Before developing your program idea into a concept note, it is worthwhile to invest time and energy into conducting proper research. Research plays an important role in enriching your concept note and brings depth to your writing too. Typically, you might need to put in some research on the following aspects: Needs assessment: It would mean using primary and secondary research to build the context, to define the problem and to establish the need for the solution that your program is … [Read more...] about How to research ideas before preparing a concept note?
Should I include a project budget in my concept note?
Include a budget in your concept note only if required by the donor at this stage. You will need to conduct detailed background research and in-depth analysis of the inputs and resources required to implement the program activities to gauge the costs. If including a budget as per the donor template or your own, always add the word ‘tentative’ or ‘preliminary’ to the budget at this stage, as many additional costs may come into the picture or many might be modified at the later stages of detailing … [Read more...] about Should I include a project budget in my concept note?
What should be the writing style of a concept note? Any tips around formatting?
Your concept note must be simple, clear and concise. It must not be overwhelming for the donor with loads of details, but at the same time, it must display clarity and coherence in the idea and all the sections. Use technical language when needed, but avoid using complicated language and jargon. The language must be easily understood by the person reading your concept note. Pay attention to detail as this concept note is going to create your first impression in the donor’s mind. Make sure you … [Read more...] about What should be the writing style of a concept note? Any tips around formatting?
What additional elements can make my concept note stand out?
Aside from paying attention to a solid project design, crisp and well-articulated sections and meeting the eligibility and application criteria, some ‘nice to have’ additional detailing and fine-tuning of your concept note ideas can be the cherry on the top. To enrich your concept, you can include the ‘soft’ and long-term aspects of the impact your program can have. Some examples are: gender inclusion, capacity building, inclusion and customizing as per the local context, ensuring a long-term … [Read more...] about What additional elements can make my concept note stand out?
What are the contents of a concept note?
Here is a brief template with section and subsection headings that one can use for preparing a concept note if a template is not already provided by the donor. The outline can vary depending on the type of opportunity, type of format or template, type of the project to be described, and so on, and this is a general outline that may be used as it is or by picking the most relevant points: Title of the project; Project or Program Summary; Organization Profile; Background or Problem … [Read more...] about What are the contents of a concept note?
What are the various types of concept note submission opportunities for NGOs?
The various types of concept note submission opportunities for NGOs are: ‘Calls for Concept Notes’ opportunities: Many donor agencies solicit concept notes on a periodic basis which can be semi-annual, annual, etc. Most of them publish the ‘Call for Concept Notes’ on their websites, other web-portals, their regular publications, and sometimes in the print media. These are open to NGOs based on the qualifying criteria. Some examples of such organizations are USAID, European Commission, … [Read more...] about What are the various types of concept note submission opportunities for NGOs?
What are the key elements of a concept note?
A concept note must cover the following key elements: It must convince the donor that there is a problem that needs to be addressed. Second, it must describe the solution for the problem that you are proposing. Lastly, your concept note needs to demonstrate your ability and credibility as an organization to solve this particular problem by implementing your solution. The structure and templates for a concept note must ensure these three basic elements are covered in it. To this end, in … [Read more...] about What are the key elements of a concept note?
How to Identify, Manage and Motivate Fundraisers for Your Organization?
Fundraising is one of the most important tasks for an NGO. Donors’ funding will ensure that your planned activities take place and that your organisation can pursue its main long-term goals. As such, to select the right candidates for a fundraising team is of utter importance. The main aim of this short guide is to advice NGO members on how to advertise a fundraising job vacancy, how to shortlist and select the right candidates, and how to manage the created team to improve the overall … [Read more...] about How to Identify, Manage and Motivate Fundraisers for Your Organization?
What is a concept note? and how long should a concept note be?
Essentially, a concept note is a summarized version of a project proposal and must include a brief description of the project goal/s, objectives and overall approach or strategies to be followed to achieve the stated goal and objectives. It must display an outline or framework of the development program that you are seeking funds for. It must be kept in mind that your concept note is the first opportunity to make the first impression on a donor. The preparation and submission of a concept … [Read more...] about What is a concept note? and how long should a concept note be?
