Job Description

Organization: Adirondack Diversity Initiative (ADI)/Adirondack North Country Association (ANCA)

Proposal due date: 03/13/26

Estimated contract term: 03/30/26 to 3/30/27 (with possible extension if funds allow)

Anticipated Hours: 10-15 hours a week (flexible and remote)

Contact: Melanie Reding, ADI Deputy Director, mr*****@********ck.org  518-354-9279 

Opportunity Summary

The Adirondack Diversity Initiative (ADI), housed within the Adirondack North Country Association (ANCA), is seeking a consultant to strengthen fundraising and financial planning to enable the organization to grow in a stable, sustainable way.

ADI wants practical support to improve how it raises money, plans for the future, and manages financial risk. The consultant will work closely with ADI leadership to create clear strategies, simple tools, and step‑by‑step plans that staff can continue using after the contract ends.

This project is about building long‑term sustainability. That includes diversifying revenue streams, strengthening donor relationships, improving financial forecasting, and establishing a reserve fund to protect the organization during periods of uncertain funding.

While the scope of this request focuses on planning and strategy development, there may be additional opportunities for implementation based on skills and fund availability. 

Organizational Background

Adirondack Diversity Initiative (ADI): ADI exists at the intersection of environmental and transformational justice, working to make the Adirondacks a more welcoming and inclusive place for residents and visitors while ensuring a vital and sustainable Adirondack Park for future generations. As home to the ADI team, ANCA supports the Initiative’s growth and works closely with ADI staff to center diversity, equity, inclusion and belonging across all of our program areas. 

Adirondack North Country Association (ANCA): ANCA is an independent, nonprofit corporation with a transformational approach to building prosperity across northern New York. Using innovative strategies for food systems, clean energy, small businesses, and equity and inclusion, ANCA delivers targeted interventions that create and sustain wealth and value in local communities. 

Program Overview

ADI seeks a consultant to strengthen both its fundraising strategy and financial planning practices in order to support long-term organizational sustainability.

This engagement combines practical financial planning with fund development strategy. The goal is to align fundraising growth with sound financial management, helping ADI diversify revenue, improve forecasting, and build systems that support stable operations. Key outcomes include a clearer fundraising roadmap, stronger financial decision-making tools, and development of a reserve fund framework.

The consultant will serve as a collaborative partner, translating strategy into practical tools and processes that staff can use to guide both fundraising and financial planning beyond the contract period.

Scope of Work

The consultant will work closely with ADI leadership and the ANCA Finance Director to assess current systems and build integrated strategies that strengthen both fundraising capacity and financial sustainability.

A. Financial Planning & Organizational Sustainability

• Review current financial structure, revenue mix, and funding patterns to identify sustainability risks, growth opportunities, and priority areas for improvement aligned with ADI’s mission, programs, and strategic goals
• Develop multi-year financial projections tied to program and fundraising goals
• Create simple forecasting and scenario-planning tools to support decision-making
• Identify financial risks related to funding concentration and cash flow and recommend strategies to reduce those risks
• Support development of a Board-approved reserve fund policy and growth strategy
• Provide guidance to inform strategic financial decisions

B. Fund Development Strategy

• Assess current fundraising activities and donor relationships
• Develop a practical, multi-year fundraising plan with priorities and timelines
• Create strategies for:
  • Major donor cultivation for the purposes of a reserve fund 
  • Individual donor cultivation and stewardship
  • Grant and institutional funding
  • Corporate and community partnerships
  • Earned income opportunities such as speaking engagements, credentialing programs, etc 
• Define measurable fundraising goals and tracking methods
• Recommend improvements to internal fundraising roles and workflows

C. Revenue Diversification & Capacity Building

• Identify realistic opportunities to diversify revenue streams
• Develop donor pipeline and stewardship systems
• Strengthen staff and board engagement in fundraising
• Provide practical templates and tools to support ongoing implementation
• Connect fundraising strategies to financial sustainability goals

Deliverables

Deliverables may include:

• Multi-year financial projections and scenario-planning tools
• A written fundraising strategy and implementation plan
• Revenue diversification action plan
• Donor pipeline and stewardship framework
• Draft reserve fund policy and guidance
• Working sessions or presentations for staff and Board leadership

Deliverables will be developed collaboratively and refined based on ADI feedback.

Consultant Qualifications

Ideal candidates will demonstrate:

• Experience in nonprofit financial planning and fundraising strategy
• Understanding of nonprofit sustainability and revenue diversification
• Ability to integrate financial analysis with development planning
• Experience working collaboratively with nonprofit staff and boards
• Skill in translating strategy into practical implementation tools

How to Apply

Proposal Requirements

Interested consultants should submit a proposal that includes:

1. Cover letter describing interest in the project and overall approach
2. Background and relevant experience (organizational or individual)
3. Description of proposed methodology and work plan
4. Proposed timeline and availability (part-time, contract-based)
5. *Proposed budget and fee structure
6. Examples of similar work and/or professional references

*Proposed budget and fee structure, not to exceed $30,000, inclusive of all fees, expenses, and costs associated with this scope of work. Proposals should clearly outline the consultant’s pricing structure (e.g., hourly rate, monthly retainer, or milestone-based payments) and the level of effort associated with each phase of work.

Selection Criteria

Proposals will be evaluated based on:

• Alignment with ADI’s mission, values, and equity-centered approach
• Relevant experience and demonstrated expertise
• Quality, clarity, and feasibility of the proposed approach
• Cost effectiveness and transparency of the proposed budget
• Demonstrated ability to collaborate with nonprofit staff and boards

Submission Instructions

Proposals should be submitted electronically (PDF format preferred) to: mreding@adirondack.org No later than: March 13, 2026 Questions regarding this RFP may be directed to Melanie Reding, mreding@adirondack.org  Additional Information ADI reserves the right to accept or reject any or all proposals, to request additional information, and to modify the RFP timeline as needed. Submission of a proposal does not obligate ADI to award a contract. We strongly encourage proposals from individuals and firms that reflect the communities we serve and that bring lived experience alongside professional expertise.  This includes Disadvantaged Business Enterprises (DBEs). ANCA is an Equal Opportunity Employer

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