Black Farmer Fund (BFF) was created by Black farmers who were frustrated with the limited financing options available to them, hoping to create a funding vehicle that would challenge the racial injustices and wealth inequalities faced by Black food actors. We are a 501(c)3 non-profit organization and an emerging community investment fund that invests patient (flexible repayment terms), and integrated capital (mix of low-interest loans and grants) in Black food businesses in the Northeast.
BFF is by us, for us, with a community of Black farmers and food systems entrepreneurs from across the region leading the fund’s governance and decision-making around which applicants receive funding. Our process is consensus-seeking and guided by our values of economic justice, community wealth building, and managing environmental/ecological impact. We are currently in the process of making direct investments in Black food actors while emphasizing financial education, investment literacy, and active community involvement in creating these financing options.
ABOUT THE OPPORTUNITY
Black Farmer Fund seeks a development and fundraising consultant to support a capital raise for the organization’s “BFF Fund 2.0.” BFF Fund 2.0 is a $20 million integrated capital fund that was launched in March 2023. This pool of funding provides Black agricultural and food businesses in the Northeast with grants, patient debt capital, and technical assistance to optimize their growth potential and social impact. This new fund allows for deeper investment in entrepreneurs, with checks up to $500,000 per business. The integrated capital model includes 10 million of investor capital, and 10 million of grant capital.
This Request For Proposal (RFP) will focus on the remaining grant capital raise, as the investor capital raise is complete. At the time of this request, BFF has approximately $7.8 million to raise. We are seeking a consultant to lead the raise for 75% of the remaining amount to raise at the time of hire, and would be expected to handle gifts from prospect to close. The ideal candidate will have a proven track record of raising six figure and above gifts, extensive experience in all aspects of fundraising, with particular expertise in corporate giving.
INDEPENDENT CONTRACTOR DETAILS
The rate for this position is $4,400 a month, with an expected time commitment of 40 hours per month. The rate will be paid monthly.
Consultant must be available to meet with the Director of Development and Investor Relations and the Co-Executive Director for one hour, biweekly to provide progress updates
Consultant will be responsible for quarterly deliverables, which will be established jointly at the beginning of the consultancy.
Contract Terms: Remote, One Year Consultancy; January 2025 to January 2026, with the possibility of extension;
Must reside in the Northeast with occasional travel to represent BFF at predetermined fundraising events and to attend in-person fundraising related workshops and meetings;
This is a contract, consulting position as such there are no additional benefits associated with this position;
This contract will be based upon BFF’s standard Independent Contractor Agreement
RESPONSIBILITIES
Raising at least 75% of the remaining BFF 2.0 fund, which at the time of this request is approximately 7.8 million, with 75% being approximately 5.8 million.
Funder cultivation: finding new funders for BFF 2.0
Completing fundraising deadlines according to agreed timeline
Cultivating funders: setting up meetings with potential funders, sending them materials, inviting them to BFF events, etc
Closing gifts: completing all requirements to closing a gift, such as grant submissions, letters of interests, etc
Representing BFF at events/meetings
Coordinating with BFF internal staff on development-related administrative processes such as salesforce data management, data tracking, grant management/organization
Drafting a fundraising strategy within the first 30 days of contract
Monitoring industry news and events for potential speaking engagements for BFF 2.0
Note: Occasional (reimbursable) travel may be required for fundraising strategy, prospecting, and other related activities;
QUALIFICATIONS
Strong corporate giving background and experience: established connections with corporate giving partners, and strong experience in cooperation giving/corporate social responsibility
Experience with individual donors, institutional giving, and crowdfunding
Grant writing and grant proposal experience
Strong written and oral communication skills
Ideally based in the Northeast, and at the minimum able to work on Eastern Standard Time
Experience and comfort with working in a fully remote environment
Prior experience fundraising for environmental causes/agriculture causes/Black led organizations
How To Apply
Please submit the following:
Your CV
A cover letter
A mock pitch to a corporate partner: Prepare a short pitch with the premise that you have been invited to meet with a corporate donor to speak more about BFF 2.0 and why they should consider a gift. The pitch should be no more than 300 words, and simply consist of a verbal presentation.
Please submit all of your materials to [email protected]. If you need assistance or have difficulties, please reach out to us at that same email.
