Request for Proposals (RFP): Capital Campaign Manager For the Healthcare Education and Regional Training (HEART) Hub

1. Introduction

The Lake County Economic Development Corporation is seeking proposals from qualified consultants or firms to serve as Capital Campaign Manager for our upcoming capital campaign. This initiative will support the Healthcare Education and Regional Training (HEART) Hub. The HEART Hub will serve as a regional hub for healthcare workforce education, providing students and adult learners with the skills and certifications needed for successful careers in the field. By developing a steady pipeline of well-trained professionals, the Hub will bolster the local healthcare system, foster economic growth, and enhance health outcomes across the region. We are looking for an experienced professional who can guide, manage, and execute a comprehensive campaign strategy from planning through completion.

2. About the Organization

The HEART Hub is a 6,600 sq ft. regional center that will expand healthcare training, build a stronger workforce, and increase community health education for Lake and Mendocino Counties, meeting critical local needs and long-term economic and healthcare improvements.

The HEART Hub is an initiative spurred from a Healthcare Summit in 2024 where local healthcare educators and employers agreed that ‘growing their own’ healthcare workforce could not only increase quality and quantity of care provided to patients, but create career ladders for local students and residents. The HEART Hub was born from more than 20 agencies who have partnered to create a mission to help guide students to healthcare fields, expand training facilities and increase local continuing education in the field.

Currently, all funding for planning and the demolition of the interior spaces of the building have been secured. Lake EDC, and the fiscal agent for the HEART Hub partners, is seeking a firm to help build and launch a capital campaign to fund the $7 million needed to build out the interior space of the HEART Hub.

Funding Secured:

● Redwood K16 Collaborative: $200,000 (CTE curriculum development)

● Sutter Lakeside Hospital: $1 million (10-year lease of the facility)

● Redwood Rise Catalyst Funding: $650,000 (project and space planning and permitting)

● Sutter Health CHNA grants: $700,000 (curriculum, equipment and demolition)

Funding Needed:

$7 million to construct and operate the HEART Hub for 1 year after completion

3. Project Overview

The capital campaign aims to raise $7 million over eighteen months to support the leasehold improvements in the facility. The campaign is currently in the planning and fundraising phase, fully funded through planning and demolition, needing funding to complete the construction and start up phases. We seek a partner who can provide strategic leadership, operational support, and fundraising expertise to ensure a successful campaign.

The HEART Hub will focus on three main programs to create community impact:

○ SPARK: A hands-on experience for grades 5–8 that introduces students to healthcare careers through interactive simulations, tours, and mentorship. (2500 middle schooler students exposed to Healthcare careers)

○ Learn: A state-of-the-art simulation center providing immersive CTE training and continuing education to keep learners and professionals at the forefront of healthcare. (175 adult and high school students provided hands on training and 50+ healthcare professionals provided continuing eduction)

○ Connect: A space that builds community health literacy through trainings, classes, workshops, and shared health resources. (500 community members provided healthcare and wellness education and support)

4. Scope of Work

The Capital Campaign Manager will be responsible for the following:

Campaign Planning & Strategy

● Develop or refine the campaign plan, timeline, and case for support

● Identify campaign phases, milestones, and benchmarks

Fundraising Leadership

● Advise on donor cultivation, solicitation strategies, and stewardship

● Support staff and board in major gift fundraising

● Prepare campaign materials and donor communications

● Assist with prospect research and portfolio development including identifying funding sources, including: private and public, and local, state and federal funding

Campaign Management

● Coordinate campaign committees and volunteer leadership

● Facilitate regular campaign meetings and progress reports

● Track pledges, gifts, and campaign metrics

● Ensure campaign activities align with organizational capacity and goals

Communications & Public Phase Support

● Guide messaging and marketing strategies

● Support launch of the public phase

● Collaborate with communications staff or contractors

Other Responsibilities

● Provide ongoing counsel to executive leadership

● Ensure best practices in donor engagement and campaign management

● Recommendations of donor management systems, if necessary

● Deliver a final campaign report and transition plan

5. Proposal Requirements

Proposals should include:

● Cover Letter summarizing interest and qualifications

● Firm/Consultant Background including relevant experience

● Campaign Experience with examples of past capital campaigns managed

● Approach & Methodology outlining how you will support the campaign

● Project Team with bios of key personnel

● Timeline & Work Plan

● Fee Structure including hourly rates, retainer options, or project-based pricing

● References from at least three recent clients

6. Qualifications

Ideal candidates will demonstrate:

● Proven success managing capital campaigns of similar scale

● Expertise in major gifts fundraising

● Strong communication and facilitation skills

● Ability to work collaboratively with staff, board, and volunteers

● Familiarity with donor management systems (e.g., Raiser’s Edge, Salesforce)

7. Budget

Please provide a detailed fee proposal, including:

● Estimated total cost

● Billing structure

● Any additional expenses (travel, materials, etc.)

8. RFP Timeline

● RFP Release Date: March 25, 2026

● Proposal Submission Deadline: Applications will be accepted until a firm is selected, first review of submissions will be April 30 and monthly thereafter

● Anticipated Start Date: As soon as possible

9. Evaluation Criteria

Proposals will be evaluated based on:

● Relevant experience and track record

● Quality and clarity of proposed approach

● Alignment with organizational needs

● Cost-effectiveness

● References and past performance

10. Submission Instructions

Please submit proposals electronically to:

Nicole Flora

Executive Director nicole@lakecountycaedc.org

Include “Capital Campaign Manager RFP –HEART Hub in the subject line.

 

Download the RFP as a pdf here.