What areas of work will attract Large Funding for NGOs?
Here is what the sector experts and trends as observed over the last few years reflect.Sectors attracting more funding:With global changes taking place around the social, political and environmental issues, and giving preferences of individuals and donor agencies, the sectors that attracted more funding over the years are bound to shift. The last two decades saw a huge amount of funding in the health sector, HIV/AIDS and related areas, and then gradually education, skill-building and livelihoods … [Read more...] about What areas of work will attract Large Funding for NGOs?
What are some online and offline fundraising tips for NGOs?
Here is a video that offers some tips that have worked for some organizations and will surely help you to maximize your funding efforts. To help you in various methods of fundraising we have divided the guide into two sections; the first section deals with tips to help with conventional fundraising methods while section two deals with tips to enhance online fundraising. … [Read more...] about What are some online and offline fundraising tips for NGOs?
What are the tips to boost funding efforts?
Most often fundraising efforts of organizations go futile because of improper planning and lack of effective fundraising strategies. No matter how effectual an organization is in implementing field projects, they generally have to struggle when it comes to raising funds.Section 1: Tips for enhancing conventional methods of fundraisingPlan well in advance: Planning is the key and that’s why do not wait till your project comes to an end. Start planning at least a year in advance, so that you have … [Read more...] about What are the tips to boost funding efforts?
What is Donor Relation Management?
Donor relationship management (DRM) is the process in which an organization strengthens the relationship with donors to enhance donor engagement and donor retention.Most often NGOs hire fundraising officers or consultants to take care of resource mobilization, but neglect the area of donor retention or relation building. You don’t have to hire any expert to manage your relations with Donors, all you need is a clearly defined plan and possess effective communication tools. With the advances in … [Read more...] about What is Donor Relation Management?
What is Succession Planning?
Non-profits have so much to worry about these days, like finding funds, acquiring and retaining donors, core work, projects and activities. Being occupied with so many things at once does not let the non-profit organizations ‘think’ like an organization sometimes. People working at non-profits end up feeling that they have much more to look for outside the organization, rather than inside it. Management pioneers have stressed on the need to develop strategic thinking, developing and nurturing … [Read more...] about What is Succession Planning?
Why are the concepts of transparency and accountability important for NGOs?
Transparency and accountability are core values deeply embedded in an NGO. Since NGOs exist for carrying out voluntary work, it is expected that their actions demonstrate honesty, responsibility and answerability.According to Transparency International, "Transparency is about shedding light on rules, plans, processes and actions. It is knowing why, how, what, and how much. Transparency ensures that public officials, civil servants, managers, board members and businesspeople act visibly and … [Read more...] about Why are the concepts of transparency and accountability important for NGOs?
Can you give me a list of management policies used by NGOs?
Here is a checklist of policies and other management systems necessary for NGOs to run effective organizations and mobilize resources for development work. Organizational Chart for your NGOEqual Employment Opportunity and Affirmative Action Statement in NGOsLeadership Succession Plan for your NGOHuman Resource Management System for NGOsJob Descriptions for NGO StaffPersonnel PolicyCommunications PolicyComputer PolicyProcurement PolicyFixed Assets PolicyFinance PolicySource: … [Read more...] about Can you give me a list of management policies used by NGOs?
How to Get Core Funding?
What is core funding?Core funding is usually defined as financial support that covers basic “core” organizational and administrative costs of an NGO, including salaries of non-project staff, rent, equipment, utilities, and communications.Why is core funding important?Core funding is important for the long term financial sustainability of an NGO and its effective functioning. There are many important long-term benefits of core funding to consider:Improving project quality.Help reduce staff … [Read more...] about How to Get Core Funding?
How to research ideas before writing the Concept Note?
Before developing your program idea into a concept note, it is worthwhile to invest time and energy into conducting proper research. Research plays a vital role in enriching your concept note and brings depth to your writing too. Typically, you might need to put in some research on the following aspects:Context setting and needs assessment: It would mean using primary and secondary research to build the context, to define the problem and to establish the need for the solution that your program … [Read more...] about How to research ideas before writing the Concept Note?
Any available grant funding that addresses poverty and inequality?
