CFC4001: Project Design, Proposal Writing, and Fundraising for NGOs

Course Overview

This comprehensive 5-day training program is designed to equip NGO professionals with the skills and knowledge necessary for effective project design, compelling proposal writing, and successful fundraising strategies. Participants will learn how to craft winning proposals that attract donor funding, design projects that address community needs, and develop sustainable fundraising approaches.

Day 1: Introduction to Project Design for NGOs

Module 1: Fundamentals of Project Design

• Session 1: Introduction to Project Design
  • Overview of project design in the NGO context.
  • Importance of aligning projects with organizational mission and donor priorities.
• Session 2: Problem Identification and Needs Assessment
  • Tools for conducting a needs assessment.
  • Defining the problem statement.
  • Using data to validate community needs.
• Session 3: Setting SMART Objectives
  • Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Relevant, and Time-bound objectives.
  • Aligning objectives with the overall project goal.

Module 2: The Logical Framework Approach (LogFrame)

• Session 4: Introduction to the LogFrame Approach
  • Components of a logical framework matrix.
  • Defining inputs, outputs, outcomes, and impacts.
• Session 5: Risk Analysis and Mitigation
  • Identifying risks and assumptions.
  • Developing a risk management strategy.

Day 2: Crafting a Winning Proposal

Module 3: Proposal Writing Essentials

• Session 1: Understanding Donor Guidelines and Requirements
  • Researching donor expectations.
  • Tailoring proposals to different donor organizations (bilateral, multilateral, private foundations).
• Session 2: Structure of a Proposal
  • Key sections of a proposal: Executive summary, problem statement, goals, objectives, methodology, and budget.
  • Importance of clarity and conciseness in proposal writing.

Module 4: Developing a Clear and Compelling Narrative

• Session 3: Writing the Problem Statement
  • Framing the problem in a way that resonates with donors.
  • Using data and case studies to support the need for intervention.
• Session 4: Crafting the Methodology and Implementation Plan
  • Describing the project’s approach and activities.
  • Developing an implementation timeline (Gantt chart).
• Session 5: Monitoring, Evaluation, and Learning (MEL)
  • Creating a MEL plan to track progress and demonstrate impact.
  • Defining key performance indicators (KPIs).

Day 3: Developing a Sustainable Fundraising Strategy

Module 5: Overview of Fundraising for NGOs

• Session 1: Understanding the Fundraising Landscape
  • Overview of funding sources for NGOs (government, foundations, corporate, individual donors).
  • Trends and challenges in NGO fundraising.
• Session 2: Crafting a Fundraising Strategy
  • Steps in developing a fundraising strategy aligned with organizational goals.
  • Diversifying funding streams to ensure sustainability.

Module 6: Donor Engagement and Stewardship

• Session 3: Building Relationships with Donors
  • Effective communication with donors before, during, and after receiving funding.
  • How to engage donors through meetings, reports, and updates.
• Session 4: Grant Management Best Practices
  • Managing donor expectations through transparency and reporting.
  • Strategies for retaining donors and securing repeat funding.

Day 4: Budgeting and Financial Management in Proposals

Module 7: Developing a Budget for a Proposal

• Session 1: Budgeting Essentials for NGOs
  • Key components of a project budget: personnel, activities, overheads, contingencies.
  • How to align your budget with project objectives.
• Session 2: Cost Allocation and Justification
  • Demonstrating value for money to donors.
  • Ensuring cost transparency and efficiency in the budgeting process.

Module 8: Financial Reporting and Accountability

• Session 3: Financial Management Tools for NGOs
  • Basic tools for tracking expenses and project funds.
  • Reporting financial performance to donors.
• Session 4: Compliance with Donor Requirements
  • Understanding donor-specific financial regulations.
  • Preparing financial audits and reports for accountability.

Day 5: Practical Exercises and Case Studies

Module 9: Practical Proposal Writing

• Session 1: Group Exercise – Proposal Writing Workshop
  • Participants work in groups to draft a full proposal based on a case study.
  • Incorporating elements of problem identification, objectives, methodology, budget, and monitoring.

Module 10: Fundraising Simulation and Donor Pitching

• Session 2: Developing a Donor Pitch
  • Crafting a short and impactful elevator pitch for potential donors.
  • Presentation techniques for engaging donors.
• Session 3: Case Studies and Success Stories
  • Analyzing real-world examples of successful NGO projects and fundraising efforts.
  • Lessons learned from donor engagement and proposal success.

Module 11: Course Review and Feedback

• Session 4: Review of Key Learnings
  • Recap of project design, proposal writing, and fundraising strategies.
• Session 5: Participant Feedback and Next Steps
  • Participant reflections and action planning for implementing course knowledge.
  • Certificates of completion awarded to participants.

Learning Outcomes:

By the end of this course, participants will:

• Understand the principles of effective project design and proposal writing.
• Be able to develop clear, well-structured proposals that align with donor expectations.
• Gain skills in donor engagement, relationship building, and grant management.
• Learn how to create sustainable fundraising strategies for NGOs.
• Develop practical experience through hands-on exercises and real-life case studies.

Target Audience:

• NGO Project Managers
• Proposal Writers and Fundraisers
• Grant Management Officers
• Development Practitioners
• Finance Officers in NGOs

This training provides the essential tools and knowledge for NGO professionals to secure funding and design impactful projects that address community needs effectively.

GENERAL NOTES
i.   The clients have many options on where they would wish to have the training
ii. The client should communicate their preferred training venue at least seven days before the training date failure to which the training shall take place in Nairobi.
iii. This course is delivered by our seasoned trainers who have vast experience as expert professionals in the respective fields of practice. The course is taught through a mix of practical activities, theory, group works and case studies.
iii. Training manuals and additional reference materials are provided to the participants.
iv. Upon successful completion of this course, participants will be issued with a Chania finance consultancy certificate.
v.   The onsite training fee covers tuition fees, training materials, tea at 10am, lunch, tea at 4pm, training venue and a certificate on completion. Accommodation and travel may be arranged for our participants upon request.
vi.   The online training fee covers tuition fees, training materials, and a certificate on completion.