Request for Proposal – Mass Market Fundraising Agency(ies) of Record
Project Background And Context
***Q&A window extended until March 2nd 2021***
Mercy Corps is requesting proposals for a direct response marketing agency(ies) of record (AOR). Mercy Corps is looking for a strategic partner(s) to position us for greater impact amidst our rapidly changing global environment. We’ve seen that conventional ways that INGOs operate are being challenged; the racial and social justice movement has illuminated uncomfortable truths about our industry’s colonial past; the long-term economic and social consequences of the pandemic have set back recent gains; the impacts of the climate crisis are already affecting everyday lives and livelihoods, especially the world’s most vulnerable; and multiple other stress factors will be of high negative impact to the communities we work with. There has also been much internal change within Mercy Corps itself - culminating in the arrival of a new CEO. There are multiple opportunities as well as challenges that these and other factors open up. As such, Mercy Corps is seeking a strategic direct response partner(s) who will:
● Challenge assumptions around common fundraising tactics and approaches (i.e. donor as hero, white saviorism, etc.) and bring new and creative ideas to differentiate Mercy Corps from peer organizations
● Identify and attract new audiences in order to diversify Mercy Corps’ donor base and invest in file health and growth
● Drive integration across channels to maximize efficiencies and create a superior donor experience
● Build long-term value of donors, particularly through the growth and diversification of our sustainer program
● Deliver value to our audiences, with the aim of building long-term relationships that result in fundraising success
The agency(ies) should provide excellent client partnership and service, strategic direction, inventive ideas, creative and production support, and reporting and analytics for a full funnel direct response marketing program.