Strategic Planning Consultant Services

The issuing agency is seeking a strategic planning consultant to develop a comprehensive five-to-seven-year strategy grounded in equity principles and aligned with its mission and vision. The agency needs to solve the challenge of increasing statewide support for arts and culture while modernizing its grant-making and internal governance structures. To achieve this, the project covers establishing a partnership framework for State-Local Partners, creating a five-year grants strategy with an artistic quality framework, and recommending improvements for Council committee structures, training, and meetings. The scope of work requires the consultant to design and facilitate listening sessions with grantees and applicants from the past three fiscal years. The selected partner must conduct in-depth individual interviews with leadership and hold small group or individual interviews with current Council members in accordance with Bagley-Keene public meeting rules. Additionally, the consultant must participate in Strategic Framework Committee meetings, attend and co-present at one to two public Council meetings, and draft the final Strategic Plan alongside accompanying PowerPoint presentations. Eligibility is restricted to onshore organizations based in the United States. The agency requires all performance of the work to be conducted offsite. The contract period will span one year, and the agency is currently looking for proposals to determine the budget. Bidders must submit all questions regarding this opportunity no later than June 11, 2026.