Request for Proposal
Strategic Communications Support for the Thriving Communities Fund
Statement of Purpose
The Thriving Communities Fund is seeking proposals for strategic communications support to advance our mission of building sustainable, equitable, and thriving communities across New York City that is free from threats of anti-democratic and xenophobic policies. The Fund exists to support a whole of civil society response to protecting the multiracial, multicultural economy, and civic life of New York City.
As we prepare for major program launches, advocacy campaigns, and public-facing events in the next 12 months, we aim to expand our communications platform, elevate community voices, and increase public awareness of the policies and investments that create pathways to shared prosperity in the face of unprecedented threats from the federal government.
About the Thriving Communities Fund
New York City, the embodiment of a multi-racial democratic economic engine for the country, is under grave threat from intensifying anti-democratic and autocratic pressures from the federal government, ranging from illegal and violent immigrant enforcement actions, calls for renewed policing, and surveillance of communities of color, and efforts to erode opportunities for civic engagement in the upcoming New York City election.
Five years since the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic, New Yorkers are struggling through one of the deepest affordability crises in decades. Intensifying raids from the U.S. Immigration & Customs Enforcement (I.C.E.) agency are tearing at the threads of communities in a city that is home to 4.5 million immigrants, including an estimated 670,000 undocumented New Yorkers, who contribute $3.1 billion annually in state and local taxes. Immigration enforcement actions are increasing daily and the federal court system has become a place of daily detention. The administration is also targeting immigrants with legal status, who contribute more than $74 billion per year to state and local taxes.
The Thriving Communities Fund is a coordinated network of human services, legal, advocacy, and community-based organizations on the frontlines. Our goal is to build resilience, ensure rights are protected, and strengthen civic infrastructure to meet the needs of vulnerable New Yorkers now and into the future. Our work focuses on:
- Community Investment: supporting local organizations and initiatives that improve economic mobility, housing stability, and health equity.
- Policy Change: advancing state and local policies that expand opportunity and reduce systemic inequities.
- Innovation: piloting new ideas and tools that shift narratives and create scalable solutions.
- Collaboration: bringing together leaders from philanthropy, government, nonprofit, and community-based organizations to accelerate impact.
We are committed to centering the priorities and voices of the communities most impacted by inequality and ensuring that diversity, equity, and inclusion guide all of our efforts.
Scope of Work
The selected communications partner will collaborate with the Thriving Communities Fund to design and execute a strategy that translates our goals into compelling public-facing campaigns and events. Specifically, we seek communications support that includes:
- Narrative Development: Crafting messaging that elevates community voices, challenges harmful stereotypes, and highlights solutions driving mobility and equity.
- Media Relations & Earned Media: Securing local, regional, and national coverage for research, events, and advocacy campaigns.
- Event Communications: Promoting key Fund events.
- Advocacy Campaigns: Designing and executing campaigns that build public and policymaker support for legislation and initiatives aligned with our mission.
- Thought Leadership: Positioning the Fund and its partners as leaders in the fight for equitable and thriving communities.
- Rapid Response Support: Providing reactive communications support in response to emerging issues.
- Content Creation: Developing press advisories/releases, op-eds, digital content, and storytelling materials featuring grantees, partners, and community leaders.
Timeline
- Engagement will begin immediately upon selection, with the development of a 3-6 month workplan.
- Communications partner will work closely with Fund staff to promote key events and campaigns throughout 2025-2026.
Budget & RFP Submission
The Fund anticipates funding a 3- 6 month work plan initially, inclusive of all fees, expenses, and production costs. Respondents should submit an RFP with a proposed monthly retainer fee for the duration of the contract and specifically outline how they would allocate their resources to achieve the scope of work. Submit completed RFP with proposed budget by 12 a.m. ET on November 7, 2025 to: thrivingcomms@nyic.org
Elements of the Proposal
Proposals should demonstrate an understanding of the Fund’s mission and communications needs. Responses should include:
- Executive summary
- Statement of understanding of the engagement, including deliverables and timelines
- Proposed methodology and approach
- Project-based budget and fee structure
- Team biographies and roles (project manager, executive, and support staff)
- Examples of relevant prior work, particularly advocacy campaigns and media strategies tied to policy change
- List of current and past clients, with emphasis on those in New York / [target geography]
- At least two client references
- Statement of interest in partnering with the Thriving Communities Fund on this engagement and potential future support
- Statement disclosing any current or prior relationships, contracts, or affiliations that could present a real or perceived conflict of interest with the Fund, its partners, or mission
- A description of your commitment to DEI practices, including how the agency ensures diverse representation on its team and partners with subcontractors
Selection Criteria
- Team qualifications and expertise
- Demonstrated success in similar projects (policy campaigns, nonprofit/philanthropy, issue-based advocacy)
- Knowledge of and experience in [local/state/national] context
- Creativity, flexibility, and ability to work across sectors
- Portfolio of past performance
- Cost competitiveness