RFP for Strategic Advisory Consultancy: Building the foundations for a High-Net-Worth Philanthropy Strategy and Engagement Model at Girls Not Brides

RFP for Strategic Advisory Consultancy: Building the foundations for a High-Net-Worth Philanthropy Strategy and Engagement Model at Girls Not Brides

Organization: Girls Not Brides

Apply By: 04 Sep 2026

About the Organization

Girls Not Brides is a global partnership of more than 1,400 civil society organisations across nearly 100 countries working collectively to end child marriage. We are committed to creating and sustaining a global movement that drives meaningful and lasting change for girls at risk of or affected by child marriage. Our vision is a world without child marriage, where girls and women enjoy equal status with boys and men and are able to realise their full potential. We work to challenge the deeply rooted social norms, systems and inequalities that contribute to child marriage and limit the rights and opportunities of girls and women.

About the Opportunity

Girls Not Brides is seeking an experienced senior consultant or consultancy to develop a strategic and scalable approach to engaging high-net-worth individuals (HNWIs) and ultra-high-net-worth individuals (UHNWIs) as a diversified and sustainable source of philanthropic funding. The consultancy will support Girls Not Brides' 2026–2030 strategy and its ambition to raise £40 million by 2030, while strengthening the organisation's ability to engage strategically with private philanthropists, family offices, philanthropy advisors, donor-advised funds and related networks.

Background

Child marriage remains one of the most persistent violations of girls' rights worldwide. Since its establishment in 2011, Girls Not Brides has grown into a global movement of more than 1,400 civil society organisations working across nearly 100 countries to accelerate progress towards ending child marriage. As part of its 2026–2030 strategy, Girls Not Brides aims to contribute to reducing global child marriage prevalence from approximately 1 in 5 girls to 1 in 7 girls by 2030, while helping protect and unlock $1 billion in resources to end child marriage globally. To achieve these ambitions, Girls Not Brides seeks to diversify its funding base beyond predominantly institutional sources and build a strategic approach to HNWI and UHNWI philanthropy. The successful consultant will help identify opportunities, develop a compelling philanthropic proposition and establish a practical model for long-term donor engagement. Purpose of the Consultancy The consultancy will support Girls Not Brides to: - Develop a differentiated and compelling HNWI/UHNWI engagement strategy aligned with its global partnership and systems-change role. - Analyse the relevant philanthropic landscape, including family offices, donor-advised funds, philanthropy advisors, wealth managers and private donor networks. - Identify priority donor segments, geographies, networks and potential entry points. - Assess organisational readiness, internal capabilities and reputational considerations for HNWI/UHNWI fundraising. - Develop a strong philanthropic value proposition and compelling cases for support. - Test selected engagement approaches and messaging with potential prospects and relevant stakeholders. - Recommend an appropriate operating and delivery model, including required structures, capabilities and roles. - Develop a practical 12–36 month implementation roadmap with milestones, resources, risks and measures of success.

Scope of Work

The consultancy is expected to be delivered across the following key phases: Inception and Planning - Agree on the overall methodology, approach, workplan and timeline. - Confirm key stakeholders, information requirements and consultation processes. - Finalise expected outputs and deliverables. Discovery and Organisational Diagnostic - Review existing fundraising strategies, materials, positioning and cases for support. - Assess previous and current HNWI/UHNWI engagement. - Conduct consultations with senior leadership, Board members and relevant internal stakeholders. - Identify existing networks, relationships and potential fundraising champions. - Review the external philanthropic and funding landscape. Strategy Development - Define priority HNWI/UHNWI donor segments and profiles. - Develop a differentiated philanthropic value proposition. - Identify priority geographies, networks and access points. - Recommend appropriate direct, intermediary and partnership-led fundraising approaches. - Develop potential cases for support and key messaging. Testing and Learning - Support limited testing of selected messaging and engagement approaches with relevant prospects or intermediaries. - Capture feedback and identify patterns in donor interest, motivations and concerns. - Refine the proposed strategy based on practical learning. Operating Model and Implementation Planning - Provide recommendations on leadership and Board engagement. - Identify internal systems, processes and capabilities required to support HNWI/UHNWI fundraising. - Advise on due diligence, gift acceptance, CRM/data management and governance considerations. - Recommend an appropriate delivery model, such as in-house, consultancy, agency or hybrid. - Develop a phased implementation plan covering the first 12–36 months. Key Deliverables The selected consultant/consultancy will be expected to deliver:

- Inception Report: To be submitted within five working days of contract commencement, outlining the agreed methodology, workplan, timeline and deliverables.

- HNWI/UHNWI Engagement Strategy: Covering priority donor segments, value proposition, cases for support, messaging, geographies, engagement pathways and direct versus intermediary approaches. - Prioritised Prospect Pipeline: An initial pipeline of potential HNWI/UHNWI prospects and relevant networks, categorised by priority and accompanied by recommended activation approaches.

- Engagement Testing Insights: Findings and recommendations arising from initial testing of messaging and engagement approaches.

- Stakeholder Engagement Recommendations: Guidance on leadership, Board and champion involvement, including potential risks and reputational considerations.

- Internal Readiness Assessment: Recommendations relating to systems, processes, due diligence, gift acceptance, CRM/data readiness, governance and organisational capabilities.

- Recommended Delivery Model: Assessment of potential in-house, consultant, agency or hybrid approaches, including suggested role profiles and responsibilities.

- 12–36 Month Implementation Roadmap: A phased roadmap covering priorities, milestones, sequencing, indicative resources, risks, success indicators and a high-level investment case.

Eligibility and Experience

The ideal consultant or consultancy will demonstrate: - Significant senior-level experience in HNWI/UHNWI fundraising within international development, philanthropy, gender equality, children's rights or the wider social impact sector. - A proven track record of developing and/or implementing HNWI/UHNWI fundraising strategies that have generated significant philanthropic income, strategic partnerships or access to new donor networks. - Experience engaging with private philanthropists, family offices, donor-advised funds, philanthropy advisors, wealth managers or comparable networks. - Strong understanding of the international philanthropic landscape and trends in social-impact giving. - Experience developing fundraising approaches for organisations focused on systems change, advocacy and movement building, rather than solely service delivery. - Demonstrated ability to leverage leadership, Board members, ambassadors and existing networks to support philanthropic engagement. - Strong political judgement and sensitivity when navigating organisational, stakeholder and reputational considerations. - Excellent strategic thinking combined with a practical and implementation-oriented approach. - Strong interpersonal, facilitation and communication skills, with confidence engaging senior leaders, philanthropists and