Course Details

M&E for Project Proposal Writing Training Course

INTRODUCTION

This essential training course provides comprehensive knowledge and practical skills for integrating robust Monitoring and Evaluation (M&E) components into compelling project proposals. Recognizing that strong M&E sections are crucial for demonstrating accountability, proving impact, and securing funding from increasingly discerning donors, this program equips participants with a systematic approach to articulating clear objectives, designing measurable indicators, and outlining credible evaluation strategies. Participants will gain deep insights into donor expectations, logical modeling, and evidence-based planning, all crucial for developing winning proposals that showcase a clear path to results. This course is ideal for project developers, grant writers, NGO staff, M&E specialists, and anyone responsible for crafting impactful funding applications.

DURATION

10 days

TARGET AUDIENCE

This course is specifically designed for professionals involved in developing and writing project proposals and funding applications across various sectors, including:

• Project Developers and Program Designers.
• Grant Writers and Fundraisers.
• NGO and Civil Society Organization (CSO) staff.
• Monitoring and Evaluation (M&E) Specialists supporting proposal development.
• Business Development Managers seeking project funding.

OBJECTIVES

Upon completion of this course, participants will be able to:

• Understand donor expectations for M&E in project proposals.
• Articulate clear and measurable project objectives and results.
• Design robust indicators aligned with proposal goals and donor requirements.
• Develop a credible M&E plan for inclusion in project proposals.
• Increase the competitiveness of their project proposals by strengthening M&E sections.

MODULES

Module 1: Understanding the Role of M&E in Proposal Writing

• Define the critical link between strong M&E and successful grant applications.
• Explore donor perspectives on M&E and what they look for in proposals.
• Discuss how M&E demonstrates accountability, effectiveness, and value for money.
• Understand the common pitfalls of weak M&E sections in proposals.
• Examine the strategic advantage of integrating M&E from the outset.

Module 2: Deconstructing the Project Idea into a Results Framework

• Learn to clearly define the problem statement and proposed solution.
• Understand the hierarchy of results: inputs, activities, outputs, outcomes, and impact.
• Discuss how to articulate a compelling project goal and specific objectives.
• Explore the relationship between the problem analysis and the desired change.
• Practice mapping out a basic results chain for a project idea.

Module 3: Developing a Strong Theory of Change for Proposals

• Understand the purpose of including a Theory of Change (ToC) in a proposal.
• Discuss how ToC visually explains the project's intended causal pathways.
• Explore methods for articulating assumptions and external factors within the ToC.
• Examine how ToC strengthens the logical coherence of a proposal.
• Learn to succinctly summarize a ToC for proposal submission.

Module 4: Crafting Measurable Indicators for Proposals

• Understand the characteristics of good indicators (SMART: Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Relevant, Time-bound).
• Differentiate between output, outcome, and impact indicators in a proposal context.
• Discuss how to select indicators that directly measure project objectives.
• Explore methods for identifying baselines and setting realistic, yet ambitious targets.
• Practice drafting indicators tailored to specific project activities and outcomes.

Module 5: Designing the M&E Plan Section of the Proposal

• Understand the essential components of a well-structured M&E plan for a proposal.
• Discuss how to outline data collection methods aligned with indicators.
• Explore strategies for ensuring data quality and ethical considerations in the M&E plan.
• Examine the proposed frequency and types of M&E activities (e.g., monitoring visits, surveys, evaluations).
• Learn about budgeting for M&E activities within the project proposal.

Module 6: Building an Evaluation Strategy for Proposals

• Understand donor expectations for evaluation in project proposals.
• Discuss different types of evaluations (e.g., mid-term, end-of-project, impact evaluation) to include.
• Explore how to articulate the evaluation methodology and design (e.g., experimental, quasi-experimental, qualitative).
• Examine the role of independent evaluators and their proposed engagement.
• Learn about communicating anticipated learning and utilization of evaluation findings.

Module 7: Articulating M&E Roles, Responsibilities, and Capacity

• Clearly define the roles and responsibilities for M&E within the proposed project team.
• Discuss how to demonstrate the organization's existing M&E capacity and experience.
• Explore strategies for addressing M&E capacity gaps, if any, within the proposal.
• Examine the importance of dedicated M&E personnel or external support.
• Learn to present a credible M&E management structure.

Module 8: Reviewing and Refining the M&E Section for Impact

• Understand how to critically review the entire M&E section for clarity, coherence, and completeness.
• Discuss techniques for ensuring alignment between objectives, activities, indicators, and budget.
• Explore strategies for making the M&E section compelling and persuasive to donors.
• Examine common mistakes in M&E proposal sections and how to rectify them.
• Learn about adapting M&E language and depth to specific donor requirements and guidelines.

CERTIFICATION

• Upon successful completion of this training, participants will be issued with Macskills Training and Development Institute Certificate

TRAINING VENUE

• Training will be held at Macskills Training Centre. We also tailor make the training upon request at different locations across the world.

AIRPORT PICK UP AND ACCOMMODATION

• Airport pick up and accommodation is arranged upon request

TERMS OF PAYMENT

Payment should be made to Macskills Development Institute bank account before the start of the training and receipts sent to info@macskillsdevelopment.com