Request for Proposals (RFP)

Research and Economic Case Development on Community Finance in Canada

Issued by: Catalyst Community Finance and Impact United Academy
Budget: up to $20,000
Release Date: January 9th, 2026
Submission Deadline: February 6th, 2026
Project Timeline:  February 23rd – April 30th
Submit to: Jo Reynolds, Co-Manager, Catalyst Community Finance at manager@catalystcommunityfinance  
with Subject Line: RFP Economic Case Development
Questions:  Reach out to manager@catalystcommunityfinance

Background

Impact United Academy and Catalyst Community Finance, alongside partners including Tapestry Community Capital, is advancing a Comprehensive Community Finance Strategy for Canada. This national initiative seeks to mobilize capital, create jobs, and build resilient local economies through tax incentives, loan guarantees, accreditation of community finance institutions, and enabling legislation such as a Canadian Community Reinvestment Act.

To support advocacy efforts with the federal government and broader stakeholders, we are commissioning a policy economist or research team to produce a concise, data-driven economic case for community finance in Canada.

Reference: Catalyst Community Finance Pre-Budge Submission

Scope of Work

The successful applicant will be responsible for:

1. Economic Case Development

  • Produce a concise, accessible research paper (approx. 20–30 pages, plus executive summary) outlining the economic case for community finance in Canada.
  • Gather and show evidence of the success and economic impact of similar strategies of community finance within an international context (U.S. CDFI Fund, U.K. Office of the Impact Economy, Quebec Fonds de travailleurs).

2. Quantification of Cost/Benefits

  • Estimate potential job creation, enterprise growth, and resulting benefits under a national strategy.
  • Model capital mobilization and leverage ratios (e.g., private dollars mobilized per public dollar invested).
  • Assess cost savings to government (e.g., reduced social spending through improved housing, economic inclusion, and climate adaptation).
  • Develop a framework for social, environmental, and economic ROI, including equity outcomes for underserved communities.

3. Deliverables

  • Draft report with preliminary findings for review and feedback.
  • Final report with data, case studies, charts, and concise policy-ready messaging.
  • Short briefing materials (2–3 page summary and infographics) suitable for public policy priorities across parties and public communications.

    Qualifications

    • Demonstrated expertise in economics, public policy, or finance.
    • Experience conducting cost-benefit, ROI, or impact analysis in a policy context.
    • Familiarity with community finance, social finance, or economic development sectors.
    • Strong ability to translate technical analysis into accessible policy briefs for government and non-technical audiences.
    • Demonstrated experience in economic impact modeling, cost-benefit analysis, and policy translation for government and public audiences.
    • Experience working with or advising organizations actively engaged in community finance and economic development strategy.

    Budget and Timeline

    Budget: $20,000 inclusive of all taxes and expenses.
    Timeline: Work to commence February 23rd, 2026 with final deliverables submitted by April 30th, 2026

    Submission Requirements

    Interested applicants should submit:

    1. Proposal (max 5 pages) including approach, methodology, and timeline.
    2. Qualifications of lead researcher(s) and relevant experience.
      Examples of similar projects or publications.
    3. Budget breakdown.
    4. Email Subject Title: Economic Case Development

    Evaluation Criteria

    Proposals will be evaluated on:

    • Understanding of the Assignment & Strategic Fit (15 points)
    • Methodology & Analytical Rigor (25 points)
    • Experience & Qualifications of the Team (25 points)
    • Policy Translation & Communications Capacity (15 points)
    • Demonstration of equity-informed analysis and Inclusive research design (15 points)

    Catalyst Community Finance and the Impact United Academy values research and policy analysis that reflects Canada’s diversity and advances inclusive economic outcomes. We encourage proposals that demonstrate an equity-informed approach, including consideration of regional, racial, Indigenous, gender, and income-based disparities, and that meaningfully reflect the perspectives of communities historically underserved by financial systems.

    Proposals should demonstrate an understanding of how community finance contributes to equitable economic development, including impacts on Indigenous communities, racialized and newcomer populations, rural and Northern regions, women-led enterprises, and other underserved groups.