Volume 3 of this learning kit is composed of three sessions which guide the user on writing proposals and proposal budgets, preparing the Executive Summary, and submitting and following up on proposals. Volume 3 presents a comprehensive plan to implement the following three sessions:
Session 8. Writing full proposals This session presents how to proceed from a well prepared concept note that has been approved by an internal committee to a full proposal. It also assists the participants in learning possible basic proposal format for organizations and identifies factors that contribute to improving the quality of convincing proposals such as objectives and activities sections, impact evaluation and milestones, etc. This session presents exercises to be implemented during the session to facilitate learning among participants through practicing how to develop related skills.
Session 9. How to write proposal budgets This session introduces tips on preparing good proposal budgets, including budget formats and guidelines, and emphasizes qualities of a good budget. Participants will carry out practical exercises to make sure that knowledge is increased and skills are developed.
Session 10. Preparing Executive Summary. Submitting, following up, etc. This is a very important session to guide the workshop participants on how to package their full proposal document. It emphasizes the importance of preparing a good covering letter and a strong Executive Summary for a proposal. This session also assists the participants in getting acquainted with mechanisms to track the proposal, the value of a donor relations office, the importance of negotiating with donors, the value of monitoring and evaluating projects and the elements that constitute a good report to donors. The participants will practice exercises to master these important aspects of packaging and following up a proposal to donors.
While implementing Volume 3, it is recommended that the leading facilitators carry out the following activities: 1. Pre-session. To review the previous sessions’ activities through the identified participants (see Volume 1, Pre-Workshop Plan section, item 4) to assess the progress of the workshop. At the same time, the facilitator should summarize and present the results of the participants’ feedback received the previous day to the audience.
2. This learning plan suggests a time frame for all sessions of this learning kit. It aims to facilitate the implementation of activities by the learning facilitators. Remember to consider the suggestions of time frame in the plan of respective sessions.
3. The learning plan recommends including 15 minutes – during the morning and afternoon sessions – for the participants to have tea/coffee breaks, which promotes socialization and consequently a great atmosphere for learning.
4. In addition, the learning plan strongly recommends that the participants undertake PAPA and Feedback exercises daily, at the end of the sessions. The total amount of 15 minutes will be enough to complete the two forms to carry out this exercise. This learning kit provides specific forms to complete PAPA and Feedback, at the end of each Volume.