Is a concept note an idea for a project?

No the term ‘Concept Note’ is often misleading as it implies that it is just an outline of an idea. The reality is that a Concept Note is actually a first stage preliminary proposal that funders use to assess if a proposal is good enough to be invited to put forward a full application. Most concept notes are an application form with set questions that still require a project to be fully thought through. Therefore, if you are intending to respond to a funding opportunity that requires a Concept Note, it is wise to develop your project fully before you will in the form.