Beginner’s Manual for Project Proposal Writing 101
Not Another Boring Handbook: Learn to Write Successful Projects The RYCO Local Branch Office in Serbia in cooperation with the OSCE Mission to Serbia publishes the “Beginner’s Manual for Project Proposal Writing 101”. This Manual is conceptualized to support the advancement of project writing skills for the successful design of projects and initiatives that can connect the Western Balkan youth. It supports beginner practitioners to understand the structure of grant proposals, develop project elements and create inclusive youth projects. By offering a practical resource, the Manual includes a variety of exercises and tools on the topic. Most importantly, it draws on lessons learned from several trainings organized by RYCO and the OSCE field operations in the Western Balkans. The three thematic parts which lay at the center of the “Beginner’s Manual for Project Proposal Writing 101” are: ● Unwrapping grant-making logic and understanding processes behind the grant life cycle; ● Highlighting the importance of participation and diversity in youth mobility projects; ● Guiding through major project elements and technical aspects of project writing. RYCO and the OSCE Mission to Serbia hope that this Manual will serve as an important companion to all interested individuals, organizations and secondary schools.
Not Another Boring Handbook: Learn to Write Successful Projects
The RYCO Local Branch Office in Serbia in cooperation with the OSCE Mission to Serbia publishes the “Beginner’s Manual for Project Proposal Writing 101”.
This Manual is conceptualized to support the advancement of project writing skills for the successful design of projects and initiatives that can connect the Western Balkan youth. It supports beginner practitioners to understand the structure of grant proposals, develop project elements and create inclusive youth projects.
By offering a practical resource, the Manual includes a variety of exercises and tools on the topic. Most importantly, it draws on lessons learned from several trainings organized by RYCO and the OSCE field operations in the Western Balkans.
The three thematic parts which lay at the center of the “Beginner’s Manual for Project Proposal Writing 101” are:
● Unwrapping grant-making logic and understanding processes behind the grant life cycle;
● Highlighting the importance of participation and diversity in youth mobility projects;
● Guiding through major project elements and technical aspects of project writing.
RYCO and the OSCE Mission to Serbia hope that this Manual will serve as an important companion to all interested individuals, organizations and secondary schools.
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Beginner’s manual Project proposal writing 101
Co-financing
Co-financing or co-financing rate is defined as a percentage of the total value of the project. This
means that many calls for proposals foresee only partial funding of the total value of your project.
In this regard, your contribution may also come from applying to two or more donors. While co-financing
through multiple donor funds is pretty standard, it may also come at a cost in other ways
– become starvation instead of salvation. More donors mean also more reporting, different visibility,
financial, and contractual rules that can become a challenge for less experienced applicants.
Therefore, depending on specific circumstances (such as your own capacity, your partnerships
or percentage needed), you should carefully assess co-financing.
Budget cash flow planning
Along with the expenses and when they occur, you should also plan the inflow – the timing and
amount of the sum given by the donor (usually by making a payment to your account in several
tranches).
Pay attention to the difference
Cash flow forecast is a projection, detailing
when the receipts and payments that
are likely to occur.
A budget details what will be done with
the actual finances for a specific period of
time.
When planning the activity dates, keep in mind the date when the donor will send the first tranche
(often 80% of the entire amount) to have that money at disposal for activity implementation. Similarly,
expect for the final 10-20% to be provided upon the project’s end, after you have submitted
both financial and narrative reports. Planning on how to remain liquid in that period is very
important. For instance, you may delay requests for payment when the balance is sent, in particular
because you are waiting for the balance of the grant to be able to pay this expenditure.
This situation is mostly acceptable in EU projects, if you have provided reassurance that the debt
(invoice or equivalent) exists, as long as services or goods are actually supplied during the lifetime
of the project.
Mind the fact that some donors allow for certain expenses to be reported with unpaid bills, while others
don’t. Nowadays, there are software and applications which can assist you in accurate financial
management. Depending on the donor’s policy, you may even budget to use them your project.
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