Request for Qualifications (RFQ):

Communications Partners


Release Date: July 9, 2025

Submissions will be accepted on a rolling basis.


Introduction

Baltimore’s Promise is a nonprofit organization dedicated to improving the lives of Baltimore City’s youth through equity-driven initiatives and data-driven collaboration. We prioritize creating equitable opportunities for Black, Latinx, and other intersectional youth aged 14-24 who have been historically impacted by systemic discrimination.

To advance our mission, we seek to build our network of qualified communications/media professionals and organizations to support our communications needs. These partners may contribute to various recurring or non-recurring projects, such as website development, videography, photography, video production, blog creation, or other media-related initiatives that amplify the impact of our programs and storytelling.

By submitting your qualifications to this RFQ, you are expressing your interest in working with Baltimore’s Promise on a consultative and/or freelance basis. We will only contact applicants if and when opportunities arise that align our needs with your expertise.

Scope of Services

We are soliciting submissions from media professionals and organizations for the following types of projects. Priority will be given to Baltimore-based applicants. You may submit for one or multiple service areas:

  1. Content Development

    • Writing blog posts, articles, and interviews that align with Baltimore’s Promise’s mission and values.

    • Editing and proofreading content for publication.

    • Collaboration with internal teams to ensure consistent messaging and tone.

  2. Videography

    • On-site and event-based video recording.

    • Production of short and long-form videos highlighting youth stories, program outcomes, and partnership successes.

    • Video editing and post-production, including motion graphics.

  3. Photography

    • On-site photography of events, programs, and youth participants.

    • High-quality portraits and group shots for website, reports, social media, and promotional materials.

  4. Video Development

    • Creation of animated explainer videos.

    • Development of social media-focused video content.

    • Scriptwriting and storyboarding support.

  5. Events Management and Coordination

    • Plan and execute in-person and virtual events, including logistics, programming, and audience engagement strategies.

    • Support, coordinate, and/or develop event materials, including invitations, registration management, agendas, bios, and briefing documents.

    • Secure and manage vendors, venues, and technical support.

  6. Media Relations

    • Cultivate relationships with local, regional, and/or national journalists

    • Develop and/or implementing media outreach plans

    • Monitor media trends to identify opportunities

    • Provide media training and support to staff and stakeholders

  7. Policy Advocacy

    • Create strategic messaging frameworks based on organization’s policy goals

    • Develop targeted communications materials, such as talking points, fact sheets, policy briefs, and testimony

  8. Development and Fundraising

    • Create and implement strategic campaigns to attract new donors and retain existing donors.

    • Analyze fundraising metrics and recommend strategies for improved performance.

  9. Website Development

    • Redesign and/or maintenance of existing websites (Squarespace, Wordpress, and Weebly).

    • Creation of new webpages or microsites for specific initiatives.

    • Integration with platforms such as Salesforce, Formstack, and others.

    • Accessibility enhancements to meet WCAG standards.

  10. Other Media Projects

    • Creative design for reports, brochures, and other print or digital materials.

    • Social media campaign content creation.

    • Podcast development and editing.

    • Translation of select materials into Spanish or other languages as needed.

    • Implementation of workshops and webinars for internal staff to train/support above areas of interest.

    • Drive brand awareness as a brand ambassador / social media influencer.

Submission Requirements 

All submissions must include the following:

  1. Cover Letter

    • A summary of your experience and alignment with Baltimore’s Promise’s mission and values.

    • Identification of the service areas you are applying for.

  2. Portfolio

    • Examples of past work relevant to the selected service areas.

    • Links to websites, videos, blogs, or other completed projects.

  3. Team Overview

    • Description of your team’s capacity, including roles and expertise.

    • Information on your approach to equity and inclusion in your work.

  4. Pricing Proposal

    • Transparent pricing structure for each service area.

    • Details on hourly rates, project-based costs, or other relevant pricing models.

  5. References

    • Contact information for at least two clients for whom you have completed similar work.

Evaluation Criteria Proposals will be evaluated on the following criteria:

  1. Experience and Expertise

    • Demonstrated experience in the selected service areas.

    • Strong portfolio showcasing impactful and innovative work.

    • Evidence of working with equity-focused organizations.

  2. Approach and Methodology

    • Clear and inclusive approach to project management and collaboration.

    • Commitment to equity and amplifying diverse voices through media.

    • Ability to meet deadlines and adapt to evolving project needs.

  3. Pricing

    • Reasonable and transparent pricing structure.

    • Flexibility for larger or multi-phase projects.

  4. References

    • Positive feedback from past clients regarding quality, collaboration, and impact.

Questions about this RFQ can be submitted via email to operations@baltimorespromise.org.

Additional Information

Baltimore’s Promise is committed to equitable contracting practices. We encourage proposals from youth, small, minority-owned, women-owned, and LGBTQIA+-owned businesses, as well as individuals and organizations with ties to Baltimore City.