Problems in Writing ProposalsThe following are the common problems we face while trying to write a proposal:Confused about the format?There are as many proposal formats as there are a number of donors and each donor as a different format. Although the basic information requested by various donors is generally the same, yet we often encounter snags that make the entire process confusing.Planning problems?Although a good idea exists, yet when we try to plan it out extensively, we face many … [Read more...] about What are the challenges and problems in writing proposals for raising funds for my NGO?
Is there any funding opportunity for education research projects?
Hi friend! You will be glad to know that Spencer Foundation has announced Small Research Grants Program, which aims to support education research projects. The Program will contribute to the improvement of education, broadly conceived, with budgets up to $50,000 for projects ranging from one to five years. This program is “field-initiated” in that proposal submissions are not in response to a specific request for a particular research topic, discipline, design, or method. Their goal for … [Read more...] about Is there any funding opportunity for education research projects?
What does GIST Catalyst Virtual Pitch Competition offer?
Global Innovation through Science and Technology (GIST) Catalyst offers young STEM entrepreneurs the opportunity to elevate their pitch and showcase their scale-up on a global stage, while receiving valuable mentorship from American entrepreneurs and academics who are leaders in the field of entrepreneurship. Catalyst also provides participating entrepreneurs with the opportunity to increase the visibility of their scale-up. Because the live semi-final and final pitches will be held on a … [Read more...] about What does GIST Catalyst Virtual Pitch Competition offer?
What steps do NGOs need to follow to remain sustainable?
Sustainability, a word frequently used across several disciplines, has become part of our everyday lexis. Origin of the word Sustain dates back several centuries, from two latin words sus which means- up and tenere meaning to hold. The current use of the word implies something that continues for a long time. Steps to sustainability Before you start writing the sustainability plan, discuss with your project team about the various processes and mechanisms that can be utilized for ensuring … [Read more...] about What steps do NGOs need to follow to remain sustainable?
How can NGOs ensure that they achieve programmatic sustainability?
Below are some steps for achieving programmatic sustainabilityCommunity involvement: involving the community is the key to have long term impacts from any projects. Make sure that your project involves the community at various stages, this will give them ownership of the project and there are high chances that they may continue with some project aspects even after the project duration. As the entire process will be participatory the skills and knowledge gained by the present group of people, … [Read more...] about How can NGOs ensure that they achieve programmatic sustainability?
What type of Project Titles Could impress a Donor?
Significance of a great project title:It gives a glimpse of the project described in the proposalIt informs the donor about the project aim, location, focus and beneficiary (or need)A great title captures the donors’ attention with its uniquenessIt makes your proposal memorable and keeps it on the top of donors’/ selectors’ minds when making the decision.All these qualities can bring your project proposal a notch higher than the rest, given that your proposal is already among the best ones in … [Read more...] about What type of Project Titles Could impress a Donor?
What are the types of Scams NGOs should be aware of?
False Promise of Grant Funding or Award to NGOsThis is one of the most popular scams going around the internet. NGOs unexpectedly receive an email or a social media post or a WhatsApp/text message which says that a certain Foundation has selected your organization to offer grant funding and you just need to respond to this email. When gullible NGOs respond back and start a chain of email communication with the fraudster, they end up paying some money with the hope of getting this ‘large’ … [Read more...] about What are the types of Scams NGOs should be aware of?
How NGOs can identify Genuine Grant Opportunities and Donor Organizations and avoid Scams?
An online scam is a fraudulent activity carried out over the Internet by providing incorrect information for the purpose of stealing money or assets from victims. Online scams are one of the biggest threats to businesses and governments around the world as they end up with severe financial losses and mental and emotional harassment of victims.According to the Consumer Sentinel Network, which is maintained by the Federal Trade Commission of the United States Government, there were 535,000 … [Read more...] about How NGOs can identify Genuine Grant Opportunities and Donor Organizations and avoid Scams?
