Request for Proposals for a Fundraiser for the GreenMatter Partnership (RF) NPC

GreenMatter is seeking the services of a suitably qualified and experienced Service Provider with requisite leadership and technical skills and to source investors/ funding from potential funders/partners. The successful bidder will also be required to identify and secure, in collaboration with GreenMatter leadership, key stakeholders with whom GreenMatter could partner. Proposals are hereby invited from bidders to provide the following services:
  • Develop a Funding and Financing Strategy which identifies eligible and innovative funding and financing solutions and strategies for GreenMatter core costs and programmes, considering the GreenMatter’s limited financial resources for infrastructure development. This includes identification of possible revenue streams, available grants, donors, benefactors, partnership, patrons, etc.
  • Develop a Fundraising action plan inclusive of the co-development of a marketing plan, a soft market testing to gauge investor / funder / donor appetite and a list of prospective funders/financiers/donors to engage with, and the implementation plan for sourcing the investors.
  • Identify and secure partners whose mandates align with that of GreenMatter and who have the resources to invest in and sustain operations of the GreenMatter.
  • Partnership agreements and MOUs with entities or partners who have an interest in the activities and mandate of GreenMatter and who can invest in the sustainable operations of GreenMatter; and
  • Mobilise and secure investment for the development and funds for GreenMatter Operations and programmes to achieve a target of at least R 12 million of funding received by GreenMatter for the development of the operations and its programmes within the first 12 months after signing of the contract.
 
  1. SCOPE OF WORK
The Fundraising Consultant (s) will be required to provide the following services as a minimum:
  • Identify eligible and innovative funding and financing solutions and strategies for the GreenMatter, considering the limited financial resources for infrastructure development. This includes identification of possible revenue streams, available grants, donors, benefactors, partnership, patrons, etc.
  • Present the Funding Strategy to GreenMatters Executive Management Committee and the Board for comment and approval.
  • Investors, funders and stakeholder identification.
  • Identify potential investors, funders and donors, nationally and internationally, including the public and private sector donor and grant funding market.
  • Develop a fundraising action plan inclusive of a marketing plan and a list of potential investors and funders to engage with.
 
This should include:
  • Develop a detailed project implementation plan;
  • Determining realistic fundraising goals and state how much capital can realistically be raised for each option and in what timeframe;
  • Define marketing materials that might be required and associated costs;
  • Facilitating funding related engagements between GreenMatter and potential investors, funders and donors;
  • Providing quarterly reports on the work completed, or as required by GreenMatter;
  • Developing funding proposals in consultation with GreenMatters Leadership and according to the requirements of the appropriate funding authority, upon approval of the fundraising plan; and
  • Developing and submitting proposals and applications to prospective investors, funders and donors, and assisting with deal structuring and execution of the financing option in line with the Centre’s vision, programme needs and priorities.
 
2.EXPECTED DELIVERABLES
The Fundraising Consultant is expected to deliver the following:
  • Develop and submit Funding and Financing Strategy on a commission basis;
  • Develop and submit Fundraising Action Plan;
  • Develop a donor database:
    • A list of local and international organisations, government agencies and business sector clients that may have interest in supporting GreenMatters mission; and
    • A list of funding opportunities, prioritized according to the best possible match between the scope of future independent organisation’s activities and donor interests;
    • Results of soft market testing.
  • Achieve a target of at least R 12 million of funding received by GreenMatter for the development of Operations of its programmes within the first 12 months.
  • Partnership agreements and MOUs with entities or partners who have an interest in the activities and mandate of GreenMatter and who can invest in the sustainable operations of GreenMatter.
  • Framework for project proposal/grant applications for specific sources of funding for the future operations of GreenMatter and its programmes.
  
3.SUBMISSION REQUIREMENTS
Bidders should provide the following items as part of the proposal for consideration:
  • Provide a detailed costing to outline the commission basis for which funds will be raised;
  • Provide an executive summary which describes the services that will be provided and how the firm will address the needs, objectives and requirements outlined in Scope of Services;
  • This response should include a detailed description of the approach or plan to be used. The detailed plan shall focus on the methodology used for management and execution of the required services. The plan should demonstrate an overall understanding of the Scope of Work to be performed and will be judged on clarity, comprehensiveness and presentation of materials in a thorough, concise format;
  • Demonstrable understanding of the proposed GreenMatter activities and programmes and beneficiary communities; and an ability to interpret this understanding and knowledge into effective fundraising communications;
  • Demonstrable knowledge and understanding of the key stakeholders in the market in South Africa, the Legislative framework, and applicable legislation;
  • Provide samples of fundraising material, including a sample of a fundraising plan and progress reports;
  • Provide a timeframe for the fundraising campaign; and
  • Provide a description of the policies and procedures that validates that a high level of confidentiality is maintained and will comply with the GreenMatter requirement to protect the privacy of its donors.
 
4.TIMELINES
 The following schedule applies to this RFP but may change in accordance with the Bertha Centre’s needs or unforeseen circumstances:
Publication of RFP
27 August 2021

Technical questions / inquiries
10 September 2021

Proposals due
17 September 2021

Virtual interviews with finalists
27 September 2021

Estimated date of selection notification
1 October 2021

Proposal must be submitted via email by 17 September 2021 at 5pm SAST. Proposals received after this deadline will not be given primary consideration. A transmittal letter and proposal should be sent to neo@greenmatter.co.za as a PDF. Other formats will not be accepted. Proposals will be accepted from both firms and individual consultants.
  • Consultants selected for further consideration must be available for a telephone interview on 27 September 2021. The proposal itself should be no more than 10 pages and should address the complete scope of work and deliverables.
 
5.BIDDER’S EXPERIENCE AND REFERENCES
  • Description of experience and success in raising different sources of funding including grant funding, donations, equity and loan capital and any other funds for infrastructure development;
  • Provide a schedule of past and current successful similar fundraising services. Experience in raising funds from international donors or grants will be an added advantage;
  • Provide a list of client references of institutions which demonstrates experience in providing services similar in scope required by this RFP. References shall include date and description of service, term of agreement, organization’s name, and contact person, title, address and telephone number; and
  • Provide samples of fundraising material, including the fundraising plan and sample of progress reports.