If your objectives and activities are at hand, it is easier to identify and write down the expected results in the proposal. While writing down the results, it is always better to categorize them in different ways:
- Outputs
- Outcomes
- Impact
Outputs are the immediate results of any activity. For example, if your organization conducted a workshop for an indigenous group of women on human rights, then the output of the workshop will be “a greater understanding of human rights gained by the indigenous group of women.”
Outcomes are results that show up after a certain period of time. For example, after the workshop, if indigenous women gather on their own and launch a movement to demand for their rights, then it is definitely an important “outcome” of your project.
Impact is a longer projection of your activity. It can take longer time to achieve it. For example, if the Government or the local authority agrees to bring out legislation to recognize the rights of indigenous women, then it is a long-term “impact” of your work.
With the three types of information, you can answer both the questions under V. Results and Sustainability. Sustainability can automatically get integrated if participation of the communities is ensured from the initial stage of the project. A sense of ownership remains throughout the project period and the community will ultimately take over the project after the support is ended.
The Partnerships section can be developed if the project is part of a bigger program where there are other donors involved.
