NGOs are used to preparing funding proposals for various funders. However, it is unlikely that funders would provide substantial feedback or provide the reasons for declining the applications. In this regard, it is rather difficult to understand the requirements of funders or to improve or enhance the proposal content.  

This course aims to facilitate participants to understand the funders’ perspectives, include their consideration, the vetting and assessment process of private foundations. Participants will also learn some practical writing skills and ways to enrich the project content. 

• To enhance participants’ capacity in preparing funding proposals
• To understand the essential elements to be included in a funding proposal
• To increase participants’ understanding of the requirements and concerns of funders when they vet or assess the proposals

• Work procedures of government and family/private foundations in handling the applications
• Key components of a funding proposal and the important points to note
• Skills in presenting complicated project ideas precisely and concisely 
• Preparatory work before writing the proposal
• How to review and evaluate your funding proposals
• The follow-up process after submitting the application and something you should be aware of 
• Consideration of funding agencies and factors which influence the chance of success
• Fatal mistakes that should be avoided
• Sharing among the participants of their application experiences  
• In-class exercise
  (To optimize the learning experiences, participants are encouraged to bring along one funding proposal, either soft copy or hard copy, that they have previously prepared to the class. The proposal is only for your own reference and would not have to be shared with the trainer or other participants.)