Issued By:  T.R.U.S.T. South LA (T.R.U.S.T.)

Proposal Due Date:  7/15/2026

Contract Period:  Approximately Four to Six Months

Introduction:

T.R.U.S.T. South LA invites qualified consultants or consultant teams to submit proposals to develop and support implementation of a comprehensive communications strategy, organizational narrative, and communications infrastructure that advances our mission, strengthens our public voice, and positions the organization for its next phase of growth and impact.

Organizational Background:

Founded in 2005, TRUST is a community land trust, community development organization, and organizing institution rooted in South Los Angeles. T.R.U.S.T. advances permanently affordable housing, community ownership, environmental justice, mobility access, and equitable development through community-driven planning, organizing, and long-term stewardship.

T.R.U.S.T.’s preservation and small-scale development initiatives stabilize neighborhoods, expand access to affordable housing, and build local power through shared ownership and stewardship. Through its integrated approach to organizing and development, T.R.U.S.T. works to ensure that low-income Black and Brown residents can remain, thrive, and shape the future of their communities.

Today, T.R.U.S.T. South LA:

• Stewards more than 150 permanently affordable homes serving over 400 residents;
• Leads initiatives in housing justice, climate resilience, mobility justice, and anti-displacement strategies;
• Partners with public agencies, philanthropy, and community organizations to advance community-controlled development; and
• Is implementing transformative projects, including a Community Resilience Center and community-centered public space and mobility initiatives.

As the organization continues to grow in scale, visibility, and complexity, T.R.U.S.T.. seeks to transition from primarily reactive communications to a strategic, values-driven, and infrastructure-supported communications model that strengthens organizational alignment, builds community power, and advances narrative change around housing, land, climate resilience, and community ownership.

Project Background:

Over the past several years, T.R.U.S.T. has experienced significant organizational growth. The organization has expanded its housing portfolio, increased its staff capacity, developed new partnerships, and assumed leadership roles in major place-based initiatives across South Los Angeles.

As T.R.U.S.T.’s work and visibility have expanded, the need for an integrated communications strategy has become increasingly important. The organization engages a wide range of audiences, including:

• Residents and community members
• Staff and board leadership
• Public agencies and elected officials
• Philanthropic partners and funders
• Media and communications partners
• Movement organizations and advocacy coalitions
• Community development and implementation partners

T.R.U.S.T. seeks a strategic communications partner to help articulate a clear organizational narrative, strengthen leadership voice, align messaging across audiences, and establish communications systems capable of supporting the organization’s continued growth and long-term impact.

Project Purpose:

The purpose of this engagement is to develop a comprehensive communications strategy and narrative framework that:

• Articulates a clear and compelling organizational story and vision;
• Positions TRUST as a leader in community ownership, equitable development, and environmental justice;
• Strengthens executive and organizational thought leadership;
• Aligns messaging across staff, board, members, and strategic partners;
• Builds communications infrastructure and internal systems;
• Enhances organizational capacity to communicate impact and influence public narratives; and
• Supports long-term organizational growth and movement-building efforts.

T.R.U.S.T. seeks a consultant who can serve as both a strategic advisor and thought partner, helping the organization build communications practices that are rooted in its values and capable of advancing systems change.

T.R.U.S.T. believes that communications and storytelling are not simply branding exercises. They are essential tools for building community power, shifting narratives, influencing systems, and advancing a future in which long-time residents can remain, thrive, and shape the future of South Central Los Angeles.

Scope of Work:

The selected consultant or consultant team will work collaboratively with organizational leadership to complete the following activities. The scope of work is intended to describe T.R.U.S.T.’s desired outcomes rather than prescribe a specific methodology. Consultants are encouraged to recommend refinements to the work plan, sequencing, and deliverables based on their expertise and proposed approach, provided the proposal clearly explains how the project objectives will be achieved.

Phase I: Discovery, Listening and Assessment:

Conduct a comprehensive assessment of TRUST’s communications practices, assets, opportunities, and challenges.

Activities may include:

• Introductory meeting with organizational leadership;
• Facilitation of stakeholder interviews, including staff, board members, residents, and strategic partners;
• Review of organizational documents, communications materials, digital platforms, and existing messaging;
• Assessment of internal communications processes and decision-making structures;
• Landscape analysis of community land trusts, community development organizations, housing justice organizations, and environmental justice organizations.

Deliverable:  Communications Assessment and Recommendations Memorandum.

Phase II: Narrative Development and Organizational Positioning:

Develop a clear and compelling communications framework that reflects T.R.U.S.T.’s mission, values, impact, and long-term vision.

Activities may include:

• Defining organizational positioning and differentiation;
• Identifying priority audiences and communications objectives;
• Clarifying organizational voice, values, and messaging principles, particularly as it relates to the CLT housing model;
• Developing a unified messaging architecture and narrative framework.

Messaging components may include:

• Organizational narrative and story of change;
• Mission, vision, and values articulation;
• Messaging pillars;
• Program and initiative messaging;
• Resident-centered impact stories;
• Elevator pitch and organizational value proposition;
• Key talking points and message guidance.

Deliverables:

• Organizational Positioning Strategy
• Messaging Platform and Narrative Framework

Phase III: Communications Strategy and Infrastructure Development:

Develop a strategic communications roadmap and recommendations for building long-term communications capacity.

Activities may include:

• Communications audit and gap analysis;
• Development of a six-month strategic communications plan;
• Recommendations regarding communications functions and organizational structure;
• Recommendations for staffing, roles, and responsibilities;
• Recommendations regarding workflows, processes, and decision-making protocols;
• Identification of systems, tools, and resources needed to support implementation.

Deliverables:

• Six-Month Strategic Communications Plan
• Communications Infrastructure and Capacity-Building Roadmap

Phase IV: Leadership Positioning and Implementation Support:

Support organizational leadership in strengthening executive communications and implementing priority recommendations.

Activities may include:

• Executive Director messaging and positioning support;
• Thought leadership strategy development;
• Coaching and strategic guidance for communications staff and organizational leadership;
• Development of priority communications materials and implementation tools;
• Limited implementation support and strategic advising.

Deliverables:

• Executive Leadership Messaging Framework
• Leadership Communications Toolkit
• Coaching and Implementation Support6. Deliverables Summary

At a minimum, the selected consultant will provide:

1. Communications Assessment and Recommendations Memorandum
2. Organizational Positioning Strategy
3. Internal/External Values Statement
4. Messaging Platform and Narrative Framework
5. Six-Month Strategic Communications Plan
6. Communications Infrastructure and Capacity-Building Roadmap
7. Executive Leadership Messaging Framework
8. Leadership Communications Toolkit
9. Implementation Support and Strategic Advising

Project Timeline:

Estimated Project Duration: Approximately four to six months.

Proposed schedule: