Training Course on Grant Management and Proposal Writing

Introduction

Donor funding is crucial since it helps researchers implement their project ideas. To access these funds a well written proposal is required for consideration by potential donors. The results of a project ought to be effectively communicated by the aid of a proposal. Therefore, organizations need to be able to develop high quality proposal to ensure the implementation of project ideas.

Most of the development projects are financed through grants from donors. It is the responsibility of the project management team to ensure that the limited resources are used optimally and efficiently to achieve maximum impact.

The goal of this course is to equip participants with the skills to develop and write an effective proposal and equip the participants with best practices and essentials skills in effective grants management.

Duration

5 Days

Learning Objectives

By the end of this training the participants will learn to:

o   Learn resource mobilization methods

o   Identify project development and proposal writing principles

o   Arrange different proposal aspects logically

o   Develop and write an effective proposal

o   Utilize the monitoring and evaluation principals in developing a proposal

o   Write quality reports with respect to the targeted audience

o   Handle pre-award activities that will set your program on the right track

o   Oversee post-award start-up, operation, and closeout duties

o   Ensure compliance with funder requirements

o   Address the critical aspects of managing grant finances

o   Effectively report grants management progress to stakeholders

Who Should Attend?

This training is designed for grants management officers/managers, financial managers, the project officials, managers of donor funded projects and staff working in organizations whose responsibilities include developing projects, and writing proposals and reports

Course Content

Overview of Proposal Writing

• Proposal writing in grants mobilization
• Understanding donors’ requirements
• Proposal formats
• Project development and proposal Writing

Components of a Project Proposal

Project Rationale

• Project Background
• Needs Assessment including target population
• Project Justification

Project Overview

• Project Goal and Objectives
• Project Beneficiaries
• Critical Assumptions
• Project Strategies

Project Design

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

Project Monitoring and Evaluation

• Monitoring plan
• Evaluation plan

Risk Management

• Risk Matrix
• Risk Response plan

Project Management

• Project organogram
• Project Coordination
• Partners responsibilities

Budget Development

• Detailed budget
• Cost Sharing 
• Summary budget

Organization Capacity

• Organization profile
• Organization Capacity
• Relevant experience

Submitting the Proposal

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

Proposal Review

• Proposal review criteria
• Proposal review process
• Grant agreement

Introduction to Grants Management

• What is grants management?
• Grants management and project development
• Key grants-related terminologies

Overview of Project Award Types

• Grants
• Contracts
• Cooperative Agreements
• Subcontracts

Types of Grants

• In-kind
• Standard
• Mixed

Grants Lifecycle

• Pre-Award activities
• Planning
• Proposal Submission
• Award of Grant
• Post-Award activities
• Implementation
• Monitoring and Evaluation
• Amendments
• Reporting
• Close out

Elements of Grants Application

• Grants Preparation and Planning
• Developing Goals, and Objectives
• Finalizing and Submitting Grants Application

Grants Budgeting

• Introduction to Grants Budgeting
• Grants Budget Elements
• Budget Development
• Budget Management

Accounting Essentials for Grant

• Accounting multiple grants/ awards
• Tracking of matching funds
• Accounting for in-kind contributions
• Developing account code structure

Compliance

• Financial and procurement rules
• Contractual agreement
• Donor compliance
• Legislative compliance
• Accounting Standards and Practices
• Community and cultural Compliance

Contract Management

• Contract assessment
• Contract negotiation
• Contract management

Internal Control in Grants Management

• Control environment
• Risk assessment
• Control activities
• Information and communication
• Monitoring activities

Grants Reporting

• Financial
• Narrative
• Evaluations
• Amendments

Training Approach

This course will be delivered by our skilled trainers who have vast knowledge and experience as expert professionals in the fields. The course is taught in English and through a mix of theory, practical activities, group discussion and case studies. Course manuals and additional training materials will be provided to the participants upon completion of the training.

Training Approach

This course will be delivered by our skilled trainers who have vast knowledge and experience as expert professionals in the fields. The course is taught in English and through a mix of theory, practical activities, group discussion and case studies. Course manuals and additional training materials will be provided to the participants upon completion of the training.

Tailor-Made Course

This course can also be tailor-made to meet organization requirement.

Training Venue 

The training will be held at our Upskill Training Centre. We also offer training for a group (at a discount of 10% to 50%) at requested location all over the world. The course fee covers the course tuition, training materials, two break refreshments, and buffet lunch.

Visa application, travel expenses, airport transfers, dinners, accommodation, insurance, and other personal expenses are catered by the participant

Certification

Participants will be issued with Upskill certificate upon completion of this course.