Application Guide
How to Apply for Development Consultant RFP
at Empowerment Avenue
🏢 About Empowerment Avenue
Empowerment Avenue is a unique nonprofit that bridges the gap between incarcerated writers, artists, and filmmakers and mainstream venues, using creative proximity as a path to decarceration and narrative change. Led by directly impacted people, including Executive Director Rahsaan Thomas, the organization is experiencing significant growth and is poised to expand its national impact. Working here offers the chance to be part of a mission-driven team that values lived experience and innovative approaches to social justice.
About This Role
This role is a defined-scope consulting project focused on expanding Empowerment Avenue's fundraising capacity, specifically by cultivating institutional funders and strategic partnerships. Over 9-12 months, you will build relationships, write proposals, and help secure a $75,000 compensation while contributing to the sustainability of an organization that is transforming the narrative around incarceration. Your work will directly support the organization's three-year strategic plan and its goal of long-term sustainability and national expansion.
💡 A Day in the Life
As a Development Consultant, your days would be a mix of research, relationship-building, and writing. You might start by researching potential foundations, then draft a grant proposal or prepare a report for a current funder. You could have virtual meetings with partners or the EA team to align on messaging, and spend time on strategic planning to ensure your efforts meet the 9-12 month goals. Each day would be dynamic, with a focus on moving the mission forward through securing vital funding.
🚀 Application Tools
🎯 Who Empowerment Avenue Is Looking For
- Proven track record in institutional fundraising, with at least 5-7 years of experience securing grants from foundations, corporations, and government sources.
- Deep understanding of and commitment to criminal justice reform, decarceration, and narrative change; experience working with directly impacted communities is a strong plus.
- Strong strategic thinking and ability to develop and execute a fundraising plan, including prospect research, cultivation, solicitation, and stewardship.
- Excellent written communication skills, with a portfolio of successful grant proposals and reports; ability to craft compelling narratives that align with the organization's mission.
📝 Tips for Applying to Empowerment Avenue
In your proposal, explicitly address how your approach aligns with Empowerment Avenue's mission and strategic plan; mention specific ideas for engaging funders interested in criminal justice reform.
Highlight any experience you have working with or for organizations led by directly impacted individuals, and show cultural humility and sensitivity.
Provide concrete examples of successful grants you've secured, including amounts and funders, and explain how you built those relationships.
Since this is an RFQ/P, follow the instructions carefully: submit both qualifications and a proposal, and ensure you meet the September 11, 2026 deadline.
Demonstrate your ability to work remotely and independently, and propose a clear work plan with milestones for the 9-12 month term.
✉️ What to Emphasize in Your Cover Letter
['Express genuine passion for the mission of normalizing incarcerated voices and supporting decarceration efforts.', 'Showcase your specific experience in institutional fundraising, with quantifiable results (e.g., dollars raised, number of grants).', 'Explain why you are interested in a consulting role and how you can hit the ground running given the defined scope.', "Mention your familiarity with the organization's work, perhaps citing specific projects or publications they've produced."]
Generate Cover Letter →🔍 Research Before Applying
To stand out, make sure you've researched:
- → Visit Empowerment Avenue's website and read their latest annual report or strategic plan to understand their goals and language.
- → Look up recent news or articles about their projects, such as publications or films by incarcerated artists.
- → Research the philanthropic landscape for criminal justice reform, including major funders like the Ford Foundation, Art for Justice Fund, or the Rosenberg Foundation.
- → Listen to or read any interviews or talks by Executive Director Rahsaan Thomas to understand the organization's culture and priorities.
💬 Prepare for These Interview Topics
Based on this role, you may be asked about:
⚠️ Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Submitting a generic proposal that doesn't reference Empowerment Avenue's specific mission or strategic plan.
- Overemphasizing your need for the compensation without showing a deep understanding of the organization's work.
- Failing to provide concrete examples of your fundraising success or vague descriptions of your experience.
📅 Application Timeline
This position is open until filled. However, we recommend applying as soon as possible as roles at mission-driven organizations tend to fill quickly.
Typical hiring timeline:
Application Review
1-2 weeks
Initial Screening
Phone call or written assessment
Interviews
1-2 rounds, usually virtual
Offer
Congratulations!
Ready to Apply?
Good luck with your application to Empowerment Avenue!