Requests for proposal: How to

Best Practices for Putting Out an RFP:

• Give enough time to submit
• Do not require/mention specific technology - focus on solution and keep it open so applicant can provide an approach
• Build Flexibility/Capacity to apply learning
• Be clear on criteria
• Be clear on budget range, but only reveal 2/3 of total budget as it WILL go up to or over your total amount.
• Be honest about dates
• Avoid purely quantitative scoring
• Provide Feedback if possible
• Have someone from outside review
• Don’t do an RFP for sake of RFP

Best Practices for Applying for an RFP

• Define the relationship
• Focus on expected bench marks
• Mention your robust network/collaboration
• Connect to larger impact/work then to self
• Have a plan B convo to use (recycle) content/relationships if don’t win
• Focus on establishing the relationship/process, rather than specific outcomes
• Build relationships with funders
• Is the org a fit and do they have capacity to work with us?
• Build relationships with funders
• Assess your potential for success and amount of work
• Stay true to who you are - let your voice come through in the proposal
• Save your work/Make Templates
• Assess your potential for success and amount of work
• Ask the funder questions if unclear on certain aspects
• Clear go/no go criteria (eg. From within our network, great fit)
• Make there response process collaborative.
• Make clear that if they pick another candidate “we’re here if you want to do this a different way”