Request for Qualifications and Proposal (RFQ/RFP): Grant writer/Fundraiser for International Erosion Control Association’s SOIL Fund.

Due date: Friday, May 31, 2019 by 5:00 p.m.
Send to: Executive Director, International Erosion Control Association 3033 S Parker Rd, Suite 410, Aurora, CO 80014 

Brief Background of IECA and the SOIL Fund
The International Erosion Control Association (IECA) is an international, non-profit, professional organization providing education, networking, and research for engineers, government, consultants, construction and related professionals, for the purpose of establishing standards of practice and expertise in the fields of erosion, sediment, and stormwater management. The IECA was established in 1972 and currently has 2,000 members worldwide from 28 countries.

The SOIL Fund is a charitable arm of IECA founded in 2008 funding source for IECA to provide technical assistance for programs and projects that address excessive soil erosion and sedimentations through applied technology, education, and research.

The SOIL Fund has sponsored IECA members to evaluate erosion problems and facilitate technical interventions in Tsuraku and Malingua Pamba, Ecuador, as well as on Easter Island. Other projects have included providing plant propagules and nursery materials in Narus, South Sudan, in addition to funding an IECA student-member’s research at the Royal Institute of Technology in Sweden.

Statement of Need
The SOIL Fund has accomplished a lot on an extremely modest amount of funding ($5,000-6,000) originating from member donations, auctions at IECA’s annual conference, and via project specific fundraising campaigns. Requests for SOIL Fund assistance have typically exceeded the Fund’s capacity. Hence, SOIL Fund projects have occurred sporadically based on available funds and individual IECA members initiating projects. Thus far, the SOIL Fund has not attempted to leverage monies from outside grant programs or funders. Nor has the SOIL Fund developed a strategy for building its financial capacity.

The IECA Board of Directors have resolved that the SOIL Fund use its remaining funds to hire a professional grant writer/fundraiser to increase the Fund’s capacity and sustainability by pursuing and reaching the following goals:

Grant Writing
  • Identify 5 entities, including multi-national grant programs, foundations, funds, trusts, corporations, other non-governmental organizations, among others with a high likelihood of funding the SOIL Fund’s programmatic capacity.
  • Identify 5 entities, including multi-national grant programs, foundations, funds, trusts, corporations, other non-governmental organizations (NGOs), among others with a high likelihood of funding future SOIL Fund projects.
  • Submit 2-3 applications/proposals to entities identified above for capacity building grants, program funds, project funds, and/or matching funds.
  • Reach a minimum goal of $25,000 awarded to the SOIL Fund.

Fundraising
  • Identify 5 fundraising strategies for IECA’s SOIL Fund.
  • Implement one (1) of the fundraising strategies.
  • Reach a minimum goal of $25,000 in funds raised for the SOIL Fund.

The SOIL Fund Committee will be the primary liaison and support for the consultant’s activities. The IECA Board, IECA staff, and worldwide members may also be mobilized for a chosen effort.

Brief Background of IECA and the SOIL Fund
IECA is seeking a creative, collaborative grant writing consultant or firm with particular familiarity with international, multi-national grantors, Foundations, private Funds, Trusts, capacity-building entities, Corporations, relief organizations, and/or other NGOs. The consultant should be able to demonstrate a proven record of successful grant applications and awards.

Secondarily, the consultant or firm should also have experience with identifying and initiating fundraising strategies and activities for non-profit organizations.

Also desired is a consultant or firm with education/experience with environmental, water resources, erosion-related, and/or community-education programs or projects.

Submit a Statement of Qualifications - not to exceed 5 pages which includes: Company Profile, Project Experience, Individual’s or Staff Qualifications, and Professional Fee Schedule

Proposed Scope of Work
Submit a Proposal – not t exceed 3 pages which includes your project understanding, a scope of work, timeline for completion, and a budget estimate.

Anticipated Compensation
The SOIL Fund has a budget and the ability to incentivize this work as follows:

  • Time and materials up to 100 hours.
  • 5-10 percent of grant award or funds raised to the consultant.
Address questions via e-mail to Samantha Roe