Donor funding is crucial since it helps researchers implement their project ideas. To access these funds a well written proposal is required for consideration by potential donors. Organizations need to be able to develop high quality proposals to ensure the implementation of project ideas.

Proposal writing is a fundamental skill for anyone involved in seeking funding for projects, whether from government agencies, foundations, corporations, or international agencies. Once funding is secured, effective grants management becomes essential to ensure the successful implementation and sustainability of projects. It is the responsibility of the project management team to ensure that the limited resources are used optimally and efficiently to achieve maximum impact

The Proposal Writing and Grants Management Training Course is designed to provide participants with comprehensive knowledge and practical skills in two critical areas: proposal writing and grants management. These are essential competencies for individuals and organizations seeking to secure funding for their projects and effectively manage grants once awarded. Participants will learn to conduct needs assessments, define project goals and objectives, and develop logical frameworks that align with funder priorities.

Target Participants

This course is designed for professionals and organizations involved in grant seeking, proposal writing, and grants management, including: Nonprofit organizations, NGOs, Government agencies, Community-based organizations, Researchers, Program managers, Grant writers, Development officers and Project coordinators.

What You Will Learn

By the end of this course the participants will be able to:

• Understand the fundamentals of proposal writing and grants management
• Identify appropriate funding opportunities and develop targeted proposals
• Create compelling narratives and persuasive arguments in grant proposals
• Develop realistic budgets and financial plans aligned with funding requirements
• Oversee post-award start-up, operation, and closeout duties
• Ensure compliance with funder requirements
• Implement effective strategies for grants management, including monitoring, compliance, and reporting
• Enhance collaboration and communication skills for successful grant seeking and management

Course Duration

Online    14 Days

Classroom-based    10 Days

Course Outline

Proposal Writing Fundamentals

Introduction to Proposal Writing

• Understanding the importance of effective proposals
• Overview of the grant seeking process
• Types of funding sources: Government, Foundations, Corporations, and International Agencies
• Understanding donors’ requirements

Components of a Project Proposal

Project Rationale

• Project Background
• Needs Assessment including target population
• Project Justification

Project Overview

• Project Goal and Objectives
• Project Beneficiaries
• Critical Assumptions
• Project Strategies

Project Design

• Project theory of change
• Design of project results using causal pathway
• Project Activities; outputs and activities matrix
• Logical framework
• Performance measurement framework

Project Monitoring and Evaluation

• Monitoring plan
• Evaluation plan

Crafting Compelling Narratives

• Writing clear and concise problem statements
• Developing a theory of change or logic model
• Utilizing storytelling techniques to engage funders

Budget Development

• Understanding budget components: Personnel, Fringe Benefits, Travel, Supplies, etc.
• Detailed budget
• Cost Sharing
• Summary budget
• Justifying budget line items and ensuring alignment with project activities

Submitting the Proposal

• Funding agency forms
• Packaging, politicking and refunding
• Submission, traditional and online
• Tips for final checks

Proposal Review

• Proposal review criteria
• Proposal review process
• Grant agreement

Grants Management Essentials

Introduction to Grants Management

• Understanding the grants management cycle
• Roles and responsibilities of grant stakeholders
• Compliance and ethical considerations

Overview of Project Award Types

• Grants
• Contracts
• Cooperative Agreements
• Subcontracts

Types of Grants

• In-kind
• Standard
• Mixed

Grants Lifecycle

• Pre-Award activities
• Planning
• Proposal Submission
• Award of Grant
• Post-Award activities
• Implementation
• Monitoring and Evaluation
• Amendments
• Reporting
• Close out

Elements of Grants Application

• Grants Preparation and Planning
• Developing Goals, and Objectives
• Finalizing and Submitting Grants Application

Grants Budgeting

• Introduction to Grants Budgeting
• Grants Budget Elements
• Budget Development
• Budget Management

Accounting Essentials for Grant

• Accounting multiple grants/ awards
• Tracking of matching funds
• Accounting for in-kind contributions
• Developing account code structure

Compliance

• Financial and procurement rules
• Contractual agreement
• Donor compliance
• Legislative compliance
• Accounting Standards and Practices
• Community and cultural Compliance

Internal Control in Grants Management

• Control environment
• Risk assessment
• Control activities
• Information and communication
• Monitoring activities

Grants Reporting

• Financial
• Narrative
• Evaluations
• Amendments

Sustainability and Continuous Improvement

• Strategies for sustaining grant-funded programs beyond the grant period
• Evaluating program impact and outcomes
• Implementing feedback mechanisms for continuous improvement

Training Approach

This course is delivered by our seasoned trainers who have vast experience as expert professionals in their respective fields of practice. The course is taught through a mix of practical activities, presentations, group works and case studies.

Training notes and additional reference materials are provided to the participants.

Certification

Upon successful completion of this course, participants will be issued a certificate.

Tailor-Made Course

We can also do this as a tailor-made course to meet organization-wide needs