REQUEST FOR PROPOSALS (RFP) 

Project Title: Strategic Planning Consultant & Facilitator 

Organization: Shuswap Community Foundation 

Date of Issue: September 21, 2026 

Proposal Submission Deadline: November 15, 2026 
 

Organization Overview 

Shuswap Community Foundation (SCF) is a registered charity serving the Shuswap Region of British Columbia, with an office based in Salmon Arm. Our mission is to inspire community giving by providing an opportunity for individuals and organizations to leave a lasting legacy through permanent endowment funds. We foster donor confidence through responsible management, honor the memory of loved ones, and support a wide variety of community causes, both through grants and informal mentorship. 

Currently, SCF manages over 225 endowment funds with a market value of over $20,000,000. Through careful stewardship, we distribute annual grants across 10 cause pillars, helping to strengthen local programs, services, and initiatives that enhance the quality of life throughout the region. 
 

Project Overview

Shuswap Community Foundation is seeking proposals from qualified consultants or firms to lead our Board of Directors and staff through a comprehensive strategic planning process. This process will culminate in an in-person strategic planning session to be held in the Shuswap region during late spring or early summer of 2027 (target: May or June). 

The purpose of this initiative is to develop a robust, multi-year Strategic Plan that will guide the Foundation’s operations, capacity building, fund development, and grant-making strategies. 

Scope of Work 

The selected consultant will be responsible for the following phases: 

Phase 1: Discovery & Preparation (Early Spring 2027) 

● Conduct an environmental scan and organizational assessment. 

Engage with key stakeholders (Board members, staff, select donors and grantees, and community partners) via interviews or surveys to gather input on community needs, perceptions, and organizational performance. 

● Review existing foundational documents, previous strategic goals, and current financial and granting structures. 

Phase 2: Facilitation of Strategic Planning Session (Late Spring/Early Summer 2027) 

● Design, prepare materials for, and facilitate a highly engaging 1-to-2 day in-person strategic planning session located in the Shuswap. 

● Guide the Board and staffthrough consensus-building exercises to define strategic priorities, core values, and future direction. 

● Facilitate collaborative discussions on resource development, community capacity, organizational growth, and adaptation to regional needs. 

Phase 3: Plan Development & Delivery (Summer 2027) 

● Synthesize the outcomes of the session and stakeholder feedback. 

● Draft a comprehensive 3-to-5 year Strategic Plan containing clear, actionable goals, key performance indicators, and a realistic implementation roadmap. 

● Present the draft plan to the Board of Directors for feedback and finalize the document. 

4. Target Audience 

The primary participants for the planning process and the in-person retreat will be: 

● The SCF Board of Directors (10-12) 

● The SCF Executive and operational staff(3-4) 

5. Proposed Timeline 

● RFP Issued: September 2026 

● Proposal Deadline: November 15, 2026 

● Interviews with Shortlisted Candidates: November / December 2026 

● Consultant Selected & Contract Awarded: December / January 2027 

● Discovery & Stakeholder Engagement: March / April 2027 

● In-Person Strategic Planning Session: May / June 2027 – Specific dates TBD 

● Draft Strategic Plan Delivered: July 2027 

● Strategic Plan Finalized: August 2027 

● Final Strategic Plan Approved by Board: September 2027 
 

Proposal Requirements 

Interested consultants should submit a proposal (maximum 10 pages) containing the following details: 

1. Executive Summary: A brief narrative demonstrating your understanding of the project and your approach. 

2. Consultant Profile & Experience: Details of your experience facilitating strategic planning for non-profit organizations, with a strong preference for experience with community foundations. 

3. Proposed Methodology: Your approach to the discovery phase, session facilitation, and plan development. 

4. Work Plan & Timeline: A high-level schedule aligning with the Foundation’s requested timeframe. 

5. Budget: A comprehensive, itemized budget including consulting fees, travel expenses to the Shuswap, and any other anticipated administrative costs. 

6. References: Contact information for at least two past clients with similar organizational profiles or scopes of work. 
 

Evaluation Criteria 

Proposals will be evaluated based on the following criteria: 

● Demonstrated understanding of the community foundation model, philanthropic sector, and regional BC context. 

● Proven understanding of intricate cross-sectoral and intercultural dynamics, including working alongside local government bodies. 

● Experience, qualifications, and track record of the consultant/facilitator. 

● Quality, clarity, inclusivity, and creativity of the proposed methodology. 

● Overall value and alignment of the budget with the project scope. 
 

Submission Instructions 

Please submit your proposal in PDF format by 5:00 PM PST on November 15, 2026. 

Submit to: 

Monica Sigurdson, Executive Director of Shuswap Community Foundation 

Email: monica@shuswapfoundation.ca 

Phone: 250-832-5428 ext. 2 

Shuswap Community Foundation thanks all applicants for their interest; however, only those selected for an interview will be contacted.