Today in the digital world, the website is one of the key tools for fundraising. All other digital tools like emailer, social media posts, etc. direct the donor to the website where the final step of ‘donating’ actually takes place; and in fundraising, this step is indeed the key. “Donate”/ “Donate Now” button on the website is where the donation process is initiated and thus, it is important that this is appropriately included in the website. Everyone visiting the website is a prospect. It … [Read more...] about How to include a “Donate”/ “Donate Now” Button on your charity organisation’s website?
Why is transparency important for fundraising?
For a donor, it is important to know where and how the donation made by them is being utilised. This will not only make them feel satisfied but will ensure that they repeat donations. For them, to donate- options are many. One of these is to donate directly to an NGO. But their numbers are large, for example, in India, there are over 2 million charity organisations; in the US, there are over 1.5 million charity organisations and so on. This makes the competition tough! Transparency is one such … [Read more...] about Why is transparency important for fundraising?
How does membership for supporters in your charity organisation is Beneficial?
In a charity organisation, membership can be of various forms. It also depends on the structure of the organisation. In some cases, membership is referred to as trustee and in others as supporters. Having membership for supporters is beneficial in various ways: Fees against specific benefits: One can charge membership fees, which could be monthly or annual, depending on how extensively members are involved. Thus, this is an additional income. However, there need to be specific benefits … [Read more...] about How does membership for supporters in your charity organisation is Beneficial?
Should there be a minimum amount of donation?
Sometimes when your fundraisers are interacting with a donor, they are often asked by the donor about the minimum amount, as they feel it’s a donation and any donation amount should be acceptable. For an organisation, it’s important to fix a minimum amount of donation (both for monthly and one-time) and accordingly work out details to communicate to donors too. Some of the basic and essential costs that you would incur include expenses towards: Servicing the donor including sending … [Read more...] about Should there be a minimum amount of donation?
What is Donor Management System?
Donor Management System (DMS) is not-for-profit’s customer relationship management (CRM) system and is a means to compile, organise, analyse and strategically implement communication strategy so as to maintain and grow the relationship with the donor. In other words, it’s a tool to maintain all the donor-related information so that the same could be used for the fundraising strategy. For a not-for-profit, the donor is the key as the organisation is dependent on his/ her support for its … [Read more...] about What is Donor Management System?
Is our NGO’s mission the same thing that we tell donors when fundraising?
Yes the mission and aims and objectives of your NGO is why you want people to support you. However, for the purposes of fundraising from individuals, you may want to explain or interpret your mission, aims and objectives, so that ordinary people who live in your local community understand in simple terms what you are trying to do and why you need funds. You don’t need to use exactly the same mission statement in your communication to donors as long as what you say means the same thing. The … [Read more...] about Is our NGO’s mission the same thing that we tell donors when fundraising?
What is the most important thing to remember when raising funds from individual donors?
Building trust is very important. If your donors don’t trust that their donation is being spent wisely and for the projects they support they are likely to not only stop funding you but also tell others not to fund you. The way you can build trust is to keep in touch with donors regularly and keep them informed of progress and how their money is being spent. Usually a newsletter or personal update once a quarter is sufficient, but the key is to be transparent and above all honest. This means … [Read more...] about What is the most important thing to remember when raising funds from individual donors?
How important is it for our NGO to have proper fundraising software? We only have limited funds and would prefer not to have to spend this on IT.
Large charities and NGOs use specialist fundraising software to keep information on large numbers of individual donors. However, if you are a small or medium-size NGO with limited numbers of supporters and contacts, you can still manage these using basic Excel spreadsheets. In the UK, there is now a legal requirement to ask donors if they are happy for their contact details to be kept and unless they agree, you are not allowed to contact them in any form such as letter, email, or telephone. … [Read more...] about How important is it for our NGO to have proper fundraising software? We only have limited funds and would prefer not to have to spend this on IT.
What is the best way to raise unrestricted income for staff and overheads?
The issue of raising money to support operating costs and staffing has always been challenging for NGOs. If you are applying for funding to a grant-maker, it is important to not under-estimate the hidden costs which should also be included in the budget. For example, rent, rates, IT, utilities, support staff etc. For staff whose salary is to be supported by the grant, then it would be expected that you consider a level of effort for certain roles and budget for these. This might include a … [Read more...] about What is the best way to raise unrestricted income for staff and overheads?
