About HelpAge
HelpAge International works with a diverse global network of around 200 organisations across 99 countries to promote the rights of older people to lead dignified, healthy and secure lives.

Through partnership and collaborations, we work to ensure the inclusion of older people across society and strive to deliver a just and fair world for everyone as they get older. Our work is driven by our desire to achieve real impact for older people, to be inclusive, to work in partnership and to learn from our shared experience.

Background
HelpAge International is seeking to diversify and grow philanthropic income from trusts and foundations from the US philanthropic markets.

An initial prospect mapping exercise is currently being undertaken by an external consultant, identifying a broad range of potential trusts, foundations, and philanthropic opportunities. HelpAge aims to build on this work through a short-term assignment that combines prospect qualification with active donor outreach and engagement to assess the level of market interest and develop a robust pipeline for future cultivation.

The assignment will also support the organisation in assessing the value of different funding intelligence platforms through the use of free trial subscriptions.

Purpose of the assignment

Build on the initial prospect research undertaken.
Qualify and prioritise prospective trusts and foundations.
Actively engage with prospective donors to test interest and build relationships.
Identify funding opportunities aligned with HelpAge International's priorities.
Develop a realistic cultivation pipeline and recommended engagement strategy.
Assess the value of fundraising databases to support future investment decisions.
Scope of work

Prospect qualification and research

Review and refine the existing prospect list.
Undertake further research to assess:
strategic fit
thematic priorities
geographic focus
average grant size
openness to unsolicited approaches
existing grantees and partnership opportunities.
Prospects should be categorised according to priority and likelihood of success.

Active donor outreach and engagement

Proactively engage with selected prospects to assess donor interest and identify potential opportunities.

This includes:

drafting and sending introductory emails
seeking warm introductions through existing contacts and networks
arranging exploratory meetings
preparing briefing notes and meeting materials
following up with prospects following meetings or discussions
identifying opportunities for further cultivation and relationship development
Records will be maintained of:

contacts established
meetings held
donor feedback
potential next steps
indications of interest
Pipeline development
Develop and maintain a prospect pipeline comprising:

Tier 1 – High Priority Prospects
Strong strategic alignment and realistic funding potential.
Tier 2 – Medium Priority Prospects
Promising opportunities requiring further cultivation.
Tier 3 – Long-Term Prospects
Strategic opportunities requiring longer-term relationship building.
For each prospect, provide:

rationale for prioritisation
indicative grant size
likely programme interests
recommended engagement strategy
suggested next steps
Opportunity identification
Identify and circulate relevant funding opportunities including:

trusts and foundations
challenge funds
philanthropic collaboratives
donor-advised funds and intermediary mechanisms
companies
Funding database assessment

Undertake monthly free trials of fundraising databases and assess their suitability for HelpAge International.

Instrumentl
Fundraisio
Cause IQ
FundsforNGOs Premium
For each platform assess:

quality of information
international coverage
coverage of US foundations
ease of use
value for money
overall suitability for HelpAge's fundraising strategy
Deliverables
By the end of the assignment:

Prioritised prospect pipeline
Including:

high-priority prospects
medium-priority prospects
longer-term opportunities
Including recommended engagement strategies and indicative funding potential.

Donor engagement tracker
Recording:

outreach undertaken
meetings secured
contacts established
feedback received
recommended next steps
Opportunity tracker
Including:

open calls
deadlines
funding priorities
recommended actions
Database assessment paper
Comparing the fundraising databases and recommending whether HelpAge should invest in any of them.

Final Report
Providing:

key findings
priority prospects
donor intelligence and feedback
recommended cultivation approaches
suggested next steps for the fundraising team
recommendations for future investment in trusts and foundations fundraising
Profile and requirements

Essential

Proven experience securing funding from trusts and foundations
Experience of cultivating and managing donor relationships
Knowledge of US and international philanthropy
Strong prospect research and pipeline management skills
Excellent written and verbal communication skills
Desirable

Experience within international development or humanitarian organisations
Existing networks within US and international philanthropy
Knowledge of ageing, health systems, social protection or humanitarian sectors

Interested and qualified candidates are encouraged to submit a cover letter outlining their suitability for the consultancy, together with an up-to-date CV,