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: marciew@willowplace.ca
· Or by mail: P.O. Box 1786, Winnipeg, MB, R3C 2Z9
2023
Power of PJs
November is DOMESTIC VIOLENCE AWARENESS MONTH and Willow Place is collecting donations of new pajamas for women and children in our shelter program. In 2022-2023, our shelter program saw an increase in numbers seeking shelter, counting over 13,450 stays (average yearly is about 9,000 stays). More than ever, we need community support to raise awareness of violence prevention needs in our region, in our nation, and throughout the world.
To donate, please call Renee at 204-615-0313, ext. 231 or Pam at 204-615-0313, ext. 237
Monetary gifts can be directed for the Power of PJs campaign through Canada Helps:
CLICK HERE TO DONATE
2023
Willow Place Summer 2023 E-Newsletter
GROWING SPACES
Grant funding supports shelter
Outdoor growing areas at our family violence shelter program received a welcome boost this spring, thanks to an Urban Ag and Community Garden grant (City of Winnipeg). Funds received enabled us to purchase plants, supplies and equipment, including expandable garden hoses.
Willow Place’s healing garden is a small, welcoming space where those sheltering with us can putter and reconnect with the outdoors. For many, it is a first-time experience to plant or tend a garden. This year our growing spaces include containers and raised beds, and include tomatoes, squash, flowers and aromatic herbs. Special thanks to our teacher, Lisa S., and to donor, Dick M., for their support with gardening tasks and acquiring plants.
Are you looking for ways to enjoy summer produce? Here are some ideas!
MINT: delicious watermelon salad
CLICK HERE FOR RECIPE!
CUCUMBERS and RADISHES: cool & creamy salad
CLICK HERE FOR RECIPE!
ZUCCHINI: yummy one pot pasta
CLICK HERE FOR RECIPE!
GOVERNOR GENERAL VISIT
Willow Place Shelter Program
June 6, our shelter program was honoured by a visit from Her Excellency, the Governor General of Canada, Mary Simon. Her Excellency met with shelter program participants as well as Willow Place staff, and walked through our program spaces with her team. Program participants expressed the importance of services for those fleeing family violence, and that expanded supports were needed. One mother with young children expressed her appreciation for our on-site school.
Thank you to her Excellency and her team for including Willow Place family violence shelter program on their Manitoba visit itinerary. Manitoba consistently experiences some of the highest crime rates, child poverty rates, and family violence per capita in Canada.
2023 ECUADOR CHALLENGE FOR SHELTER
Chris Pennycook sets $100k goal
Winnipeg resident and Royal LePage Dynamic real estate agent, CHRIS PENNYCOOK, is once again participating in the Royal LePage Shelter Foundation’s Ecuador Trek fundraiser. This November, Chris will be traveling to a rugged and remote region of Ecuador for an arduous 5-day hike to raise money for Willow Place, and has set a fundraising goal of $100,000.
We are so grateful for the awareness and funds Chris and other Royal LePage agents are raising through the Trek initiative! Willow Place relies upon donors and third party fundraising events like the Trek to sustain our work, and we encourage you to share the word, to follow Chris, and to donate if you are able.
CLICK HERE FOR INFO! Thank you, Chris & the Royal LePage Shelter Foundation!
DONATION HIGHLIGHTS
Caring community makes a difference!
Thank you to the many amazing donors who have helped our family violence shelter program in recent weeks. We tend to receive fewer donations in the summer months, so these supporters have been especially helpful. Sadly, family violence does not take a vacation, and our donation needs continue year-round. Willow Place could not provide many daily essentials without the support of caring community; we are so grateful for your thoughtful generosity.
Each year Willow Place supports about 1,000 women and children in the shelter program alone.
DONATE: https://www.canadahelps.org/en/dn/27770?v2=true
WISH LIST: https://willowplaceshelter.ca/wish-list/
AMAZON WISH LIST: https://www.amazon.ca/hz/wishlist/ls/3KAE8O4STE7GS?ref_=wl_share
Note: for all donation inquiries, call 204-615-0313, ext. 237 or ext. 231 (weekdays, daytime hours)
Thank you for your thoughtful support!
ROYAL LEPAGE DYNAMIC
Declutter for a Cause a huge success
Royal LePage Dynamic’s DECLUTTER for a CAUSE garage sale on May 28th was a resounding success, raising over $10,000 for Willow Place. THANK YOU to the Royal LePage Dynamic team, and to all those who donated sale item and/or shopped the sale. Your support will help Willow Place sustain 24-hour family violence supports for diverse needs!
HOCKEY HELPS THE HOMELESS
Annual fundraising tournament returns
Plans are underway for the next annual HOCKEY HELPS THE HOMELESS fundraising event in Winnipeg, November 2 and 3, 2023. November 2 is draft night and November 3 is the tournament day. HOCKEY HELPS THE HOMELESS allows players to fundraise while they skate with the pros, with each team having a professional hockey captain. Willow Place is grateful to be one of three charities who benefit; other beneficiaries include Resource Assistance for Youth (RAY), and Red Road Lodge.
Teams are close to being sold out, including four women’s teams, but sponsorship, donation and volunteer opportunities are still available. If you are interested in joining the Winnipeg event committee, please email Lacey Tryonlacey@hhth.com or Scott Sullivan scott@financialheights.ca
For game day or draft night volunteering info:https://hhth.akaraisin.com/ui/F2023WPG/volunteer
Be a GAME-CHANGER! Donate, volunteer, play, sponsor – THANK YOU!
THIRD PARTY FUNDRAISING
Inspiring ways to help Willow Place
Third party fundraising is a significant contributor to Willow Place’s donation needs. We are continually inspired by the creative ways individuals, businesses and organizations opt to help us. Third party events not only raise much-needed revenue for Willow Place, they also help to spread awareness of both community need, and also about available supports. These events are especially meaningful, as the majority of Willow Place’s staffing component is directed to 24-hour family violence crisis supports, leaving very little time for staff to fundraise.
Thank you to the following groups and individuals who helped with third party fundraising in recent weeks, and who are currently planning events – we appreciate you:
Yoga in the Park – June event raised $1,500
J’Adore Body Sugaring – promotion to collect wish list items for the shelter
Blush Beauty Bar St. Vital – collected donations for their July grand opening event
Insurance Institute of Manitoba – September Trivia Night fundraiser planned
Lilystone Gardens – August “appetizers and entertainment” event planned
For questions and for information re: planning a third party event, please contact Willow Place Community Coordinator, Pam: 204-615-0313, ext. 237 (weekdays, daytime hours).
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 (cynthia@newcentre.org)
Please state “RFP FVCM Hiring Committee” in the subject line of your email.