The Fund for Innovation in Development (FID) is inviting innovators and researchers from around the world to apply for grant funding to more effectively or efficiently address poverty and inequality. Through flexible grant funding, FID enables innovators and researchers to test new ideas, build rigorous evidence of what works, and scale the highest-impact and most cost-effective solutions. What they fund? Open Innovation: FID takes a broad view of innovation, considering any solution … [Read more...] about Any available grant funding that addresses poverty and inequality?
I need more details on Africa Young Leaders Program, could you please provide it?
Please find the required details below: The Women in Africa (WIA) is launching the first edition of the Women in Africa (WIA) Young Leaders program, developed in collaboration with its partners Dior and Lazard. Through this program, WIA and its partners want to support and promote young African women leaders. In 2021, five selected Young Leaders will benefit from an international support program. The goal is to roll out this program every year, with the vision of opening it up to more than … [Read more...] about I need more details on Africa Young Leaders Program, could you please provide it?
Who is eligible to apply for the Climate Action Fund?
Hi, they are looking to invest in community-led partnerships that are made up of a mix of organizations from different sectors. They can fund both new partnerships and ones that have already been set up. At this stage, they are looking for the organization that is best placed to speak on behalf of the partnership, and it must be one of the following types of eligible organizations: Voluntary and community organization; Registered charity; Charitable incorporated organization (CIO); … [Read more...] about Who is eligible to apply for the Climate Action Fund?
Which grant focuses on delivering equal rights for LGBTI persons?
The Embassy of the Netherlands in Bucharest has launched an open call for project applications within its delegated Human Rights Fund that focuses on awareness-raising on LGBTI rights. Other focus areas are: Freedom of expression and internet freedom – activities focusing on investigative journalism; access to data and information; the fight against fake news and disinformation; Freedom of religion or belief – activities focusing on the promotion of tolerance and awareness raising … [Read more...] about Which grant focuses on delivering equal rights for LGBTI persons?
What should one keep in mind while managing NGO finances?
Below are some of the standard systems followed and mentioned in the financial policy manual:Bank Receiptsa) All receipts are to be acknowledged by issuing an official receipt. The date of receipt, its accounting and the date of deposit of the check/draft to the bank account should be the same. The relaxation can be only in view of banking hours or bank holidays.b) The bank deposit slip should be attached with the Receipt Voucher.c) No receipt should be issued on the last day of the month if the … [Read more...] about What should one keep in mind while managing NGO finances?
How Marketing and Communication Strategies can help NGOs achieve Fundraising Success?
Marketing mix is used as a tool by the managers to design marketing plans and to achieve desired results. It comprises of 4 Ps: Product, Place, Price, and Promotion. Drawing a parallel with NGOs:The Product for an NGO is the cause or idea it supports or a core programme or project. Price is the budget to be asked to the donor, the project or program cost. Promotion refers to all the methods of communication that a marketer may use to provide information to different stakeholders about the … [Read more...] about How Marketing and Communication Strategies can help NGOs achieve Fundraising Success?
Which grant program is aimed at developing the skills of women and young girls?
Nuffic has announced a grant program to develop and/or strengthen the skills of women and/or young girls to inspire the autonomy and agency of the intended recipients. This Orange Knowledge Programme is a 5-year global development program, aimed at strengthening professionals and organizations through education and training. It contributes to the goals of the Netherlands’ development cooperation policy, in which education plays a significant role. It focuses on the priority themes of the … [Read more...] about Which grant program is aimed at developing the skills of women and young girls?
How much will Civic Europe offer to the winning ideas for tackling societal challenges?
Civic Europe gives the winning ideas a funding opportunity and comprehensive non-monetary support from the end of 2021 until the end of 2022: The Civic Europe Idea Challenge supports up to 20 ideas with grants of up to €35,000 each. Moreover, and more importantly, following the idea of systems thinking, the CE Idea Challenge doesn’t merely support its winning ideas through funding. It leverages their potential impact through a combination of interconnected interventions in three … [Read more...] about How much will Civic Europe offer to the winning ideas for tackling societal challenges?
What exactly does the Young Edmonton Grants Program support?
