REQUEST FOR PROPOSALS (RFP)
Website Redesign and Development
1. Summary
The Future Generations Foundation (FG Foundation) invites proposals from qualified web design and development professionals or agencies to redesign our website. Our current site was built in 2017 and no longer reflects our organization’s professionalism, accessibility standards, or the evolving scope of our work.
The successful developer must have an in-depth experience in user-centered design, custom CMS development, accessibility compliance, mobile responsive design, and SEO best practices. Familiarity with bilingual content structures, Indigenous design elements, and nonprofit sector needs is strongly preferred.
2.0 Background of FG Foundation
The FG Foundation grants approximately $15 million annually in funding to First Nations individuals, communities, and charitable organizations across Turtle Island. Our funding supports education, cultural revitalization, and healing initiatives identified and led by First Nations people.
As a First Nations-led organization and steward of the IRSSA funds, FG Foundation upholds First Nations principles in all policies and decision-making. We prioritize meaningful economic assistance that creates lasting, positive change.
Unlike government-created entities, FG Foundation offers flexibility in funding types - including scholarships for land-based and cultural teachings - and national representation to fund projects across Turtle Island. This enables us to cater to diverse needs and support initiatives that align with the unique cultural and educational priorities of First Nations communities.
3. Scope of Services
The FG Foundation is seeking the services of a qualified web designer or agency to lead a full redesign of our organizational website. The new site must serve as a credible, accessible, and user-friendly hub for our diverse audiences—including First Nations individuals and communities, partners, and donors.
The successful proponent will collaborate with our communications team to provide the following services:
Discovery and CMS Recommendation
- Evaluate the existing Prismic-based site and recommend a more user-friendly, secure CMS.
- Identify CMS and hosting options that enable staff control, reduce costs, and improve reliability.
Website Design and Development
- Create a custom, responsive design aligned with our brand and First Nations values.
- Ensure WCAG 2.1 Level AA accessibility compliance.
- Implement a flexible and secure CMS.
- Build site architecture based on a provided sitemap and wireframes.
- Integrate features such as:
- Newsletter sign-up
- Contact forms
- Grant application or SMA portal links
- Bilingual content toggle (English and French)
- Embedded videos and downloadable PDFs
- CDN for performance
- Analytics tools and SEO plugins
- Donation form integration with DonorPerfect, including data tracking
Content Migration and Support
- Migrate existing and revised content (provided by FG Foundation) to the new platform.
- Provide post-launch support and basic CMS training for staff.
Optional Add-Ons (Include pricing separately)
- Ongoing SEO support and performance monitoring
- Heatmap and user behaviour tracking setup
4. Deliverables
- Detailed project timeline and milestones
- Wireframes and visual design mock-ups
- Fully functional CMS-based website
- Integration of analytics, SEO best practices, and accessibility tools
- CMS training manual and session for staff
- Post-launch bug fixes and technical support (30–60 days)
5. Timeline
The estimated timeline for the website redesign project is 5–7 months, with a target launch date in mid-December 2025.
Key Milestones
- Proposal Deadline: June 24, 2025
- Proponent Selection: July 10, 2025
- Kick-Off Meeting: week of July 14, 2025
- Design and Development: Estimated 8–12 weeks
- Pre-Launch Testing: August 15 – November 15, 2025 (estimated 12 weeks)
- Launch and Post-Support: December 9–12, 2025 (soft and public launch), with ongoing support through January 2026
6. Selection Process and Evaluation Criteria
Criteria Weight (%)
Understanding of Scope – Demonstrates understanding of FG Foundation’s needs and project requirements - 10%
Approach and Methodology – Outlines a plan for meeting the project objectives - 20%
Relevant Experience and References – Includes work with Indigenous and/or charitable organizations - 20%
Budget and Cost-Effectiveness – Provides good value for proposed budget and long-term sustainability - 25%
Accessibility and CMS Usability – Commitment to WCAG 2.1 AA compliance and staff-friendly CMS - 15%
Portfolio Quality and Visual Design – Shows strong visual design aligned with brand and audience - 10%
7. Proposal Contents Requirements
A. Executive Summary
Proponents should provide a concise summary introducing their organization, including name, location, and relevant background. This section should outline the project team, with roles and responsibilities clearly identified, and demonstrate a high-level understanding of FG Foundation’s goals and requirements for this website redesign.
B. Professional Experience
This section should highlight the proponent’s relevant experience with similar website projects, ideally for Indigenous, charitable, or non-profit organizations. Proponents are encouraged to include two to three examples of past work, including URLs, project summaries, and any outcomes or impact metrics available. Descriptions should emphasize the relevance of the work to FG Foundation’s needs.
C. Proposed Approach and Timeline
Proposals must detail the approach to delivering the scope of services, including methods for discover, content migration, design, development, testing, and launch. The proponent should outline how they will ensure accessibility, user experience, and CMS usability. An estimated timeline should be provided, including key milestones, dependencies, and resource needs from FG Foundation staff throughout the project. The approach should also reflect an understanding of First Nations contexts and values.
D. Team Qualifications
Identify the team members who will be directly involved in the project and describe their roles, qualifications, and relevant experience. Include brief bios or resumes for key personnel, particularly those who have worked on projects for Indigenous or charitable clients.
E. Budget
Provide a detailed budget that includes a breakdown of all project components – such as design, development, training, and optional add-ons. Where applicable, include hourly or daily rates, estimated hours, and any assumptions made in preparing the estimate. Clarify how future support or scope changes would be billed.
F. References
Include contact information for two recent clients who can speak to the quality and relevance of the proponent’s work. Reference from Indigenous-led or charitable organisations are strongly preferred.
G. Additional Notes
Any assumptions, exclusions, or ideas for future enhancements.
8. Proposal Submission Instructions
Please submit proposals as a single PDF document by [Insert Deadline Date and Time] to:
Jillian Morgan
Communications and Engagement Manager
Future Generations Foundation
Email: jmorgan@fgfoundation.ca
Subject Line: Website Redesign RFP – [Your Organization Name]
Shortlisted proponents may be invited to a virtual interview or Q&A session before final selection.
7. Rights of the FG Foundation
This is an RFP and not an invitation to tender. The reader is hereby advised that the FG Foundation reserves the right to:
- Accept a proposal without negotiation;
- Negotiate changes to the technical or financial content of the successful proposal;
- Cancel or reissue this RFP at any time;
- Reject any or all proposals received in response to this Request for Proposals;
- Accept any proposal in whole, or in part;
- Cancel and/or re-issue the modified version of a given RFP requirement at any time;
- Award one or more contracts;
- Verify all information provided with respect to a given RFP requirement, including the right to request a confirmation of the bidder’s legal status and signed documentation; and
- Award contracts without competition for follow-up work, if any, to the selected bidder for a given project requirement.
FG Foundation thanks all providers for their interest in this opportunity.
