RFP: Strategic Planning Consultant

The New Jersey Institute for Social Justice (“the Institute”) is seeking an experienced planning and evaluation consultant to lead an exploration process for developing a national expansion strategy. This strategy will include a recommended expansion model, scope of work, issue focus, geographical coverage and the necessary resources, infrastructure and systems (administrative, fundraising, communications, etc.) to advance this vision.

BUILDING A STRONGER NATIONAL PRESENCE: EXPANSION MODELS

This RFP is to enable an exploration of an expansion of the Institute’s work beyond New Jersey to best serve stakeholders, the Institute, New Jersey and communities outside the state. Models for consideration include but are not limited to: 1) expanding to one or more other states (whether through starting a new chapter or joining with existing organizations); 2) becoming a regional organization based in several regions of the country; 3) advocating for federal policy or 4) becoming a social/racial justice policy resource for state/national policy.

RATIONALE FOR EXPANSION

Deep and lasting change is best achieved when organizations can work on multiple levels. The Institute has already made deep impact in New Jersey and has implemented advocacy that can apply to other regions, states and nationally. We believe that we can multiply our impact by expanding our presence beyond the state.

TIMELINE

Summer/Fall 2025, the Institute will hire the consultant pursuant to this RFP.

By Winter 2025-2026, the Consultant will have submitted a final strategic plan recommending a roadmap for the Institute’s expansion, including the following elements:

• • what it means to have a “national presence” and the most effective model
  • objective, strategy and tactics including SMART goals (specific, measurable, achievable, relevant and time-bound)
  • budget for expansion and implementation
  • suggested parties, roles and responsibilities for expansion process, as well as implementation
  • personnel requirements for expansion process, as well as implementation
  • priority issue areas
  • fund development strategies for expansion, as well as implementation
  • administrative, technological, operational and communications systems, strategies and personnel needed for the expansion process, as well as implementation
  • assessment of the current and future direction of the social/racial justice field, including private foundation investment trends, emerging research, government programs and policy efforts
  • a list of other organizations working on the proposed issue areas and in what capacity
  • an evaluation of whether the Institute needs to establish a 501(c)(4) to advance its work beyond New Jersey
  • an evaluation of how the expansion plan fits into the Institute’s current five-part theory of change: Community Engagement, Research and Analysis, Public Education, Advocacy and Accountability. (A one-page summary of this ToC is included at the end of this RFP.)
  • suggested early action items to demonstrate progress, create momentum and buy-in for the expansion

By 2026, the Institute will have laid the groundwork for, launched and implemented its plan for expanding its presence beyond New Jersey.

The consultant should perform the following when drawing up the expansion plan:

• • Evaluation of the Institute’s mission, values, structure and strengths
  • Evaluation of expansion challenges
  • Environmental scan benchmarking the organization in alignment with other policy and racial justice organizations with a similar focus, regionally and nationally
  • Engagement with other organizations, partners and Institute staff and Board of Trustees for input (and other conversations as the Consultant sees fit)

TIMELINE FOR CONSULTANT

Mid-September 2025

Present early findings of Beyond New Jersey proposal to Institute Sr. Staff

Mid-November 2025

Provide updated findings to Sr. Staff for review and consultation with Board of Trustees, based on further research and prior findings

December 2025

Provide updated findings to Sr. Staff for review and consultation with Board of Trustees based on further research and prior feedback

Early January 2026

Present findings to Sr. Staff and full Board

Early February 2026

Strategic Plan finalized

First Quarter 2026

Expansion process begins

SUBMISSION DEADLINE & INQUIRIES

Proposals are due by Friday, May 16, 2025, 2:00 PM EST.

All submissions must be sent to rfp@njisj.org. A link to the file may be provided in lieu of an attachment for excessively large electronic submissions. An email acknowledgement of each submission received will be sent to the applicant.

Additional inquiries concerning this RFP should be directed to rfp@njisj.org.

All proposals received by the deadline will undergo a preliminary screening.

SUBMISSION INSTRUCTIONS

• • All submissions must be electronic, standard-size (8.5” x 11”) pages.
  • General Information, Narrative, Qualifications & References and Project Plan & Budget sections (see below) must not exceed a word count of 4,000.
  • Attachments & Supporting Documents must be type-written. Include additional attachments as needed.
  • Faxed or mailed copies will NOT be accepted.

REQUIRED PROPOSAL INFORMATION

1. 1. General Information
2. Contact information: Name of consultant/firm, address, phone number, email address and website.
3. RFP source: How did you learn about this opportunity?
   1. Narrative, Qualifications & References
4. Opening: Your approach to strategic planning/consulting.
5. Qualifications: Relevant work activities, expertise, knowledge and planning experience, strengths and prior successes. Please note any prior experience assisting policy research and/or advocacy organizations.
6. Your Team: Information about all team members who will be involved with the project, including names, email addresses, title, tenure, experience and education.
7. References: Three client references (please include each individual’s name, address, phone number, email address and relationship to the bidder).
   1. Project Plan & Budget
8. Work Plan: With consideration of guidance above, detailed work plan, including:
9. Major stages and milestones
10. Specific activities to be conducted at each stage
11. Timeline for the activities to be conducted at each stage
12. Budget: Detailed project budget and proposed payment schedule a
    1. Attachments & Supporting Documents
13. Work samples: At least one sample of a previously completed strategic plan. Portions may be redacted to protect private information as needed.
14. Supporting documents: Attachments may also be included.

Click here for Full RFP.