Public Radio Major Giving Plan Consulting Services
Frequently Asked Questions
Program Scope
What number/percentage of stations do you anticipate participating?
What types of stations are eligible to participate?
Are stations that have previously participated in MGI eligible?
CPB expects the contractor to develop the strategy and tactics for stations to participate in the implementation portion of the program.
What is the overall budget?
CPB has allocated $250,000 to support its major giving programs in public radio in FY 07 which would include planning and possible initial implementation.
Responding to RFP
Can a station or station employee respond to the RFP?
Yes. We are looking for proposals from qualified individuals or companies, so descriptions of relevant experience and major gift program development experience should be included in the response.
Additional Resources
Has the public radio system expressed interest in such a program? Beyond the McKinsey study that informed the public television MGI, are there additional studies that should inform our work?
The results of a 2004 Public Radio Leadership Forum session focused on philanthropy put it this way, ". . . most managers appear enthusiastic about embracing a kind of fundraising that is new to them and willing to attempt to implement this at their stations." The full white paper on this session is available online.
Have there been other major giving programs or formal training given to public radio stations?
A number of public radio stations are joint licensees that have already participated in the public television Major Giving Initiative. In addition, the annual public radio development conference is a source of training in the strategy, tools and tactics of major gift fundraising for public radio stations. Other consultant groups offer similar, and in some cases more in-depth, training.
Will consultants be able to use major industry meetings as opportunities for assessments or other work?
Yes.
Is there a public radio leadership group that has already been discussing such a program?
No, not that CPB is aware of.
Do you plan to involve Board Source or similar consulting to leverage board involvement?
CPB expects the contractor to develop the strategy and tactics for stations to participate in the implementation portion of the program, including the best ways to ensure appropriate board involvement.
What will the role of the NPR foundation be?
Again, we would seek the contractor's advice on how best to engage the NPR Foundation.
Program Timeline
When will you make a decision on this project, and what steps after proposal submission would you expect to ask of your 'short list' vendors?
We expect that we may be able to announce the results of the RFP approximately 4 to 6 weeks after the deadline for proposal submission (March 21). As noted in the RFP, CPB may request additional detail but cannot anticipate the type or form of detail until the proposals are received and reviewed.
Will there be additional RFPs or is this a final project?
This RFP is for the planning stage. We anticipate additional RFPs for the implementation phase.
When will the implementation phase begin?
The plan will begin in FY08, although, depending on the plan adopted, we may be able to begin some portions during FY07.
What is the deadline for delivery to CPB of the assessment and the plan?
Details of deliverables will be negotiated once a plan has been selected.
What is the time frame for undertaking the consulting services?
CPB expects the respondents to the RFP to set the time frame for the work to be performed.
Who is client team?
CPB's Radio Department is the client team.