Building the Case for Systemic Change
Combining strategy, storytelling, financial thinking and stakeholder alignment to make a community-led vision legible to institutional partners.
Suradway is a nonprofit organization based in Ottawa, dedicated to connecting parents, sharing information, and providing assistance during crises, primarily focusing on child welfare.
Established to address the overrepresentation of young people from Somali and East African backgrounds in the child welfare system, Suradway is committed to combating anti-Black racism, advocating for parents, and establishing community-based foster homes.
The Challenge
Suradway needed a credible business plan and partnership case to support its work with Black youth and families in the child welfare system. The challenge was to communicate urgency and lived reality while also meeting the expectations of institutional funders and partners.
How We Worked
- Used human stories to connect systemic data to lived consequences.
- Developed a strategic plan and theory of change linking activities to short-, medium- and long-term outcomes.
- Built financial analysis and risk mitigation into the business case.
- Aligned the proposal with the priorities of the Children’s Aid Society and provincial government.
What Changed
- Produced a robust business plan and stakeholder-ready visual presentation.
- Created clearer strategic alignment with institutional partners.
- Strengthened trust, communication and the organization’s case for investment.
- Established implementation steps and timelines for accountability.
Suradway is now well-positioned to advocate for systemic change, provide culturally sensitive care, and empower Black youth and families in Ottawa.
This collaborative effort not only strengthened Suradway’s operational framework but also paved the way for a more equitable and effective child welfare system.
Client Feedback
I am writing to express my sincere gratitude for Manal Sayid's invaluable contributions to Suradway's partnership proposal.
“I am writing to express my sincere gratitude for Manal Sayid’s invaluable contributions to Suradway’s partnership proposal. Manal’s expertise, professionalism, and dedication were instrumental in shaping a compelling and impactful proposal that effectively communicates our organization’s mission and vision. Manal’s exceptional communication skills enabled her to articulate our unique value proposition and strategic goals clearly and concisely. Her ability to synthesize complex information and present it in a persuasive manner was evident throughout the proposal development process. Manal actively sought our input, listened attentively to our feedback, and incorporated our ideas and suggestions seamlessly into the final product. Thanks to Manal’s exceptional work, we are confident that our partnership proposal will resonate with potential partners and stakeholders, paving the way for meaningful collaborations that will further our mission of empowering Black youth and families in the child welfare system. I wholeheartedly recommend Manal Sayid for any project requiring expertise in proposal development, strategic communication, and stakeholder engagement. Her passion for social impact and dedication to client success makes her an invaluable asset to any team.”
Abdirizak Mohamud, Founder and Managing Director
Suradway