Fundraising Strategy and Proposal Writing Training

Background & Rationale 

The consultancy takes place under the "Youth with Disabilities (YwD)" project, co-funded by DCI and implemented in partnership between Asmae (INGO) and its local partner SCALE (2022-2025). The project has focused on promoting inclusive socio-economic development for youth, including youth with disabilities, in Chouf area. The project was initially planned to conclude by the end of February 2025, but in June 2024, while DCI informed Asmae that the project will not be renewed for a second phase, a proposed fund was allocated to implement an exit strategy by the end of the project which ensures a smoother transition for SCALE and maintains the project's impact.

Therefore, Asmae with SCALE together initiated an exit strategy process, set to begin on March 1^st, 2025, and conclude by the end of June 2025. This process will focus on ensuring the sustainability of the project’s outcomes and facilitating a smooth transition of responsibilities to local stakeholders. This strategy outlines key pillars that will guide SCALE in continuing its mission independently, ensuring that the work carried out under the YwD project remains impactful.

• One of the pillars concerns the development of a Fundraising Strategy and Proposal Writing Training, object of the present terms of reference.

Implementing partners

Asmae-Association Soeur Emmanuelle (Asmae) is a French international NGO, specializing in child and youth development. Independent, secular, and apolitical, it is open to all. Founded in 1980 by Sister Emmanuelle, based on her experience with rag pickers in the slums of Cairo,. Asmae's actions aim to support vulnerable children, youth and their families through personalized and continuing support for local actors working in the fields of education and child protection. Asmae has been operating in Lebanon through local partners since 1986. The organization is currently collaborating with five Lebanese NGOs, working in and around Beirut, Naher El Bared, Mount Lebanon (Chouf), and Ain El Helwe camps, with some activities also taking place in other parts of Lebanon.

SCALE by NRDC (National Rehabilitation & Development Center) is the main partner for this project. It has provided people with disabilities with a range of medical, social, and educational services since its inception in 1986. The Technical Institute was launched in 2018 to offer technical education in an inclusive environment. NRDC's main areas of interventions are: Education, Healthcare, Child Protection, Social Integration, Disabilities, Training, Capacity Building, Case Management, Technical and Vocational Training, Learning Disabilities, Rehabilitation, and Therapies. On the 8th of November,2022 NRDC changed the name of the Center to SCALE (Specialize Center for Accessible Learning and Education)

Overview of the main objectives

This consultancy aims to:

• Equip participants with a solid understanding of fundraising and proposal writing techniques.
• Address challenges faced by professionals in fundraising and proposal development.
• Enable participants to develop fundraising strategies and write concept notes/proposals effectively.
• Present an effective fundraising strategy by the end of the consultancy with all staff aware of it and able to implement.

After the training, participants should be capable of:

• Developing and implementing a fundraising strategy.
• Identifying relevant funding opportunities.
• Writing compelling and well-structured proposals aligned with donor expectations.

Methodology and Topics

The consultancy must adopt a participatory approach, taking into consideration SCALE’s needs, ambitions and specificities in each step of the consultancy and for each deliverable. It will require deep understanding of SCALE’s organisation, to develop tailored approaches. The following topics are expected to be covered during the consultancy:

Fundraising Assessment for Scale

• Evaluate current funding sources (private and institutional)
• Analyse donor relationships and engagement
• Assess fundraising goals
• Benchmark against organizational standards
• Identify opportunities for new revenue streams

Workshop to plan the following training topics

Understanding and developing fundraising strategies (institutional and private donors)

• Fundraising strategies and planning
• Identifying potential donors and funding opportunities
• Donor -relationship building
• Online fundraising and crowdfunding
• Leveraging digital platforms for fundraising
• Managing donor databases and tracking progress
• Strategies for finding relevant funding opportunities
• Understanding donor priorities and requirements
• New trends in the humanitarian sector
• Go / No-Go decision
• Identify staff roles in fundraising efforts

Understanding the Basics of Proposal Writing linked to fundraising

• Introduction to proposal writing
• Key components of a successful proposal
• Different types of proposals and their purposes
• Building partnerships and collaborations for joint proposals
• Collaborative proposal development
• How to tailor proposals to fit specific funding sources

Developing a proposal steps, sections and methodologies:

• Writing a clear and concise executive summary
• Articulating the organization's mission and vision effectively
• Outlining goals, objectives, and expected outcomes
• Identifying the problem and its significance
• Presenting evidence and data to support the proposal
• Demonstrating the organization's capacity to implement the project
• Describing the project activities and timeline
• Emphasizing the importance of a thorough proposal review
• Preparing proposal packages for submission
• Meeting submission deadlines and following donor guidelines

Budgeting and Resource Planning

• Preparing a detailed project budget with a narrative budget

Funding allocation and partner distributions

• Demonstrating cost-effectiveness and efficiency
• Resources allocations, regulation, and compliance

Organizational Capacity and Sustainability

• Demonstrating the organization's capabilities and expertise
• Outlining strategies for project sustainability beyond the funding period
• Strategies for long-term financial sustainability
• Developing clear exit strategies for donor-funded projects
• Fostering local ownership and community engagement

Risk Assessment and Mitigation

• Identifying potential project risks and challenges
• Developing risk mitigation strategies in proposals
• Demonstrating flexibility and adaptability in uncertain environments

Feedback and Follow-Up with Funders

• Navigating post-submission communication with funders
• Incorporating funder feedback into proposal revisions
• Strategies for successful proposal resubmission, if required
• Learning from both successful and unsuccessful proposals

Logical Framework Approach (LogFrame) in Proposal Design

• Understanding the components of a Logical Framework
• Developing clear project objectives, outcomes, outputs, and activities
• Differentiating between outputs, outcomes, and impacts
• Methods for assessing long-term project impact
• Linking the LogFrame to the proposal narrative and budget

Indicators and Measurement in Proposal Writing

• Defining SMART indicators for project success
• Understanding qualitative and quantitative data
• Incorporating reliable data sources and data collection methods

Monitoring and Evaluation (M&E) Framework

• The importance of M&E in project implementation
• Designing an effective M&E plan
• Utilizing M&E findings for adaptive management
• Outcome and Impact Assessments and evaluations

Ethical Considerations in Fundraising and Proposal Writing

• Understanding ethical guidelines and best practices
• Avoiding conflicts of interest and misrepresentations
• Maintaining transparency and accountability throughout the process

Developing of Fundraising Strategy with SCALE

• Define Fundraising Goals
• Identify Potential Funding Sources
• Segment Donor Base(individuals, foundations, corporate partners, etc.)
• Develop a Case for Support
• Create Donor Engagement Strategies
• Plan Grant Writing and Proposal Submissions
• Design a Budget for Fundraising Activities
• Set a Timeline with Milestones
• Assign Roles and Responsibilities
• How to Monitor and Evaluate Fundraising Efforts

Target Participants

The training will be provided to SCALE staff from different level (Board, management, field and technical). (10 participants in total)

Tasks and expected deliverables

please check the table in the attached TOR