Request for Proposals (RFP) - Strategic Planning
Request for Proposals (RFP)
Strategic Plan Development Services
Kingston Interval House (KIH) Strategic Plan 2027–2032
Issue Date: Friday April 17, 2026
Proposal Submission Deadline: Saturday May 30, 2026 (11:59 PM EST)
Project Start Date: Saturday August 1, 2026
Anticipated Completion Date: Tuesday October 13, 2026
Introduction
Kingston Interval House (KIH) invites proposals from qualified consultants or consulting firms to facilitate the development of its next five-year strategic plan (2027–2032).
KIH is a community-based organization serving women, children, and gender-diverse individuals experiencing gender-based violence. Services include emergency shelter, secondstage housing (Robin’s Hope), outreach counselling, a 24-hour crisis line, and public education.
The Board of Directors and leadership team are seeking a collaborative, practical, traumainformed, and data-driven strategic planning process grounded in the realities of the genderbased violence (GBV) sector. The resulting plan should provide a clear and actionable roadmap to guide KIH’s work over the next five years, supporting sustainability, impact, and growth.
Organizational Background
Kingston Interval House opened on December 1, 1975. Initially funded through municipal per diem support, KIH is now funded primarily by the Ministry of Children, Community and Social Services (MCCSS), the United Way of KFLA, and through membership fees, donations, and fundraising.
KIH has relocated several times to meet growing demand. In July 2004, the organization moved into its current purpose-built facility, which accommodates up to 28 women and children/youth. The space includes private family rooms, shared living areas, accessible design, and co-located administrative and outreach offices.
In July 2010, KIH expanded services by opening Robin’s Hope Second Stage Housing, providing up to one year of supportive housing.
Current Capacity & Services
- Emergency Shelter: 28 women and children/youth
- Robin’s Hope Second Stage Housing: 18 units (up to 1-year stay)
- 24-hour crisis line
- Outreach counselling for approximately 450 women and children per year
- Public education and awareness
Staffing: Approximately 28 staff and managers
Funding Sources:
- Ministry of Community and Social Services
- United Way of KFLA
- Membership fees
- Private donations and fundraising
Strategic Planning Context
KIH’s previous strategic plan has expired. The organization is seeking a comprehensive, measurable, and actionable plan for 2027–2032 that:
- Builds on organizational strengths and achievements
- Addresses emerging needs and sector challenges
- Aligns with funder expectations, including MCCSS
- Positions KIH as an innovative and collaborative leader in the GBV sector
Critical Themes
- Revenue generation and fund development
- Organizational sustainability and infrastructure
- Data-informed decision-making
- Indigenization and I-EDIAA (Inclusion, Diversity, Equity, Anti-Racism, Accessibility)
- Workforce wellness, retention, and succession planning
- Trauma-informed, client-centered service delivery
- Service accessibility and community partnerships
Project Objectives
The selected consultant will support KIH to:
- Review and assess the previous strategic plan (achievements, gaps, emerging issues)
- Conduct an environmental scan of the GBV and shelter sector in Ontario
- Facilitate stakeholder engagement processes
- Support identification of strategic priorities for 2027–2032
- Develop a concise, actionable, and measurable strategic plan
- Establish performance indicators and success measures
Scope of Work
Project Approach
- Collaborate closely with the Board Chair, Executive Director, and project team
- Confirm scope, timelines, deliverables, and communication protocols
- Review key organizational documents (strategic plan, reports, policies, data)
Environmental Scan & Organizational Review
- Analyze trends, risks, and opportunities
- Benchmark against comparable Ontario organizations
- Assess funding landscape, housing pressures, HR challenges, and data capacity
Stakeholder Engagement
- Use trauma-informed and culturally safe methods
- Engage Board, staff, clients/former clients, partners, funders, and equity groups
- Methods may include surveys, interviews, focus groups, and workshops
Strategic Planning & Facilitation
- Facilitate sessions with Board and leadership
- Define priorities, goals, objectives, and success indicators
- Ensure alignment with organizational capacity
Drafting & Finalization
- Provide engagement and environmental scan summaries
- Develop draft strategic plan for review
- Finalize plan incorporating feedback
- Deliver implementation framework with timelines, roles, and KPIs
Deliverables
- Project work plan and timeline
- Stakeholder engagement plan and summary report
- Environmental scan report
- Draft strategic plan
- Final strategic plan (2027–2032) with executive summary
- Implementation framework with KPIs
- Final presentation to the Board of Directors
Desired Qualifications
- Experience in not-for-profit strategic planning (GBV or social services preferred)
- Strong facilitation and stakeholder engagement skills
- Expertise in trauma-informed and anti-oppressive practices
- Experience integrating EDI/IDEAA principles
- Knowledge of governance, sustainability, and performance measurement
- Excellent written communication skills
- Familiarity with Ontario’s GBV sector and/or Kingston context
Proposal Requirements
Proposals must include:
- Cover letter
- Consultant/firm profile and relevant experience
- Proposed approach and methodology
- Work plan and timeline
- Stakeholder engagement strategy
- Examples of similar projects
- Minimum of three references
- Detailed budget (fees, travel, facilitation, tools, etc.)
- Optional/value-added services
Format: PDF submission
Evaluation Criteria
Criteria
Weight
Relevant experience and qualifications
25%
Understanding of KIH and GBV sector
20%
Methodology and engagement approach
25%
Commitment to EDI and trauma-informed practice 10%
Quality and clarity of proposal 10%
Budget and overall value 10%
Shortlisted proponents may be invited for an interview.
Key Dates
Milestone Date
RFP Issued April 17, 2026
Deadline for Questions May 1, 2026
Responses to Questions May 8, 2026
Proposal Submission Deadline May 30, 2026
Consultant Interviews June 2026
Decision Deadline June 30, 2026
Project Start August 1, 2026
Stakeholder Engagement Complete September 15, 2026
Draft Plan Submitted October 1, 2026
Final Plan Approved October 13, 2026
KIH reserves the right to adjust timelines as required.
Terms and Conditions
- KIH is not obligated to accept any proposal
- KIH may reject submissions or request additional information
- All submitted materials become property of KIH
- Selected consultant may be required to sign a confidentiality agreement
- Proposal preparation costs are the responsibility of the proponent
- Consultants must disclose any conflicts of interest Additional requirements:
- Confirmation of appropriate liability insurance
- Disclosure of any outstanding liability claims
- Proposal validity: 60 days from submission KIH reserves the right to:
- Withdraw the RFP
- Request additional materials
- Terminate the contract in accordance with agreed terms
Submission Instructions
Submit proposals electronically to:
Kimberly Compeau, Executive Director Kingston Interval House ed@kingstonintervalhouse.com
Subject Line: Proposal – KIH Strategic Plan Development 2027–2032
Proposal Validity: 60 days from submission
Questions must be submitted by May 1, 2026.
Optional Value-Added Services
KIH welcomes proposals that include:
- Board retreat facilitation
- One-page strategic visuals
- Public-facing summary documents
- Implementation or annual work planning support
- KPI dashboards
- Fund development strategies
- Recommendations related to EDI, accessibility, and partnerships
Required career level
- Executive/Leadership