Why is financial management important for NGOs
Financial Management is a vital activity in any organization. It is the process of planning, organizing, controlling and monitoring financial resources with a view to achieve organizational goals and objectives. It is an ideal practice for controlling the financial activities of an organization such as procurement of funds, utilization of funds, accounting, payments, risk assessment and every other thing related to money.In other terms, Financial Management is the application of general … [Read more...] about Why is financial management important for NGOs
How NGOs can develop a quick Proposal Concept Note to apply for Grants to address the COVID-19 impact?
The COVID-19 or Coronavirus crisis has made a tremendous cross-sectoral impact across most of the countries around the world. The entire social, economic and cultural structure is gradually transforming into an unexpected reality. Poor communities have become more vulnerable to the basic issues of livelihood, hunger, housing and shelter.International and local donor agencies, corporates and governments have announced several new multi-million grant programs across different countries to address … [Read more...] about How NGOs can develop a quick Proposal Concept Note to apply for Grants to address the COVID-19 impact?
How to get started with Twitter?
Researches and user studies show that Twitter users raise much more funds online than those NGOs who don’t use Twitter. Apart from fundraising, it can also result in increased awareness about a cause, more active volunteer engagement, brand-building, and so much more. So here are the steps to get started with Twitter and make the best use of this platform:Define who you are:The first thing to do after opening an account on Twitter is to customize your account. Your account will define who you … [Read more...] about How to get started with Twitter?
How can small NGOs manage their fundraising?
Here are some tips on how to manage fundraising.1. Building TrustIn all aspects of grant management, problems can be avoided with clear and regular communications with grants officers. Put everything in writing!2. Observe project start and end dates for spendingDon’t make payments or enter into commitments before the agreed contract start date. All invoices must be dated between the official start and end dates. It is OK to spend right up to the of the end of contract date as long as the invoice … [Read more...] about How can small NGOs manage their fundraising?
My charitable organization works to support farming communities, and I am looking for grant funding!
Hey! You would be glad to know that the AGCO Agriculture Foundation (AAF) is inviting applications for grant funding in 2021 to Fight Hunger through Impact-Driven Agricultural Projects. The AGCO Agriculture Foundation (AAF), initiated by AGCO Corporation in 2018, is a private foundation with the vision to prevent and relieve hunger through agricultural development. They launched the Foundation to focus their philanthropy on impactful programs that help feed their steadily growing world … [Read more...] about My charitable organization works to support farming communities, and I am looking for grant funding!
Is Argentine Ministry of Foreign Affairs, International Trade and Worship accepting nominations for the International Human Rights Award?
Yes, the Argentine Ministry of Foreign Affairs, International Trade and Worship is accepting nominations for International Human Rights Award to recognize the work of foreign institutions and/or individuals residing abroad in the promotion and protection of Human Rights. In order to receive the Mignone Award, an invitation will be sent to the winning individual or to a representative of the winning organization to visit the Argentine Republic for a week. This includes economy class flight … [Read more...] about Is Argentine Ministry of Foreign Affairs, International Trade and Worship accepting nominations for the International Human Rights Award?
How to build long-term relationship with donors?
This article we will help you learn the basics of Donor Relation Management.What is Donor Relationship Management?Donor relationship management (DRM) is the process in which an organization strengthens the relationship with donors to enhance donor engagement and donor retention.DRM is a comprehensive approach that considers a lot of factors, taking note of which facilitates long term donor engagement leading to sustainable resources and funding opportunities.Methodology for effective DRMEngaging … [Read more...] about How to build long-term relationship with donors?
How can NGOs participate in Crowdfunding?
Here is a short and simple guide about the process and steps to plan one:Planning the campaign: Every successful activity has undergone meticulous planning first. So plan your campaign well in advance to make it successful. Plan the campaign timing, duration, and other details. Plan for human resource, which would mean both picking a team with suitable and enthusiastic people from your organization, and involving volunteers also. One can really say that in case of crowdfunding effort, ‘the more … [Read more...] about How can NGOs participate in Crowdfunding?
I want to receive donation for my NGO that works for mental well-being. Can you help?
Hi friend! I think that I have found something apt for you. To identify and support organizations and individuals working to promote mental health and well-being globally, the Khyentse Foundation is accepting applications for its Trisong Grants Program till 30-Sep-21. Grants are intended to help develop programs that are grounded in the principles of kindness and compassion. Although projects don’t need to be expressly Buddhist, they should share in values that alleviate suffering and … [Read more...] about I want to receive donation for my NGO that works for mental well-being. Can you help?
Could you please shed some light on New Voices Fellowship?
The New Voices Fellowship at the Aspen Institute is a year-long, non-residential program that provides intensive media and advocacy training for frontline development experts. With support from a team of experienced mentors and trainers, New Voices Fellows develop and amplify their ideas to bring about meaningful change. The Fellowship will recruit a total of 15-20 Fellows for 2022. They recruit Fellows who are development experts in fields such as food security, global health, human … [Read more...] about Could you please shed some light on New Voices Fellowship?
How to Create a Communications Plan for Your NGO?
What Is a Communications Plan?A communications plan is a document that guides the external communications efforts of an organization. It helps an NGO strategically focus its communication and outreach efforts around a certain set of goals – usually the mission and objectives of an organization. A communications plan is necessary to help an NGO effectively promote its work in the public and donors eyes.Communications plans help NGOs accomplish this in a number of ways. First, a plan assists an … [Read more...] about How to Create a Communications Plan for Your NGO?
Am I eligible to apply for the UN Correspondents Association Awards for Best Journalistic Coverage?
To apply for the UN Correspondents Association Awards for Best Journalistic Coverage, please read the following eligibility criteria: The UNCA awards are open to all journalists anywhere in the world. Work in print, broadcast (TV & Radio), and online coverage must be published between September 2019 and August 2021. The judges will look for entries with impact, insight, and originality, and will consider the courage and investigative and reporting skills of the journalists. … [Read more...] about Am I eligible to apply for the UN Correspondents Association Awards for Best Journalistic Coverage?
How NGOs can form a strategic plan?
Here is how to form a strategic plan for your NGO:Decide who will facilitate the discussions and who will participate. Ensure all key stakeholders participate in the process, as that is the best way possible to devise a strategic plan.The analysis must begin with an attempt towards understanding the internal environment, which means identifying strengths and weaknesses of the organization. What are the core strengths, core competencies of your NGO? Why are donors giving to your NGO? What makes … [Read more...] about How NGOs can form a strategic plan?
What is a Concept Note and why NGOs are required to develop it?
A concept note is the shortest expression of your project idea on a paper. It is a brief written note, giving an introduction to your project and your organization. If your NGO is seeking to raise funds for a project, then the first thing you would do is develop a short note of this project, explaining what it is and why it is required.Most donor agencies interested in providing funding support to NGOs prefer to receive an outline from them about the prospective project. As proposals are lengthy … [Read more...] about What is a Concept Note and why NGOs are required to develop it?
What career options are there in International NGOs?
Recent trends show that an increasing number of people are getting interested to work in the development sector. International NGOs offer the best opportunities for such people. NGO domain is a very vast and varied one, and one needs to find out which cause he/she relates with, which domain in particular would one want to work in, before exploring this arena to work.Undoubtedly, the international NGOs offer a huge scope for learning and gaining experience in the sector. Also, if someone wants to … [Read more...] about What career options are there in International NGOs?
What is an NGO?
The term "Non-Governmental Organization" (NGO) first came in to use in the year 1945. The term was coined during one of the conferences of The United Nations, as a measure to distinguish organizations from inter-governmental and member organizations.Though the term NGO received recognition only after 1945, studies suggest that several organizations were actively engaged against slavery, racism and women suffrage during the late eighteenth century.NGO is a broad term encompassing organizations, … [Read more...] about What is an NGO?
How will you ensure financial sustainability?
Develop a financial plan outlining the various options available for expanding your resource stream. You may have to undertake proper research to understand about the various options that can be used to maintain a steady flow of funds. Also this will help you to understand your potential donors and their priority areas. Some of the options that can be used by you are:Sale of product: Some of the products that your organization produces can be sold in the market. This may not be a huge amount but … [Read more...] about How will you ensure financial sustainability?
What are some ideas for developing organizational sustainability for my NGO?
The one ingredient that is essential for your organization to create long lasting impact is Sustainability. The term sustainability has gained significant popularity in policy-oriented research, business development and social sector over the last few decades. Sustainability, a word frequently used across several disciplines, has become part of our everyday lexis. Origin of the word Sustain dates back several centuries, from two latin words sus which means- up and tenere meaning to hold. The … [Read more...] about What are some ideas for developing organizational sustainability for my NGO?
What are the main features of an NGO?
NGOs are diverse entities and their features are mostly shaped by the socio-economic, cultural, political and legal situation of a country. However, generally speaking, we can list out the following features that are common among NGOs in most of the countries around the world.Non-Profit in functioning: An NGO is not meant for making profit for personal gain. In case a NGO conducts some revenue generating activity, the profit earned should not be distributed amongst the board members, instead it … [Read more...] about What are the main features of an NGO?
I am an entrepreneur looking for an opportunity to scale my products globally. Please assist!
Hi! You can apply for the Narrative Changers African Food Fellowship, to join the first cohort of entrepreneurs who are committed to scaling their products to the world. Key Benefits of the Fellowship Virtual sessions to enhance leadership skills Training on global best practices, business management, and operations. Insight into responsible sourcing, food safety, registration, trademarks, regulatory compliance, etc. Peer to peer support with a community of other entrepreneurs … [Read more...] about I am an entrepreneur looking for an opportunity to scale my products globally. Please assist!
I want to start an NGO that will contribute to poverty alleviation, is there any funding opportunity for me?
Yes, There is! The D-Prize offers an opportunity for you to design a new NGO or a business that delivers a proven poverty intervention at scale. Apply for the D-Prize to build a new organization and solve one of the Distribution Challenges. Many solutions to poverty already exist. The challenge is distributing to the people who need them most. The work identifies effective interventions, then activates entrepreneurs to scale delivery where distribution gaps exist. Challenges Health … [Read more...] about I want to start an NGO that will contribute to poverty alleviation, is there any funding opportunity for me?
What are the methods NGOs can adopt to become transparent and accountable?
Below is a list of methods through which NGOs can become accountable and transparent.Registration: Make sure your NGO has a legal status and is registered under a relevant legal framework. Registering your NGO will not help you in enhancing your accountability but would also enable you to interact with government agencies and diverse donors. Your chances of getting financial support and assistance will also increase.Accreditations and certifications: This refers to an external agency certifying … [Read more...] about What are the methods NGOs can adopt to become transparent and accountable?
How to develop the Vision and Mission for my NGO?
The Vision statement describes the goal that an organization aspires to accomplish in the long run. In other words, the vision statement is the summary of changes/impact you would bring into the lives of the community you work for. The vision statement should be expressive and well drafted so that it appeals to people and at the same time also gives direction to the NGO. While drafting the vision statement keep the following points in mind:Use simple language that can be understood by people of … [Read more...] about How to develop the Vision and Mission for my NGO?
What are the criteria for 2021 Human Rights Prize of the French Republic?
The Award criteria is mentioned below: The winners are selected having regard to the field actions they have carried out and the projects they intend to develop. These must be part of a logic of effective protection and promotion of human rights, as well as in the spirit of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights and the World Conference on Human Rights. At the end of a careful and rigorous examination, the jury appoints five laureates, who receive funds from the French Government … [Read more...] about What are the criteria for 2021 Human Rights Prize of the French Republic?
Are applications for the Narrative Changers African Food Fellowship open?
Yes, applications are open for the Narrative Changers African Food Fellowship. Key Benefits of the Fellowship Virtual sessions to enhance leadership skills Training on global best practices, business management and operations. Insight into responsible sourcing, food safety, registration, trademarks, regulatory compliance etc. Peer to peer support with a community of other entrepreneurs committed to scaling their businesses Support with market entry, supply chain packing, … [Read more...] about Are applications for the Narrative Changers African Food Fellowship open?
