Fractional Rural Development & Association Management Services

WISCONSIN RURAL PARTNERS | REQUEST FOR PROPOSAL

Fractional Rural Development & Association Management Services

Issue date: November 4th, 2026 | Proposals due: January 31st, 2026

Anticipated start: April 15th, 2027

1. Organization and Opportunity

Wisconsin Rural Partners (WRP) is a statewide, nonpartisan nonprofit and Wisconsin’s federally designated

State Rural Development Council. Current activities include the Annual Rural Summit, Small Community

Forums, and Top Rural Development Initiative Awards. Learn more at www.wiruralpartners.org.

WRP seeks an independent contractor or small team to provide affordable, fractional organizational

management and help expand WRP’s reach and impact. Existing, aligned organizations with unallocated staff capacity who are interested in a shared staffing arrangement are welcome to apply. Individuals, firms, and collaborative teams are welcome.

This is not only an administrative, association management engagement: demonstrated knowledge of rural

community and economic development, Wisconsin’s rural landscape, or collaborative statewide networks is central to selection. WRP seeks a practical partner who can sustain core operations while helping identify and execute achievable new activities.

2. Scope of Services

Respondents should distinguish services included in their proposed base retainer from optional or separately priced work. Responsibilities may be shared with WRP’s contract accountant, volunteer board, committees, and partners.

• Core management and governance (40% of services): Serve as a responsive primary point of contact; coordinate board and committee meetings, agendas, materials, follow-up, records, and routine organizational administration.
• Programs and events (20% of services): Coordinate planning, registration, budgets, vendors, speakers, marketing, logistics, on-site delivery, and evaluation for the Annual Rural Summit and Small Community Forums
• Strategic growth and rural development (20% of services):

o Work with the Board to establish annual priorities and measurable objectives.

o Identify and pursue opportunities to expand WRP's statewide influence and impact.

o Build and strengthen relationships with rural communities, state agencies, philanthropic partners,

federal programs, and other aligned organizations.

o Advance fundraising, sponsorship, and grant development opportunities.

o Develop recommendations for new programs, services, and revenue-generating activities.

o Serve as an ambassador for WRP in rural development discussions.

• Financial and partner administration (10% of services): Coordinate with the accountant and board on
• invoices, deposits, budget creation, financial reporting and approvals; maintain partner/member records, renewals, sponsorships, and relationship stewardship.
• Communications (10% of services): Maintain timely website, email/newsletter, and social media; support clear messaging and marketing of WRP programs. Communication must be free of errors.

3. Expected Approach and Deliverables

Most meetings/work can be conducted remotely, with the exception of up to four in-person events per year. The selected contractor will provide a 60 to 90 day transition plan, a simple annual work plan with

responsibilities and milestones, brief monthly activity/budget updates, and periodic recommendations for

Wisconsin Rural Partners • www.wiruralpartners.org program, partnership, and revenue growth. Proposals should describe how routine service continuity will be protected while growth opportunities are pursued within limited capacity.

4. Desired Qualifications

• Interest in rural community/economic development, rural policy, place-based initiatives, or related crosssector work; Wisconsin rural networks and relationships preferred.
• Ability to manage a small nonprofit, association, coalition, or multi-partner initiative with limited resources; excellent project management, communications, and financial stewardship.
• Ability to work independently, facilitate volunteer leadership, build trusted relationships, and convert strategic ideas into manageable actions.
• Ability to travel to events ~4x year in Wisconsin. Opportunity for one national professional development event per year, paid by WRP, if of interest.

5. Budget and Contract Structure

WRP anticipates a part time, independent contractor arrangement and seeks cost-conscious, scalable

proposals. Propose a fixed monthly base fee, estimated hours/capacity and inclusions; identify event-specific charges, travel, reimbursable expenses, hourly rates for additional projects, and any technology/subcontractor costs. WRP may negotiate scope and phasing to match available resources. Initial contract term of one year with option for annual renewal, subject to mutual agreement and satisfactory performance.

WRP’s budget for this role is up to $1500 per month with additional expenses for travel and on-site events.

Applicants are also welcome to submit pricing structures that reflect incentives for sustained growth of the

organization.

6. Proposal Requirements and Evaluation

Submit a concise proposal (suggested maximum: five pages) including: (1) qualifications and rural

development interest or experience; (2) named lead personnel and availability; (3) approach to core

operations and first-year growth priorities; (4) itemized pricing, assumptions, and optional services; and (5)

two references (optional). WRP will prioritize rural development interest/expertise and relationships, ability

to expand impact, dependable execution, and value for cost. Shortlisted respondents may be interviewed.

This management transition would be slated to occur after our Annual Rural Summit, with a beginning in April 2027 and a transition completion by June. We would ask the chosen individual/organization to attend this year’s Annual Rural Summit in Chippewa Falls, WI as an attendee to learn about the event and the

organization.

7. Submission and Questions

Email a proposal to mbarry@RWHC.com with subject “WRP Management Proposal” by January 31st, 2027.

Questions are welcome and can be sent to mbarry@RWHC.com.

WRP reserves the right to request

clarifications, negotiate scope, reject any or all proposals, and make no award. WRP welcomes qualified respondents from across Wisconsin.