2023
WILLOW PLACE – REQUEST FOR PROPOSAL
Request for Proposals (RFP)
Fundraising Consultant
Organizational Overview
We support Manitobans in nurturing healthy relationships in a safe space. Our vision for Willow Place within the next five years is a holistic expansion of our capabilities and reach, building a comprehensive
support system for those affected by gender-based violence in our community and beyond.
Project Background
Willow Place has outgrown our current space and is seeking to plan and execute a capital campaign for a new building to broaden and enhance our service delivery capabilities with the necessary resources to sustainably support this evolution. We aim to retrofit a new building as a beacon of safety and transformation, embodying our commitment to healing and growth.
Our vision for this project is a new emergency and transitional housing for women, children, and 2SLGBTQQIA+ individuals who have been affected by gender-based violence. Willow Place’s pursuit of suitable shelter accommodations has spanned numerous years, reflecting the pressing need to enhance its capacity. The existing facilities are inadequate to serve the needs of Willow Place’s residents. Moreover, the number of bed nights for the past year (13,446) has increased by more than 3,500 from the year prior (9,764). The need for a larger shelter is evident as the shelter frequently operates at full capacity or above capacity. This endeavor aims to provide a safe haven and comprehensive support services to best meet the needs of those who have experienced gender-based violence. The proposed project envisions the establishment of a shelter that can accommodate 48 beds with approximately 43 emergency beds and 5 transitional beds. Furthermore, the facility will house 14 offices and common areas designed to cater to the Participants’ needs. These communal spaces include a commercial and teaching kitchen, dining area, classroom, lounge, childminding room, workshop room, spiritual space, and medical examination room.
Key Consultancy Objective
Willow Place seeks to engage an experienced fundraising consultant or consulting firm to provide strategy, direction, counsel, accountability, design, and implementation of a comprehensive fundraising campaign to raise the money needed to support our new building. The consultant will work in consultation with the Willow Place Executive Director, the Board of Directors, and the volunteer capital campaign committee to design and implement their plans.
Key Deliverables and Outcomes
- The Case for Support. This is the document that explains the campaign publicly. It must be clear, and concise and include financial goals for campaign programs and projects. The case must also be an inspiring and deeply persuasive demonstration that our new building is necessary, highlighting the unique qualities and needs of Willow Place. The expected outcome is to have a text with persuasive language that convinces potential donors that the need for a new building is valid, urgent, and compelling.
2. Create and implement a project plan that includes:
- A campaign overview that outlines milestones, activities, budgets, targets, and timelines.
- Roles, responsibilities, and deliverables of those involved in implementing the campaign, and lines of communication and accountability.
- Current and new donor prospects to be targeted and the strategies to be employed for targeting them.
- Creation and oversight of a gift matrix.
- Key messages, target audiences, and marketing and communication initiatives.
- Fundraising events/initiatives.
- Recognition of donors.
3. Management of volunteer capital campaign committee that includes:
- Drafting and communicating job descriptions and expectations to members.
- Maintaining regular communication to keep members up-to-date on campaign progress and upcoming milestones.
- Advise committee in decision-making and establishing targets and timelines.
- Monthly reports to Willow Place tracking progress and outlining any decisions that need to be made as necessary.
- Adequate funds raised to support Willow Place’s goal to retrofit a new building.
- An assessment of the increase in donor engagement and monthly donors following the end of the campaign.
Time Commitment
This contract is part-time and is expected to begin in December 2023. It is anticipated that it will take 3 years to raise the necessary funds. Willow Place expects to move into a new building in 2026 and for the fundraising campaign to wrap up in 2025.
Profile of Consultant/Firm
1. Understanding and affirmation of Willow Place’s mission and values.
2. Demonstrated knowledge and experience of fundraising multi-million dollar campaigns.
3. Excellent project management skills, as demonstrated through successful management of personnel, schedule, and budget to complete deliverables on past consulting projects.
4. Proven track record in facilitating communication and collaboration among various organizational departments and positions.