How to start an NGO?
Starting an NGO is a time-consuming process and requires a great deal of research, discussions, paperwork and expert advice. So before investing your time and energy into it, make sure that this is what you want to do. Devote time in meeting people who are engaged in NGO work and seek their help to understand all aspects of NGO management from them.Starting an NGO requires dedication and devotion towards the cause, so unless you are prepared to give in your best, do not start an NGO.Answer the … [Read more...] about How to start an NGO?
Which Foreign Embassies should approach to apply for grants?
Foreign embassies under various development cooperation programs organize small grants funding for NGOs in many countries. They can be a significant source of funding to address various socio-economic issues. Besides, their funding programs are usually small in scale but most flexible to implement. In this guide, we take a quick look at top foreign embassies and their grant programs and how your organization can learn more information on identifying and apply to such funding opportunities.US … [Read more...] about Which Foreign Embassies should approach to apply for grants?
How to write the Articles of Incorporation for my NGO?
Articles of Incorporation provide legal description to your NGO by establishing the existence of the organization as per government rules. The articles of incorporation define the purpose of your organization, along with describing the operational processes and membership details. The number of articles required will largely depend on the country laws. While drafting the article of incorporation, check with the government authorities about the various forms that you require to fill. Depending on … [Read more...] about How to write the Articles of Incorporation for my NGO?
Why is it necessary to have a Board of Members in an NGO? What are their functions?
A NGO board comprises of individuals who are appointed to provide oversight to the organization. As you proceed towards establishing the NGO, you will require advice from people who are experts in their respective field of work. To start with you can establish an initial board of comprising of 4- 5 individuals who are passionate about your cause and are willing to support your organization.The role of the initial board members will be to:Establish the organizations value, mission and vision … [Read more...] about Why is it necessary to have a Board of Members in an NGO? What are their functions?
I am looking for a funding opportunity that would support my art project. Please help!
Hi friend! You can apply for the Socially Engaged Art Support Grant Program and for this program applications are open till 10-Oct-21. The program aims to realize a better society through direct artist involvements with communities and societies, are attracting increasing attention among their approaches towards various controversies such as environmental issues, economic discrepancies, immigrant issues, and more others. Socially Engaged Art Support Grant will support Socially Engaged Art … [Read more...] about I am looking for a funding opportunity that would support my art project. Please help!
Am I eligible to apply for the Arab Council for the Social Sciences’s Research Grant Program?
To know whether you are eligible for the Arab Council for the Social Sciences's Research Grant Program, please go through the following eligibility criteria: This program is open to individual researchers, research teams, active research groups, and institutions. For the purpose of this call: The research teams include researchers from the same institutions, geographic regions, and disciplines, or from different institutions, geographic regions and disciplines, provided that they are … [Read more...] about Am I eligible to apply for the Arab Council for the Social Sciences’s Research Grant Program?
Does German Institute for Human Rights welcome proposals from individual researchers also?
Yes! The German Institute for Human Rights (DIMR) invites proposals from individual researchers, groups of individuals or institutions working in consortium for conducting a research project on human rights impacts of climate mitigation and adaptation policies / measures. This research project represents the beginning stages of DIMR's engagement with human rights impacts / risks in the context of climate change mitigation and adaptation. It is distinct from the question of direct human rights … [Read more...] about Does German Institute for Human Rights welcome proposals from individual researchers also?
How can I form an NGO Board?
Board members play a crucial role in the functioning of an NGO, and therefore, one should be careful while appointing them. It is a good practice to develop a systematic process for their appointment and selection.The board recruitment plan should clearly indicate the following:Number of board membersCriteria for selection of Board membersKey QualitiesTenure of a board memberTerms of Reference for the job.You can develop the recruitment plan to suit your organization's objectives. For instance, … [Read more...] about How can I form an NGO Board?