The Young Edmonton Grants Program provides local youth with funding to turn their ideas into reality. ECF supports a wide range of sectors, community needs, organizational needs, and types of projects and programs. Each application will be evaluated holistically on its own merits, considering whether the applicant has demonstrated: Likelihood of a benefit to the greater Edmonton area; An appropriate plan; The capacity to implement the project; A reasonable budget and … [Read more...] about What exactly does the Young Edmonton Grants Program support?
I am a Jordan-based journalist and looking for a Reporting Grant that maintains the ethics of good journalism, could you please update me?
Hi, why don’t you apply for Zenith magazine’s new stipend program – “Reporting Grant 2021”, supported by the Federal Foreign Office of Germany. The Zenith is calling for stories to be pitched that demonstrate a clear connection to the ever-accelerating climate heating/climate change and its effects on the region. There are no limitations regarding the subject of your story, but the applicant pitch will be evaluated with the following criteria in mind: The topic is urgent, … [Read more...] about I am a Jordan-based journalist and looking for a Reporting Grant that maintains the ethics of good journalism, could you please update me?
How to establish Effective Governance in Your NGO?
The principles of good governance hold true in the dynamic environment the NGOs face today as the issues of accountability, transparency, responsibility, disclosure practices and organizational relationships among the board and stakeholders have come to the forefront in the case of NGOs.It is thus advisable for NGOs to follow good governance practices, to strengthen its own internal structure, to avoid any crisis arising out of poor governance, and to establish the public image and credibility … [Read more...] about How to establish Effective Governance in Your NGO?
What do funders look for in a grantee?
All grant making organisations have their own ways of working, but almost all of them approach the grant making decision process in a relatively similar way. All funding organisations want to know certain pieces of information such as how your organisations values align with theirs, your track record and the impact that your proposed project will make on the community. This short guide will provide you with an insight into how grant makers reach decisions and how you can position your next grant … [Read more...] about What do funders look for in a grantee?
How can your Volunteers help you in raising funds?
Here are some ways in which volunteers can help you in raising funds for your organization: 1. Bringing in passion and enthusiasm: 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 usually bring a lot of new ideas to the table. Make sure you are able to put these to use. You might have a fundraising … [Read more...] about How can your Volunteers help you in raising funds?
Could you inform me about the grant opportunities that offer seed grants to small NGOs?
Sure, please have a look at the following opportunities: WE Empower UN SDG Challenge: An Opportunity to receive a $20,000 Grant Deadline: 15 April 2021 The WE Empower Challenge honors innovative women leaders from around the world who are pushing the SDGs forward through sustainable business practices and inspiring others to follow suit. The opportunity recognizes their innovative work and provides Awardees with capacity-building training sessions and opportunities to connect with an … [Read more...] about Could you inform me about the grant opportunities that offer seed grants to small NGOs?
Has UNESCO recently launched any grant opportunity?
Hi, please go through these below-mentioned opportunities which UNESCO has recently opened: Call for Applications: International Fund for Cultural Diversity 2021 (100,000 USD in funding) Deadline: 16 June 2021 The United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) is seeking applications for its International Fund for Cultural Diversity (IFCD). Established under the 2005 Convention on the Protection and Promotion of the Diversity of Cultural Expressions, the IFCD … [Read more...] about Has UNESCO recently launched any grant opportunity?
By when can I apply for the ‘Teach for Romania’ program?
Hi, hurry up as you are left with only a few days, The deadline to submit applications for the ‘Teach for Romania’ is 02-Apr-21 What is the 'Teach for Romania’ program all about? Teach for Romania is a program that contributes to the transformation of society by getting involved in education, starting with the transformation in the classroom, school, and community, who seek meaning in their work, have lived or seen inequity, and want to contribute to reducing or eliminating it, which I … [Read more...] about By when can I apply for the ‘Teach for Romania’ program?
What to do if your grant proposal is rejected?
Grant proposal writing is the “Go big or go home” of the fundraising world. When successful it can regenerate entire organisations and communities. When it goes wrong you have potential lost hundreds of hours of work and investment with very little to show for it.Our experience actually shows that in some cases receiving a letter of rejection from a grant making foundation is not always the end of the road. We’ve compiled a series of actions you can take to revive your application if you receive … [Read more...] about What to do if your grant proposal is rejected?