5. Experience with a variety of donor streams such as individual gifts, endowments, online fundraising, social media fundraising, and institutional grants from foundations and government.
6. Demonstrated experience and success in a variety of marketing tools such as direct mail, website, social media, phone soliciting, presentations to philanthropist individuals and groups, etc.
7. Demonstrated knowledge of, and connections to, the philanthropic and donor landscape in Winnipeg.
8. Collaborative and inclusive communications style.
9. CFRE designation an asset.
Proposal
Proposals should include:
1. A letter of interest that outlines your interest, qualifications, and availability.
2. A fee schedule.
3. Current CV/resume for a single consultant, or CVs for up to three people who would be delivering services on behalf of a firm.
4. Information about 2-3 comprehensive fundraising campaigns you and/or your firm successfully planned, implemented, and executed.
5. Three references from past clients.
Proposals should be submitted on or before November 15th, 2023 to Willow Place, attention of Marcie Wood, Executive Director:
· By email: [email protected]
· Or by mail: P.O. Box 1786, Winnipeg, MB, R3C 2Z9
2023
Willow Place Autumn 2023 E-Newsletter
ECUADOR TREK UPDATE
Winnipeg Realtor, Chris Pennycook
Willow Place is delighted to once again be supported by local Royal LePage agent, Chris Pennycook. The Royal LePage Shelter Foundation raises awareness and much-needed funds for shelter programs across Canada, and the annual Trek is a significant part of this commitment to helping those in need. THANK YOU, Chris and all those who have contributed to make this amazing event possible.
As of September, Chris had already raised over $40,000; and he hopes to once again raise over $100,00! You can follow his program and donate by visiting Chris’s fundraising page: CLICK HERE FOR INFO!
IZZY CHAT APP
Innovation improves access
This past summer, Willow Place launched the Izzy chat application with support from Gender Equity Manitoba. The app provides another option for those seeking violence prevention supports to connect with crisis-support staff at Willow Place. Located on our web site, Izzy appears as a white and purple box in the lower right of the screen. Clicking on the box launches the chat application.
A special THANK YOU to our wonderful Willow Place shelter program staff who demonstrated commitment to learning the Izzy app and whose feedback helped to customize Izzy to meet our crisis response needs.
IMPORTANT: any person, any gender can call us for info or support – 24-hours, every day!
Other ways to connect with Willow Place staff include:
Manitoba toll-free: 1-877-977-0007 (directs caller to closest regional resources)
Winnipeg local: 204-615-0311
Text line: 204-813-8887
VOLUNTEER FEATURE
Thank you, Anna!
What inspired you to apply for the Willow Place volunteer program?
I felt a calling to volunteer – specifically somewhere that supported women in crisis. I did a Google Search to see what organizations felt aligned with my mission and values – I am a Tranformational Life Coach focused on the neuroscience “of ‘stuckness’.“
What types of activities and supports have you participated in for Willow Place?
“I have done art sessions, supported and played with children, organized art and storage spaces (so the incredible staff can access what they need, when needed), and supported community outreach activities to help spread the word about this vital organization.“
Are there volunteering highlights you’d like to share – what have you noticed or learned?
“So many! 1) Watching staff in action – how they care for and truly seek to support the residents is a testimony to Willow Place’s commitment to empower families. Staff attitudes are contagious, empowering and uplifting. As a volunteer that matters a lot, in creating a space that I love to come to week after week. 2) The residents of Willow Place – I love interacting with children and seeing their artistic expressions, and being a part of such a positive, forward-looking space. I love that women in shelter have chosen to stand up for themselves and that Willow Place provides them with guidance to create a new narrative for them and their families. It feels hopeful. 3) I know the importance of holding space for people and treating them not as broken or missing anything, but I see it in action at Willow Place and it is inspiring. No one talks down to anyone; there is an atmosphere of respect. Women are not treated like they have done something wrong or that they are lesser than others. There are so many skilled and artistic women passing through! HIGHLIGHTS: when children offered to tidy the paper cabinet with me – they worked so hard! Hanging out with staff at golf fundraiser day – we were treated so well and everyone was an absolute delight.“
Self-care is important for those working with violence survivors – what are some things that support your self-care?
