RFP - Brand Positioning Phase 2

Objective

SLCS is now seeking proposals from qualified consultants interested in collaborating with us on Phase 2 of our Brand Positioning work. Building on the findings from Phase 1 and aligned with the 2026–2031 Strategic Plan, this project will develop clear, consistent and compelling community-facing messages that communicate who SLCS is, the impact of our work and the value we bring to the broader community. The work will include key messages, taglines, an impact measurement and reporting framework, and ethical, participant-centered storytelling tools that can be applied across everyday communications, community engagement and fund development. As demand for SLCS services grows and the organization advances its fund development strategy, this work will strengthen public understanding, support engagement with donors, funders and partners, and provide a consistent communications foundation for future fundraising initiatives, including a potential capital campaign.

Scope of Services

The successful consultant will work collaboratively with SLCS staff and provide expert advice, research and facilitation throughout the project. The scope of work will include:

• Reviewing and building upon the findings and recommendations from SLCS’ Phase 1 Brand Positioning work and ensuring alignment with the organization’s 2026–2031 Strategic Plan.
• Developing a clear community-facing messaging framework that communicates who SLCS is, who we support, the impact of our work and the value SLCS brings to the broader community.
• Creating consistent key messages, elevator pitches, tagline or signature-line options, program descriptions, proof points and supporting language for use across programs, community engagement, digital communications and fund development activities.
• Developing accessible responses to commonly asked questions about SLCS’ work, the experiences of the people we support and the broader community issues connected to justice involvement, homelessness, restorative justice, community safety and risk prevention.
• Identifying meaningful organizational and program outcomes, indicators and evidence that can be used to demonstrate impact through social media, newsletters, the website, reports, presentations, donor communications and other public-facing materials.
• Developing a comprehensive case for support that explains who SLCS is, what we do, why community and philanthropic support is needed, the value of supporting SLCS and the participant and community outcomes made possible through donor support.
• Creating stewardship, recognition and donor-facing messaging that can be adapted for different types and levels of support.
• Reviewing SLCS’ current online donation experience and providing recommendations and adaptable content for a donor-focused donation page.
• Supporting the development of SLCS’ first targeted direct-mail fundraising campaign, including recommendations related to the campaign audience, messaging, delivery approach, calls to action and measurement.
• Recommending an implementation plan that identifies priorities, responsibilities, timelines, training needs and measures of success for introducing and sustaining the updated messaging and tools across the organization.

Consultant Requirements

It is expected that the successful consultant will have:

• At minimum, a working understanding of SLCS and the services SLCS provides
• Be local to the London region with an understanding of the community and ability to work with SLCS in both in-person and virtual capacities
• Demonstrable experience in brand positioning, community-facing messaging, impact communication and storytelling within the non-profit sector, preferably with experience in the community services sector.
• Experience leading and facilitating brand positioning and messaging processes that result in practical, strategic and achievable frameworks, tools and implementation plans that can be consistently applied by agency staff, leadership and the Board.Proposal Submission

Proposal Submission

Interested consultants are asked to email a proposal containing:

• Name of company and/or consultant(s), and contact information
• A CV/resume/profile illustrating expertise and experience, including three to five examples of projects of similar size and scope to this project
• Up to three relevant references, including client name, contact person, phone number, project description, and results
• Details describing the general approach or development strategy, work plan, critical path with timeframes, and explanation of how the RFP requirements will be achieved including suggested and needed human and support resources, with the understanding that the actual scope of work may be refined in consultation with the selected consultant that aligns with SLCS staff and board resource and time constraints.
• A description of the deliverable that will be provided to SLCS at the end of the project
• A fee quote for services that includes a detailed budget with a breakdown of expected hours and other expected costs
• Disclosure of any real or perceived conflict of interest that either presently exists or could reasonably be foreseen as arising in the future should the proposal be accepted. Of note, a conflict of interest will be evaluated on its merits and will not necessarily result in the exclusion of a response.

Questions and Clarification

All consultants may seek clarification and ask questions by emailing [email protected].  Questions should be received by noon (12:00 p.m. EST) Friday, September 18 2026.  Responses to questions from any one consultant will be shared with all known participating consultants.

For more information and how to submit your RFP, please review the document here: RFP – Brand Positioning Phase 2