The Riverwood Conservancy is inviting applications from consultants to support two pieces of work in 2022 that will be integral to the creation of our next 2023-25 Strategic Plan, and help us set the course for our next three years of exciting work connecting people with nature. These two pieces of work are:
1) A Community Needs Assessment 2) Strategic Planning Facilitation and Documentation
We are happy to consider consultants’ proposals for either one or both of these pieces of work.
Background
The Riverwood Conservancy is the volunteer and member-based charity that protects, restores, and invites people to connect with nature at Riverwood – an oasis of woodlands, meadows, and ravines that spans 150 acres along the Credit River in Mississauga. Thanks to abundant plant life and wildlife that includes deer, mink, beavers, possums, and over 185 species of birds, Riverwood is recognized as one of the most diverse ecosystems in the watershed – a remarkable fact, given its location in the heart of Mississauga.
Our organization works to connect people of all ages, abilities and cultures to the wonders of nature through programming that includes:
Educational and Community Programs – In a normal year, 8,500 elementary and secondary students experience hands-on learning about nature through on-site visits (7,200 online in 2021), while community programs engage 10,000+ participants through guided birding walks, nature hikes, astronomy nights, and more.
Connections to Nature for those with Special Needs – Specialized therapeutic activities in Riverwood’s fully-accessible Enabling Garden engage individuals with disabilities, youth-at- risk, children with autism, cancer patients, and more.
Conservation – Community and corporate volunteers provide vital support in restoring and stewarding Riverwood’s natural areas.
Gardening – Riverwood’s many gardens are normally cared for by teams of dedicated volunteers who benefit from social connections and learning about horticulture.
Spending time in nature has been shown to yield many benefits: improved mood, reduced anxiety, and improved physical health, to name a few. Today, as the pandemic continues to add unprecedented stresses to people’s lives, these benefits are more vital than ever. As we embark on planning for the next three years, The Riverwood Conservancy is excited about the opportunities that lie ahead to support our community’s recovery and wellbeing.
Organizational Context
The Riverwood Conservancy’s most recent Strategic Directions Plan was for three years spanning 2020-2022.
A Concept Paper outlining our strategic directions for the next ten years was developed in the fall of 2021, and endorsed by the Board of Directors in January 2022.
We are grateful for the support of the Ontario Trillium Foundation, and the funds they are providing through a Community Resilience Grant to support Strategic Planning and Community Needs Assessment work in 2022.
Outcomes of a Social Enterprise Feasibility Research Project that will run in parallel with the Community Needs Assessment is also expected to inform the 2023-25 Strategic Plan (many thanks to the McConnell Foundation for their Innoweave support of that work).
Project Description and Scope
1. Community Needs Assessment (Consulting Budget $10,000; Timeframe July to September 2022)
General information: Surveys and dialogue with community groups and stakeholders will generate new insights into how our programs can better meet the needs of our diverse community. Outcomes of this research are expected to inform the Strategic Plan as well as upcoming requests to the City of Mississauga, the Community Foundation of Mississauga, and other funders concerned with equity, inclusion and community wellbeing.
Consultant Project scope: a. Support a process to identify 25-30 stakeholders for Key Informant Interviews b. Conduct and document 4 to 5 Key Informant Interviews (with key TRC staff also present) c. Train select TRC staff and board members to complete and document an additional 20-25 informant Interviews d. Assist with recruitment and direction of a Research Assistant engaged as seasonal support to conduct environmental scan research e. Create a Community Needs Assessment Report that synthesizes the results of the interviews and contextualizes the results with the output of the environmental scan.
2. Strategic Planning (Consulting Budget $10,000; Timeframe Nov 2022 to Jan 2023)
General information: Board and staff will collaboratively create a new 2023-25 Strategic Plan informed by the Community Needs Assessment as well as a parallel Social Enterprise Feasibility Research Study. The new plan is intended to support financial sustainability while advancing diversity, equity, and inclusion.
Consultant Project Scope: a. Collaborate on the design of a process that will engage both board and staff in strategic discussions. b. Facilitate a series of meetings that will enable key board and staff members to make considered, strategic choices based on identified community needs, available and potential organizational resources, and fit with the vision outlined in our Ten-Year Concept Paper. c. Create a final report outlining the process and outcomes.
Timeline
April 28, 2022: RFP release May 25, 2022: Proposals due June 2, 2022: Consultant(s) selected July 5, 2022: Work begins on Community Needs Assessment Sept 30, 2022: Community Needs Assessment Research phase complete Oct 31, 2022: Report Finalized for Community Needs Assessment Nov-Dec 2022: Facilitated Strategic Planning Discussions January 2023: Strategic Plan for 2023-25 Documented and Complete
Proposal Requirements
1. Consultant/Facilitator Profile • Name, Title and Contact Information • Description of Relevant Background • Description of Services offered
2. Qualifications and Experience • Outline how the consultant/organization meets the required qualifications and experience as detailed in the RFP
3. Service Overview • Description of the proposed process for delivering services that are customized for, responsive to, and aligned with The Riverwood Conservancy’s needs
4. References and Samples • Provide two references • Provide two samples of strategic plans and/or research projects for which the consultant/organization provided service
5. Proposed Cost • Breakdown of fees and deliverables