“I am very intentional about my self-care. Each day I spend time on “me” – rejuvenating, releasing, growing, supporting and caring. I enjoy long walks, meditation and breath work; quiet time including gratitude practice, reading and crossword puzzles (or something that gives my brain a fun break!), morning coffee with my husband, daily writing and stretching practices; music and movement for stuck energy, intentional early bedtime, drinking lots of water, and filling my body with healthy and delicious food. I also enjoy sitting on my deck, hanging with friends, spending time with my family, and bi-monthly I take a day off for a spa day. There is so much more – self-care is super important to me!“
Do you have a favourite quote, song or saying? Why is it so special to you?
“I have a few, but my two faves are:
1) “The privilege of a lifetime is to become who you truly are. – Carl Jung.” There was a time in my life where I was homeless, alone, suicidal and hopeless. I couldn’t even get dressed because the idea of putting on clothes was too much. The idea of a “me” that was loveable was not even a dream. I had no idea who I was. Now I do, and I love her. This quote is everything because now I understand how true it is.“
2) “‘Clearing,’ by Martha Postlewaite: ‘Do not try to serve the whole world or do anything grandiose. Instead create a clearing in the dense forest of your life and wait there patiently, until the song that is yours alone to sing falls into your open cupped hands and you recognize and greet it. Only then will you know how to give yourself to the world so worthy of rescue.’ I love this poem because I spent years forcing businesses to life that ended up being little more than beautiful prisons. I didn’t understand why they felt so empty. When I stopped trying to force something into creation and simply allowed myself to walk where I was pulled – well, that is when all the magic really started to unfold. This poem is also a truth I never fully understood well until I started living it.”
WE APPRECIATE YOU, ANNA!
Volunteer program inquiries: Shannon at 204-615-0313, ext. 224
HOCKEY HELPS THE HOMELESS
Fundraising tournament – save the date!!!
The annual Hockey Helps the Homeless fundraising event is coming soon! We are delighted to share that team sponsorships are SOLD OUT, but you can still get involved as a donor, game-day sponsor, silent auction prize sponsor, spectator or volunteer. Email [email protected] for sponsor and donor inquiries or visit the tournament web site: CLICK HERE!.
Did you know that all games are FREE to attend? The tournament takes place at Seven Oaks Arena, Winnipeg, on November 3, 2023 – we hope you will join us and cheer on the players! Who knows, you may even rub shoulders with some of your hockey heroes and grab an autograph or two.
Willow Place is grateful to be one of three charities who will benefit; the other beneficiaries include Resource Assistance for Youth (RAY), and Red Road Lodge and wishes to express appreciation to the Winnipeg organizing committee, volunteers, and Hockey Helps the Homeless headquarters’ amazing team!
For game day or draft night volunteering:
CLICK HERE!
THE POWER OF PJs
November is Domestic Violence Month
Each fall, Willow Place announces the Power of PJs campaign. Beginning November 1, we seek donations of new pajamas for women and children in shelter. Our goal is to provide every shelter participant in December with a new pair of PJs.
Since the onset of the COVID pandemic, calls for counselling and shelter are growing. In 2022-2023, Willow Place’s crisis supports operated at 134% of capacity. Willow Place could not provide many essentials without support from caring community members. We hope you will help us spread the word, and that you please consider donating new pajamas this November. Beyond providing material needs, this campaign helps to highlight the growing need for violence prevention services in Manitoba. Support for Power of PJs also lets those sheltering with us know that others care about their well-being and want to help.
