Fundraising and Strategy Consultant/Firm

Background

Generation West Virginia is a statewide organization determined to shape a future that's full of possibility for everyone who wants to call West Virginia home. Our work is driven by the belief that when every young person has the tools, resources, and connections needed to make a home for their dreams here, we’ll end up building a better West Virginia for generations to come. 

Generation WV is currently leading workforce development efforts for the Appalachian Climate Technology Now (ACT Now) Coalition, a collaboration of key West Virginia cities, economic revitalization organizations, leading academic institutions, and private sector innovators that aims to spur job growth in 21 economically distressed and coal-impacted counties in Southern West Virginia by creating a hub of clean energy and green economy jobs. The ACT Now Coalition’s work is funded by the US Economic Development Administration’s Build Back Better Regional Challenge program. 

Scope of Work

Generation WV is ready to build new relationships with philanthropic funders and develop long-term funding strategies to continue to support young adults being placed into well-paying jobs in the Mountain State beyond the EDA Build Back Better funding period. To that end, the organization needs to: (a) understand the relevant regional and national funding landscapes; (b) create development plans tailored to the organization’s needs and future plans; and (c) implement these plans.

To achieve these goals, the organization seeks to engage a consultant or firm to perform the following work. 

Funding Landscape Analysis

• Work with Generation West Virginia to understand the organization’s priorities, funding needs, and partnership opportunities going forward.
• Produce a landscape analysis of philanthropic and corporate funders and opportunities relevant to the organization’s priorities, including emerging opportunities.

Funding Strategy Development 

• Develop a funding plan and strategies, including:
• Needs and opportunities
• Priority funders
• Opportunities for partnership and collaboration
• Relationship development strategies
• Timelines and action items

Funding Strategy Implementation Support 

• Work with Generation West Virginia to support implementation of funding strategies, including:
  • Coaching and support for outreach, relationship building, and cultivation
  • Development of supporting materials
    • Talking points
    • Concept papers
    • Proposals as invited

Desired Qualifications

• Senior level consultant or firm with significant relevant experience in fundraising and development
  • Clear understanding of regional and national fundraising landscapes related to rural and workforce development
  • Strong existing relationships and exeperience with major funders in these fields
  • Ongoing tracking of emerging developments in related philanthropy
• Well developed understanding of solutions and strategies related to rural community and economic development and workforce development
• Demonstrated success executing multiple, complex projects with competing deadlines and strong attention to detail
• Excellent interpersonal and relationship management skills
• Strong commitment to and passion for equitable rural development 

Response Submission Process

Interested consultants or firms are invited to submit the following materials by email to devsupport@generationwv.org

• Letter describing qualifications and interest in the project
• Proposed timeline for project completion
• Examples of relevant philanthropic funders with whom you have helped clients build relationships (may be included in letter if desired)
• Short writing sample, preferably a letter of interest or concept paper, redacted as necessary
• Resume/CV
• Rates/fee structure

Responses will be reviewed as they are received.