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REQUEST FOR PROPOSALS: Fund Development Initiatives

Updated: Apr 26, 2023

Invitation Choices for Youth (CFY), partnered with Quadrangle NL, is seeking proposals from qualified consultant(s) with demonstrated experience in fund development. The project will focus on raising funds for Quadrangle NL, through grant writing, planning for fundraisers, researching for new fundraising initiatives, and working to secure core funding. About Choices for Youth and Quadrangle NL Founded in 1990, CFY is a non-profit social services organization based in St. John’s, NL, committed to building programs, systems, and opportunities that are focused on providing individualized support for young people, celebrating who they are, and working together to unlock their potential to build a brighter future.

CFY supports youth and young families ages 16-29 secure stable housing and employment, while working towards family stability and better health. As an organization, CFY also invests time, energy, and resources to lend our experiences and expertise to important policy and systems change conversations. We do this because we believe that everyone is better off when we design policies, services, and systems to meet the needs of the most vulnerable in our community.


Quadrangle NL is a registered charity working towards the creation of a provincial 2SLGBTQIA+ Community Centre and network for the province of NL. Quadrangle NL is a resource for 2SLGBTQIA+ individuals and organizations with the goal of building community resilience and connection while providing support for members of our 2SLGBTQIA+ community.


Background Approximately 23% of the youth supported at CFY identify as 2SLGBTQIA+. CFY is committed to investing in programs and services that directly support members of the 2SLGBTQIA+ community, including supporting the ongoing development and growth of Quadrangle NL. CFY and Quadrangle NL are partnering to support key program delivery, and the ongoing growth of Quadrangle NL. Quadrangle NL received their charitable status in late 2019 and their first large federal funding contribution in 2020 (Government of Canada’s LGBTQ2 Community Capacity Fund). Since then, the organization has been actively working on its internal policy and strategy development while providing much-needed programs, including High Tea bi-weekly gatherings, a Visibility Program (which has given over 8,000+ plus items across the province), and their most recent program – FREE counselling line in partnership with the Jacob Puddister Memorial Foundation. Quadrangle NL’s goal is to one day have a physical location and staff across the province allowing for a network of 2SLGBTQIA+ supports to be more accessible to anyone no matter where in the province one might live.

Project Scope and Deliverables While the consultant(s) will be contracted by CFY, they will be primarily supporting the growth and sustainability of Quadrangle NL. As the only 2SLGBTQIA+ solely mandate charity in the province, Quadrangle NL has a huge role to play in making sure the 2SLGBTQIA+ community have access to the services and supports they need. These needs are substantial, and the organization is committed to creating long and stable connection with the community it serves. To do so, the organization needs the financial means to provide for the community. The following deliverables in this project should be to be completed by March 31st, 2023:

  • Research and outline which grants are available and applicable to Quadrangle NL.

  • Apply for identified grants with a focus on extending Quadrangle NL current programs, staffing, and multi-year security.

  • Apply for several grants to support core funding.

  • Plan for Quadrangle NL’s two major fundraising events. - New gala-style event (June event during national pride month) - Annual Drag Bingo fundraising event (July event during St. John’s pride month)

  • Research and determine viability for new fundraising initiatives.

  • Secure event and annual organization sponsors.

  • Review and expand Quadrangle NL’s fund development plan.

  • When requested by Quadrangle NL’s Executive Director, create and update content for Quadrangle NL’s communications platforms.

Please note: Privacy and confidentiality must be always kept at the forefront during this project. The vendor will be required to sign a privacy and confidentiality agreement, and all materials used, such as data or photos, even anonymized and in the aggregate, is not to be used for any purpose outside the scope of this project (i.e. for portfolio or promotional purposes)

Qualifications and Experience The consultant(s) should have relevant, demonstrable expertise in fund development and communications.

Proposal Submission Guidelines 1. Personnel The company or consultant(s) shall identify the staff and project personnel, including third parties (subcontractors) that will be responsible for implementation of the anticipated contract. 2. Components of the Proposal Submissions must include, but not limited to, the following:

a. Corporate or Consultant(s) Profile

An overview of the company’s services and relevant experience.

b. Team Information

Including current resumes on the level and experience of personnel to be utilized on the project and their relationship to the consultant/consulting company.

c. Work Plan

Full details of the scope of work including general approach or development strategy, activity plans with timelines, tangible goals, and explanations of how RFP requirements will be achieved.

d. Project Costing

A detailed breakdown of the costs associated with both the development and delivery work with the project, for example, labor, soft materials/supplies, subcontracts, travel, taxes, and incidentals. Please note the project cost cannot exceed $20,000, inclusive of applicable taxes.

e. Special Considerations

Please identify any unique challenge(s) that you perceive in executing the project, and how you might approach the challenge(s).

Proposal Submission Electronic PDF copies of the proposal with all submissions must be received no later than 5:00pm (NDT) on February 3, 2023. Proposals must be marked with the name and address of the company or consultant(s), and the words “Fund Development Initiatives” in the subject line.


Any questions on this RFP must be submitted by email.


Proposals must be emailed to Katie Keats, Manager of Fund Development and Communications, Choices for Youth at kkeats@choicesforyouth.ca

Proposal Evaluation Proposals will be evaluated by the CFY and Quadrangle NL team. A contractor or consultant(s) will be chosen on a proponent’s response to the enclosed project requirements and evaluated to the criteria listed below:

  • Proposed Work Plan (50%)

  • Contractor Experience (40%)

  • Project Costs (10%)

Timing The consultant must be prepared to begin work on the project immediately upon award of contract.

Choices for Youth (CFY) strives towards a culture of inclusion and empowerment, one where there’s a sense of belonging and safety while prioritizing diversity across the organization, including in its Board of Directors composition, employment practices, staff, policies, programming, and services. CFY actively works to support program participants, staff, and volunteers who identify as Indigenous, Black, racialized and/or as members of other equity-seeking and/or religious, cultural and other communities; members of the 2SLGBTQIA+ community; people with disabilities; and people from a variety of social and economic backgrounds. CFY is committed to providing support and accommodations to all involved with the organization, including employees, program participants, and volunteers. Should you require support or accommodation(s) to enable your participation within CFY’s programs, and/or during the hiring, selection, or employment process please let us know at any point.


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