Terms of Reference (ToR)
Contract Objective
To conduct a comprehensive feasibility study that evaluates the viability of launching a major donor fundraising campaign focused on high-net-worth individuals (HNWIs) and ultra-high-net-worth individuals (UHNWIs) in the United States. The consultant will provide data-driven insights on donor capacity, interest, messaging effectiveness, organizational readiness, and strategic direction to support evidence-based decision-making regarding the campaign.
Background
Fundación Mi Sangre (FMS) is a Colombian nonprofit organization with more than 19 years of experience that strengthens and connects extraordinary leaderships for a more peaceful, democratic, and regenerative society. We are currently exploring the development of a long-term fundraising strategy centered on individual donors and high-net-worth individuals in the United States. As a critical first step, the organization seeks to undertake a feasibility study that validates campaign assumptions through rigorous research rather than aspirational projections.
Feasibility studies are essential because they test real donor interest, timing, and giving capacity while identifying potential risks before significant organizational resources are committed. This process enables the organization to establish realistic and achievable goals, refine its positioning, and identify early champions who may help open doors to broader philanthropic networks.
The findings of this study will provide leadership and board members with the strategic clarity and confidence required to determine whether to proceed with the campaign and under what conditions.
Requirements
- Demonstrated experience and talent at major donor fund development and feasibility studies
- Proven track record working with individual donors and high-net-worth/ultra-high-net-worth individuals in the United States.
- Deep knowledge of U.S. philanthropic trends, donor cultivation strategies, and major donor campaign planning.
- Familiarity with Colombia is a plus, but not required
- Strong analytical skills with the ability to translate qualitative and quantitative data into strategic recommendations.
- Excellent communication skills in English (Spanish is a plus).
- Ability to manage confidential information with the highest ethical standards.
Specific Obligations of the Consultant
The consultant will be responsible for designing and implementing a structured feasibility study process that we anticipate will include the following phases, activities, outcomes and deliverables (but we also look to the consultant’s expertise for guidance and recommendations in these areas):
Phase 1: Study Design, Planning, and Prospect Validation
- Develop a detailed work plan aligned with the study objectives.
- Review and validate the preliminary list of approximately 20 identified individuals and potential donors that we already mapped out and know, to ensure strategic fit, giving capacity, and engagement potential.
- Recommend adjustments to strengthen the prospect pool if necessary.
- Define the outreach strategy and key talking points that effectively communicate FMS’s mission, impact, and value proposition.
- Develop interview protocols, questionnaires, and supporting materials.
- Engage board members and senior leadership to secure their commitment and participation in the study process.
Phase 2: Confidential Donor Interviews
- Conduct 15–20 confidential interviews with potential major donors, prioritizing U.S.-based individuals and HNWIs/UHNWIs.
- Test organizational messaging and positioning.
- Assess donor capacity, philanthropic interests, and preferred timing for engagement.
- Gather feedback on organizational strengths, perceived risks, and areas of opportunity.
- Evaluate different strategic approaches and their appeal to prospective donors.
Phase 3: Analysis and Final Report
- Analyze interview findings and donor feedback using a data-driven approach.
- Develop a recommended campaign goal grounded in verified donor capacity.
- Produce a preliminary gift range table based on realistic giving potential.
- Identify the most promising prospects, cultivation strategies, and potential campaign champions.
- Assess organizational readiness and capacity to sustain a long-term campaign investment.
- Present the comprehensive feasibility study report to the Board of Directors and senior leadership.
- Facilitate discussion to support a formal decision on whether to proceed with the campaign.
Expected Outcomes
The feasibility study is expected to deliver:
- Data-driven validation of campaign potential
- Strategic clarity regarding the optimal fundraising approach
- Identification and qualification of prospective major donors
- Evidence-based recommendations for campaign planning
- An assessment of organizational readiness
- Increased confidence among leadership and board members to guide decision-making
These outcomes will ensure that any future campaign is grounded in validated market intelligence rather than assumptions.
Deliverables
- Detailed work plan approved by Fundación Mi Sangre.
- Periodic progress updates summarizing key insights.
- Confidential donor interview summaries (aggregated and anonymized).
- Comprehensive feasibility study report with strategic recommendations.
- Executive presentation of findings for board and leadership review.
Coordination
The consultant will work closely with Fundación Mi Sangre’s leadership team and the Alliances and Innovation area to ensure alignment with organizational priorities and access to relevant stakeholders.
Location
The consultancy may be conducted remotely; however, candidates preferably based in the United States are strongly encouraged to apply, given the focus on engaging individual donors and high-net-worth individuals within the U.S. philanthropic landscape. The consultant must demonstrate the ability to effectively connect with U.S.-based donors and operate within this context. Travel requirements, if any, will be defined during contract negotiations.
Contract Duration
The consultancy is expected to take approximately 3–6 months, beginning upon contract execution and concluding with the presentation of the final feasibility report.
Fees
Interested consultants are invited to submit a financial proposal detailing the total cost of the consultancy, including professional fees and any anticipated expenses associated with the feasibility study. The proposal should reflect the scope of work, methodology, and timeline described in this Terms of Reference. Fundación Mi Sangre will evaluate proposals based on both technical quality and cost-effectiveness.
Application Process
Interested consultants or firms should submit:
- Curriculum vitae or organizational profile
- Proposal outlining methodology, and timeline
- Relevant experience conducting feasibility studies for major donor campaigns
- Financial proposal
- At least two professional references
Send your proposal and questions to [email protected]
Deadline for submitting your proposal: Sunday, March 29th