Request for Proposal

DESCRIPTION OF REQUEST

Workshop Instructor: Understanding Nonprofit Finance

 

Print Word Document ofUnderstanding Nonprofit Finance RFP.

Purpose:

To recruit an instructor for Understanding Nonprofit Finance, an open-enrollment workshop offered by the Nonprofit Resource Network (NRN) as part of its Nonprofit Management Certificate Program.

History:

Started in 2007 as part of Lancaster County Community Foundation’s capacity-building initiative, the NRN seeks to enhance the effectiveness of nonprofit organizations, providing professional development, networking opportunities and access to critical information resources.  As one way to build nonprofit capacity, the NRN provides open-enrollment workshops on various topics critical to nonprofit management.  All classes offered by the NRN target nonprofit employees, though board members and other volunteers are welcome to attend. 

Description of Need:

The NRN currently needs a seasoned, knowledgeable instructor for its 4-hour workshop titled Understanding Nonprofit Finance.  The workshop is scheduled to run on Thursday, October 28, 2010 from 9:00 am – 1:00 pm.  (This date is somewhat flexible.)

Please note that curriculum for this workshop has already been developed but may to be tweaked based on the instructor’s experience and also past workshop evaluations.  Please contact Anne Gingerich at anne.gingerich@millersville.edu for a copy of the curriculum.

Nonprofit employees most likely to attend the Nonprofit Management Certificate Program include individuals who are new to executive management, mid-level managers looking to move up within their organizations and  professionals interested in refreshing/enhancing their skills.  As a program, the Nonprofit Management Certificate Program introduces participants to the fundamentals of executive management, starting with nonprofit incorporation, mission and strategic planning, then covering public relations, nonprofit finance, program and agency assessment and nonprofit leadership.  The five modules included in the program are:

  • Module 1: Nonprofit Essentials for Success: Mission, Governance and Planning
  • Module 2: Can You Hear Me Now?  Are You Getting Your Core Message Out?
  • Module 3: Understanding Nonprofit Finance
  • Module 4: Reflecting Your Mission with Numbers
  • Module 5: How to Lead in Your Nonprofit World

Within this context, Understanding Nonprofit Finance seeks to build and apply knowledge about the fundamentals of agency budgets and the foundation for understanding the intricacy of financial standards.  Submitted proposals must demonstrate how the class will meet the following learning objectives and skill/tool acquisition.

Learning objectives for this class include:

  • Understand the characteristics of a well-managed and fiscally sound agency
  • Learn practice methods for managing and monitoring your agency finances
  • Explore basic accounting standards for nonprofit organizations

Measurements of Success:

  • In-class evaluations will result in the following ratings
  • Participants will walk away with the following skills/tools:
  • In-class practice in creating and managing a budget using an Excel spreadsheet format
  • Electronic version of budget form  to use with their own organization/program

Training Location: Dixon University Center, 2986 North Second Street, Harrisburg, PA  17110

Timeline:

June 30, 2010     Proposals should be submitted by no later than 5:00 pm.

July 9, 2010         The Proposal Review Committee will review submitted proposals and make recommendations.

July 16, 2010       Those submitting proposals will be notified via email about their success.

 

                    Successful Proposals will follow have the following timeline for submitted materials.

          • October 1, 2010           Course Materials to be delivered for NRN Review and Approval.
          • October 8, 2010           All edits/changes returned to consultant for implementation
          • October 15, 2010         Completed, approved course materials to be delivered to the NRN
          • October 28, 2010         Facilitation of the “Understanding Nonprofit Finance”  Workshop

Honorarium Available: $1,000

Other Benefits:

The NRN understands that this honorarium listed does not adequately cover the cost of instructor’s preparation or facilitation time. However, we hope to add value to your personal/professional experience and business relationships in the following ways and more:

  • NRN Instructors shape the educational opportunities needed by local not-for-profit leaders.
  • NRN Instructors interact with other community leaders and may build their own businesses (not at the expense of quality instruction) through this networking opportunity.

Questions should be directed to:

Contact Name: Anne Gingerich, NRN Director

Phone: 717.871.2178

Email: anne.gingerich@millersville.edu

 

PROPOSAL CONTENT

All workshops must adhere to the NRN’s Standards of Excellence for Workshop Training.

Proposals from members of the NRN’s Preferred Consultant Network will receive higher consideration than those who are not members. 

Interested parties should submit the following information:

A. General Bio/History of the Instructor

Include a general biographical statement.  Though attached Resumes/CVs are acceptable, the NRN will use a portion of this biographical statement in its marketing materials. 

B. Work Plan

Include answers to the following questions:

      • How will you meet the following learning objectives for this class?
          • Understand the characteristics of a well-managed and fiscally sound agency
          • Learn practice methods for managing and monitoring your agency finances
          • Explore basic accounting standards for nonprofit organizations

      • From your experience, what (if any) additional objectives would you add?
      • How will you meet the “Curriculum Standards” indicated in the NRN’s Standards for  Workshop Training (page 2-3 of Training Standards).

C. Specific Experience

NRN workshop participants seek to learn from individuals who have experience applying their knowledge in the field and also training experience.  Please describe:

1) Your experience as a trainer and

2) Your field experience in this topic area. 

If you have not specifically applied this knowledge as an employee in a nonprofit environment, please describe how you will adjust your presentation for this market.

D. References

Provide a minimum of two references to confirm:

 A.  Your knowledge of the subject matter and

 B.  Your skills as an instructor/facilitator

E, Signed Statements

Please read and sign the Standards of Ethical Practice.

F. Formatting requirements

The proposal should be no longer than 3 pages, single-spaced--not including signed statements and other attachments (e.g. resume).

Submit Completed Proposals to:

Email: anne.gingerich@millersville.edu

Fax: 717.871-2022

Emailed Submissions Preferred.

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