Request for Proposals: Strategic Engagement, Partnership Development and Funding Diversification

1. Background

Braiding Knowledges Canada (BKC) is a national organization advancing Reconciliation through Research by enhancing the influence of self-determined, place-based and co-produced knowledge within Canada’s science culture and public policy, decision-making and federal science priorities.

Building on the foundation established through the Canadian Mountain Network, BKC has rapidly established itself as a successful national network with significant reach, partnerships and impact. In its first year under the Strategic Science Fund (SSF), BKC reported 193 partnerships, including 114 new partners, and 28 multi-sectoral projects. Its network connects First Nations, Métis and Inuit governments and organizations, federal and provincial/territorial governments, universities, research organizations and other partners across Canada. BKC also invested more than $3.2 million in Indigenous-led or co-led research across Canada, while substantially exceeding a number of its research and knowledge mobilization targets.

This assignment therefore builds from a position of strength. BKC is not seeking to establish its relevance or build a partner network from the ground up. Rather, it is seeking to strategically leverage and expand its existing relationships, reach and demonstrated success to deepen key partnerships, diversify funding, attract new investment, and position BKC for its next phase of national impact and sustainability, including the anticipated next SSF competition.

BKC is seeking an experienced Canada-based contractor, firm or multidisciplinary team with demonstrated depth and breadth in strategic engagement, relationship and partnership development, fund development and funding diversification. Canada will be the primary focus, although select international opportunities may be considered where they advance BKC’s Canadian mandate or create significant partnership or funding opportunities.

The successful proponent must bring both strategy and implementation capacity. BKC is not seeking a consultant simply to prepare an engagement plan. The successful team will work alongside BKC to implement it—leveraging existing relationships, opening new doors, developing partnership and funding opportunities, and helping translate BKC’s success into its next generation of partnerships, investment and impact.

2. Nature of the Assignment

The purpose of this work is to develop and implement a sophisticated, relationship-based Strategic Engagement, Partnership and Funding Diversification Plan for BKC.

This is a strategic engagement and implementation assignment, not a lobbying function. The work is intended to build enduring institutional relationships based on shared priorities, mutual benefit and opportunities for collaboration. Engagement with governments is one component of a broader strategy that also encompasses Indigenous governments and organizations, industry, philanthropy, foundations, research institutions and other strategic partners.

The successful contractor will help BKC identify future opportunities, including:

• which existing relationships should be deepened or leveraged;
• where new strategic relationships would add value;
• why those relationships matter and what BKC brings to them;
• opportunities for mutual benefit, partnership and investment;
• how and when priority relationships should be developed;
• who within BKC should participate; and
• how relationships can translate into sustained partnerships, influence, collaboration and diversified funding.

The contractor will then work directly with BKC to implement the plan, including developing relationships, facilitating introductions, organizing and participating in strategic meetings, preparing BKC leadership, developing partnership and funding propositions, and supporting follow-up and relationship stewardship.

3. Objectives

1. Develop and implement a national strategic engagement plan that builds upon BKC’s significant existing relationships and identifies opportunities to deepen, leverage and strategically expand them across governments, Indigenous organizations, industry, philanthropy, foundations, research and other sectors.
2. Strengthen BKC’s relationships with the Government of Canada and provincial and territorial governments, including increasing understanding of BKC’s mandate, outcomes and potential contribution to Canadian science, research, environment, reconciliation and other relevant priorities.
3. Strengthen relationships with First Nations, Métis and Inuit partners, including Indigenous governments and organizations and National Indigenous Organizations, consistent with BKC’s mandate and approach to Reconciliation through Research.
4. Develop new strategic partnerships that complement BKC’s existing partner network and expand its reach, capabilities, impact and sustainability.
5. Diversify BKC’s funding base through government, industry, philanthropy, foundations, collaborative funding models and other appropriate sources.
6. Position BKC, with respect to potential partners, for the next Strategic Science Fund competition, including the anticipated Letter of Intent (LOI) and subsequent full proposal.
7. Identify selective international partnerships and funding opportunities where these materially advance BKC’s Canadian mandate.

