Consultancy: Feasibility study for philanthropic fundraising at RFSU

1. Introduction 

RFSU (The Swedish Association for Sexiality Education) is seeking a consultant to help identify if and how the organisation could incorporate a philanthropy strategy within its resource mobilisation strategy. 

RFSU is a Swedish, non-profit and non-governmental organisation, working in the field of sexual and reproductive health and rights (SRHR). RFSU’s vision is a world in which everyone is free to make decisions about their own bodies and sexuality. Our aim is to spread a knowledge-based and open view of sexuality and relationships issues to overcome prejudices, bridge knowledge gaps and improve sexual health and wellbeing. We run projects and programmes to promote SRHR — both in Sweden and internationally. RFSU works to strengthen international legal, political and financial support for SRHR, and contribute to civil society agency on SRHR, by partnering with other civil society actors and supporting progressive civil society voices in low- and middle-income countries. RFSU partners with approximately 50 civil society organisations in 20 different countries worldwide.

2. Objectives 

The consultant will: 

1. Scope Potential Philanthropic Funders: 
   • Identify philanthropic funders aligned with RFSU’s mission and vision.
   • Determine which funders are a strategic fit for RFSU based on the organisation’s activities and goals. 

1. Capacity and Skills Analysis: 
   • Develop a case defining the capacity, skills, and human resources RFSU would need for an effective philanthropy strategy.
   • Evaluate the potential return on investment (ROI) of a philanthropy fundraising strategy.

3. Scope of Work 

Based on the outlined objectives, the consultant will undertake the following tasks:

1. Scope Potential Philanthropic Funders and their alignment with RFSU
   1. Conduct research to identify philanthropic funders whose missions and visions align with RFSU’s goals. 
   2. Evaluate the identified funders to determine which are a strategic fit for RFSU’s current activities and long-term goals. 
   3. Compile a list of the potential funders, including their funding priorities, application processes, and funding history 
2. Capacity and Skills Analysis 
   1. Develop a detailed case outlining the capacity, skills, and human resources required for RFSU to develop and sustain an effective philanthropy strategy. 
   2. Assess the potential return on investment (ROI) of pursuing a philanthropy fundraising strategy. This should include an analysis of financial and non-financial benefits and costs.

4. Outputs 

The consultant will deliver the following outputs: 

• Report on Potential Philanthropic Funders and their alignment with RFSU 
  • Detailed List of Potential Funders: A comprehensive list of identified philanthropic funders whose missions and visions align with RFSU’s goals 
  • Evaluation Report: An evaluation of the identified funders, detailing which ones are a strategic fit for RFSU’s current activities and long-term goals. For funders who are identified as a strategic match with RFSU the list should also include:
    • Funding priorities 
    • Application processes
    • Funding history

Capacity analysis and ROI Report 

• Capacity and Skills Case: A detailed case defining the capacity, skills, and human resources RFSU would need for an effective philanthropy strategy. 
• Analysis of financial and non-financial benefits and costs of undertaking philanthropy fundraising 
• Potential return on investment (ROI) of pursuing a philanthropy fundraising strategy 

5. Timeline 

Start Date: End of November 2024 

End Date: End of March 2025

6. Qualifications 

The ideal candidate should have: 

Professional Experience: 

• Proven experience in philanthropy and fundraising. 
• Familiarity with global philanthropic practices and funders, particularly those supporting international sexual reproductive health and rights (SRHR) work.
• Proven track record of managing philanthropic strategic partnerships
• Demonstrated experience in strategic planning and feasibility studies.
• Track record of developing and implementing resource mobilisation strategies.
• Established network within the philanthropic community. 

Specific Knowledge and Expertise: 

• Up-to-date knowledge of best practices and trends in philanthropy and fundraising.

Professional Qualities: 

• Adherence to Intersectional Feminist and Anti-Racist Principles: Demonstrated commitment to integrating intersectional feminist and anti-racist approaches in their work, ensuring that all analyses and recommendations reflect these principles. Knowledge on CSOs role in development cooperation and the SRHR agenda. 

7. Application Process 

Applicants should submit the following: 

• A comprehensive proposal outlining their plan for implementing the full assignment and suggested methodologies, 
• Details of the assignment team who will implement the plan, specifying the lead for the assignment including a budget for the implementation. 
• Specify the competence and experience of the personnel involved to conduct the assignment (CVs attached) 
• Specify previous experience in conducting similar assignments 
• Submit a time schedule for the assignment. 
• A brief outline of how their organisation aligns with RFSU’s vision and mission: ○ Vision: A world in which everyone is free to make decisions about their own bodies and sexuality. 

○ Mission: Through knowledge, mobilisation, and policy advocacy, RFSU contributes to a world in which everyone is free to enjoy, and make decisions about their own bodies and sexuality. 

• Minimum of two references. 

Application Deadline: Thursday 31 October 2024 EOB

8. Budget 

The consultancy budget is 100,000 SEK. (VAT shall not be added by the consultant) 

9. Resources from RFSU 

The consultant will receive support from a focal point at RFSU to ensure access to necessary information and RFSU staff as well as support to guide the process forward as needed. 

10. Contact Information 

For any inquiries or clarifications regarding this consultancy, please contact: Kristina Castell, Senior Policy Advisor, [email protected].

11. Annexes

RFSU Program of Ideas ‘The Compass’ 

RFSU strategic framework ‘Sextanten’ 

RFSU International Strategy 

RFSU is committed to promoting diversity and inclusion and encourages applications from all qualified individuals.