I am a new Executive Director in an established NGO but changes are needed internally to improve upon old, out-dated practices and staff who are reluctant to change their behaviour and attitudes. What is the best way to handle this situation?
Change management is a difficult aspect of a Director’s job and needs to be handled with sensitivity, especially if you are to take your staff with you rather than create upset and discord. Overall, most people do not like change. They feel threatened by it and often can feel unsettled and insecure because they are entering unknown territory. Basically, managing change is being able to move an organisation forward from its current state to a desired future state. The challenge is that as you … [Read more...] about I am a new Executive Director in an established NGO but changes are needed internally to improve upon old, out-dated practices and staff who are reluctant to change their behaviour and attitudes. What is the best way to handle this situation?
What are the key aspects of preparing a budget for a USAID proposal?
Some of the prerequisites for applying to USAID for assistance grants are: Your organization’s mission and capabilities must be aligned with USAID’s proposed program and you must go through the eligibility criteria in detail based on the terms of the USAID solicitation. Read the solicitation completely and very closely. Make sure you understand the program description, expected goals, results and objectives, the kind of work and activities that will be or will not be supported, cost … [Read more...] about What are the key aspects of preparing a budget for a USAID proposal?
What are the best practices when applying for a USAID funding opportunity?
Here are some of the considerations and tips for preparing your application for USAID funding, or in USAID terms, preparing for a solicitation: First of all, go through the solicitation in-depth and detail: Make sure you go read the solicitation in-depth and detail and make notes of the important points. Some points to be understood well in detail would be the scope of work, evaluation criteria, and eligibility criteria. Understand the evaluation criteria of USAID: Review and … [Read more...] about What are the best practices when applying for a USAID funding opportunity?
How to apply for USAID funding? Or in USAID terms- ‘What process does responding to a solicitation involve?’
USAID encourages a large number of applications and competition to ensure high-quality proposals and solutions. To this end, USAID issues solicitations and asks the organizations to respond to them. After this, the organizations whose response best meets the evaluation criteria outlined in the particular solicitation, get selected. However, this is not the end of the process. The various types of solicitations by USAID to assess your organizational capacities, select potential partners, and get … [Read more...] about How to apply for USAID funding? Or in USAID terms- ‘What process does responding to a solicitation involve?’
How and when should I start proposal preparation for a USAID funding opportunity?
Ideally, you must begin the preparation even before the opportunity is released by USAID. To have a good shot at getting shortlisted, the proposal must be of very high quality and stands out from the competition. This can only be ensured by spending time and effort in comprehensively researching, understanding the complete process, onboarding the right staff/ consultants and so on. Many of the organizations vying for USAID grants and partnership opportunities start working at least 8-12 … [Read more...] about How and when should I start proposal preparation for a USAID funding opportunity?
What are the areas of USAID funding and how and where can I find the USAID funding opportunities?
The United States Agency for International Development (USAID) releases a wide range of federal grant opportunities for the developing nations with the aim of furthering its objectives of saving lives, reducing poverty, strengthening democratic governance and progress; by means of humanitarian assistance and international development efforts. USAID works in over 100 countries in the areas of - Promoting Global Health, Supporting Global Stability, Providing Humanitarian Assistance, Catalyzing … [Read more...] about What are the areas of USAID funding and how and where can I find the USAID funding opportunities?
What is a Co-operative and what are its Salient Features? What are the types of Co-operative?
What is a Co-operative?According to the International Co-operative Alliance, cooperative has been defined as an autonomous association of persons united voluntarily to meet their common economic, social and cultural needs and aspirations through a jointly-owned and democratically-controlled enterprise.Salient Features are as follows:The membership to any co-operative is voluntary and a person is free to join a co-operative society and can also leave at any time as per their convenience. The … [Read more...] about What is a Co-operative and what are its Salient Features? What are the types of Co-operative?
Can you explain the Indian Companies Act 2013 in relation to CSR?
Corporate Social Responsibility or CSR is a mandate that has been introduced in the rules of the Government of India's Companies Act,differently-abled 2013 under Section 135 in the year 2014. It mandates the companies that have an annual turnover of 1000 crores or more or a net worth of 500 crores or more or a net profit of 5 crores or more to spend a minimum of 2% of its net profit for social welfare and community development. Suggested Areas of Activities for companies to implement their CSR … [Read more...] about Can you explain the Indian Companies Act 2013 in relation to CSR?
