Request for Proposals Strategic Planning Consultant

RFP Release Date:

Proposal Submission Deadline: Friday, March 20th, 2026 at 11:59pm EST

Contact Information:

Name: Shannon Jackson, Executive Director

Email: shannon.jackson@youthlink.ca

A. PURPOSE OF RFP

The YouthLink Board of Directors invites qualified consulting firms or individual consultants with expertise in strategic planning for community-based nonprofit agencies to submit proposals to support the development of a new organizational Strategic Plan. The plan will guide YouthLink’s direction and priorities for the next four years (2027 – 2031) and ensure alignment with our mission, vision, and evolving community needs.

The consultant will work closely with YouthLink’s leadership team, Board of Directors, staff, partners, and key stakeholders to deliver a comprehensive, evidence-informed, and actionable Strategic Plan with a completed plan due Monday, December 14, 2026.

As community needs evolve, YouthLink seeks a refreshed, evidence-based strategic direction that reflects current realities, emerging trends, and opportunities for growth and impact.

YouthLink works from a youth-centered, equity-informed, and community-focused approach. YouthLink places significant priority on confronting and dismantling anti-Black racism, and our commitment to diversity, equity, inclusion and belonging will need to continue to be a focus of our new strategic plan.

The successful consultant will serve to lead/project manage the process planning, stakeholder engagement and environmental scan to ensure the new strategic plan is rooted in a deep understanding of Scarborough’s current and emerging needs.

Learn more about YouthLink at youthlink.ca

B. SCOPE OF SERVICES

The selected consultant will provide the following:

1. Strategic Planning Scoping and Design

    • Collaborate with YouthLink Board of Directors Strategic Planning Subcommittee and agency leadership to scope and design the strategic planning process.
    • Ensure equity, diversity, inclusion, belonging and anti-racism lens is centered and embedded throughout all stages of the strategic planning process.

    2. Stakeholder Engagement

    • Ensure broad stakeholder engagement in plan development.
    • Facilitate consultations with youth, families, staff, Board members, funders, and community stakeholders.
    • Conduct surveys, interviews, focus groups, or other engagement methods to facilitate meaningful contribution from each stakeholder group.

    3. Environmental Scan & Needs Assessment

    • Conduct an environmental scan including service landscape, demographic trends, and sector challenges/opportunities.
    • Review existing documents, evaluations, and prior strategic plans.
    • Ensure strategic plan is compliant with all legislative requirements, and with the standards issued by the Canadian Centre for Accreditation.
    • Synthesize findings into planning insights (e.g. SWOT, PESTLE, etc.), ensuring the final strategic plan is evidence-based.

    4.  Strategic Plan

    • Develop a clear and actionable Strategic Plan including the validation or revision of the vision, mission, values, strategic priorities, measurable objectives, and performance indicators.
    • Work closely and collaboratively with the Board of Directors throughout the process delivering a final, print-ready copy of the strategic plan by Monday December 14th, 2026.

    C. DELIVERABLES

    1. Strategic Planning Framework & Work Plan
    2. Stakeholder Engagement Summary Report
    3. Environmental Scan & Needs Assessment Report
    4. Board and Leadership Presentations
    5. Supplemental implementation and evaluation tools
    6. Final Strategic Plan Document that is print-ready
    7. Internal and external communications plan

    D. PROPOSAL SUBMISSION REQUIREMENTS

    • Consultant profile and relevant experience.
    • Detailed description of proposed approach, methodology and project timeline.
    • Budget and fee breakdown (not-to-exceed $40,000).
    • At least three references from non-profit organizations supported through strategic planning in the past. Work samples are appreciated if available.

    E. PROPOSAL EVALUATION SCORING MATRIX

    CriteriaWeight
    Experience and Qualifications
    – Understanding non-profit trends and issues
    – Understanding issues facing youth
    – Experience leading strategic planning
    – Experience with similar organizations
    – Understanding of YouthLink’s unique environment and needs
    – Demonstrated track record of success engaging youth and families in marginalized communities    		      30%
    Scope & Methodology Proposed
    – Comprehensive approach to environmental scan and stakeholder engagement, including a focus on ensuring lived experience voices are heard and valued
    – Approach to development of plan, ensuring relevance to the community served    		    30%
    Demonstrated competence in Inclusion and Belonging
    – Evidence of diversity, equity, inclusion and belonging, and a strong anti-oppressive/ABR lens within experience and approach to development of the plan    		  20%
    Value for Budget20%

    F. SUBMISSION GUIDELINES

    The proposal should address the evaluation criteria listed above and be no more than 10 pages in length. Proposal to be submitted in pdf format by email to shannon.jackson@youthlink.ca by Friday, March 20th, 2026 at 11:59pm EST.

    NOTE: Please submit with subject heading STRATEGIC PLAN PROPOSAL

    G. SUGGESTED RFP TIMELINE/KEY DEADLINES

    February 23, 2026Request for Proposals published
    March 20, 2026Submission of proposals via email to Shannon.Jackson@youthlink.ca by 11:59pm EST
    March 30 – April 1 2026Shortlist interviews with Steering Committee
    April 30, 2026Board meeting to approve selection of consultant
    May 4, 2026Candidates notified
    May 11, 2026Contract start date
    December 14, 2026Final strategic plan due

    H. SELECTION PROCESS

    YouthLink commits to review all submissions, but reserves the right to accept or reject any proposal. The award of a consultant will be based on the Board of Director’s Strategic Planning Committee evaluation of all criteria noted above.

    While all proposals will be reviewed, only those shortlisted for final selection will be invited to interview with the Board of Directors Strategic Planning Committee.

    Late submissions will not be considered. Only shortlisted consultants will be contacted.

    I. TERMS AND CONDITIONS

    This RFP and any resulting contract shall be governed by and interpreted in accordance with the laws of the Province of Ontario and the federal laws of Canada applicable therein.

    Accessibility and Inclusion Commitment

    YouthLink is committed to equity, diversity, inclusion, and accessibility. Any applicants who require accommodations are asked to email Shannon.Jackson@youthlink.ca.

    General Terms and Conditions

    YouthLink reserves the right to accept or reject any or all proposals, to waive irregularities and informalities, and to cancel or reissue this RFP at any time without obligation or liability to any applicant.

    Contract Award

    Issuance of this RFP does not constitute a commitment by YouthLink to award a contract. Any contract awarded will be subject to final negotiation of terms and approval by YouthLink’s authorized representatives.

    Conflict of Interest

    Applicants must disclose any actual or potential conflicts of interest in their proposal. Applicants must immediately notify YouthLink in writing of any real or potential conflicts of interest that are identified after the submission of proposals but before the selection of a consultant (see Timeline/Key Deadlines). YouthLink reserves the right to disqualify any applicant whose conflict of interest is determined to compromise the integrity of the process or project.

    Proposal Validity

    Proposals must remain valid for a minimum of 180 days following the submission deadline.