Introduction
The Greater Pittsburgh Arts Council (Arts Council) seeks an experienced development consultant to guide the organization in strengthening and advancing its contributed revenue strategies. Founded in 2005 through the merger of ProArts and the Greater Pittsburgh Arts Alliance, the Arts Council serves as the Local Arts Agency (LAA) for Southwestern Pennsylvania, with its primary presence in Allegheny County and the City of Pittsburgh. Now in its 21st year of service, the organization is guided by a recent strategic planning process that charts its direction for the next five years. As part of this work, the Arts Council is refining internal systems, clarifying programmatic priorities, and deepening relationships to better serve its stakeholders and community partners.
As a leader in the regional arts sector, it is essential that the Arts Council’s development efforts reflect best practices and adapt to emerging fundraising strategies. The organization is committed to building a sustainable, community-centered development model that aligns with its mission, values, and evolving impact areas. In addition, the Arts Council continues to cultivate an internal culture that embraces equity and the ongoing work of decolonizing the arts. To effectively support this organizational direction, it is crucial that fund development strategies reflect a shared value set across staff, board, volunteers, and funders.
The selected development consultant will play a key role in helping the Arts Council assess its current development capacity, identify opportunities for growth, and design actionable strategies that strengthen revenue generation and long-term sustainability.
About the Greater Pittsburgh Arts Council
Mission
The Greater Pittsburgh Arts Council builds a more resourced, connected, and informed arts sector, empowering artists and arts organizations throughout Southwestern PA.
By sharing resources, fostering significant relationships, leading advocacy initiatives, and increasing public awareness of arts and culture, the Arts Council cultivates a thriving, vibrant arts community for the Greater Pittsburgh region.
Vision
Pittsburgh is a contemporary global city where the artistic process is valued, supported, and thrives.
Our Values
- Connectedness
- Transparency
- Equity
- Courage
- Adaptability
- Curiosity
Scope of Work
The selected consultant will be responsible for delivering a comprehensive, 3-5 year development plan with a clear focus on foundation, corporate, and individual giving. Core responsibilities include:
Development Assessment
- Review current development performance and trends across foundation, corporate, and individual revenue streams
- Evaluate CRM systems, staffing structure, and board engagement
- Interview or survey key staff, leadership, board members, and select donors
- Assess internal development culture and organizational capacity
- Conduct market landscape analysis to identify new opportunities for foundation funders, corporate partners, and individual donors
Development Strategy & Multi-Year Plan
Develop a clear, actionable development plan including:
- Foundation giving strategy: pipeline development, stewardship approach, and priority funders
- Corporate giving strategy: partnership framework, sponsorship opportunities, and CSR alignment
- Individual giving strategy: annual giving, major gifts, donor retention, and stewardship
- 12–36 month implementation roadmap with recommended timelines and KPIs
- Provide recommendations for staffing, board involvement, and operational needs
Final Deliverables
- Comprehensive written development plan
- Presentation to leadership and/or board
- Supporting analysis and appendices
Budget
The budget for this project is not to exceed $60,000.
Timeline
The Arts Council intends to select the development consultant in Late March 2026 with work beginning in April and concluding in June 2026. However, there is some flexibility in the timing of the project activities.
How to Submit a Proposal
Proposals should include a response to all the following items in the order that they are listed for an equal and timely review. Please submit materials via online form by March 15, 2026.
- A brief description of your firm
- An overview of your firm’s experience in strategic fundraising and development
- Proposed project timeline
- Name(s) and bios of staff who will be assigned to this project
- Proposed budget estimate with detailed list of total costs for each element outlined above in the scope of consultant services
- 2-3 references. Please provide reference name, email address, phone number, and a brief description of the services provided for each reference
- Optional: upload a relevant work sample
Basis of Selection
Proposals will be reviewed by the Arts Council’s CEO and COO and will be evaluated on the following:
- Demonstrated expertise in institutional, corporate & individual giving strategies
- Quality of methodology and work plan
- Relevant experience and past outcomes
- Reasonableness of cost
- Strength of references
- Clarity and quality of written materials