Community MusicWorks (CMW) seeks to engage an Institutional Relations Consultation
Request for Proposal: Institutional Relations Consultation
Community MusicWorks (CMW) seeks to engage a consultant to manage and expand an
existing program of institutional fundraising. Duties will include identification, application, and
reporting on government and foundation grants. In addition, the consultant will explore corporate
sponsorships.
CMW has been successful in attracting foundation funding over its 14-year history. At this time,
CMW would like to continue its government and foundation funding, and explore corporate
sponsorship as well. CMW successfully received twelve foundation grants and six government
awards in the past year. CMW anticipates the need to find approximately $400,000 annually
from institutional sources.
This opportunity is offered for one year with the possibility to renew. The budget for this
consultation is $17,500.
1. Application:
a. Submit a description of experience and qualifications to provide this consultation
b. Describe a work plan to address the scope of work
c. Provide three references from clients or client organizations
d. Submit a one- to two-page writing sample
2. Scope of Work:
a. Work with CMW’s leadership and staff of CMW to develop a three-year institutional fund
development plan
b. Evaluate, recommend, and assist in developing a communications/marketing plan for
institutional funders
c. Recommend policies and procedures for an institutional fundraising program
d. Develop a case for support for institutional funders
e. Research institutional funding opportunities
f. Prepare proposals and documents in accordance with institutional funding RFPs
g. Work with staff to track proposals, enter data on funders and successful proposals
h. Prepare acknowledgments for funding
i. Develop recognition in accordance with funding institution’s requirements and CMW’s
policies and procedures
j. Advise CMW on appropriate use of awarded funds
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k. Advise CMW on appropriate sources of corporate support
l. Prepare reports as appropriate and required to funding agencies and sponsors
m. Support staff in accounting and reporting functions as appropriate
n. Provide training of leadership and staff on institutional funding and how they can promote this type of support for CMW
o. Arrange meetings/visits/etc. of funders with CMW leadership
p. Present to CMW’s leadership as needed on the institutional funding program
Qualifications:
1. Five or more years experience in institutional fundraising
2. Demonstrated ability to manage a full range of support for an institutional funding program, from evaluation of needs, to planning a program, writing proposals, tracking and reporting, and organizing visits between funding agencies and CMW
3. Demonstrated success in grant writing and sponsorship development
Skills:
1. Excellent time-management skills
2. Ability to communicate effectively in writing and in presentations
3. Confident in managing diverse functions and people
4. Ability to translate the CMW culture into successful institutional funding
5. Ability to develop and manage institutional relations with nonprofit organizations
Please email your proposal to Heath Marlow, Managing Director, by Wednesday, August 3: hmarlow@communitymusicworks.org
About Community MusicWorks
Founded with the conviction that musicians can have meaningful careers that unite artistry and public service, Community MusicWorks (CMW) builds long-term learning and mentoring relationships between professional musicians and more than 100 children in the most underserved neighborhoods of Providence, Rhode Island.
CMW’s mission is to create a cohesive urban community—through music education and performance—that transforms the lives of children, families, and musicians. At the center of this mission are the teaching, mentoring, and performance activities of the organization’s ensemble-in-permanent-residence, the Providence String Quartet.
CMW applies an innovative approach to arts education that features the relationship between music and social justice. As the 2009 evaluation by arts consulting firm WolfBrown notes, “At CMW… playing music becomes an experience of developing personal agency and of recognizing both the power and the responsibility of having a voice in larger civic and cultural conversations.” Neighborhood children participate free of charge—some for as long as 10 years—regardless of talent or ability. To date, all graduates have enrolled in college. Learn more at www.communitymusicworks.org.
