How to Create an Investment Management RFP for Nonprofit Organizations with RFP Template

How to Create an Investment Management RFP for Nonprofit Organizations with RFP Template

Finding an advisor to manage your nonprofit's investments could include issuing a Request for Proposal (RFP). This 3-part guide covers what to include in your RFP to ensure timely and complete responses and an RFP Template to help get started.

Embarking on a search for a partner to oversee your nonprofit’s endowment or foundation investments? An RFP can be instrumental. This template guides you in soliciting detailed and relevant responses, aiding you in objectively assessing potential investment advisors.

This guide to creating an investment management RFP for your nonprofit organization answers these questions:

  • What do I need to include in our Request For Proposal?
  • What questions should I ask advisors?
  • How should I ask advisors for references?
  • What's a reasonable timeframe for our RFP?
  • Where can I download an RFP template?

Follow this 3-part resource to create a well-thought-out Request for Proposal that helps maximize advisor responses and allows your nonprofit to objectively compare each proposal.

Part 1: Your Organization Overview

Give advisors an overview of your organization and investment needs.

When crafting an RFP for investment management services, it is important to provide background about your organization and frame your needs, expectations, and selection process. This ensures you receive responses that are tailored and helps facilitate an efficient evaluation and decision-making process.

  • Give an Overview of Your Organization
    Present a brief outline of your organization, including its mission, history, size, and any other relevant information that offers a clear understanding of your identity and values.
  • Provide a Background on Assets and Investments
    Describe your organization’s current financial situation, including information on existing assets, investments, and any specific challenges or goals you aim to address through the services sought in this RFP.
  • Reason for Issuing an RFP
    Are you establishing a new endowment? Are you seeking professional management for the first time? Are you changing investment advisors? Let candidates know why you are issuing an RFP so they understand the work needed to achieve your goals.

Part 2: RFP Questionnaire

Compile a list of questions you would like advisors to answer.

Leveraging extensive experience with nonprofit RFPs, we present a succinct set of questions intended to obtain comprehensive information without overburdening respondents and making the evaluation process difficult. 

  • Get to Know the Advisor’s Firm
    Ask questions about each firm to help ensure they are a good match for your organization. Include questions about the firm’s history, experience working with nonprofits, key staff, and what distinguishes them from their competitors.
  • Understand Their Investment Approach
    Each advisor has their own unique investment philosophy when it comes to managing assets. Ask questions about how they determine asset allocation, how they construct their portfolios, and the strategies they use to select investment funds.
  • Learn About Additional Nonprofit Services They Provide
    Advisors that work with nonprofits should be able to offer valuable services beyond just managing your assets. Inquire about the services they offer which may include drafting documents like an Investment Policy Statement and providing tools that help your organization meet its fiduciary duties.

Part 3: Timeline, RFP Guidelines, and Contact Information

Create a timeline and guidelines for your RFP

To help ensure prompt delivery of proposals and give advisors confidence in a timely selection process, it’s important to lay out your timeline and expectations.

  • Timeline
    Clearly outline the RFP timeline, including RFP issuance date, proposal submission deadline, finalist presentation date, decision and notification date.
  • RFP Guidelines
    Be sure to include any special guidelines or requirements such as specific submission formats (e.g. PDF, length of final proposal), criteria for eligibility, and preferred communication methods during the RFP process.
  • Contact Details
    Specify a contact person for questions or clarifications, including their name, title, phone number, and email address to facilitate seamless communication.

Ready to Create Your RFP?

Now that you know how to draft an effective nonprofit investment management Request for Proposal, use the attached RFP Starter Template as a basic blueprint. To get a digital version of the RFP template that can be easily customized, email us at hello@getecio.com.

Additional RFP Resources

We’ve helped many nonprofits complete the RFP process and developed a library of helpful RFP resources to make the process easier.

Ready to Submit Your RFP to Advisors?  

We’d be honored to participate in your RFP. Please send your RFP to hello@getecio.com or submit via our website.

Download a starter RFP template with a list of sample questions for prospective advisors to answer about their investment services including questions about their firm's background, investment approach, nonprofit services, references, and fees.

Hello!

We're investment advisors for nonprofits. Questions about your investment program?

ASK US A QUESTIONSCHEDULE MEETING
Would you like eCIO to participate in your RFP?

We'd be happy to be considered as your investment partner.

SUBMIT AN RFP
Hello!

We're investment advisors for nonprofits. Questions about your investment program?

ASK US A QUESTION

Download a starter RFP template with a list of sample questions for prospective advisors to answer about their investment services including questions about their firm's background, investment approach, nonprofit services, references, and fees.

Ask an Advisor a Question

Have a quick investment question?

Submit a question and a nonprofit advisor will respond promptly.