How NGOs can write a Standard Operating Procedure (SOP) for their projects?
A Standing Operating Procedure (SOP) can be defined as a document providing an approach describing all the required activities that are essential to complete a task in accordance with the regulatory aspects, in a standard way or according to the operations of the organization that all the employees shall comply and work. SOPs are effective and powerful mechanisms that are created to control workflow procedures effectively. They go on to specify the key details to create a difference in the … [Read more...] about How NGOs can write a Standard Operating Procedure (SOP) for their projects?
What is market survey and what are the steps to be carried out while doing a market survey?
For any enterprise established at the local level or at the national level, it is essential to understand the market and the customers. To discover potential customers and understand the needs of existing customers set achievable targets for business growth and latest product developments, a market survey is a tool to make well-informed market decisions about one's services and develop effective strategies. It not only helps one to determine the size of business but also a simple component of … [Read more...] about What is market survey and what are the steps to be carried out while doing a market survey?
What is the difference between primary research and secondary research and how does it affect any study?
Research and Development is considered as the most important part of any activity, being either a part of a project or in general as a part of the organization. Research helps a person understand the viability of a hypothesis generated and tries and proves the probability of the hypothesis being true. There are two major categories of research methods, Primary and Secondary on which most of the research is based on. Both of these methods provide information that specifically answers research … [Read more...] about What is the difference between primary research and secondary research and how does it affect any study?
What is a Value Chain Analysis? What is the Process of implementing it?
Meaning of Value ChainA value chain is used to describe all the activities it takes to create a product, from start to finish (raw material to finished product) for example, design, production, distribution, etc. Meaning of Value Chain AnalysisValue chain analysis is the way for business to analyze the activities they perform to create a product. Once the activities are analyzed a business can use the result to evaluate ways to improve its advantage. The following steps below illustrate the … [Read more...] about What is a Value Chain Analysis? What is the Process of implementing it?
What is the difference between a Need Assessment and a Baseline Study?
A Need Assessment study is a process that identifies the need, and informs and how to intervene through the project design. In an organization, more specifically, a needs assessment helps in outlining what processes are to be prioritized or improved to help in fulfilling the current needs. Steps to perform a Need Assessment studySearch for and identify the needs of your project: Exploration and Identification- You will first need to find out how your project is doing now. For example, it may … [Read more...] about What is the difference between a Need Assessment and a Baseline Study?
What is a Baseline Study and how can I design it?
A Baseline study measures specific conditions after a project has been designed, based on the indicators stated in the log frame. It is an analysis of the current situation to identify the starting points for a programme or project. It looks at what information must be considered and analyzed to establish a baseline or starting point, against which future progress can be assessed or comparisons made.How to design a Baseline study?Formulating the study purposeThe purpose of most baseline studies … [Read more...] about What is a Baseline Study and how can I design it?
What is Project Management?
Project Management can be defined as the discipline of applying specific process to initiate, plan, execute to manage a certain project.Key components of project management are:Time – the intended duration of the workCost – the budget allocated for the workScope – what innovations or changes will be delivered by the projectQuality – the standard of the outcome of the project.Increasing or decreasing any one of these components will affect the others.For example, reducing the time allocated to … [Read more...] about What is Project Management?
What is Monitoring, Evaluation and Learning in Project Management?
Project monitoring is a mandatory phase for any project manager. Keeping stakeholders up to date on progress and team performance through reports and on-going documentation contributes to project success. Regularly assessing progress related to scope, benchmark goals, timeline, and budget helps to ensure that there are no unpleasant surprises as the project unfolds.Project Evaluation:Project evaluation is a process of collecting, recording and organizing information about project results and … [Read more...] about What is Monitoring, Evaluation and Learning in Project Management?
Which NGO should I join to start a career and why?
Working in development is an attractive option for people around the world. The sector has grown significantly over the past two decades as organisations have become larger, more sophisticated and increasingly professionalised. Working for an NGO provides an opportunity to make a difference, support others in need and create positive change in communities the world over.There are tens of thousands of opportunities advertised in NGOs every year, but the first thing you need to do is decide … [Read more...] about Which NGO should I join to start a career and why?
