Request for Proposals
Program Evaluation: LGBTQ Parenting Network
A Program of Sherbourne Health Centre
Closing date: June 17th 2015
Sherbourne Health Centre is a large primary health care centre in downtown Toronto. It serves
three priority populations: the LGBTQ community, newcomers to Canada, and homeless and
under-housed people. The LGBTQ Parenting Network (PN) has been in existence since 2001 and
became part of Sherbourne’s community programs in 2007.
The LGBTQ Parenting Network
The LGBTQ Parenting Network supports lesbian, gay, bisexual, trans and queer parenting through
training, research, resource development and community organizing. These four areas are divided
among two core staff, one focused on training and research, the other on communications and
community programs. Research and policy partnerships, resource development and special projects
have enabled the Parenting Network to have a broad reach and significant impact in Ontario and
beyond. More information on the program can be found on the website: www.lgbtqpn.ca
The Program Evaluation
Sherbourne is seeking an external consultant to carry out a program evaluation to inform planning
and program delivery. The decision to conduct an evaluation at this time is based on the following
factors:
 The Parenting Network has been in existence for over 14 years. It has grown and changed
organically. Certain elements of the program have been evaluated, but there has been no
overall evaluation process.
 The services of the PN are quite diverse but the team is small (two full time staff). We need
to ensure that our resources are being used in the most strategic and effective ways.
 The environment for LGBTQ parents and families has changed significantly in the past
decade with improvements in human rights legislation and government policies, greater
inclusion of LGBTQ parents/families by mainstream organizations, as well as increasing
capacity among Toronto’s LGBTQ parents to advocate for their own issues and develop
welcoming community spaces.
Components of the Program Evaluation
 Literature/document review of materials related to LGBTQ parenting and the PN program
itself.
 Environmental scan of relevant stakeholders ( LGBTQ parents/families, service providers,
research partners and policy makers).
 Development of evaluation instruments and tools.
 Data collection through key informant interviews and/or focus groups with key
stakeholders.
 Data analysis and reporting.
 Work with designated Sherbourne staff to seek input and receive feedback on content and
process issues.
 Identification of future trends, needs and advocacy to which the PN could respond.
Deliverables:
 A detailed work plan outlining methodology, key activities and timeframe
 A preliminary draft report
 A final evaluation report, which includes:
o An executive summary
o A full narrative report describing the methods and findings
o Strategic recommendations/options to inform future program planning, program
delivery and sustainability
 The project is expected to be completed by December 15th, 2015.
Budget
The expected budget for this evaluation is $10,000 – 15,000 including all expenses, fees and
disbursements.
Proposal Requirements
Proposals should include:
 Contact information
 Background information about the consultant or consulting team and their roles with the
project
 A list of relevant project/evaluations the consultant has produced.
 An overview of the consultant’s understanding of the assignment
 A description of the methodology to be used.
 Project work plan including key activities, timelines and deliverables.
 A detailed budget
 Names and contact information for 3 references for whom the consultant has undertaken
assignments of a similar scope and nature.
Please submit proposals by June 17th 2015 at 5.00 pm electronically to:
Anna Travers – email: [email protected]