For questions and to donate:
204-615-0313, ext. 237 or ext. 231 (weekdays, daytime hours)
SEASONAL DONATIONS
Safe Halloween and Holiday Giving
Willow Place currently has a number of in-kind donation needs. We require small pumpkins, candy, and craft kits or craft supplies for Safe Halloween activities in the shelter program. We are also collecting holiday gifts and stocking stuffers for women and children in shelter – deadline for holiday giving is December 18th – THANK YOU for your support!
There are many ways to help out – monetary and in-kind gifts are welcome and appreciated!
DONATE:CLICK HERE!
WISH LIST:CLICK HERE!
AMAZON WISH LIST:CLICK HERE!
2023
FVCM REQUEST FOR PROPOSAL
The Family Violence Consortium of Manitoba (FVCM) is seeking an independent contractor to evaluate creating a collective impact backbone organization for the gender-based violence sector (in transition from Gender Equity Manitoba (formerly the Family Violence Prevention Program, Manitoba Government.
SCOPE OF WORK
Conduct a comprehensive review of the needs of current agencies funded by Gender Equity Manitoba (GEM), Province of Manitoba, and provide recommendations for creation of a collective impact backbone organization to support gender-based violence sector moving forward.
COLLECTIVE IMPACT
Is a network of community members, organizations and institutions who advance equity by learning together, and via aligning and integrating their actions to achieve population and system-level change.
The FAMILY VIOLENCE CONSORTIUM OF MANITOBA (FVCM)
Represents a network of over 30 family violence prevention organizations funded by GEM, and consisting of family violence shelters, second stage family violence programs and housing; resource centers, urban support programs, and specialized services, who provide service and support to Manitobans impacted by violence and abuse.
VISION
Healthy, strong communities and people with women, gender diverse individuals, and families who are proud and empowered; well-supported by organizations and programs which honour their stories, recognize the impact of colonialism, and which work collaboratively to share, undertake and give voice to best practices.
WE BELIEVE
That all elements of the overall caring and support systems, both public and community, have a responsibility to eliminate violence and to support conditions favourable for thriving and successful outcomes, within Manitoba and beyond.
TIMELINES
Consultation and scope of work to begin August 2023, with all deliverables completed by March 31, 2024.
Draft report to be completed by January 22, 2024.
SUCCESSFUL APPLICANT/CONSULTANT
Required to conduct consultations with all GEM-funded organizations to determine priorities, capacity and needs, as well as overall system strengths and challenges within family violence prevention sector.
Travel to all regions of the Province of Manitoba may be required. Research will inform recommendations re: establishing a backbone organizations in a formal report. The report will summarize all interviews, outline the process used, and resulting recommendations.
The consultant will communicate directly with the FVCM Executive. Dissemination and recommendations resulting from the report are the responsibility of the FVCM Executive.
SCOPE OF CONSULTATION
-GEM-funded agencies, each requiring consultation
-GEM (formerly FVPP), Department of Families, Province of Manitoba
-Literature review/sector scan relative to the sector (family violence and gender-based violence) that may inform a collective impact model
-Specifically address current gaps, priority areas for advocacy, capacity-building, collaboration and collective impact, that would form the focus of a backbone agency
-Collection of data, analysis, and comprehensive report including recommendations based upon collective stakeholder feedback, including (but not limited to) structure and governance; required staff positions and job descriptions; budget, work plan (e.g., action items and target dates)
-Develop a process for selecting the recommended structure
SECTORAL REVIEW
Creation of a comprehensive report and recommendations focused on key areas, including:
-Collective impact two-day sector retreat (February 9 and 10, 2023)
-Assess funded agencies’ resources, capacity, and priority needs, including systemic barriers
-Assess gaps in sector’s continuum of services, and collaboration across funded sector
-Assess and identify recommendations for possible options re: Manitoba Association of Women’s Shelters (MAWS) and backbone organization to work together (e.g., amalgamation, co-existing and collaborative structures, etc.)
