Strategic Planning Consultant

REQUEST FOR PROPOSALS: Strategic Planning Consultant

Building for the Arts NY, Inc. (BFA)

Issued August 1, 2025

INTRODUCTION

Building for the Arts is soliciting proposals from experienced consultants or firms to lead a comprehensive Strategic Planning Process. This process will help clarify our mission, refine our strategic priorities, integrate financial modeling and fundraising strategies to support long-term stability, and develop other actionable goals for the next 3–5 years. BFA is especially interested in (1) assessing the overall effectiveness of its wide-ranging programs both separately and collectively, and (2) articulating a strong unifying vision for the organization towards the creation of strong fundraising and communications tools.

ORGANIZATIONAL BACKGROUND

Building for the Arts (BFA) is a multifaceted nonprofit organization based in New York City dedicated to expanding access to the performing arts. Our work is activated through our three signature programs:

• Theatre Row offers invaluable support to the theatrical ecosystem by allowing a multiplicity of companies and artists access to subsidized space in the heart of New York’s Theater District.
• Music and the Brain, a school-day general music method using music literacy as a cognitive and character-building tool for young people, has evolved from a local to national program.
• The American Playwriting Foundation devotes its resources to identifying and nurturing the next generation of theatermakers poised to reveal and reflect to us the truths of our world, primarily through the renowned Relentless Awards made in honor of Philip Seymour Hoffman and Adam Schlesinger.

Since its founding in 1976, BFA (formerly 42nd Street Development Corp) has been a leader in creative placemaking, initially driven by a vision to revitalize the once-neglected west end of 42nd Street. At a time when the area was dominated by adult entertainment venues, BFA helped anchor its transformation into a vibrant cultural district and nonprofit hub. Our development of theatre row—with its theaters, restaurants, and residences—was a catalyst for this remarkable renewal.

Website: www.bfany.org

PROJECT OVERVIEW

The selected consultant will guide BFA through a strategic planning process that includes:

• Assessment of current programs, operations, finances, and organizational culture
• Engaging stakeholders (board, staff, artists, funders, and community partners)
• Facilitating visioning and strategic goal workshops
• Developing a robust SWOT analysis or similar analytical framework
• Producing a 3–5 year written strategic plan with actionable goals, timelines, and recommendations

The project is anticipated to run from October 2025 to June 2026. A project kickoff is expected on or about October 1, 2025 with final deliverables due on or about June 15, 2026.

PROJECT SCOPE

• Discovery & Assessment
  • Review relevant documents (previous plans, financials, evaluations, program metrics)
  • Conduct interviews and/or focus groups with staff, board members, artists, educators, donors, and strategic partners
• Data Collection & Analysis
  • Facilitate SWOT analysis
  • Benchmark peer arts nonprofits and creative placemaking organizations
• Visioning & Strategic Framework
  • Lead planning meetings/retreats and workshops to refine (and update as necessary) BFA’s mission, vision, values, and strategic pillars
  • Define key objectives, measurable outcomes, and success metrics
• Strategic Plan Development
  • Draft the strategic plan (3–5 year horizon) including detailed implementation roadmaps, responsible parties, KPI dashboards, and timeline
  • Guidance on resource development and revenue diversification strategies

PROPOSAL REQUIREMENTS

Please submit the following elements in your proposal:

1. Cover Letter
2. Consultant Profile
   • Consultant/Team bios and qualifications, emphasizing experience with nonprofit arts organizations
3. Relevant Experience
   • Case studies or examples of similar strategic planning engagements
4. Plan for Scope of Work
   • Approach and strategies for stakeholder engagement
   • Detailed methodology with key milestones and deliverables
   • Timeline: a clear project schedule from kickoff to final deliverable
5. Budget
   • Itemized cost proposal (consultant fees, estimated hours, travel, materials)
6. References
   • At least two client references with contact info
   • Representative client list

EVALUATION CRITERIA

Proposals will be evaluated on:

• Demonstrated experience in arts or creative placemaking environments
• Strength and clarity of approach
• Stakeholder engagement and inclusive methodology
• Realistic timelines and budget transparency
• References and proven track record

PROJECT TIMELINE (subject to change)

Milestone

Date

RFP Issued: August 1, 2025

Proposal Submission Deadline: August 29

Shortlist & Interviews: week of September 7

Consultant Notification: September 15

Project Kickoff: October1

Strategic Plan Delivery: June 15, 2026

BUDGET

BFA has allocated a budget of $70,000 for this engagement, inclusive of all fees and expenses. Applicants should offer clear justification and value for services. Proposals exceeding the budget ceiling will be accepted only with demonstrable value and justification.

SUBMISSION INSTRUCTIONS

Submit a single PDF via email to: jobs@bfany.org

Subject line: “Strategic Planning RFP Response – [Consultant/Firm Name]”

Submission Deadline: August 29

We look forward to partnering with a dynamic consultant or consulting team to guide Building for the Arts’ next chapter of impact, innovation, community engagement, and expansion of access to the performing arts.