Strategic Planning Consultant – Request for Proposals (RFP)
1. Introduction
Women in Music Canada (WIM Canada) invites qualified individual consultants or consulting teams to submit proposals to work with the board of directors and staff to develop a comprehensive, three-year strategic plan that will guide the organization’s mission, advocacy, programing, and growth.
WIM Canada is a national nonprofit organization dedicated to advancing equity, inclusion, and opportunities for women and gender-diverse professionals across the Canadian music industry. Through advocacy, education, mentorship, and community-building, WIM Canada works to address systemic barriers and create a more equitable music ecosystem.
2. Purpose of the RFP
The purpose of this RFP is to engage a consultant to lead an inclusive, participatory strategic planning process that will:
- Clarify WIM Canada’s strategic priorities and impact goals
- Align programs, operations, and governance with the organization’s mission and values
- Strengthen sustainability, partnerships, and national reach
- Reflect the diverse voices and experiences of WIM Canada’s community
3. Scope of Work
The selected consultant will be expected to design and facilitate a strategic planning process that will include the following components:
a) Discovery and Assessment
- Review of existing documents and organization makeup (mission, vision, bylaws, policies, prior plans, evaluations, financials, etc.)
- Environmental scan of the Canadian music industry, including equity and gender-related trends
b) Stakeholder Engagement
- Engagement with external stakeholders; members, and key partners/funders (selected cross section of approximately 15-20 company / individual interviews)
- Engagement with internal team; board members, staff and contractors.
c) Strategic Framework Development
Work with the staff and board of directors to:
- Refine or confirm the mission, vision, and values
- Identify strategic priorities and long-term goals
- Develop measurable objectives and success indicators
d) Implementation Planning
- Action plan with timelines, responsibilities, and resource considerations
- Consideration of financial sustainability and funding diversification
e) Final Deliverables
- Draft strategic plan for review and feedback
- Final strategic plan document (designed and/or text-ready)
4. Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion
WIM Canada is committed to equity, diversity, inclusion, and accessibility. Proposals should demonstrate:
- Experience working with equity-deserving communities
- Understanding of gender equity and intersectionality in arts and culture
Consultants from equity-deserving groups are strongly encouraged to apply.
5. Timeline
The anticipated timeline is as follows (subject to change):
- Proposal Submission deadline: February 27, 2026
- WIMC Committee Review and contacting of candidates to be interviewed: March 10, 2026
- Consultant Selection: March 20, 2026
- Project Start: March 22, 2026
- Proposed in person session with board and staff: Week of April 20, 2026 (subject to change)
- Project Completion: within 3 months of project start date.
6. Budget
The total budget for this project is $15 000.00 – $17 500.00, exclusive of taxes.
7. Proposal Submission Requirements
Proposals should include the following:
- Cover Letter outlining interest and history of similar work experience or training
- Proposed Approach and Methodology
- References (you will be notified in advance of references being contacted)
Proposals should be submitted electronically in PDF format to:
Robyn Stewart, Women in Music Canada
robyn@womeninmusic.ca, no later than 5:00 PM PST, February 27, 2026.
All questions regarding this RFP must be submitted in writing to robyn@womeninmusic.ca by February 24, 2026.