-Assess ways in which 2SMMIWG+ Implementation Committee and new backbone organization may work collaboratively
-Identify areas of advocacy and shared voice that are priorities
-Assess capacity and training needs across funded sector
-Assess data collection gaps across funded sector
REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS
-Understanding of non-profit environment, collective impact models, and gender-based analysis
-Ability to implement priorities identified by Truth and Reconciliation Commission of Canada: Calls to Action, and the National Inquiry into Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women and Girls: Calls for Justice, into research, analysis and recommendations
-Excellent interpersonal and communication skills; specifically community outreach and community conversations
-Exceptional written communication and ability to produce comprehensive report documents
-Exceptional project management skills, collections and analysis of data; ability to brainstorm strategies, organization, and ability to disseminate information clearly and concisely
-Driven, reliable, analytical problem-solver, able to meet all required deliverables within established timeframes
-Demonstrated ability to work from a decolonizing, anti-racist lens, with strong understanding of intersectionality and inclusion of lived-experience and local context
PROPOSED GUIDELINES AND REQUIREMENTS
Proposal must be submitted by email and must include the following:
-Qualifications and knowledge re: consultation and organizational design projects (including research, data and interview collection; report writing)
-Detailed description of methodology (approach and process) for developing and implementing a consultation plan; methodology should balance engagement as well as efficiency per project timelines
-Detailed project outline including activities, work plan, timelines with clear deliverables, and progress toward milestones
-Detailed fee proposal including costs and timelines for invoicing and payment schedule (inclusive of all expenses, including consultant fees, technology, travel, etc.)
-Three letters of reference from former professional service clients or similar project from past five years
-Provide example document reflecting similar past project
DEADLINE FOR SUBMISSION: MONDAY, JUNE 26, 2023 AT 4:30 P.M. (CDT)
Please submit proposal to Cynthia Drebot ([email protected])
Please state “RFP FVCM Hiring Committee” in the subject line of your email.
2023
Willow Place Spring 2023 E-Newsletter
SPRING WELLNESS
Taking time for self-care
Wellness is defined as our “state of being†and individual needs vary greatly. The SMILE acronym can be a helpful reminder for maintaining universal wellness basics: S-sleep enough, M-move your body, I-inhale and exhale, L-love and connect, and E-eat to nourish. Asking “how’s my SMILE score today?†can be a helpful support to keep on track. Some tips: set reminders on computer or phone; write SMILE on a post-it note where you will see it throughout the day; and schedule in time daily to do something you enjoy. Setting boundaries with wellness can also be very helpful. Many face competing demands for time and energy, so it is necessary to be protective of self-care and wellness-related time.
HEALTHY EATS!
Looking for an easy nutritious meal? Social media has popularized the meal-in-a bowl, sometimes called Buddha bowls, power bowls, hippie bowls or macro bowls.  Healthy meals-in-a-bowl allow for creative customization centered on favourite foods and/or nutritional goals, and can be enjoyed at any time of day.  Further, ingredients or completed bowls can be prepped in advance for make-ahead lunches or easy dinners for busy humans. Generally, meal bowls combine a healthy grain, fresh, cooked and pickled vegetables; legumes and/or nuts, and a dressing. Protein add-ins include eggs, tofu, tempeh, chicken, beef, and fish, etc.  Meal bowls are a great way to reinvent leftovers as well.  We hope you will be inspired to create your own custom creation – maybe even a breakfast bowl to switch up your morning routine!
Here are some recipes links to inspire:
https://www.loveandlemons.com/buddha-bowl-recipe/
https://minimalistbaker.com/sweet-potato-chickpea-buddha-bowl/
https://www.delish.com/cooking/menus/recipes/a50768/buddha-bowls-recipe/
INDIGENOUS CULTURE
Artist Brooklyn Rudolph’s Purse Project
Willow Place’s shelter program was fortunate to receive one-of-a-kind hand-made purses featuring original artwork by award-winning Manitoba Indigenous artist, Brooklyn Rudolph. A young woman with many gifts and abilities, Brooklyn previously gifted the shelter program with ribbon skirts from a prior Indigenous culture project.Â
We felt very fortunate to receive these beautiful items, which were the outcome of a six-month project within Brooklyn’s culturally-based art practice. Each purse will be gifted to an Indigenous woman or girl sheltering with Willow Place, in support of their recovery and healing from family violence.