Looking for a grant opportunity funded by European Commission on human rights. Can you help?
Yes, European Commission's new global program entitled "European Instrument for Democracy and Human Rights (EIDHR)" could be the perfect opportunity for you!The European Commission has recently launched a Global Proposals for the 2020 European Instrument for Democracy and Human Rights (EIDHR), to support civil society to become an effective force for political reform and defence of human rights.ObjectivesThe global objective of this call for proposals is to support and empower civil society in … [Read more...] about Looking for a grant opportunity funded by European Commission on human rights. Can you help?
Is it possible to prepare a project proposal in less than 1 hour?
Yes! It is possible to write quality proposals in a short time. Well, we all know that proposal writing is not a child’s play, but it is also not rocket science either. Seasoned campaigners do it within a short span of time. So how do they do it? What makes them fast and good at the same time? This guide will brief you on how to be quick and effective to prepare a proposal lightning fast. There certainly is no shortcut to write a quality proposal, but there are certain tips that can help you in … [Read more...] about Is it possible to prepare a project proposal in less than 1 hour?
How to Plan, Prepare and Respond to a USAID Call for Proposals?
The United States Agency for International Development (USAID) is one of the largest state-sponsored aid agency in the world. It is funded by the United States Government and it has an independent administrative body and uses its financial and human resources to assist developing nations to grow economically and technically.For the FY 2020, the President's Budget Request for the State Department and USAID is $40 billion, which includes $19.2 billion for USAID to support "stable, resilient, and … [Read more...] about How to Plan, Prepare and Respond to a USAID Call for Proposals?
Are there any opportunities which help me to travel to other countries?
Yes, there are a lot of opportunities available to travel to other countries. Every year, several international donor agencies provide financial support to individuals, NGOs and development professionals for travelling around the world.Many candidates around the world need grant support for travelling. Therefore, keeping this in mind, we have compiled a new compilation "40+ Different Grants that offer you support for Travel and Workshop Participation". These fully- funded opportunities are not … [Read more...] about Are there any opportunities which help me to travel to other countries?
Is there a training manual or a guidebook on how to implement a project to reduce child poverty?
For the best experience, I suggest you to take a look at Arigatou International’s An Interfaith Guide to End Child Poverty: Inspire. Act. Change. that will provide you with the resources to equip you and faith leaders, faith communities and organisations with the relevant knowledge and skills needed to address child poverty effectively.This Resource Guide will be a tool that will help faith communities to mobilise faith–inspired resources to end child poverty, empower their constituencies to … [Read more...] about Is there a training manual or a guidebook on how to implement a project to reduce child poverty?
Is there is any kind of financial support so that I can receive training on environment, gender equality, peace and conflict resolution?
There are tons of opportunities that are providing grants to address the world’s most complex development challenges and problems. Still, IREX's 2021–2022 Community Solutions Program is the best opportunity for you, as it addresses all the issues you are working on, fully-funded to the United States and most importantly, it will help you to expand your professional network and improve your technical and leadership skills.The Community Solutions Program (CSP) is a year-long professional … [Read more...] about Is there is any kind of financial support so that I can receive training on environment, gender equality, peace and conflict resolution?
I am a social worker in Africa and planning to start an NGO. What things should I consider before establishing an NGO?
Anyone can start an NGO, but you’ll need more than just a great idea to make it work. It will not be easy, establishing an NGO wherever you are in the world can be an exhausting and challenging process, especially at the beginning.People of all ages and backgrounds in every country in the world create charitable organisations. They are determined to solve problems and tend to be determined and enthusiastic characters. These qualities alone will not be enough to create a sustainable organisation … [Read more...] about I am a social worker in Africa and planning to start an NGO. What things should I consider before establishing an NGO?
How is the World Bank supporting developing countries to mitigate COVID-19 impact?
The World Bank has approved financial support of $12 billion to assist developing countries in the purchase and distribution of COVID-19 vaccines, tests, and treatments for their citizens.The financing, which aims to support vaccination of up to a billion people, is part of an overall World Bank Group (WBG) package of up to $160 billion through June 2021 to help developing countries fight the COVID-19 pandemic. It adds new financing to the World Bank’s COVID-19 emergency response programs that … [Read more...] about How is the World Bank supporting developing countries to mitigate COVID-19 impact?