What are the challenges and problems in writing proposals for raising funds for my NGO?
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?
Could you mention some open grant opportunities for NGOs to conserve and promote water resources?
We have compiled a list of open grant opportunities for NGOs to conserve and promote water resources, please have a look: $3 Million Prize fund for Empowering Innovations in Health, Food, Energy, Water Deadline: 6 May 2021 The Zayed Sustainability Prize, the UAE’s pioneering global award for rewarding impact, innovation, and inspiration, has officially announced that the 2022 edition is now open for submissions. The Prize fund comes from the Abu Dhabi Government as a way to honour and … [Read more...] about Could you mention some open grant opportunities for NGOs to conserve and promote water resources?
My Zimbabwe-based organization work towards ending the Malaria endemic, is there a grant available for me?
Yes, The UNOPS is pleased to launch a call for proposals to Provide Implementation Support to Malaria Endemic Countries. Objectives of the program are to Provide support to Zimbabwe, Burundi, and DRC Ministries of Health in-country activities in the process of launching and rolling out of their ZMSWM campaigns. Provide in-country support to Rwanda and Zimbabwe Ministries of Health in rolling out the use of Malaria Matchbox in order to identify barriers to access to malaria … [Read more...] about My Zimbabwe-based organization work towards ending the Malaria endemic, is there a grant available for me?
NGOs can look forward to which funding program to tackle issues such as adolescent pregnancy, trafficking, abused girls, etc.?
Hi, if your NGO works to promote the well-being of women and girls then you can apply for the grant program of Women’s Fund of Hawaii. The priorities of this program are, The Foundation gives to a wide range of programs, particularly those that promote women’s financial security and dignity, and girls’ strengths and leadership. The Foundation fund organizations that address factors that can stand in the way of women and girls’ success, including: Abused/Neglected Girls; … [Read more...] about NGOs can look forward to which funding program to tackle issues such as adolescent pregnancy, trafficking, abused girls, etc.?
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?
Has UNESCO recently launched any call for nominations?
Yes, The United Nations Educational Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) has launched the call for nominations for the 2021 UNESCO Prize for Girls’ and Women’s Education. The UNESCO Prize for Girls’ and Women’s Education honors outstanding and innovative contributions made by individuals, institutions, and organizations to advance girls’ and women’s education. It is the first UNESCO Prize of this nature and is unique in showcasing successful projects that improve and promote the … [Read more...] about Has UNESCO recently launched any call for nominations?
What is it that Innovating Justice Challenge will offer in 2021?
HiiL’s Justice Accelerator offers you a 4-month long program that provides you with: €10,000 non-equity seed funding. Full training program delivered by industry specialists: business growth, marketing, team & leadership, impact measurement and much more. Coaching sessions and mentorship on topics of your choice. Access to HiiL’s global network of justice leaders, legal tech organisations and top level researchers. International exposure and potential investment … [Read more...] about What is it that Innovating Justice Challenge will offer in 2021?
The objective of which program is to provide clean and safe water?
The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) is soliciting applications from eligible applicants to provide training and technical assistance for rural, small, and tribal publicly owned wastewater treatment works and decentralized wastewater treatment systems for the prevention, reduction, and elimination of pollution. Funding is expected to be available to provide training and technical assistance for rural, small, and tribal publicly owned treatment works and decentralized wastewater … [Read more...] about The objective of which program is to provide clean and safe water?
I own a green start-up in Sweden, I need some support, which opportunity shall I look forward to?
Hi there, thanks for contacting us, the 15th edition of the Postcode Lotteries Green Challenge has been launched to support Green start-ups from the Netherlands, Germany, Great Britain, Norway, and Sweden. This is one of the biggest annual competitions in the field of sustainable businesses. With this competition, the Postcode Lotteries help start-ups from Germany, Great Britain, the Netherlands, Norway, and Sweden (countries where Postcode Lotteries are located) to bring their green … [Read more...] about I own a green start-up in Sweden, I need some support, which opportunity shall I look forward to?
