Request for Proposals: Phase 2, Critical Exploration of Amherst H. Wilder Foundation History

Purpose
Amherst H. Wilder Foundation is seeking a partner to guide and collaborate the second phase of its work to explore and address the organization’s history. The second phase of this “critical history” project is focused on Wilder’s connection to community and actions during the 20th and early 21st century. The project is part of a foundation-wide effort to deepen its connection to community and build sustainable pathways to partnership. We want to explore how our actions shaped who we are today and what we do moving forward. Background Wilder has been dedicated to improving people's lives and well-being for over a century. Over time, we've evolved and enhanced our services to meet the changing needs of our community. However, our unwavering commitment to creating positive outcomes for children, families, and communities remains the same.

Description of Project
As we continue to grow, Wilder is committed to ensuring that our work has lasting impact. We plan to be here for good, with good that lasts for generations, by adopting a whole-family approach and ensuring that our staff are equipped with the intercultural skills necessary to meet the diverse needs of our clients, participants, partners, and community. Through this approach, we are fostering an environment where every individual can thrive, and where our work will continue to support families and communities for years to come.

To continue to lean into our growth model we have been doing a look back through the Critical History Report Project on how we have done our work and how we have shown up in community as an anchor community non-profit.

To get this work started, Wilder’s (former) Racial Equity Workgroup initiated the plan to conduct a critical history review of Wilder’s inception and work to date, the plan included a study of how Amherst H. Wilder accumulated his wealth, and at whose expense; and a study of the foundation’s work and interaction with communities since its founding.

The resulting report from the first phase of the project, Toward a Critical History, was complete in January 2020. The research focused on Wilder’s business interests and impact on Indigenous people and, to a lesser extent, people who were immigrants or enslaved. The report is “critical” by design. It used a racial equity lens, specifically diving into Amherst Wilder’s actions, with a focus on his interaction with and impact on Indigenous people – and how he benefitted from this. The report describes: colonialism, 1800s history of region/nation, early MN statehood; Wilder’s government ties & benefits to his contracting business; Wilder’s work in land speculation, timber, railroad and ‘deals’ made with Indigenous groups; and that Wilder was not found guilty of crimes in a settler colonial-designed justice system.

Project Deliverables
We encourage the consultant to bring a creative and innovative approach to the project deliverables, with an openness to exploring non-traditional formats. We envision the possibilities of incorporating a digital media campaign, compelling graphics, posters for staff to display, or even engaging video content to enhance the initiative's messaging. Additionally, we are open to the use of graphic recording or other visual tools to effectively capture key insights and present them in a dynamic, accessible manner. The goal is to create impactful materials that resonate with our staff, community, and key partners, fostering engagement and strengthening the overall success of the project.