Request for Proposals

Islamic Philanthropy Consultant

Download RFP

consultancy overview 

UNRWA USA is seeking an expert-level fundraising strategist to expand our reach and deepen engagement  with Islamic philanthropy organizations in North America.

This short-term consultancy will focus on cultivating strategic relationships with Islamic philanthropic organizations in the U.S. and Canada, with the goal of building sustainable, values-aligned partnerships. 

The ideal candidate will understand both UNRWA USA’s mission and programmatic priorities combined with deep familiarity with the landscape of Islamic giving and a proven track record in strategic engagement and partnership development. 

Prospective consultants should be creative strategic thinkers, capable of taking personal initiative, and bring exceptional partnership-building skills – as well as a rolodex of relevant institutional and individual contacts to draw from. The ideal candidate will have a track record of identifying promising funding connections that lead to mutually beneficial partnerships, as well as a deep understanding of the intricacies and sensitivities around faith-based giving. 

This is a remote consultancy.

scope of work

All activities and deliverables undertaken by the Consultant will be conducted in close collaboration with UNRWA USA’s Director of Strategic Programs and Executive Director. 

Key deliverables include: 

  1. Conduct in-depth research within UNRWA USA’s Addressable Market to map and analyze the Islamic philanthropy landscape in North America, producing a report which identifies new and recoverable lapsed institutional prospects aligned with the mission of UNRWA USA.

  2. Collaborative prioritization of the top three to five prospects with the Director of Programs and develop tailored relationship building/pre-positioning plans for each.

  3. Develop comprehensive engagement and stewardship strategy, including detailed prospect profiles, for both current and prospective partners, with the goal of securing multi-year, recurring grant support.

  4. Facilitate introductions and schedule meetings with prospective partners, and effectively represent UNRWA USA in pre-positioning meetings and in any donor meetings as needed.

  5. Provide recommendations for ongoing cultivation and engagement strategies that can be implemented by UNRWA USA staff following project conclusion.

proposal submission

Interested parties should submit a proposal including:

  • A cover letter

  • A resume detailing relevant experience

  • Detailed approach to the scope of work, including a timeline and milestones

  • Two references from previous clients or partners.

To apply, please submit documents as a single pdf via email to talent@unrwausa.org using the email subject line: Islamic Philanthropy Consultant - First Last Name.

Submissions received by February 20, 2026 will be given priority.

selection process

Proposals will be evaluated based on:

  • Relevant experience and qualifications

  • Strategic approach to partnership development

  • Cost-effectiveness

  • Alignment with UNRWA USA’s mission and values

Shortlisted candidates may be invited for an interview or presentation. Please note that we cannot respond to phone calls or direct messages regarding this opportunity; any questions may be addressed during the interview stage. UNRWA USA reserves the right to reject any or all proposals received and to negotiate separately with any source whatsoever in any manner necessary to serve the best interests of the organization. This RFP does not commit UNRWA USA to award a contract or to pay any costs incurred in the preparation of a proposal in response to this request.

terms and compensation

This is a deliverables-based consultancy with a total fixed fee of $12,000.

  • Term will begin upon contract execution and will conclude by July 31, 2026, unless otherwise agreed to in writing. 

  • Payment will be disbursed in three phases:

  1. Upon signing of the contract

  2. Upon satisfactory completion of deliverables 1–3

  3. Upon satisfactory completion of deliverables 4–5

  • Weekly check-in calls with the Director of Strategic Programs will ensure alignment, support, and progress toward deliverables.

unrwa usa overview

UNRWA USA National Committee (UNRWA USA) lifts up the voices, experiences, and humanity of Palestine refugees to secure American support for resources essential to every human being, for the promise of a better life. We focus our support in the areas of education, health (including mental health), protection, and emergency response. 

UNRWA USA is a separate nonprofit corporation from UNRWA, the United Nations Agency for Palestine Refugees in the Near East. UNRWA USA is recognized by the Internal Revenue Service as a tax-exempt charitable organization under section 501c3 of the Internal Revenue Code. UNRWA USA is governed by its own Board of Directors which exercises discretion and control over donated funds in support of the Agency's work for Palestine refugees.

UNRWA provides assistance and protection for some 5.6 million registered Palestine refugees in Jordan, Lebanon, Syria, the West Bank (including East Jerusalem) and the Gaza Strip to help them achieve their full potential in human development.