4. Scope of Work

A. Current-State and Opportunity Assessment

Undertake a focused assessment of BKC’s substantial existing relationship, partnership and funding landscape as the foundation for future growth. This should include:

• existing partners and relationships and opportunities to leverage them;
• current strengths and demonstrated successes;
• relationships that should be strengthened, renewed or expanded;
• priority organizations with which BKC does not currently have a relationship;
• funding and partnership opportunities;
• opportunities for greater engagement with First Nations, Métis and Inuit organizations and National Indigenous Organizations;
• opportunities across federal, provincial and territorial governments;
• industry, philanthropic and foundation opportunities; and
• selected international opportunities where relevant.

The intent is not to recreate BKC’s existing stakeholder network or undertake an exhaustive stakeholder inventory. The assessment should rapidly build from that foundation and be strategic and action-oriented, identifying where additional investment in relationships will generate the greatest value for BKC’s future.

Deliverable: Concise current-state assessment and prioritized opportunity map.

B. Strategic Engagement, Partnership and Funding Diversification Plan

Develop a practical and implementable plan that identifies:

• priority relationships and organizations;
• key individuals and decision-makers where appropriate;
• objectives for each priority relationship;
• BKC’s value proposition for different audiences;
• partnership and funding opportunities;
• engagement approaches and sequencing;
• roles for BKC leadership and governance;
• required materials and communications;
• anticipated outcomes; and
• measures of progress and success.

The plan must recognize that different relationships require different approaches. Engagement with an Indigenous government or National Indigenous Organization, for example, should not be approached in the same manner as engagement with a federal department, foundation, research institution or corporate partner.

Deliverable: Strategic Engagement, Partnership and Funding Diversification Plan with prioritized actions, responsibilities and timelines.

C. Implementation and Relationship Development

The successful contractor will work alongside BKC to implement the plan. Activities may include:

• facilitating introductions and relationship development;
• identifying and arranging strategic meetings;
• advising the Executive Director on engagement priorities;
• preparing meeting strategies and objectives;
• developing briefing notes, speaking points, presentations and leave-behind materials;
• participating in meetings where appropriate;
• travelling with BKC representatives for priority engagements;
• coordinating follow-up and relationship stewardship;
• developing partnership concepts;
• maintaining an active relationship and opportunity pipeline; and
• identifying and responding to emerging opportunities.

The emphasis is on building durable relationships and partnerships rather than transactional outreach.

D. Partnership and Funding Development

The contractor will identify and help advance opportunities with:

• federal, provincial and territorial governments;
• First Nations, Métis and Inuit governments and organizations;
• National Indigenous Organizations;
• industry and corporate partners;
• philanthropic organizations and foundations;
• research and academic institutions;
• other strategic Canadian partners; and
• selected international organizations or funders where there is a compelling strategic fit.

Support may include development of partnership propositions, concept papers, funding requests, grant applications and proposals, expressions of interest, letters, presentations and pitch materials, partnership agreements and commitments, letters of support, and other materials required to move opportunities forward.

The contractor will also help BKC develop and maintain a qualified funding and partnership pipeline, including priority opportunities, potential value, relationship status, next steps, responsibilities and timelines.

E. Positioning for the Next Strategic Science Fund Competition

The contractor will support BKC’s preparation for the next anticipated SSF competition as part of the broader strategic engagement mandate. This will include:

• helping BKC understand the evolving federal science and research environment;
• strengthening relationships with relevant federal departments, agencies and partners;
• identifying areas of alignment between BKC’s future direction and federal priorities;
• testing and refining BKC’s value proposition with appropriate external audiences;
• developing and strengthening partnerships required for the next phase of BKC;
• helping secure partner participation and commitments;
• supporting preparation of partner materials and letters;
• contributing expertise and content to the LOI; and
• supporting development of the subsequent full proposal.

