Fundraising, Grant Development, and Endowment Campaign Services

Cincinnati College Preparatory Academy (CCPA) is seeking proposals from qualified individuals or firms to provide comprehensive fundraising, grant development, and endowment campaign services. The selected responder will support CCPA in identifying, securing, and growing diverse funding streams to sustain and expand the school’s mission and impact.

This engagement will be managed in collaboration with the Friends of CCPA organization and the CCPA Endowment Committee.

Scope of Services

The selected individual or firm will provide services including, but not limited to, the following:

Grant Identification and Submission

• Research and identify applicable local, regional, and national grant opportunities.
• Prepare and submit grant applications on behalf of CCPA following approval of the CCPA board or it’s designate.
• Align grant opportunities with CCPA’s operational needs and capital priorities.
• Track grant deadlines, submissions, and outcomes.
• Provide granting organization the tracking and metrics required following receipt of funds.

Donor and Foundation Solicitation

• Identify and cultivate relationships with individual donors and philanthropic foundations.  These leads could be sourced from FoCCPA or found by the firm.
• Develop and execute strategies to solicit contributions for:
  • Operating expenses
  • Capital campaigns and projects
• Assist in the creation of donor materials, including proposals, presentations, and communications.

Endowment Campaign Strategy and Execution

• Advise CCPA on best practices for launching and sustaining an endowment campaign.
• Develop a comprehensive endowment campaign strategy, including:
  • Case for support
  • Campaign structure and phases
  • Donor segmentation and outreach strategy
• Optionally execute all or part of the endowment campaign.

Endowment Campaign Fundraising

• Identify and solicit grants and foundation support specifically for the endowment.
• Assist in securing lead gifts and major contributions.

Prospect Research

• Identify and profile high-net-worth individuals with potential interest in supporting CCPA.
• Provide actionable insights and engagement strategies for donor cultivation.

Proposal Requirements

Responders must submit a proposal that includes:

1. Organizational Overview
   • Background and relevant experience
   • Qualifications of key personnel
2. Scope of Work
   • Detailed description of proposed services aligned with the scope outlined above
   • Identification of any additional value-added services
3. Timeline
   • Proposed timeline for implementation and key milestones
4. Cost Structure
   • Clear explanation of pricing (e.g., retainer, hourly, success-based, or hybrid)
   • Ranges of expected costs
   • Optional service tiers, if applicable
5. Approach and Methodology
   • Strategies for grant identification, donor engagement (including ongoing engagement and stewardship), and endowment development,
   • Tools and resources utilized
6. Relevant Experience
   • Examples of similar work with schools, nonprofits, or endowment campaigns
   • References (minimum of three)
7. Presentation Requirement
   • Responders must be prepared to deliver a presentation to the selection committee detailing:
     • Scope of work
     • Timeline
     • Cost options
     • Strategic approach

Timeline

• Proposal Submission Deadline: 7/10/26
• Finalist Presentations: 7/20/26
• Selection Announcement: 8/14/26
• Project Start Date: 10/1/26

Submission Instructions

Proposals should be submitted electronically in PDF format to:

David Rucker
foccpa@ccpalions.org

Subject Line: CCPA Fundraising & Endowment Services RFP Response

Questions can be submitted to the same address.

We look forward to partnering with an experienced professional or firm to help advance Cincinnati College Preparatory Academy’s mission and long-term financial sustainability.