About the Illinois Environmental Council
As we celebrate our 50th anniversary in 2025, we are seeking an experienced and creative event consultant to lead the planning and execution of a high-impact, mission-aligned anniversary gala that honors our legacy, engages our supporters, and inspires our next 50 years of work. Our annual event attracts 700 people each year.
Project Overview
IEC is seeking proposals from qualified individuals or firms with experience in nonprofit event planning, fundraising, and large-scale event production. The selected consultant will be responsible for coordinating all aspects of our 50th Anniversary Gala, which is scheduled for September 19, 2025 in Chicago, Illinois.
Scope of Work
The consultant will work closely with IEC staff, board members, and vendors to:
- Develop a comprehensive event plan, including timeline, budget, and theme/concept development
- Identify and manage venue logistics, including contracts and on-site needs
- Coordinate vendors, including catering, décor, A/V, entertainment, printing, and transportation
- Support fundraising efforts, including ad book, silent auction, paddle raise, ticketing, sponsorships, donor stewardship, and silent/live auctions with our communication and operations teams.
- Collaborate on communications and marketing, including invitations, programs, digital promotions, and press outreach with our communications team
- Manage guest experience, including collecting guest information, compiling guest list, creating name tags, managing the registration table, accessibility, volunteer coordination, and day-of-event execution
- Provide post-event evaluation and reporting, including debrief and recommendations
Qualifications
Applicants should demonstrate:
- Proven track record of producing successful galas or fundraising events of similar scale (200+ guests)
- Knowledge of nonprofit culture, mission-driven events, and fundraising principles
- Excellent organizational and communication skills
- Experience working with diverse stakeholders and under tight deadlines
- Familiarity with Chicago event venues and vendors is strongly preferred
Proposal Requirements
Please include the following in your proposal:
- Letter of Interest
- Summary of Qualifications and Relevant Experience
- Approach to the Project, including a proposed timeline and work plan
- Examples of Previous Events, including photos or links, budgets, and outcomes
- References from at least two previous clients
- Budget estimate – $20,000 – $30,000 based on services and experience
Submission Instructions
Please send your proposal in a single PDF to:
Jennifer Walling
Executive Director
Illinois Environmental Council
Email: jwalling@ilenviro.org
Subject: “IEC 50th Gala Event Consultant Proposal – [Your Name/Company]”
Date Issued: June 16, 2025
Proposals Due: July 3, 2025