Training Course on Grant Proposal Writing and Resource Mobilization in Nairobi, Kenya

Training on resource mobilization and proposal writing is aimed at managers, program/project coordinators and other project staff whose roles involve developing proposals for fundraising and report writing for their organization.

By the end of this course the participants will be able to:

• Understand different ways of resource mobilization
• Understand the principles of project development and proposal writing
• Organize the different components of a proposal in a logical flow
• Write an effective proposal according to donor’s requirements and guidelines
• Use of M&E frameworks in project design when developing a proposal
• Write good quality reports tailored to a target audience

5 Days

Introduction to Resource Mobilization

• Principles and practices of resource mobilization
• Resource mobilization approaches
• Resource mobilization cycle
• Searching for funding opportunities
• Current funding environment for non-profit organizations
• Strategic planning and resource mobilization

Resource Mobilization Strategy

• Conducting a resource mobilization situation analysis
• Determining resource requirements and funding gaps
• Identifying sources of resources-donor and partner assessment and mapping
• Determining resource mobilization strategies
• Developing a resource mobilization action plan
• Enhancing donor partnerships and managing donor relations
• Putting together a resource mobilization strategy

Introduction to Proposal Writing

• Proposal writing in resource mobilization
• Understanding donors’ requirements
• Donor proposal formats and guidelines
• Project development and proposal writing
• Concept note, proposal and pitch deck
• Components of a funding proposal

Writing a Proposal: Introduction/background

• Context of the project
• Situation analysis
• Target beneficiaries

Writing a Proposal: Problem statement

• Description of the specific problem
• Target group affected by the problem
• Needs of the target group
• Consequences of the problem on the target group
• Use of cause and effect approach

Writing a Proposal: Project Justification/Rationale

• Descriptions of how the proposed project will solve the problem stated
• Explanation of why the project is required
• Explanation of how the project relates with other interventions
• Alignment of the project with the country’s and donor’s priority areas

Writing a Proposal: Project Design

• Project theory of change
• Design of project results using causal pathway
• Project Activities; outputs and activities matrix
• Design of the logical framework
• Performance measurement framework

Writing a Proposal: Implementation Strategies

• Sub-tasks in activities
• Activities implementation approaches
• The 4 Ws in activity implementation

Writing a Proposal: Project Monitoring and Evaluation

• Monitoring plan
• Evaluation plan

Writing a Proposal: Risk Management

• Risk Matrix
• Risk Response plan

Writing a Proposal: Project Management

• Project organogram
• Project Coordination
• Partners responsibilities

Writing a Proposal: Cross Cutting Issues in Proposal Writing

• Gender Mainstreaming
• Governance
• Environmental Sustainability
• Human Rights

Writing a Proposal: Work Plan

• Activity durations
• Predecessor successor relationships
• Developing a Gantt chart

Writing a Proposal: Organization Capacity 

• Organization profile
• Organization Capacity
• Relevant experience

Writing a Proposal: Budget Development

• Detailed budget
• Cost Sharing
• Summary budget

Submitting the Proposal

• Funding agency forms
• Packaging, politicking and refunding
• Submission, traditional and online
• Tips for final checks in proposal development

Proposal Review process

• Checklist in proposal reviewing
• Proposal review process
• Grant agreement

Proposal and Report writing Best practices

• Common mistakes during proposal writing
• Tips for successful proposal writing
• Case studies of successful proposals