Call for Expressions of Interest: Strategic Planning and Capacity Building Project at GEMS Vancouver

Organizational Background

Gender Equity in Media Society Vancouver (GEMS Vancouver) is a member-based organization committed to furthering gender equity in film and television. Previously named Women in Film and Television Vancouver (WIFTV), GEMS incorporated in 1989 as a not-for-profit society registered in British Columbia. By addressing systemic barriers, GEMS works towards supporting more inclusive, representative media. Our offices are located on the unceded traditional and ancestral homelands of the Musqueam, Squamish, and Tsleil-Waututh Nations. By addressing systemic barriers, we believe we are also working towards more inclusive, representative media.

We approach our mission by:

• Advocating and organizing for equity in funding, employment, and promotional opportunities for all women and gender-diverse people in the film and TV industry
• Providing low-barrier, accessible programming, including mentorship and educational events to increase women and gender-diverse participation in screen-based media
• Producing the annual Gender Equity in Media Festival that champions women and gender-diverse creators

Who We Are Looking For

GEMS Vancouver is looking to work with an innovative consultant or consulting team who have an understanding of the Non-Profit sector, knowledge of how smaller, member-based non-profits operate, and a strong commitment to equity, diversity, inclusion and accessibility in their practices. Candidates from across Canada are welcome to apply – this is a fully remote EOI opportunity.

Project and Deliverables

The goal of this project is to develop, at minimum, the following project deliverables for GEMS Vancouver:

• A completed Strategic Plan from a current draft, along with a detailed multi-year implementation plan.
• A robust multi-year Financial Model, with clear and detailed planning for fundraising approaches and revenue diversification strategies.
• A results based strategy to establish a performance measurement framework for the organization as well as to report to funders.
• An initial report on performance, including outcomes from key organizational activities over the most current fiscal year.
• Support the development and refinement of additional operational documents in collaboration with GEMS staff:
  • New and updated Organizational Policies;
  • Updated Staff Manuals and Job Descriptions, including recruitment succession planning;
  • A Charitable Status Plan exploring the benefits and challenges of becoming a registered charity, including next steps.

These plans should provide actionable, practical direction to staff and Board as the organization works to further its mission and impact.

Scope of Work

The selected consultant will:

1. Review existing organizational materials to establish a baseline, including drafts of Strategic and Operational Plans
2. Identify gaps and opportunities for strategic development and direction
3. Draft and update project deliverables per project description above
4. Solicit scheduled feedback and contributions from current Staff and Board Members
5. Complete project deliverables according to schedule and budget
6. Final presentation of project deliverables to Staff and Board.

Budget

The maximum budget for this engagement is $40,000 inclusive of all professional fees, expenses, and applicable taxes.

Project Timeline

The anticipated project timeline is:

• EOI Proposal Deadline – July 24, 2026
• Consultant Selection – Mid August, 2026
• Project Start – September 1, 2026
• Project Completion – March 31, 2027

Proposal Requirements EOI

Proposals should include:

Submitter Overview

• Company information
• Bios of involved team members
• Relevant experience with nonprofits and/or similar organizations

Methodology & Approach

• Overview of proposed approach & methodology
• Proposed tools/techniques
• Proposed success metrics Work

Plan & Deliverables

• Overview of activities to be completed and timeframes
• Milestones and deliverables tied to those activities
• Budget overview, including proposed payment schedule in accordance with project milestones and/or deliverables

References

Include three references of individuals who can speak to their experience with the consultant/company in conducting projects of similar scope. Information regarding each reference should include the individual’s name, company, telephone number, and email address.

Previous Work Samples

The proposal should include two overview examples of projects similar to the scope of work requested.

Conflict of Interest

Disclose any conflicts or perceived conflicts of interest.

Submission Instructions

Proposals should not exceed twenty pages and should be submitted electronically in PDF format to:

Gender Equity in Media Society

Attention: Anaïsa Visser, Executive Director

Email: operations@gemsvancouver.org

Subject: Capacity Building Project Proposal