Why RFPs Are a Friend to No One

Why RFPs Are a Friend to No One

Fundraising Growth Now! · 2025-07-06
14:15

RFPs are a friend to no one. Not to arts organizations, not to their Board or staff, not to the consultants vying for the work, and certainly not to the project’s ultimate success. Yet, many organizations feel bound to this process, thinking it ensures fairness, transparency, and a good outcome. But in reality? It usually does the opposite.


Today, we’ll cover five reasons why RFPs fail each of these parties, five best-practice alternatives, and three next steps for any organization that truly wants to find the right fundraising consultant.

Fundraising Growth Now!

Fundraising conversations, advice, and best practices for arts and cultural organizations that want to strengthen donor relationships and raise more money. Learn how you can achieve Fundraising Growth Now!

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