About Us:

The Lohengrin Foundation's mission is to advance equity, opportunity, and justice to eradicate systemic barriers, and promote vibrant, safe, and thriving communities. We partner with and invest in organizations that guide transformational programs, advocacy, and policy initiatives to drive social impact and systems change.
 
1. Overview:

The Lohengrin Foundation seeks proposals from qualified firms or consultants to provide technical assistance to nonprofit organizations undertaking capital construction projects for youth and community centers as part of the Foundation's Thriving Youth, Stronger Communities initiative. The selected firms will serve as part of a network of Technical Advisors available to organizations that advance to the full application stage of the Foundation's request for proposal process.

2. Project Background:

In October of 2024, the Lohengrin Foundation launched Thriving Youth, Stronger Communities, a youth and community center capital investment initiative. The initiative aims to invest up to $15M in support of a new construction youth and community center or the conversion of an existing building into a center.

The Foundation aims to support the development of a youth and community center in Chicago. While there are no predetermined target communities for this initiative, special consideration will be provided to proposed sites in neighborhoods with high youth density populations and limited or no existing comprehensive youth and community centers or equivalent sites.

Through listening and feedback sessions we conducted with prospective applicants, we have learned that organizations require specialized technical assistance to successfully navigate the application process and associated complexities of capital construction projects while ensuring compliance with regulatory requirements and optimal use of resources. This need has prompted the Lohengrin Foundation to launch this request for proposals for Technical Advisors, who will make up a pool of Technical Advisors from which applicants will select.

3. Request for Proposals:

The Lohengrin Foundation seeks to develop a pool of qualified firms and consultants to support its Thriving Youth, Stronger Communities initiative applicants.

Selected firms/consultants will agree to:

Applicant Technical Assistance Convening - Required

Attend and participate in the Applicant Technical Assistance and Support Convening being held on February 11th from 10:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m. Technical Advisors will be asked to serve on a panel, host a workshop, and participate in a speed networking session for applicants to meet varied Technical Advisors and share insight into their projects. February 11, 2025 (Required)

Optional Webinars/Virtual Workshop Offerings - Optional

Provide one webinar/virtual workshop in March for the cohort of applicants in an area of expertise listed by your firm and aligned with areas of need or interest identified by applicants. March 2025 (Optional)

One-on-One Applicant Coaching - Required

Provide one-on-one coaching to applicants in one or more areas associated with your firm’s area(s) of expertise. A maximum of five hours per applicant organization will be authorized and paid for by the Foundation. Applicant organizations will only be allowed to select up to two one-on-one coaching partners. The Foundation anticipates advancing a maximum of 15 organizations to the applicant stage. February 12th – April 31, 2025 (Required)

4. Scope of Services:

The selected firms will provide coaching and support for applicants to strengthen their application and overall capital projects through any combination of the services outlined in the application process. Applicants will select the areas in which their firm/agency is best equipped to provide support.

5. Proposal Submission Requirements: 

Submissions must include:

Organization/Firm/Consultant Information

• Applicant overview and history
• Key personnel qualifications
• Relevant experience with nonprofit construction projects
• Two references from similar project

Technical Expertise & Consultative/Coaching Approach

• Please highlight your firm’s direct experience providing targeted technical assistance and guidance for organizations to prepare and apply for funding or financial support.
• Please provide insight into your methodology for providing technical assistance in allotted time frame.
• Please provide insight into the top five areas highlighted above and describe the coaching approach your firm will utilize to support applicants.

Financial Proposal

• Detailed fee structure and any proposed retainers
• Payment fee schedule and requirements
• Projected additional expenses or reimbursables
• Payment terms
• Please provide insight into any/all nonprofit-related discounts or applicable matching for organizations that your firm or consultancy would provide as part of its core service delivery or mission-aligned activities.

6. Evaluation Criteria:

Proposals will be evaluated based on:

• Technical expertise (35%)
• Nonprofit sector experience (30%)
• Cost-effectiveness (35%)

7. Timeline:

• RFP Release Date: November 15, 2024
• Info Session: November 22, 2024
• Questions Due: November 29, 2024 – 5:00 p.m. CST
• Proposals Due: December 20, 2024 – 11:59 p.m. CST
• Selection Notification: January 24, 2025
• Technical Assistance Convening: February 11, 2025
• Project Duration: February 3rd – April 31, 2025

8. Submission Instructions:

All proposals must be submitted electronically via the Online Application Form by or before the deadline of December 20, 2024 – 11:59 p.m. CST.

9. Contact Information:

For questions regarding this RFP, contact: Mark Rodriguez/Aaron Johnson at thrivingyouth@lohengrinfdn.org.

10. Terms and Conditions:

• Proposals and quoted fees must remain valid for the duration of project dates.
• The selected firm must provide proof of insurance.

Application Attachments:

The following attachments should be prepared to ensure the completion of the application.

Required:

• Detailed Fee Schedule & Budget Narrative

Foundation Contacts:

If you have questions about the Technical Assistance RFP, please email Chief Executive Officer Mark Rodriguez/Program and Community Engagement Officer Aaron Johnson at thrivingyouth@lohengrinfdn.org.