Overall consultancy purpose – As part of MapAction’s new strategy we need a strategic-level assessment of MapAction’s fundraising plans to ensure that they are fit to meet future needs. We would also like practical recommendations for improving those plans. MapAction is inviting proposals for this piece of strategic fundraising consultancy, which we estimate will take 10 to 14 days depending on experience and approach.

Person Specification – We believe we will need someone with 10 years+ experience in fundraising and/or closely related fields, ideally combining hands on work with strategic consulting. Significant elements of that experience will probably have been gained in UK and international fundraising and/or marketing for non-profit organisations. If people also have relevant experience and knowledge of the humanitarian or development sectors, that would be desirable.

About MapAction – MapAction is a provider of highly specialist support services to the emergency humanitarian response sector. Specifically mapping, geospatial analysis and information management. We operate in a niche and technical field, in which we are well integrated and highly respected as both a partner and a leader. MapAction is a primary mapping partner for the United Nation’s Office for Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA), other UN agencies, national governments, NGO’s and the Red Cross Red Crescent Movement amongst others.

Our annual turnover has increased from around £500k to over £1m over the past 5 years. As MapAction is looking to grow further in order to help the humanitarian response sector to take advantage of the many emerging opportunities to provide decision makers with better and more easily interpreted spatial information we want to look beyond this dependence on institutional donors.

MapAction, whilst still relatively small, is increasingly a global organisation. We now have a US based 501c3, our first member of staff and workspace on mainland Europe and a chapter of volunteers in the Caribbean.

MapAction is a unique volunteer-driven charity comprising highly skilled technology (GIS) professionals, especially trained in disaster response which provide rapid, on-the-ground mapping to humanitarian aid agencies, in response to a humanitarian disaster or during a humanitarian crisis.

MapAction’s service helps aid agencies, governments and NGO’s co-ordinate and target relief (shelter, food, water and medicine supplies) as effectively as possible to help save lives and minimise suffering in humanitarian emergencies. MapAction also helps communities to be more resilient to future disasters through its preparedness activities. MapAction strengthens mapping know-how in the humanitarian community with the transfer of skills and knowledge.

MapAction is a membership organisation with a team of highly skilled active volunteer GIS professionals who lead on and deliver the majority of the organisation’s work; a staff team of 21 who coordinate support and management functions; and a board of non-executive directors/trustees with some additional active members. It is a registered charity in the United Kingdom, currently funded by governments of the UK, USA, Netherlands and Germany, and is an EU ECHO Framework Partnership Agreement Holder, along with a range of trusts, foundations, major donors and private corporations.

The Need for Consultancy – MapAction’s new strategy will shape and frame our work and development from 2020 to 2023. Within it there is a resourcing plan, which requires us to grow income significantly and stabilise it through diversification and growth of reasonable reserves.

We have a small fundraising and communications team. It is recognised that to achieve aims further investment will be needed in the fundraising function and a further full time post will be added to the team from early 2020.

It is felt prudent at this point to seek external insights on this strategy, to ensure that we are not over-reaching or missing good opportunities.  

The key outputs that we need are: –

a)   A clear indication of whether MapAction is prioritising the right areas and strategies for future growth and sustainability,

b)   Recommendations on alternate feasible funding opportunities MapAction should be exploring, what might they return, and what level of investment they would typically require to do so. 

c)   Recommendations for ceasing any funding streams we are currently pursuing that do not appear justified.

d)   Any other recommendations that seem sensible for improving or amending MapAction’s current fundraising strategy.

e) Clear recommendations for any short, medium and long term action suggested with rationale. 

Tender Process – Proposals should consist of: –

a)    a cover letter of no more than 4 sides (less is good), outlining;

·       reason for interest,

·       relevant examples of similar or related projects and outcomes,

·       the approach you would take to the work,

·       approximate breakdown of costs and availability.

b)    A CV or similar listing relevant experience and specialist knowledge.

c)    Two referees that we could contact in advance of appointment.

MapAction will assess and judge all bids based upon the following criteria: –

·       relevance of knowledge, experience & skills,

·       cost and availability

·       quality of application.

Person Specification – We are particularly seeking the additional strategic insights that someone of the appropriate experience, knowledge and perspective should deliver. We believe we will need someone with 10 years+ of experience in fundraising and closely related fields, ideally combining hands on work with strategic non-profit consulting and business consulting. Significant elements of that experience will probably have been gained in UK and international fundraising and/or marketing for non-profit organisations. Experience and knowledge of the humanitarian or development sectors, that would be desirable.

MapAction is an Equal Opportunities employer.  All employees have a personal responsibility to promote and support measures designed to create a working environment which is free from harassment or discrimination on the grounds of gender, marital status, family status, age, race, religion, disability, sexual orientation, membership of the Travellers community or HIV&AIDS status.

If you are interested in this project and would like full details, please email Ian Davis, MapAction’s Fundraising and Marketing Director, at idavis@mapaction.org asking for the full details.

Closing date for proposals will be January 24th 2020.