REQUEST FOR PROPOSALS (RFP)
July 29, 2026 -
REQUEST FOR PROPOSALS (RFP)
Strategic Grant Development & Funding Consultant
Independent Contractor (1099)
Issued By: Grey Snow Community Foundation
Issue Date: July 28th, 2026
Proposal Due Date: August 14th, 2026 11:59pm CST.
Contract Type: Independent Contractor (1099)
Compensation: Fixed Fee Per Project (Negotiated)
Location: Remote (Travel may be requested for meetings, project development, or community engagement.)
ABOUT GREY SNOW COMMUNITY FOUNDATION
Grey Snow Community Foundation (GSCF) is a Native-led nonprofit organization established to serve the Iowa Tribal community while also supporting other Tribal Nations and underserved communities.
The Foundation advances charitable, educational, cultural, environmental, economic, and community development initiatives that strengthen Tribal sovereignty, improve quality of life, preserve Native cultures, and create opportunities for future generations.
Working collaboratively with Tribal governments, Native organizations, educational institutions, philanthropic organizations, government agencies, and private-sector partners, the Foundation develops innovative programs that promote sustainable, community-driven solutions rooted in Indigenous values and long-term impact.
As the Foundation continues to grow, we are seeking experienced grant development professionals to become trusted strategic partners in securing funding that advances our mission.
PURPOSE
Grey Snow Community Foundation is soliciting proposals from qualified consultants to provide strategic grant development services on an as-needed, project-by-project basis.
The selected consultant(s) will assist the Foundation with identifying funding opportunities, developing competitive grant proposals, coordinating project development, and supporting long-term funding strategies.
This solicitation is intended to establish a pool of qualified consultants. Selection does not guarantee a minimum number of projects.
SCOPE OF SERVICES
Consultants may be engaged to provide one or more of the following services.
Funding Opportunity Research
- Research federal, Tribal, state, local, foundation, and corporate grant opportunities.
- Monitor recurring funding opportunities and emerging initiatives.
- Evaluate eligibility requirements and funding priorities.
- Recommend funding strategies aligned with Foundation priorities.
Grant Development
- Prepare competitive grant applications.
- Draft compelling project narratives.
- Develop executive summaries.
- Prepare implementation plans.
- Develop measurable goals, objectives, and outcomes.
- Prepare grant submission packages.
- Coordinate supporting documentation.
Budget Development
- Develop project budgets.
- Prepare budget justifications.
- Coordinate financial information with Foundation leadership.
- Assist with matching fund strategies where applicable.
Project Development
- Assist with project design and concept development.
- Facilitate strategic planning discussions.
- Recommend partnerships and collaborative opportunities.
- Develop logic models and theories of change.
- Align projects with funding priorities.
- Develop culturally responsive project narratives that reflect Tribal values, traditions, and community priorities.
Grant Management Support (As Requested)
- Grant readiness assessments
- Proposal reviews
- Editing services
- Funding strategy development
- Capacity building
- Grant management consulting
- Post-award reporting assistance
- Compliance support
AREAS OF INTEREST
Grey Snow Community Foundation anticipates pursuing funding opportunities in areas including, but not limited to:
Community & Economic Development
- Community Development
- Economic Development
- Entrepreneurship
- Small Business Development
- Community Investment
- Native Community Development Financial Institutions (Native CDFIs)
- Financial Empowerment
- Asset Building
Education & Workforce Development
- Workforce Development
- Apprenticeships
- Career & Technical Education
- Scholarships
- Youth Leadership
- STEM Education
- Higher Education
- Adult Education
- Digital Literacy
- Workforce Housing
Agriculture, Natural Resources & Environmental Stewardship
- Agriculture
- Food Sovereignty
- Regenerative Agriculture
- Conservation
- Forestry
- Land Stewardship
- Prairie Restoration
- Habitat Restoration
- Traditional Ecological Knowledge (TEK)
- Environmental Restoration
- Wildlife Conservation
- Climate Adaptation
Health & Human Services
- Public Health
- Elder Services
- Veteran Services
- Family Services
- Food Security
- Nutrition
- Healthy Communities
Arts, Culture & Language Preservation
- Indigenous Language Revitalization
- Cultural Preservation
- Cultural Education
- Native Arts
- Cultural Heritage
- Museums
- Archives
- Oral History Projects
- Historic Preservation
- Traditional Foods
- Traditional Lifeways
- Tribal Historic Preservation
- Cultural Tourism
- Native Youth Cultural Programs
- Intergenerational Knowledge Transfer
Organizational Capacity Building
- Leadership Development
- Governance
- Strategic Planning
- Organizational Capacity
- Technology Modernization
- Research & Evaluation
- Community Engagement
- Philanthropic Partnerships
PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS
Preference will be given to consultants with demonstrated experience in one or more of the following:
- Tribal Governments
- Tribal Enterprises
- Tribal Nonprofits
- Indigenous-led Organizations
- Native Community Development
- Community Foundations
- Federal Grant Development
- Foundation Grant Development
- Economic Development
- Infrastructure
- Workforce Development
- Agriculture
- Conservation
- Climate Resilience
- Public Health
- Education
- Language Revitalization
- Arts & Culture
- Historic Preservation
- Museum and Archival Funding
- Cultural Resource Management
Experience with funding agencies such as USDA, DOE, EPA, HUD, DOT, DOI, BIA, EDA, NTIA, HHS, HRSA, IHS, NEA, NEH, IMLS, NPS, and private philanthropic foundations is highly desirable.
MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS
Applicants should possess:
- Demonstrated success preparing competitive grant proposals.
- Exceptional writing, editing, and communication skills.
- Strong project management abilities.
- Experience preparing grant budgets.
- Excellent organizational skills.
- Ability to manage multiple deadlines.
- Ability to work collaboratively with diverse stakeholders.
- Professionalism and attention to detail.
DESIRED ATTRIBUTES
Grey Snow Community Foundation seeks consultants who demonstrate:
- Respect for Tribal sovereignty and self-determination.
- Experience working collaboratively with Tribal governments and Native communities.
- Cultural humility and professionalism.
- Strategic thinking and creativity.
- Strong communication skills.
- Integrity and ethical grant development practices.
- Passion for strengthening Tribal communities.
PROPOSAL REQUIREMENTS
Interested consultants should submit:
Cover Letter
Including:
- Statement of interest
- Availability
- Relevant experience
- Why you are interested in partnering with Grey Snow Community Foundation
Resume or Firm Profile
Including:
- Relevant education
- Professional certifications
- Years of experience
- Areas of specialization
Relevant Experience
Please provide examples of recent grant development work, including:
- Funding source
- Project description
- Your role
- Approximate award amount (if publicly available)
References
Provide three professional references.
Writing Sample
Submit one redacted grant narrative or proposal demonstrating your writing ability.
Fee Schedule
Please provide your proposed pricing structure, including:
- Fixed fee per proposal
- Hourly consulting rate (if applicable)
- Funding research
- Budget development
- Proposal review/editing
- Strategic planning
- Other consulting services
Grey Snow Community Foundation does not compensate consultants based on a percentage of grant awards.
EVALUATION CRITERIA
Proposals will be evaluated based on:
- Relevant Experience (30%)
- Grant Development Experience (20%)
-
Experience with Tribes and/or Tribal Organizations (15%)
- Writing Quality (15%)
- Cost Effectiveness (10%)
-
References (10%)
The Foundation reserves the right to interview selected consultants prior to award.
CONTRACT INFORMATION
Selected consultant(s) will enter into an Independent Contractor Agreement with Grey Snow Community Foundation.
Projects will be assigned individually through written scopes of work.
Compensation will be negotiated for each assignment.
Grey Snow Community Foundation reserves the right to award contracts to multiple consultants to establish a qualified grant development consultant pool.
NATIVE AMERICAN PREFERENCE
Grey Snow Community Foundation is a Native-led charitable organization established to serve the Iowa Tribal community while supporting other Tribal Nations and underserved communities.
Consistent with applicable federal law, Tribal law, and organizational policy, preference may be given to qualified American Indian and Alaska Native applicants, particularly enrolled citizens of the Iowa Tribe or federally recognized Tribal Nations, whose experience, cultural knowledge, and professional qualifications will advance the Foundation’s mission.
All applicants will be evaluated based on demonstrated qualifications, experience, and their ability to successfully perform the services requested.
RESERVATION OF RIGHTS
Grey Snow Community Foundation reserves the right to:
- Reject any or all proposals.
- Request additional information from respondents.
- Negotiate contract terms with selected consultant(s).
- Select multiple consultants.
- Cancel or reissue this solicitation at any time.
- Award contracts in the best interest of the Foundation.
SUBMISSION INSTRUCTIONS
Please submit proposals electronically in PDF format to:
Grey Snow Community Foundation, BRITNI BECK
Email: BBECK@GREYSNOW.COM
Subject Line: Strategic Grant Development & Funding Consultant Proposal
Questions regarding this RFP may be directed to:
Grey Snow Community Foundation, BRITNI BECK
Email: BBECK@GREYSNOW.COM
OUR VISION
Grey Snow Community Foundation is seeking more than a grant writer—we are seeking strategic partners who are passionate about helping Tribal communities thrive.
Together, we will identify opportunities, build innovative programs, and secure the resources needed to strengthen the Iowa Tribal community while creating lasting benefits for other Tribal Nations and underserved communities. Through collaboration, respect, and shared purpose, we aim to create meaningful, generational impact.
