- Interview past and prospective beneficiaries. Though feedback was likely received when the previous project ended, new benefits and conditions may have arisen since that time. Speak to prospective beneficiaries to ensure that what you are planning to offer is desired and needed.
- Review past project proposals. Avoid repeating mistakes and offering to reproduce results that have already been achieved. Donors will be unlikely to provide more funding for something that should already have been done.
- Review past project evaluation reports. Don’t count on project members to remember all the mistakes and areas for improvement from previous efforts.
- Organise focus groups. Make sure that the people you need are willing and able to contribute.
- Check statistical data. Don’t let others discover gaps and inaccuracies in the data you are relying on.
- Consult experts. Outside opinions will give your ideas and credibility.
- Conduct surveys, etc. Gather as much preliminary information as possible to demonstrate commitment to the project and to refine the objectives.
- Hold community meetings or forums. When the public feels that they have been consulted on an issue, they will be much more likely to cooperate and support the project.
Skills to be developed
The training focuses on developing specific skills related to designing and completing good project proposals.
This guide offers instruction in:
- conducting preparatory work (see Figure 1);
- developing comprehensive and viable project plans by setting realistic goals and determining the resources needed;
- completing the project proposal package in order to provide funders with all necessary information;
- preparing and following up on project budgets; and
- writing budget reports
Contents
This guide covers the following topic areas:
- What is and what is not a project?
- What is a project design?
- How are project elements formulated?
- Which methods are best for planning a project?
- What is a project proposal?
- How is a project proposal written? (suggested format covering all
- the aspects of the project proposal)
It is a good idea for participants to familiarise themselves with the main terms of the proposal writing process found at right.
Delivering the Training
The guide should be used in combination with the activities presented in the training toolkit. Most of the guide’s content is designed in a way that can be used as a handout or reader for the participants during the training session. The trainer may, however, adapt it to the specific context and time frame of the training activity.
