REQUEST FOR PROPOSAL

Purpose

To facilitate development of astrategic planfor Grantmakers of Western Pennsylvania (GWP).

GWP Mission

To promote excellence in philanthropy

Organization Background

GWP is one of 32 regional associations of grantmakers (RAs) in the United States. It was established in 1985 by a group of philanthropic leaders in the Pittsburgh region who wanted to create an organized mechanism for learning and working together. A nonprofit, tax-exempt 501(c)3 organization, GWP now has 87 members from ElkCounty in the north to FayetteCounty in the south. Its core operating budget in 2008 is $356,618, of which 86%is funded by membership dues.

GWP serves its members by offering professional education, linking members to information and resources, providing regular networking opportunities and offering a forum for field-wide dialogue. It has a strong history of offering in-person programs and benchmarking research such as local compensation and benefits surveys. The organization also offers grants administration for jointly funded initiatives; services to the nonprofit community such as “Meet the Grantmakers” programs and common proposal/ report forms; and, since 1999, the annual conference known as the Nonprofit Summit.

Issues to Be Addressed

All of the RAs nationwidework to support and enhance philanthropy in their regions. They operate in a competitive environment, since philanthropic infrastructure organizations (e.g.Grantmakers in Health, Association of Small Foundations) have proliferated in the past 20 years. Grantmakers now have multiple sources for information and resources, especially at the national level.

Additionally,the entire field of philanthropy hasrecently attracted significant attention from lawmakers and there is interest in regulation of the charitable sector at both state and federal levels. Two areas of particular scrutiny are ethics/ accountability and issues pertaining to diversity. RAs can play a role both to educate member philanthropiesso that they can demonstrate self-regulation, and also to educate and inform elected officials about the impact of proposed legislation on the field.

Like other RAs, GWP functions as a professional association, funded by and accountable to its members. GWP has not formally developed a strategic plan for the past several years; the executive director set organizational priorities on an annual basis. Given recent transitions in leadership among GWP members, plus the retirement of GWP’s former executive director, there is an opportunity to take a new look at the role GWP can play in supporting the region’s philanthropic community.

Scope of Work

GWP seeks a consultant to provide the following services:

  • An initial discussion with GWP’s board at its meeting in January 2009
  • Interview current GWP board members and staff (15)
  • Interview approximately 25additional stakeholders, including members of the ad hoc strategic planning committee, key GWP members and selected nonprofit agencies
  • Assist GWP staff in framing questions for an online survey of the entire GWP membership
  • Facilitate two meetingsof 2-3 hours each (GWP strategic planning committee and/or board)
  • Work with planning committee and staff to synthesizefeedback from surveys and interviews; establish a strategic framework; proposeorganizational priorities, policies and services; and develop a ‘strategy screen’ to help GWP staff assessand prioritize proposed future activities
  • Write the strategic plan document, based on committee feedback, with GWP staff

Timetable

The strategic planning process will begin in early 2009 and be completed by the end of September 2009.