Project Proposal Writing and Resource Mobilization Training

INTRODUCTION

Access to donor funds requires submission of proposals for consideration by the potential donors. A project proposal is supposed to be written carefully for it to be able to yield expected results. For sustainable and effective implementation of project interventions, it is essential that organizations have the capacity to design, write and deliver high quality project proposals and reports.  This course aims to equip participants with skills in writing and presenting effective and successful proposals. 

DURATION

5 days

 WHO SHOULD ATTEND?

This course is ideal for managers, program/project coordinators and other project staff whose roles involve developing proposals for fundraising for their organization.

 COURSE OBJECTIVES

By the end of the training, the participants will be able to;

• 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
• Understand different ways of resource mobilization
• Use of M&E frameworks in project design when developing a proposal
• Write good quality reports tailored to a target audience

COURSE OUTLINE

Module 1: 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

Introduction/background

• Context of the project
• Situation analysis
• Target beneficiaries

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

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 

Module 2: Proposal Writing (Ctnd)

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

Implementation Strategies

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

Project Monitoring and Evaluation

• Monitoring plan
• Evaluation plan

Risk Management

• Risk Matrix
• Risk Response plan

Project Management

• Project organogram
• Project Coordination
• Partners responsibilities

Module 3: Proposal Writing (Ctnd)

Cross Cutting Issues in Proposal Writing

• Gender Mainstreaming
• Governance
• Environmental Sustainability
• Human Rights

Work Plan

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

Organization Capacity 

• Organization profile
• Organization Capacity
• Relevant experience

Budget Development

• Detailed budget
• Cost Sharing 
• Summary budget

Module 4: Proposal Review and Submission

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

Proposal and Report writing Best practices

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

Module 5: Resource Mobilization

Introduction to Resource Mobilization

• Resource mobilization principles and practices
• 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