Proposal Submission Deadline: June 15, 2026
Contact Person: Lorianne Burhop, Policy Director, lburhop@mtnonprofit.org, (406) 449-3717
1. Scope of Work: Working under the direction of MNA’s Executive Director and Policy Director, the selected contractor will be expected to:
- Provide strategic advice on legislative priorities aligning with MNA’s Policy Agenda.
- Co-develop and implement lobbying strategies to advance the legislative priorities of MNA, including bringing forward legislation on up to two priority issues (see additional context below).
- Provide defensive lobbying as needed to oppose bills or budget cuts that harm the nonprofit sector.
- Monitor legislative developments relevant to the interests and priorities of MNA and provide recommendations for action.
- Leverage existing relationships to help MNA secure meetings with select state legislators or public officials who have influence over MNA’s legislative priorities.
- Participate in a weekly check-in to brief MNA on activities and confirm current priorities.
- Attend, as available, bi-weekly virtual meetings of MNA’s Public Policy Council to share strategic advice, policy analysis, and lobbying progress and outcomes.
- Provide a brief written report at the Transmittal deadline and the end of session on lobbying activities and outcomes.
2. MNA Staff Capacity:
- MNA has staff advocacy and lobbying capacity with a Policy Director, support from the Executive Director and Community Engagement Director, and an active Policy Council.
- The selected contractor will work closely with MNA staff to coordinate lobbying strategy at the Capitol with the engagement of MNA members and partners on the ground.
- MNA staff will use Bill Tracker (through legmt.gov) and Congress Plus to track MNA’s full list of relevant legislation.
- In most cases, MNA staff will be responsible for preparing and delivering testimony on behalf of MNA in collaboration with the lobbyist.
3. Background on MNA’s legislative agenda and anticipated 2027 priorities:
- In the 2025 session, MNA lobbied on and organized community support for or opposition to 13 “Tier 1” bills (those having sector-wide impact and are a top priority for MNA). The selected contractor will support MNA’s work on a portion of Tier 1 bills. Depending on the bill and other partners involved, contracted lobbying services will not be needed on all Tier 1 bills.
- MNA anticipates bringing legislation forward on up to two priority issues in the 2027 legislative session: 1. state contract reform and 2. reducing personal liability for nonprofit board members. The selected contractor will bring procedural expertise and political analysis to support MNA in identifying a sponsor, developing strategy, and moving bills forward. MNA staff will begin the process of developing legislative language, convening stakeholders, and organizing support in spring 2026.
- MNA anticipates the possibility of a challenging state budget year and will be advocating in opposition to cuts to programs and services for nonprofits and local communities. The selected contractor will help MNA monitor the state budget for impacts to nonprofits.
- Additional priority areas likely include: Monitoring conversations related to property and other tax reform proposals for impacts to nonprofits and their tax-exempt status; and responding to threats to nonprofits, including efforts to target organizations based on the work they do or communities they serve.
4. Proposals Requirements: Interested parties are invited to submit proposals that include the following information:
- Overview of experience, existing relationships, and demonstrated success in lobbying on behalf of nonprofits or community organizations.
- Provide information on the individual(s) who would be responsible for representing MNA during the session. Please describe any potential client conflicts of interest.
- Provide a description of the proposed approach to advocating for MNA’s priorities and positions.
- Provide contact information for three past clients or colleagues who can speak to the firm or individual’s experience working with the Montana Legislature, particularly on behalf of nonprofits.
5. Evaluation Criteria: Proposals will be evaluated based on the following criteria:
- Demonstrated prior experience, expertise, and track record in lobbying and government relations relevant to nonprofit sector issues.
- Understanding of MNA’s mission, priorities, and the needs of Montana nonprofits.
- Existing relationships with partners, key stakeholders, advocacy groups, legislators, and other decision-makers with influence on MNA’s legislative priorities.
- Qualifications and relationships relevant to MNA’s policy agenda.
- References and past performance in similar engagements.
6. Budget: MNA proposes a total budget of $18,000 – $22,000 for this work, with an anticipated time frame of September 2026 – May 2027 (start date can be adjusted, staying within budget).
7. Submission Instructions: Proposals should be submitted electronically to the contact person listed above by the submission deadline. MNA may invite selected finalists to participate in interviews prior to final selection.
8. Confidentiality: All information provided in response to this RFP will be treated as confidential.
9. Right to Reject Proposals: MNA reserves the right to reject any or all proposals, request additional information from applicants, and negotiate final scope and compensation with the selected contractor.
10. Questions: Any questions regarding this RFP should be directed to the contact person listed above.
We look forward to receiving your proposal.
Adam Jespersen, Executive Director
Montana Nonprofit Association