Request for proposals: Resource Mobilisation, LWB Stiftung

Deadline for submissions: 30 November 2025

If you wish to apply, please follow the procedures set out in the Request for Proposal.

All questions and final proposals should be submitted electronically to: [email protected]

The LWF Foundation, LWB Stiftung (Endowment Fund), invites qualified consultants to submit proposals for the development of a fundraising strategy and implementation roadmap to support the Stiftung in achieving its fundraising target.

The LWF Endowment Fund was established in 1998 with the aim of strengthening the long-term financial sustainability of the Lutheran World Federation (LWF). The Fund provides unrestricted income that supports the LWF’s core operations, enabling the organization to continue its vital work in ecumenical engagement, humanitarian response, public theology and accompaniment of churches around the world.

The long-term goal for the Fund is to reach CHF 50 million. As of December 2024, the Fund’s value was CHF 15.5 million, including CHF 12.48 million managed in Geneva and CHF 3.72 million in the ELCA Pooled Trust (USA). The revised target, as set by the Endowment Fund Board, is to achieve CHF 25 million by 2030.

The purpose of this consultancy is to develop a fundraising strategy and implementation roadmap that will guide the LWB Stiftung in establishing and advancing a multi-year fundraising plan. The consultant will help strengthen institutional fundraising mechanisms, re-engage historical donors, and identify new approaches to increase funding, with the ultimate goal of reaching the CHF 25 million target by 2030

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Session on finances, budget and Endowment Fund during the LWF Council 2022 in Geneva. Photo: LWF/S. Gallay

Session on finances, budget and Endowment Fund during the LWF Council 2022 in Geneva. Photo: LWF/S. Gallay

Please see the full details in the complete Request for Proposal document.

Proposal Guidelines and Conditions

The objectives of this consultancy include:

  1. Develop a new fundraising strategy and implementation roadmap.
  2. Re-engage and cultivate existing and potential contributors and donors.
  3. Update messaging and promotional materials.
  4. Provide advice on donor cultivation legacy giving.
  5. Strengthen internal fundraising capacities and align efforts with LWB priorities.

Identify individuals or institutions that may provide new funding opportunities.

The consultant will perform the following key tasks:

  1. Develop a comprehensive strategy with phased targets, timelines and donor segmentation.
  2. Design and lead a targeted outreach and engagement plan, especially toward key institutional donors.
  3. Refresh and produce promotional materials, including a new Case for Support and leaflet.
  4. Advise board members and staff on fundraising best practices, promotions and donor communications.
  5. Recommend digital, legacy and direct giving approaches tailored to the LWB’s structure and values.

To support the above work, the EF Board through the secretariat, shall provide historical data on fundraising activities, donor engagement, fund performance over the past ten years and data on past donations. 

While carrying out the assignment, the Consultant must be mindful of and avoid any actual or potential conflicts, particularly those arising from overlapping funding appeals. This is especially important given that the LWF conducts annual outreach to the same member churches to support its programmatic and communion-related work.

The consultant is expected to deliver the following outputs:

  1. A comprehensive fundraising strategy and implementation plan (2026–2030).
  2. Updated Case for Support document.
  3. Toolkit of donor communications materials (print and digital).
  4. Donor engagement and stewardship plan, including major donor re-engagement strategy.

Progress reports and a final report summarizing findings, strategy and lessons learned.

 

The consultancy will be undertaken over a period of 6 to 9 months, beginning in quarter one of 2026. An estimated 30–40 working days will be required during this period, with flexibility for key deliverables.

The consultant will liaise with the Endowment Fund Board and the Board Secretary, who also serves as LWF’s Head of Finance. Coordination with LWF’s Communications Unit will be essential. Regular check-ins and strategy review meetings will be held throughout the duration of the contract.

The ideal candidate or firm should possess:

  1. Proven track record in international, institutional and endowment fundraising.
  2. Strong understanding of faith-based and values-driven fundraising environments.
  3. Knowledge of LWF, its processes and partnerships will be an advantage.
  4. Excellent written and verbal communication skills.

Fluency in English and working knowledge of French, German or Spanish is an asset.

 

Interested candidates should submit:

  1. Technical proposal detailing their approach and timeline.
  2. Financial proposal with breakdown of expected costs.
  3. Resume(s) or organizational profile with relevant experience.
  4. Two references from previous similar assignments.

The financial proposal and timeline should be broken down into:

  • Objective 3.1 - Documentation of fundraising efforts
  • Objective 3.2 - Implementation of the approved strategies

Applications should be sent to: [email protected]

LWF reserves the right to accept or reject any or all applications without assigning reasons for its decisions thereof.

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