Developing a request for proposal (RFP) will allow your organization to identify the right vendor for your web project. RFPs come in all shapes and sizes, but there are 5 must-have sections that will help you evaluate each vendor's capabilities.
1. About Your Organization
Provide a brief narrative about your organization, it's mission, and who you serve. You can also include what sets you apart from other organizations and who is the audience for your website and communications campaigns.
2. Project Goals
Share your goals for the new website, including any key performance indicators that will indicate if those goals have been achieved once the site is live. The goals for your project will vary depending on your needs, but will likely allow your organization to showcase your programs, increase engagement, and encourage contributions.
Ready to start writing? Download our free website RFP template here.
3. Desired Scope
Explain the features and functions you expect your website to include. Try to be as specific as possible. Items in this section should be comprehensive and include features like the ability to process donations, integrate with social media, handle event registrations, and include a dynamic events calendar.
4. Project Budget
It is crutial that you include a budget in your RFP. By providing a budget (or budget range), you are able to efficiently narrow down the potential vendors to those who can deliver a website within your organization's capacity.
5. Project Timeline
By including a timeline in your RFP, you’re able to eliminate vendors who can’t work within your desired schedule. If you are flexible, simply write something to the effect of, “Our organization hopes to finish the project within the next six months, but we’re flexible on this timeframe.”
For a deeper dive into wriiting an RFP, see our Article Writing an RFP for a Nonprofit Website
Ready to start writing? Download our free website RFP template here.
