place over a 3-month period and must include the following components:

Phase 1: Discovery & Stakeholder Engagement (Weeks 1-4)

• Internal Review: Assess current organizational assets, financials, and program performance. Facilitate input sessions with current employees to gauge culture, capacity, and buy-in.
• Board Engagement: Conduct 1-on-1 interviews with Board of Directors members to understand governance perspectives and risk tolerance.
• External Landscape: Interview five key external stakeholders (partners, funders, beneficiaries) to assess InnovateEDU’s market position and reputation.

Phase 2: Strategic Alignment & Planning (Weeks 5-8)

• Strategic Framework: Synthesize findings into a cohesive strategy that aligns resources against the Three Key Areas of Focus.
• Goal Setting: Define success metrics (KPIs) for the next [1-3] years.
• Development Strategy:

• Analyze current revenue streams.
• Develop a case for support specifically tied to the new strategic framework.

Phase 3: Fundraising Roadmap & Final Presentations (Weeks 9-12)

• Fundraising Plan: Deliver a tactical fundraising plan including grant calendars, major gift strategies, and earned revenue opportunities.
• Donor Target List: Research and compile a qualified list of [Number] prospective donors (foundations, corporate, and individual) whose priorities align with the new strategic focus areas.
• Presentations:

• Leadership Presentation: Deep-dive strategy session with the Executive Team.
• Staff Presentation: Town-hall style presentation to ensure organizational alignment and morale.
• Board Presentation: Formal presentation of the Strategic Plan and Fundraising Strategy for Board approval.

4. Deliverables

The successful consultant will provide:

1. Stakeholder Insights Report: A summary of themes from internal/external interviews.
2. Strategic Plan Deck: A polished, visual presentation outlining the mission, vision, and operational plan for the Three Key Areas of Focus.
3. Fundraising Action Plan: A document detailing revenue goals and tactics.
4. Target Donor List: A vetted list of prospects with contact info and alignment notes.
5. Three Live Presentations: Tailored decks and facilitation for Leadership, Staff, and Board meetings.

5. Timeline & Budget

• Project Start Date: March 2026
• Project End Date: June 2026
• Budget: The budget for this project is capped at $20,000 (inclusive of all travel and administrative costs).

6. Submission Guidelines

Please submit the following in a single PDF document by February 18, 2026, at 5 pm EST to [email protected] 

1. Firm/Consultant Profile: Experience with education non-profits and strategic planning.
2. Case Studies: Two examples of similar strategic planning projects (specifically those including a fundraising component).
3. Proposed Methodology: How you will approach the 3-month timeline and stakeholder interviews.
4. Project Team: Bios of the specific individuals who will work on this account.
5. Detailed Budget: Breakdown of costs by phase/deliverable.

7. Evaluation Criteria

Proposals will be evaluated based on:

• Understanding of the Education/EdTech non-profit landscape.
• Demonstrated ability to execute high-quality work within a 3-month timeframe.
• Specific expertise in fundraising and development (ability to produce the donor target list is critical).
• Cost-effectiveness.
• At least three external references from past clients whose project was of a similar scope, budget, and duration.

InnovateEDU is an equal opportunity employer and encourages proposals from minority-owned and women-owned firms.