The BKC Futures Writing Team will retain responsibility for drafting and integrating the LOI and full proposal. The contractor’s role is to strengthen the external relationships, partnerships, funding propositions, evidence and strategic positioning that support those submissions and to contribute to proposal development where required.

5. Indicative Timeline and Deliverables

6. Governance and Working Relationships

The contractor will report directly to the Executive Director of Braiding Knowledges Canada.

The contractor will be advised and supported by the BKC Futures Working Group and BKC Futures Writing Team, as appropriate. The Executive Director will provide direction on priorities, approve external positioning and determine participation in significant engagements.

The BKC Futures Writing Team is responsible for development and integration of the written products associated with BKC Futures, including the SSF LOI and subsequent full proposal. The contractor will provide strategic advice, relationship and partner development, funding expertise, content and writing support. The BKC Futures Working Group will provide broader advice and feedback.

7. Required Team Depth and Capacity

BKC is seeking a contractor or team with significant demonstrated depth and breadth, rather than reliance on a single senior individual supported primarily by junior resources.

The proposal should clearly identify the individuals who will actually perform the work and demonstrate that the proposed team collectively brings:

• senior strategic engagement expertise;
• extensive relationship and partnership development experience;
• strong knowledge of the Canadian federal environment;
• provincial and territorial experience;
• Indigenous engagement and partnership expertise;
• industry relationships and experience;
• philanthropic and foundation relationships;
• fund development and proposal-writing expertise;
• exceptional strategic communications and writing capability; and
• capacity to implement the assignment nationally over an intensive period.

BKC expects meaningful involvement of the senior personnel and relationship leads identified in the proposal throughout the assignment.

8. Indigenous Ownership, Experience and Relationships

Given BKC’s mandate and commitment to Reconciliation through Research, the ability to work respectfully, credibly and effectively with Indigenous Peoples, governments and organizations is a core requirement of this assignment.

BKC particularly welcomes proposals from Indigenous-owned firms and businesses, Indigenous-led teams, and/or firms that can demonstrate substantial and sustained experience working with First Nations, Métis and Inuit governments, communities and organizations, including National Indigenous Organizations.

Proponents should demonstrate experience that goes beyond general statements regarding Indigenous engagement. Relevant evidence may include:

• long-standing relationships and partnerships;
• working in and alongside community;
• work with First Nations, Métis and Inuit governments and organizations;
• experience with National Indigenous Organizations;
• Indigenous research and knowledge environments;
• distinctions-based approaches;
• Indigenous rights and reconciliation;
• culturally appropriate engagement processes; and
• demonstrated understanding of the diversity of Indigenous governments, communities, knowledge systems, priorities and relationships across Canada.

Indigenous ownership and/or substantial demonstrated Indigenous partnership experience will be considered an important factor in proposal evaluation.

9. Networks, Relationships and Demonstrated Reach

BKC requires a team with demonstrated depth, breadth and credibility across multiple sectors. Proponents should demonstrate relevant relationships and experience across:

• federal departments and agencies;
• provincial and territorial governments;
• First Nations, Métis and Inuit governments and organizations;
• National Indigenous Organizations;
• industry and corporate Canada;
• philanthropy and foundations;
• research and academic institutions; and
• other organizations relevant to BKC’s mandate and future.

The successful team should be able to work credibly with individuals ranging from Indigenous leadership and senior public servants to corporate executives, foundation leaders, researchers and community partners.

BKC recognizes that relationships are built on trust and does not expect proponents to disclose confidential information. Proposals should, however, provide sufficient evidence to demonstrate the depth, breadth, seniority, relevance and currency of the team’s networks and experience.

International networks and experience will be considered an asset where they complement BKC’s Canadian priorities. The firm itself must be based in Canada, and Canada will remain the primary focus of the assignment.