Chii megwetch, Brooklyn! We are certain the purses will be treasured by those who receive them.
Follow Brooklyn:Â CLICK HERE!
VOLUNTEER FEATURE
Meet music volunteer, Tannis
1) What motivates you to volunteer at Willow Place’s family violence shelter program?
“I really feel that music is vital to healing, it evokes that connection to one another, and it is a comfort. I really don’t know where I would be without music, it grounds me and also inspires me to reach further. I want to share that with everyone, and I need the interaction as much as anyone else does, maybe more.”
2) Can you share one or two highlights of your volunteer experience with us?
“It is a different experience every single time I start playing, I love when people sing along! When I pull out the guitar the kids line up for turns and are so creative, some even make up their own songs or dance routines. I try to teach a little about the parts of the guitar and have everyone strum a song while we sing. “Twinkle, Twinkle Little Star” is a beginner favourite (because I refuse to learn “Let it Go”)! I also love those times when only women are in attendance, sometimes someone will borrow my guitar to play from their own soundtrack which makes my music hour at Willow Place so much more rewarding.”
3) If you could have lunch with any person in history, who would it be and why?
“My hero is Gord Downie so instead of lunch could we just sing together?”
4) What’s your superpower?
“I have transformed being shy into my superpower, it has let me quietly observe everyone without much expectation. I write most of my songs in one sitting because I finally have all the information gathered it needs to form. I have been collecting this data for years and hopefully my next song is something that applies to you :)”
THANK YOU, TANNIS – WE APPRECIATE YOU!
Volunteer program inquiries: Shannon at 204-615-0313, ext. 224
ROYAL LEPAGE DYNAMIC
Agent contributions and fundraiser!
Willow Place recently received a donation of over $24,000.00 from the Royal LePage Shelter Foundation, representing agent contributions from Winnipeg’s Royal LePage Dynamic real estate team.  We feel very fortunate to enjoy the ongoing support and awareness raised by Royal LePage, enabling us to sustain vital family violence prevention supports in Manitoba.
We wish to share that Royal LePage Dynamic is hosting a GARAGE SALE: “DeClutter for a Causeâ€Â in support of charity, including Willow Place, on May 28th. IMPORTANT: If you have some articles to donate to the sale, call 204-989-5000.
MORE INFO:Â CLICK HERE!
SUMMER DAY CAMP
Thank you, Canada Summer Jobs!
Willow Place is hiring two students for summer day camp programming (June to September) thanks to granted funds from Canada Summer Jobs. We look forward to providing fun, educational summer activities for children sheltering with us this summer! Â
We would also like to acknowledge free admission from the following community organizations:
Winnipeg Goldeyes, Manitoba Museum, The Canadian Museum for Human Rights, Assiniboine Park (The Leaf and Assiniboine Park Zoo), Living Prairie Museum, and the Manitoba Children’s Museum.
SUMMER EMPLOYMENT INFO AND APPLICATION:Â CLICK HERE!
DONATION SUBSCRIPTION
Easy, Secure Giving with Canada Helps
Were you aware that monthly donation subscriptions are available through Canada Helps?  Canada Helps is a secure, online platform that enables donors to provide monetary donations for charities.  Willow Place continues to promote the online giving program in 2023 with a goal to obtain new monthly subscribers. Reaching this goal would provide Willow Place with assured monthly funds to bridge funding gaps, and would enable us to better-serve program participants. A commitment of just $20 a month can make a positive difference, and helps Willow Place support those in need! Â
Those with questions are welcome to contact Community Coordinator/Supervisor, Pam Hadder:
Phone: 204-615-0313, ext. 237 (weekdays, daytime hours)
Email:Â [email protected]
DONATE TODAY:Â CLICK HERE TO DONATE!