What are some of the important organizational policies NGOs should adopt for effective management and governance?
Organisational policies and procedures play a very important role in an NGO. It builds up the reputation of an organization. To increase transparency, accountability, uniformity and stability, It should be well- written, clear and easy to understand. If an NGO seeks to build partnerships and to network with other associations or networks, these policies and procedures help them gain confidence and remain at the forefront for advocacy and campaigning support. Policies and procedures help your NGO … [Read more...] about What are some of the important organizational policies NGOs should adopt for effective management and governance?
How can NGOs benefit from Google Ads program?
We have been living in the age of internet for quite some time now. Internet has enabled businesses to reach out to millions of consumers and vice-versa. In recent years the world of internet has come up with another new communication tool which is Online Advertisement. Online advertising has reached new levels, and if you are not using it, you are certainly losing out on big opportunities.If you are still relying on the traditional ways of advertising your products and services, then now is the … [Read more...] about How can NGOs benefit from Google Ads program?
I am from Kenya and interested to participate in Expo 2020’s Global Best Practice Programme, am I eligible to apply?
Hi! Yes, you are eligible to apply for this opportunity as it is open to citizens of any country. Expo 2020 is inviting individuals, communities, NGOs, start-ups, health workers, businesses, governments and international organisations from around the world to share solutions that address the global health crisis.This year, Expo 2020 is calling for best practices related to COVID-19 for projects and initiatives delivering robust and sustainable solutions to address the global pandemic and achieve … [Read more...] about I am from Kenya and interested to participate in Expo 2020’s Global Best Practice Programme, am I eligible to apply?
My friend suggested me to use volunteers for fundraising. Do you really think it will work?
Yes, it will definitely work for you. Volunteers are passionate people who are contributing their time towards a cause. This makes them special. They like to associate with your organization because of their passion; now it is up to you how you channel and tap their energies. They can bring creative and innovative ideas to communicate impact, success stories and use as a fundraising pitch.Volunteers become loyal donors also. In line with the principle of preach what you practice, good volunteers … [Read more...] about My friend suggested me to use volunteers for fundraising. Do you really think it will work?
What is a Matching Contribution and from where can my NGO get it?
Often you must have come across in RFPs and other donor proposal guidelines that only 90% of funding will be given for the project. So where will the 10% come from?This 10% is referred to as the matching contribution towards the project. It does not mean that the donor agency is refusing to take responsibility for this 10% but rather it wants to ensure that there is a certain presence of partnership and a sense of ownership about the project and other stakeholders become part of it.But for … [Read more...] about What is a Matching Contribution and from where can my NGO get it?
I have just launched an NGO to serve the needy. I want to know how fast can I raise start-up funding for my new NGO?
As a new non-profit, your journey has just begun. From here, the work hours will get longer, targets will seem implausible, team and resources will only seem too less and too little and there will even be days of distress. Failures and successes will all follow. But at the end of the day, what brings us all into the non-profit world is the privilege of being able to serve people. That makes all the hard work worth it. Before you jump on the treadmill, here is a downloadable Ebook, "Simple and … [Read more...] about I have just launched an NGO to serve the needy. I want to know how fast can I raise start-up funding for my new NGO?
I am looking for funding support in Asia for my nature conservation project. Can anyone help?
The Keidanren Nature Conservation Fund (KNCF) has recently launched its grant program 2021 to provide assistance for nature conservation efforts implemented by NGO/NPO in developing countries, particularly in the Asia-Pacific region and also provides assistance for nature conservation efforts and sustainable use of nature resources in Japan.The KNCF has continuously supported the following projects every year with about the total amount of ¥150 million (JPY). The KNCF raises applicants for the … [Read more...] about I am looking for funding support in Asia for my nature conservation project. Can anyone help?
I have a small start-up in the field of Agriculture. I need funding to get it off the ground. Please help!
Hi, you can apply for THRIVE VII Accelerator Program that supports seed-stage startups from all areas of the value chain whose technologies drive towards a more efficient, sustainable, and secure agriculture future.The selected companies benefit from a 3 month virtual and in-person accelerator program that provides investment, direct access to the largest agriculture companies and farmers located in the Salinas and Central California growing regions, and mentorship from top industry leaders. The … [Read more...] about I have a small start-up in the field of Agriculture. I need funding to get it off the ground. Please help!
