MANDEL CENTER FOR NONPROFIT ORGANIZATIONS: REQUEST FOR PROPOSALS FOR STRATEGIC PLANNING CONSULTATION

Introduction

An important goal of the Mandel Center for Nonprofit Organizations is to enrich its high quality education program through the provision of important services to Greater Cleveland nonprofit organizations. One strategy for accomplishing this goal is to assign student teams to assist selected organizations in designing and carrying out their strategic planning processes. Students enrolled in the Strategic Planning Practicum will be assigned to work with organizations from September 2011 through April 2012.

Nonprofit organizations desiring this assistance must have at least one paid full-time staff and a functioning Board of Trustees. In order to be considered for assignment of a team, representatives (preferably the Executive Director/CEO and the Board Chair/President) of nonprofit organizations must attend one of two informational meetings and submit a brief proposal in accordance with the requirements outlined below. Proposals will be accepted only from organizations whose representatives attend an informational meeting.

Informational Meetings

The agenda of the informational meetings will include (an explanation of the strategic planning course content, (b) review of the Critical Issues strategic planning process, (c) clarification of the expectations for both organizational clients and the consulting teams, and (d) proposal submittal and selection processes. It is strongly suggested that both the Executive Director/CEO and the Board President/Chair attend the informational meeting. The meetings will be Wednesday, July 6 and Wednesday, July 13, 2011, from 6:00 pm. – 8:00 p.m. at the Mandel Center for Nonprofit Organizations located at 11402 Bellflower Road on the campus of Case Western Reserve University.

To RSVP, please register at https://www.z2systems.com/np/clients/mandel/eventRegistration.jsp?event=424 for July 6th meeting or at https://www.z2systems.com/np/clients/mandel/eventRegistration.jsp?event=434
for the July 13th meeting. The deadline for reservations is Saturday, July 2. When registering, please indicate the name of your organization and names and “positions” of your representatives.

To ask questions, please e-mail john.yankey@case.edu, with a copy directed to michele.murphy@case.edu.

Fee

While there will be no cost to organizations for the team consultation, some funding ($200 - $500) will be required for duplication of materials, mailings, meeting related expenses (food, supplies, etc.) and, in some instances, transportation costs.

Notice of Intent to Submit

Any nonprofit organization planning to submit a proposal for this strategic planning consultation must notify the Mandel Center for Nonprofit Organizations by August 3, 2011 of its intent to do so. This notification of intent to submit should be e-mailed to john.yankey@case.edu, with a copy to michele.murphy@case.edu.

Proposal Format and Length

Proposals should include:

• Cover letter signed by Executive Director (Chief Executive Officer) and Board President (Chair), to include identification of the individual (name, telephone number, and e-mail address) who will serve as the organization's primary contact for the consulting team
• Proposal narrative (maximum five pages, single spaced)

• Provide a description of the organization, including:
  • History
  • Mission
  • Clientele served
  • Program(s) offered
  • Budget overview
  • Sources of financial support
• Describe the organization's previous strategic planning experience
• List the reason(s) for conducting strategic planning at this time
• Identify 4-5 critical issues likely to confront the organization over the next three to five years

• List of 12 – 15 individuals who are prospects to serve on the Strategic Planning Committee
• Attachments
  • List of Board Members
  • Organizational Chart
  • Annual Report (if available)

Proposal Submittal and Notification

Two copies of the proposal, including attachments, must be received by August 24, 2011, submitted to:

Dr. John A. Yankey
Mandel Center for Nonprofit Organizations
Case Western Reserve University
10900 Euclid Avenue
Cleveland, OH 44106-7167

Student consulting teams will review all proposals and select those nonprofit organizations with which to consult. The number of organizations chosen will be determined by the number of student teams. Organizations will be notified the week of September 12, 2011 as to choices made by the consulting teams.

Frequently Asked Questions