BRIEF FOR FUNDRAISING CONSULTANT
‘HIGHLAND MUSEUMS – OUR COLLECTIVE FUTURE’ PROJECT
Introduction and Background
The Highland Museums Forum (HMF) was established in 1990 with the aim of being a sector self-help organisation which crossed the public/independent sector boundary and to provide training to assist small museums to gain Registration, now known as Accreditation. By 1996 the Forum was working with the Highland Council (HC) to develop a single Service Level Agreement (SLA) for 19 independent museums which resulted in financial support from HC. These museums still receive some SLA funding, responsibility for the administration of which was recently transferred from Highland Council to High Life Highland (HLH). However, funding has been dramatically reduced over the past five years and the latest dramatic 45% reduction to this core funding means that the independent museums in the Highlands are threatened with closure, unless they can identify means of substantially increasing their income and reducing their costs.
In light of this challenge, the Highland Museums’ Forum (HMF) is leading a funded project to strengthen the partnerships between the independent museums in the Highlands on all levels and to increase their economic sustainability and future resilience. We have contracted a consortium of consultants to undertake an audit of the independent museums and develop a strategic plan for their future, economic sustainability. The next stage is to employ a Fundraiser and Development Manager to help us implement those recommendations.
The Task
We wish to employ a professional Fundraiser to identify and secure steady income streams to be administered by HMF on behalf of the independent museums. The Fundraiser would identify public and private funding, sponsorship opportunities, legacy/endowment opportunities and online giving and work with the independent Highland museums to best exploit these.
Following the reduction in funding, we are left with a gap of £130,000 across the sector. We are looking for a fundraiser to help us attract funds for supporting independent museums across the Highlands going forward and to deliver a plan for the way forward after the project is completed. Key tasks to help us deliver on this aim are:
•Work with the business consultants on producing a robust fundraising strategy for HMF and the Independent Museum sector across the Highlands
•Create and implement an ambitious action plan based on the strategy devised by the business consultants.
•Develop and deliver joint fundraising and sponsorship campaigns
•Ensure there is a clear and deliverable plan for creating a sustainable way forward when this post ends
•Assume a Partnership Liaison/Management role for duration of the partnership agreement.
Timetable
The strategy should be completed over a year from December 2017 to December 2018.
Costs
There is a total fee of £9,000 available. This is to include fee, travel and subsistence. We expect there to be a minimum of 20 days offered.
Reporting
The project will be managed overall by HMF steering group. The nominated contact person is Nicola Henderson, Project Coordinator. The consultant is expected to report to the HMF Steering Group on a monthly basis.
Your Proposal
Please submit an outline detailing:
•Your proposed method of operation and an outline of your approach for this consultancy work
•Previous experience of delivering fundraising projects of a similar nature
•The names and contact details of 2 people we can contact for references.
•The name of the individual (or individuals) who would be involved in delivering this evaluation, with their experience and relevant qualifications.
•Availability, and any period of non-availability, for the proposed consultancy period.
•The minimum number of days that would be committed to deliver the contract.
•The fee chargeable and a breakdown of anticipated spend.
The successful contractor should demonstrate:
•The necessary experience and skills to develop and deliver a fund-raising strategy for a consortium of organisations
•Significant experience in fund-raising including public and private sector, major donor acquisition, sponsorship and online giving
•An understanding of and experience of working in or with the Third Sector
•A flexible, adaptable approach to working with a combination of museum professionals and volunteers
•A knowledge of the area or of rural working in general would be desirable
•Excellent interpersonal and communication skills
Please submit your tender to:
Nicola Henderson by 10th November. Interviews will be held w/c 27th November .
Nicola Henderson, Highland Museums Forum, c/o Nairn Museum, Viewfield House, Viewfield Dr, Nairn IV12 4EE or by e-mail to:
Date of brief
6th October 2017