I want to write a proposal on climate change. I even have an idea, but I don’t know how to make it attractive enough. Can you please guide me?
Hi there, why not take a look at our article "How to Write Proposals on Projects addressing Climate Change" for some great ideas. In this article, we are presenting some useful information on how to write an effective project proposal on climate change.Projects on climate change are the next big thing for NGOs (just as it used to be with HIV and AIDS projects some years ago) as donors continue to look at NGOs as the strongest mediums to reach out to communities in poor and developing countries … [Read more...] about I want to write a proposal on climate change. I even have an idea, but I don’t know how to make it attractive enough. Can you please guide me?
Is there any available call for proposal to address food security in Malawi?
Hi Lawrence! You should take a look at this grant opportunity offered by Conservation, Food and Health Foundation. The Conservation, Food and Health Foundation seeks to protect natural resources, improve the production and distribution of food, and promote public health in Asia, Africa, Latin America, and the Middle East. The foundation helps build the capacity of organizations and coalitions with grants that support research or improve the learning and generation of local solutions to complex … [Read more...] about Is there any available call for proposal to address food security in Malawi?
How can NGOs use email newsletters for fundraising?
Email newsletters are powerful marketing tools. They are not just an effective way to share news, stories, and photos from your NGO – they can also be a fundraising tool. Studies have shown email newsletters are the most effective online tool an NGO can use to solicit donations – even more so than social media and direct “donate” links on an organization’s website. A good newsletter should always have a call to action – a specific task you’re prompting the reader to do.If that call to action is … [Read more...] about How can NGOs use email newsletters for fundraising?
Are there any opportunities available for youth?
Hi, There are plenty of opportunities available on our website for youth. Please go through this link https://www2.fundsforngos.org/youth-adolescents/ for the latest opportunities.You can also check out our new compilation of open grant opportunities funded by various international organizations to assist youth empowerment NGOs in a better way. Click here. … [Read more...] about Are there any opportunities available for youth?
I want to work with an NGO that helps poor and needy in the United States. Please help me!
You should definitely apply for the Bill Emerson National Hunger Fellowship program! It's just a great opportunity for you to develop a deep understanding of effective solutions to hunger and poverty, and your own roles in achieving Zero Hunger in the United States.The Bill Emerson National Hunger Fellowship trains and inspires new leaders in the movement to end hunger and poverty in the United States. Fellows gain vital first-hand experience through placements with community-based organizations … [Read more...] about I want to work with an NGO that helps poor and needy in the United States. Please help me!
I am looking for early-stage funding to start a project for the betterment of the Transgender’s Community. Kindly suggest where and how to get funding for my project.
Hi there, you can apply to International Trans Fund's 5th Grant Cycle for a chance to get seed and thrive funding for your project related to transgender development.The International Trans Fund (ITF) warmly welcomes applications from trans-led organizations with budgets below $150,000 USD based in any region of the world.This year the ITF is introducing two grant types:SEED Grant (1-year) The SEED grant is 1-year general support and/or project grant for trans-led organizations that have never … [Read more...] about I am looking for early-stage funding to start a project for the betterment of the Transgender’s Community. Kindly suggest where and how to get funding for my project.
I have articulated a proposal to address climate change in Malawi, but I don’t know where to submit it….. Is there any opportunity out there?
Hi Lawrence Msopa, Some generous donors are willing to support genuine efforts to mitigate climate change. In general, these donors provide financial support to organizations in most parts of the world, including poor and developing countries.Here are some grant opportunities that can help you:InsuResilience Solutions Fund announces 4th Call for ProposalsIn light of the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, a holistic approach on disaster relief and preparedness seems more vital than ever in order to … [Read more...] about I have articulated a proposal to address climate change in Malawi, but I don’t know where to submit it….. Is there any opportunity out there?
If I wanted to join an NGO, What skills do I need to learn to become a viable candidate?
It's really great working in an NGO. It would be an exciting opportunity for you to kick-start your career in social work. Nowadays, Working in development is an attractive option for people around the world. The sector has grown significantly over the past two decades as organisations have become larger, more sophisticated, and increasingly professionalised. NGOs are renowned for having dedicated staff who are happy to go beyond the call of duty without a second thought. They often work long … [Read more...] about If I wanted to join an NGO, What skills do I need to learn to become a viable candidate?
