Scope of Work
Develop implementation tools, procedure manual, and systems for sustainability
Preferred: Experience with heritage, cultural, museum, preservation, National Park Service-affiliated organizations, grant writing, and Bonterra CRM.
APPENDIX
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Organizational Background
MotorCities National Heritage Area is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization and federally designated National Heritage Area that preserves, interprets, and promotes the automotive and labor heritage of southeastern Michigan through education, partnerships, heritage tourism, and grant making activities.
MotorCities recently received a National Park Foundation Capacity Building Grant to strengthen its long-term organizational sustainability. The organization seeks a qualified fundraising and development consultant to build fundraising systems, diversify revenue, train board members, and develop a sustainable fundraising roadmap.
Historically, approximately 99% of MotorCities' revenue has been derived from federal National Heritage Area appropriations and required matching funds. This funding structure limits the organization's ability to invest in fundraising capacity and increases long-term financial vulnerability. This grant is intended to help MotorCities diversify revenue and reduce dependence on a single funding source.
MotorCities has worked with grant writers and fundraising professionals on limited engagements but has not previously undertaken a comprehensive fundraising capacity-building initiative of this scope.
Scope and Expectations
Either is acceptable. MotorCities welcomes proposals from qualified independent consultants, consulting teams, or firms with relevant nonprofit fundraising expertise.
No.
The primary purpose of this engagement is capacity building. The consultant will develop systems, strategies, training, tools, and fundraising infrastructure. While fundraising results are important, selection will not be based solely on a consultant's ability to solicit gifts directly.
Strong Potential.
MotorCities anticipates that the consultant may provide guidance, develop grant funding strategies, identify prospects, and assist with proposal development and submission of 1- 3 grant. However, the primary objective is creation of a comprehensive development system rather than serving solely as a grant writer.
Yes.
MotorCities seeks both strategic planning and implementation assistance. The consultant should anticipate helping staff and board members apply the recommendations developed during the planning process.
Yes.
Board development is a core component of this project. The consultant will be expected to provide fundraising education, donor cultivation training, and major gift solicitation coaching for board members.
Yes.
MotorCities anticipates at least one facilitated board development or planning session. Consultants should outline their recommended approach within their proposal.
Organizational Capacity
Current fundraising activities include:
Consultants will be expected to evaluate existing activities and recommend improvements.
Yes.
MotorCities maintains donor and membership records in Bonterra/Network for good but anticipates that upgrades, optimization, and improved utilization of donor management systems may be necessary as part of this project.
High.
The Board of Directors will be actively involved in planning sessions, training activities, and adoption of the final fundraising plan.
The Executive Director will serve as project lead and primary liaison for the consultant.
MotorCities has a small staff structure. Consultants should expect direct engagement with executive leadership and one or two staff members throughout the project.
Deliverables
MotorCities seeks a diverse, practical, actionable, board-approved Fundraising and Development Plan that can be implemented immediately and sustained after the grant period ends.
The plan should address:
Yes.
Prospect research and development of a major donor cultivation strategy are specifically identified as project objectives.
Yes.
MotorCities welcomes recommendations regarding Bonterra/Network for Good donor management systems, in addition to other fundraising platforms, prospect research tools, and related technology solutions.
Very detailed.
MotorCities prefers practical tools, timelines, templates, workflows, and procedures that staff and board members can implement immediately.
Budget and Contracting
The budget for consulting services is up to $64,000.
This amount is funded by a National Park Foundation Capacity Building Grant.
No, however, additional budgeted line items exist for technology and retreat facilitation assistance.
Proposals exceeding the available budget of $64,000 may be deemed non-responsive.
Yes.
Consultants should include all anticipated travel, lodging, facilitation, and related expenses in their proposal.
Yes.
MotorCities prefers fixed-fee proposals with clear deliverables and milestones. Alternative pricing structures may be considered if clearly justified.
Yes.
Respondents should propose a payment schedule tied to milestones and deliverables.
A sample structure might include:
Project Management
MotorCities anticipates a hybrid approach.
Certain activities, such as board workshops and strategic planning sessions, and occasional work with staff will be in-person facilitation, while other work may be completed virtually.
Yes.
Respondents should budget for participation in key board meetings when presenting findings, facilitating discussions, or conducting training.
The selected consultant will be provided reasonable access to relevant organizational records, including fundraising data, strategic planning documents, membership information, and financial materials necessary to complete the engagement.
Yes.
MotorCities expects regular progress updates and milestone reporting throughout the engagement.
Evaluation and Selection
Particular consideration will be given to consultants with experience involving:
MotorCities reserves the right to interview finalists before making a selection.
MotorCities anticipates selecting a consultant in mid-late September 2026 with work beginning on Oct. 1st.
Yes.
MotorCities reserves the right to reject any or all proposals, negotiate scope modifications, or cancel the solicitation if it determines doing so is in the organization's best interest.
Success and Outcomes
Success will be evaluated based on the consultant's ability to help MotorCities achieve:
MotorCities would have:
This is the ultimate goal of the National Park Foundation Capacity Building investment
Please submit: Qualifications and relevant experience; Project approach and timeline; Key personnel; 3 references; and Fixed-fee cost proposal.
Submit To
Shawn Pomaville-Size, Executive Director
spomaville@motorcities.org
Subject: RFP Response – Fundraising & Development Consultant