AFP in Canada: IDEAA Audit & Sector Benchmarking Research

FRANÇAIS

Request for Proposal

Phase I: IDEAA Audit of AFP in Canada

We invite proposals from interested consultants based in Canada to conduct an Inclusion, Diversity, Equity, Access, and Anti-Racism (IDEAA) Audit of AFP in Canada. This RFP outlines the scope, timeline, and requirements for Phase I of a comprehensive project aimed at identifying AFP in Canada’s role in perpetuating inequities and promoting/advancing equity, as well as how we can re-evaluate our systems and structure to create a more inclusive environment and sense of belonging. We’re looking for a strategic thought leader to partner with us to achieve this goal.

About AFP in Canada:

‘AFP in Canada’ is represented by the following groups: AFP Foundation for Philanthropy – Canada, AFP Canada, AFP Canadian Chapters, and Members in Canada.

The AFP Foundation for Philanthropy - Canada was created in 1998 to help fulfill the mission of the Association of Fundraising Professionals (AFP), previously the National Society of Fund Raising Professionals: Advancing philanthropy through education, advocacy and training in Canada. The AFP Canadian Foundation works to:

• Ensure the advancement of philanthropy by supporting AFP's mission and goals in Canada.
• Seek, receive and expend philanthropic funds on AFP's behalf. 
• Engage in related activities required to fulfill its purposes and mission.

AFP Canada, formed in 2017, was created to bring a Canadian perspective to AFP’s government relations and communications as well as to focus on priorities such as on Truth and Reconciliation. It represents over 3,000 fundraising professionals working to support causes and missions that help people from coast to coast to coast. The organization serves as part of the larger AFP Global network—the largest community of professional fundraisers in the world.

There are 20 local AFP Canadian Chapters across Canada.

There are over 3,000 members in Canada.

Project Overview:

The IDEAA project is a joint initiative created by the AFP Foundation for Philanthropy – Canada in partnership with AFP Canada and AFP Global. The experiences of Black fundraising leaders in the AFP Greater Toronto Chapter brought attention to the systemic racism within AFP and more broadly throughout the sector. To understand the experiences of AFP members and fundraisers across Canada who are systematically oppressed, we are undertaking this project as a priority initiative to serve as a roadmap for a path forward.

This project will be conducted in two phases. This RFP is exclusively for Phase I.

• Phase I: IDEAA Audit of AFP in Canada (this RFP). The goal of this phase is to review the current state (including structure, policies, processes, and culture) and identify and redefine what the future could look like to better serve AFP in Canada. This will be internally focused with the intention of understanding what changes we need to make to inform our direction by increasing membership, engagement and removing barriers for existing and the next generation of leaders. Phase I happens first and then Phase II will be decided after the results.
• Phase II: IDEAA Survey of the Non-Profit Sector in Canada (TBD timing, estimated October to December 2024) will build on the outcomes of Phase I and will contribute to the existing sector research and develop benchmarks for the sector, not just AFP.

Project Goals:

The primary objective of Phase I of the project is to review the current state of AFP in Canada—including its structure, policies, processes, and culture—through an IDEAA lens, and re-evaluate our systems and structure to create a more inclusive environment and sense of belonging. This phase aims to identify areas for improvement and redefine future directions to increase membership, engagement, and remove barriers for existing and the next generation of leaders.

Scope of Work:

The selected consultant will be responsible for conducting a comprehensive IDEAA Audit focusing on the two formal entities of AFP in Canada: AFP Canada and AFP Foundation for Philanthropy – Canada. Key activities include:

• Review of structure, policies, processes, and culture with an IDEAA lens.
• Engagement with AFP Chapters in Canada and Members in Canada for input.
• Analysis of learnings from current and previous audits within AFP chapters, including AFP Greater Toronto Chapter (2021 IDEA Audit Report) and Novia Scotia Chapter.
• Conducting literature searches on current sector work, research, and practices related to IDEAA. Existing available research includes Imagine Canada’s ‘Diversity is our Strength’ and ‘Benchmarking Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion’.
• Identifying gaps and areas for thought leadership and value addition by AFP.

Timelines:

The project is scheduled for a 5-month period from May to September 2024. The consultant must adhere to the project timeline, ensuring timely completion of all activities and deliverables.

Proposal Requirements:

Proposals should include:

• Detailed approach and methodology for conducting the IDEAA Audit.
• Full biographies, including experience and qualifications, of the consultant or consulting team.
• Timeline and work plan aligning with the project’s objectives and timeline.
• Detailed budget breakdown.
• Examples of previous work related to IDEAA audits or similar projects.

Evaluation Criteria:

Proposals will be evaluated based on the following criteria:

• Consultant’s experience and qualifications.
• Feasibility and comprehensiveness of the proposed approach and methodology.
• Alignment of the timeline and work plan with project objectives.
• Budget realism and value for money.
• Quality of previous work examples.
• Preference will be given to those with lived and learned experience.

Submission Instructions and Deadline:

Proposals must be submitted electronically by April 19th, 2024 to Lori.Gusdorf@afpglobal.org. Late submissions will not be considered.

Additional Information:

This RFP is for Phase I of the IDEAA Audit and Sector Benchmarking Research project. The continuation to Phase II will be based on the outcomes of Phase I and may require a separate RFP process.

All costs related to the participation of consultants in this search process must be assumed by the submitting vendor. No expenses for these stages will be reimbursed.

The AFP Foundation for Philanthropy – Canada reserves the right to accept or reject any or all proposals, to negotiate with any qualified source, or to cancel in part or in its entirety this RFP if it is in the best interest of AFP in Canada.

The AFP Foundation for Philanthropy – Canada board and AFP Canada board are committed to actively reviewing and implementing the recommendations stemming from the IDEAA Audit of AFP in Canada. We acknowledge the importance of this audit in guiding our efforts to create a more inclusive and equitable environment within AFP, and we are dedicated to taking meaningful action based on the findings to drive positive change.
 

Contact Information:

Please submit all inquiries concerning this RFP to:
Lori Gusdorf, Executive Vice President, AFP Foundations for Philanthropy, Lori.Gusdorf@afpglobal.org, +1 703-519-8449.

We look forward to receiving your proposal and thank you for your interest in contributing to the IDEAA Audit of AFP in Canada.