10. Proposal Requirements

Proposals should be concise and include:

1. Understanding and Approach – the proponent’s understanding of BKC’s objectives and proposed approach.
2. Team and Experience – individuals who will undertake the work, their roles, availability and relevant experience.
3. Indigenous Ownership and/or Experience – description of Indigenous ownership or leadership, where applicable, and demonstrated experience and relationships with First Nations, Métis and Inuit governments, communities and organizations and National Indigenous Organizations.
4. Networks and Relationships – evidence of the depth, breadth, relevance and currency of relationships across government, industry, philanthropy, foundations, Indigenous organizations and other strategic sectors.
5. Relevant Examples and Results – examples of comparable assignments, partnerships developed, funding opportunities advanced and demonstrated outcomes.
6. Work Plan – proposed approach, timing and level of effort across the assignment.
7. Funding Development Experience – examples of successful grants, proposals, partnerships, investments or other funding development.
8. Fees and Expenses – proposed fee structure, estimated level of effort and anticipated expenses, including travel.
9. References – preferably three references for comparable senior-level assignments.
10. Conflicts of Interest – identification of actual, potential or perceived conflicts and how they would be managed.

11. Evaluation of Proposals

BKC will place substantial emphasis on the team that will actually undertake the assignment, demonstrated relationships and networks, Indigenous experience, and evidence of implementation and results.

Shortlisted proponents may be asked to participate in an interview focused on how they would approach the assignment in practice, the team members who would undertake the work, their experience and relationships across the required sectors, and their proposed priorities for the first 90 days.

12. Expected Characteristics of the Successful Contractor

BKC is seeking a strategic engagement and implementation partner, not a lobbying firm and not a consultant whose primary deliverable is a written strategy.

The successful contractor will bring together strategy, relationships, credibility, writing capability, fund development and implementation capacity.

The team will be expected to help BKC determine where it should deepen or build relationships, develop compelling reasons for organizations to work with BKC, prepare BKC leadership for those conversations, facilitate and participate in engagement where appropriate, develop partnership and funding opportunities, and maintain momentum through sustained follow-up.

The objective is to build from BKC’s demonstrated success rather than recreate it. By the end of the assignment, BKC should have leveraged its existing national network, deepened priority relationships, established new strategic partnerships, developed a more diversified and active funding pipeline, increased understanding of BKC among priority organizations, and established an even stronger foundation for its next SSF application and longer-term sustainability.

13. Contracting Considerations

The contract is anticipated to commence October 1, 2026. The initial period will extend through the anticipated SSF LOI process in Spring 2027. Subject to BKC’s progression through the SSF process, satisfactory performance and organizational requirements, the assignment is anticipated to continue for approximately four to five additional months to support development and submission of a full proposal.

BKC reserves the right to adjust the scope, timing and level of effort as the SSF process and partnership opportunities evolve. Travel within Canada, particularly to Ottawa and other priority locations, should be anticipated. Select international travel may be considered where strategically justified and approved by the Executive Director.

All external representations and engagements undertaken on behalf of BKC will occur under the direction and authorization of the Executive Director.

14. Confidentiality, Independence and Ethical Conduct

The successful contractor will be required to maintain the confidentiality of BKC information and comply with applicable BKC policies.

The contractor must disclose actual, potential or perceived conflicts of interest, including relationships with organizations that could affect, or reasonably be perceived to affect, the contractor’s independent advice to BKC.

All activities must be undertaken ethically, transparently and in compliance with applicable laws and requirements. The contractor will represent BKC professionally and in a manner consistent with BKC’s commitment to Ethical Space, respectful relationships, Indigenous rights and Reconciliation through Research.

15. Submission requirements

Proposals must be submitted electronically to opportunities@braidingknowledges.ca no later than October 9, 2026.

Please include “RFP Submission – Strategic Engagement, Partnership Development and Funding Diversification” in the subject line of the email.