Proposal Writing Skills (PWS)
كتابة مقترحات التمويل
This training program is designed to equip participants with the necessary skills and knowledge to craft compelling and competitive proposals within to seek funding. The program provides a comprehensive understanding of the proposal writing process, including:
- Key components of successful proposals.
- Defining clear objectives of a proposal
- Ensuring innovation, sustainability, and effective communication of ideas
- Increased Success Rate: By equipping participants with the knowledge and skills needed to write successful project proposals, the organization may see an increase in the number of funded projects. This could lead to direct financial gains from grants, contracts, or tenders.
- Enhanced Project Implementation: A well-written proposal with detailed activities and clear timeframes increases the likelihood of successful project implementation. This can lead to better project outcomes, including the delivery of expected results and the generation of positive impacts.
- Cost Savings: Effective budgeting and financial planning skills acquired through the training can help optimize resource allocation and minimize unnecessary expenses during project implementation. This can contribute to cost savings for the organization.
- Long-Term Sustainability: Investing in staff development through training programs fosters a culture of continuous learning within the organization. Employees equipped with the knowledge and skills gained from the training are more likely to contribute to the organization’s long-term success and sustainability.
This training is beneficial for professionals involved in project planning, fundraising, business development, or seeking to secure resources or funding for their initiatives, including:
- Project Managers: Responsible for planning, executing, and closing projects.
- Grant Writers: Working in nonprofit organizations, government agencies, or research institutions.
- Communications and Advocacy Managers: Communicating organizational goals and mobilizing support.
- Researchers: Securing funding for research projects.
- Business Development Managers: Identifying new business opportunities and partnerships.
- Consultants: Providing expertise and advice across various industries.
- Engineers and Technical Professionals: Securing funding and proposing technical solutions.
- CLICK HERE for date of next course
- Type: Classroom/Hybrid/Online/On-Client Premise
- Duration: 20 Hours
- Language: English and Arabic
Topics/Objectives:
Day 1: The Blueprint & The Donor’s Mindset
Module 1: Decoding the Call & Donor Psychology
Objective: Understand what the donor actually wants
– Horizon Europe, Erasmus+ vs. Private Sector
– How to read the “Call for Proposals” (Eligibility criteria, Award criteria)
– The 90-second rule: How evaluators scan your proposal
Module 2: The Problem Tree vs. The Solution Tree
Objective: Draft a data-driven problem statement
– Moving from “Feelings” to “Data”
– Cause and Effect analysis
– Writing the “Problem Statement” (The hook)
Day 2: The Logical Framework (LogFrame) & Objectives
Module 3: The Logical Framework (LogFrame)
Objective: Build a LogFrame matrix
– Goal vs. Purpose vs. Outputs vs. Activities
– Objectively Verifiable Indicators (OVIs)
– Assumptions and Risks
Module 4: Writing SMART Objectives & Expected Outcomes
Objective: Draft SMARTER objectives
– Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Relevant, Time-bound, Evaluated, Rewarded
– How to quantify “soft” outcomes (capacity building, awareness)
Workshop: Methodology & Work Plan
Objective: Build a feasible 12-month work plan
– Gantt Charts (Excel) vs. Narrative description
– Detailing activities step-by-step
– The “Work-Life Balance” of a project timeline
Day 3: Budgeting & Sustainability
Module 5: Financial Planning & Budgeting
Objective: Create a budget table and narrative
– Direct costs vs. Indirect costs (Overheads)
– Cost sharing (In-kind).
– Budget narratives: Justifying your expenses.
Module 6: The Sustainability Section (The “After the Grant” Plan)
Objective: Write a sustainability plan
– Financial sustainability (Income generation, diversification)
– Institutional sustainability (Capacity retained)
– Policy/Political sustainability
Module 7: Innovation & Added Value
Objective: Identify key innovative aspects in existing projects
– What makes a proposal “Innovative”? (Technology, process, partnerships)
– How to write the “Added Value” section
Day 4: Executive Summary, Review & Submission
Module 8: The Executive Summary (The “Mini-Proposal”)
Objective: Draft a compelling Executive Summary
– Writing the summary LAST (not first)
– The “Elevator Pitch” in 1 page
Final Workshop: Peer Review & Donor Simulation
Objective: Apply evaluation criteria practically
– Participants present a specific section to the group
– The group acts as the “Evaluation Committee”
– Scoring using a mock evaluation grid
Module 9: Submission Process & Common Mistakes
Objective: Avoid automatic rejection
– Administrative errors (Formatting, margins, page limits)
– Online portals (Proposal submission systems)
– Cover letters and attachments
Prerequisites
- Writing and communication skills, proficiency in English (as all proposals are submitted in English).
- Knowledge in budgeting and financial management, understanding of financial planning, cost estimation, and budget development.
- Ability to work collaboratively in interdisciplinary teams.