How can I use Project Activities to prepare my project’s budget?
As project activities influence the budgeting of your project, it is important to gain greater clarity about them. If you know the specifications of your project activities, then budgets can be developed more easily and more frequently. We will understand this from the following example.Let us say that you, as an NGO in Nepal, are proposing a project about building the capacity of civil society leaders in the country. One of the activities you will mention under this project is:‘Organize … [Read more...] about How can I use Project Activities to prepare my project’s budget?
Could you please tell me if there is any funding available for early-career researchers?
Sure! The is. I hope it might be relevant for you. For the Wellcome Early-Career Awards, nominations are now open! This scheme provides funding for early-career researchers from any discipline who are ready to develop their research identity. Through innovative projects, they will deliver shifts in understanding that could improve human life, health and wellbeing. By the end of the award, they will be ready to lead their own independent research programme. Award Information … [Read more...] about Could you please tell me if there is any funding available for early-career researchers?
How many categories do the IWA Water and Development Awards have?
There are two categories of the award, one for practice and one for research: The IWA Development Award for Practice celebrates outstanding accomplishments in the practice of forward-thinking applications and solutions to advance clean and safe water and sanitation in low and middle-income countries. These solutions can range from specific technologies and infrastructure to innovative approaches that improve performance, efficiency and sustainability in operations and maintenance. The award … [Read more...] about How many categories do the IWA Water and Development Awards have?
Is Ekhaga foundation accepting applications for its grant program?
Yes, applications are open for the Ekhaga foundation Grant Program to promote human health by supporting the development of better food, natural medicines and healing practices, and to support research for a healthier way of life, which in itself may have a disease preventive effect. A central idea is to focus more on preventive active care than reactive care to combat symptoms. The same applies to the agricultural and food areas where the focus should be to find methods that can prevent … [Read more...] about Is Ekhaga foundation accepting applications for its grant program?
How do I Write a Master Proposal?
You can draft the proposal using this template and then customize it to suit donor guidelines. For helping you develop your proposal, suitable examples have been used to describe the content of each section. Title Page: The title page typically contains the project title, along with contact details of the organization and the donor. Remember that the title of the project should be catchy and should capture the essence of the project proposal. The project title should provide a general idea of … [Read more...] about How do I Write a Master Proposal?
How can I start developing a project budget?
A project proposal has several components such as project goals, objectives, results, strategies and activities. With so many sections, how and from where you can start the process of developing a project budget.An ideal way of starting to develop a project budget is to look at your project activities. Although the project development process requires you to go back and forth from goals, objectives to strategies and activities and back again, but once your activities are ready, then you have … [Read more...] about How can I start developing a project budget?
How to manage an NGO in the time of COVID-19
In these unprecedented times when COVID-19 continues to spread and to impact almost every individual and organization across the world directly or indirectly, non-profit organizations or non-government organizations (NGOs) are also deeply affected now and in the times to come. As it is not yet clear what the current pandemic situation holds in future, it is important to balance the scale between panic and carelessness. Preparedness is key.Before we discuss how you may ensure the above, here are … [Read more...] about How to manage an NGO in the time of COVID-19
What goes into the content of a Concept Note?
If you are submitting a concept note to an organization as per the call for proposals or if it is a solicited concept note, they will have their templates to be used. If not, you can use the outline and sample template given in this book. But in either case, the outline and template given in this book will help you in putting the concept together, as most of the sections are certainly to be included in a concept note. While the outline can vary depending on the type of opportunity, type of … [Read more...] about What goes into the content of a Concept Note?
How to easily Write the Various Elements of Your Project Proposal?
Proposals are lengthy documents with various components, comprising of the background information, current situation analysis and the future projections. NGOs are expected to write every part of the proposal carefully with in-depth research, knowledge and detailed planning. In this free guide, we cover information about the various elements of a standard proposal to help NGOs apply for their grant funding.1. Cover PageA cover page is sometimes also referred to as the title page and as the name … [Read more...] about How to easily Write the Various Elements of Your Project Proposal?
