Press Release

Strategic Planning Request for Proposals

Strategic Planning Request for Proposals 

Proposal submissions due: September 30, 2026, at 4:00 p.m. 

 

Organizational Background 

Familylinks was formed in 2001, through a merger of two of the region’s most respected human service organizations – The Whale’s Tale (est. 1970) and Parent & Child Guidance Center (est. 1956). As a result, Familylinks provides a vast array of services that address the multi-dimensional and complex needs of the individuals and families we serve. 

Familylinks’ mission is “To positively impact lives through integrated community, behavioral, and social programs.” 

More information can be found at our website: www.familylinks.org 

Project Details 

Familylinks is seeking proposals from experienced consultants to serve as a dynamic partner in operationalizing our strategic priorities. The process should help the organization: 

  • Engage internal stakeholders at all levels  

  • Solicit feedback from external stakeholders 

  • Evaluate organizational capacity needs related to growth 

  • Identify opportunities for policy and programmatic leadership as well as partnership expansion 

  • Strengthen long-term financial sustainability and operational effectiveness 

  • Clarify organizational priorities and strategic direction through 2030 

Project Scope 

We expect the project to include: 

  • Project management 

  • Design & execution of a strategic planning process that meets the criteria outlined in this RFP 

  • Development of a three-year strategic plan that includes a budget for implementation 

  • Development of a guide for plan implementation 

  • Facilitation and presentation of material at various meetings (see Project Timeline) 

Additional Information 

Inquiries concerning this RFP should be directed to Mallory Ulizio, Sr. Director of Development & Strategy, at [email protected]

 Project Timeline 

RFP Deadline 

September 30, 2026, at 4:00 p.m. 

Interviews Held 

October 2026 

Contract Award and Execution 

November 2026 

Project Start 

January 4, 2027 

Strategic Board Retreat 

April 6, 2027 

Strategic Plan Initial Draft 

April 30, 2027 

Board Strategic Planning Subcommittee Meeting 

May 7, 2027 

Strategic Plan Final Draft 

June 15, 2027 

Board Meeting 

June 22, 2027 

Proposal Submissions 

Please submit the following with your proposal: 

  • An executive summary 

  • A description of your general approach to strategic planning consultation, including methodology, perspective, or philosophy that guides your work 

  • A timeline outlining your proposed schedule that aligns with the project timeline above.  

  • A list and description of expected deliverables 

  • A detailed and itemized budget 

  • Credentials and qualifications of key personnel who will take responsibility for working directly on this project, including references 

  • Example(s) of a finished (de-identified) strategic plan created by you/your company 

Responses should be submitted in PDF format via email to [email protected] no later than September 30, 2026, at 4:00 p.m.  

Proposal Selection Criteria 

Familylinks will select the proposal based upon which one it feels will deliver the highest quality deliverable at the best value. Proposals will be reviewed by a selection committee and evaluated on the following criteria: 

  1. Approach and Timeline: Does the proposal demonstrate a clear understanding of objectives and solid deliverables in a realistic and achievable timeline? 

  1. Budget: Does the proposal include a reasonable budget that is cost-effective? 

  1. Qualifications: Does the consultant have the necessary experience and expertise to execute the plan effectively? 

  1. References: Does the consultant have positive references from past projects? 

We strongly encourage proposals from certified Minority Business Enterprises (MBEs), Women Business Enterprises (WBEs), and Disadvantaged Business Enterprises (DBEs). 

Contact

Inquiries concerning this RFP should be directed to Mallory Ulizio, Sr. Director of Development & Strategy, at [email protected]