Request for Strategic Plan Proposals

Organization Background

Founded in 1996 by former squash professional Greg Zaff, SquashBusters set out to connect two seemingly different worlds by introducing the sport of squash to young people in urban public schools. By connecting these worlds, SquashBusters would provide young people with a bridge to college success, broaden their access to opportunities, and improve their health and fitness. The program was launched with 24 students from Cambridge and Roxbury. For the first seven years, practices took place at the Boston YMCA, the Harvard Club, and Harvard University.

  • In 2003, SquashBusters partnered with Northeastern University to build an 8-court facility that includes student locker rooms, four classrooms and office space that houses SQB’s headquarters on its campus. The facility allowed SquashBusters to increase its enrollment and introduce a high school component to the program.
  • In 2012, SquashBusters expanded to Lawrence, MA using borrowed courts and classrooms at Brooks School and Phillips Academy.
  • In 2017, SquashBusters launched a third program site in Providence, RI, thanks to a facility partnership with Moses Brown (MB) School. This building features 11 singles courts and one doubles court that we share with MB and PVD Squash, a public squash club. Staff offices, two classrooms and dedicated locker room space round out our presence in RI.
  • In 2024, SquashBusters completed work on its own brand-new facility in Lawrence, making this SQB’s first fully owned and operated building. With 8 singles courts, locker rooms, staff offices, conference spaces and three classrooms, SquashBusters Lawrence has new opportunities for impacting the broader community alongside the core work we do with young people.

As SquashBusters approaches its 30th anniversary, it has developed a replicable model for changing the lives of young people. There are now squash programs for under-served youth in more than 25 cities worldwide. These programs collectively serve over 4,000 young people all over the world with the guidance of the Squash and Education Alliance (SEA).

 

Organization Details:

  • Organization Type: 501(c)(3) tax-exempt organization
  • Program Type: Sport-based youth development, primarily after-school
  • Mission: SquashBusters challenges and nurtures under-served youth – as students, athletes and citizens – so that they recognize and fulfill their greatest potential in life
  • Current Participant Numbers: 459 total
    • Boston: 103 middle and high school students
    • Lawrence: 86 middle and high school students
    • Providence: 81 middle and high school students
    • Post-Secondary (students from all sites within 6 years of HS graduation): 189
  • Current Staff Structure:
    • 25 FTE
      •  Four-member senior leadership team
      • 14 staff fully dedicated to leading and delivering program
    • 2 PTE (plus additional seasonal employees and volunteers)
  • Funding Model: Primarily individual and corporate/foundational giving, with an emphasis on crowd-sourced fundraising events
  • Governance: 22-member Board of Directors

 

Scope of Work

SquashBusters’ goal is to create a 5–7-year strategic plan (5 year minimum) that takes effect by the start of the 2027 fiscal year (July 2026) and sets a vision for the following 10 years. We are open to different methodologies and place a high premium on the ability to collect and synthesize input from a wide range of stakeholders, and to center the voices of those most impacted by the program. We believe the following activities will be key areas for consultant focus:

  • Assess the current state of the organization through review of organizational documentation and data, community scans, and discussion with internal and external stakeholders (may include surveys, interviews, focus groups, etc.) with an eye towards strengths, weaknesses, opportunities, threats, and achievements.
  • Consult (as practicable) on best practices for fundraising, fiscal planning, leadership and staffing structures, and youth development programming.
  • Organize and facilitate conversations that build consensus for a shared future vision.
  • Guide the development of long and short-term SMART goals and KPI’s.
  • Guide the development of implementation plans and provide structures for ongoing evaluation and adaptation.

This work should culminate in a final document that summarizes the work, outlines our 3-5 agreed to strategic priorities along with relevant goals and KPIs, and maps out plans for implementation and ongoing maintenance.

 

Timeline

The organization envisions the process following a timeline similar to that listed below but is open to recommendations that take into consideration our need to present an initial budget for FY27 in April 2026.

  • July/August 2025: Anticipated start of work
  • December 2025: Completion of Strategic Plan (to be shared at January board meeting)
  • February 2026: Completion of Implementation Plan (allows for FY27 budgeting process ahead of April board meeting)
  • July 2026: New Strategic and Implementation Plans take effect (some initiatives can begin ahead of this date assuming they fit within the approved FY26 budget)

 

Application and Selection Process

Proposals should include the following information:

  • Detailed description of your process, including roles and responsibilities. How will your process help us meet our key objectives?
  • Introduction to you/your company. Share details about you facilitation style.
  • Strategic planning method(s) used. Are they evidence-based?
  • Description of product(s) delivered.
  • Your recommended timeline from start to finish.
  • Relevant experience. What makes you the right fit for this opportunity?
  • Past projects. Can you provide any samples and/or references?
  • Relevant terms or conditions. Is there the ability to extend the engagement to include post-implementation touch points?
  • Cost/billing approach and proposed cost. Can services be scaled to different price points?

Application and Selection Timeline

  • April 23, 2025: RFP Issued
  • May 27, 2025: Proposals Due
  • June 27, 2025: Anticipated Proposal Selection Date
  • July/August 2025: Anticipated Project Kick-Off

SquashBusters is interested in finding a solution that balances cost-effectiveness with a quality product. Priority consideration will be given to applicants with experience developing strategic plans for small/medium-sized nonprofits that submit a thoughtful process for a proposed fee of $50,000 or below.

Consultants may send questions by email or request to schedule a call by contacting Rachel Koury at r.koury@squashbusters.org ahead of the proposal due date. After reviewing proposals, and before making a final selection, SquashBusters will reach out to selected candidates for more in-depth interviews.

Thank you for your interest in partnering with us on this strategic planning process. We look forward to receiving and reviewing your RFP.