Fundraising Consulting Services

Dane County, Wisconsin is seeking a fundraising consulting firm to support the Henry Vilas Zoo's capital campaign for the "Edge of Africa - Giraffe" exhibit through a Request for Proposal (RFP) for comprehensive fundraising consulting services. The primary objective is to raise a minimum of $4 million towards the estimated $20 million project, with an anticipated contract term of up to five one-year periods beginning September 1, 2023. The selected consultant will be responsible for developing a complete campaign strategy, including creating a case statement, conducting donor interviews, identifying prospective donors, designing communication strategies, and managing the entire fundraising process. The RFP was released on June 26, 2023, with questions due by July 24, 2023, and proposals due by August 7, 2023 at 2:00 pm. The evaluation will be points-based, with 30 points for qualifications and experience, 40 points for project approach, 10 points for references, 20 points for cost, and 5 points for local vendor preference, totaling 105 possible points. The project aims to support the first phase of the zoo's master plan, with a targeted spring 2025 groundbreaking.

The RFP does not explicitly mention specific set-aside designations or restrictions for disadvantaged enterprises. The document focuses on selecting a highly qualified fundraising consulting firm with demonstrated experience in capital campaigns, particularly for nonprofit or public institutions. While no incumbent vendor is identified, the RFP suggests the selected consultant will work closely with Henry Vilas Zoo leadership to develop and execute a comprehensive fundraising strategy. The potential award value is directly tied to the fundraising campaign's goal of raising $4 million, though the consultant's compensation is not explicitly detailed in the provided documentation. The project represents a significant opportunity for a fundraising consulting firm to support a major capital improvement project for a public zoo, with the potential for ongoing engagement through the five-year contract term and future phases of the zoo's master plan.