Project Development And Proposal Writing Course

Course Description

The Project Development and Proposal Writing Course is an intensive 10-day program designed to equip participants with practical skills for designing development projects and writing compelling funding proposals. This course emphasizes the core principles and methodologies of project planning, logical framework development, and results-based management, coupled with hands-on techniques for crafting winning proposals tailored to donor expectations.

Participants will learn how to conceptualize projects, align them with donor priorities (such as the Sustainable Development Goals), and present them in formats that increase funding success. Whether you work in NGOs, government agencies, or consulting firms, this course offers essential knowledge to drive successful project development and secure donor support.

Course Objectives

• Gain a comprehensive understanding of the project development lifecycle.

• Learn to identify needs and formulate project ideas based on situational analysis.

• Acquire skills in logical framework (logframe) and results-based management (RBM).

• Master the structure and language of persuasive proposals.

• Understand donor priorities and align proposals with funding criteria.

• Develop budgets and work plans that reflect project goals and deliverables.

• Enhance proposal writing, editing, and packaging skills.

• Learn to integrate cross-cutting issues such as gender, environment, and sustainability.

• Improve stakeholder engagement and participatory project design.

• Strengthen internal review and quality assurance processes for proposals.

Organization Benefits

• Increased capacity to design impactful, fundable projects.

• Enhanced success rates in competitive grant applications.

• Greater internal alignment of programs with strategic and donor objectives.

• Improved project budgeting, scheduling, and resource allocation.

• Strengthened institutional credibility and partnerships.

• Access to proven templates, checklists, and donor communication strategies.

• Better monitoring, learning, and adaptation through clear project logic and indicators.

• Improved documentation of needs assessments and baseline data for proposals.

Who Should Attend

This course is ideal for:

• Project Developers and Coordinators

• Proposal Writers and Grant Officers

• NGO and CSO Staff

• Fundraising and Business Development Officers

• Program Officers and Managers

• Donor Liaison Officers

• M&E Practitioners involved in design stages

• Development Consultants

• Government Officials and Technical Advisors

Course Duration

10 Days

---

Course Outline

Module 1: Introduction to Project Development

• Principles of project design and proposal writing

• Understanding the development context and problem identification

Module 2: Needs Assessment and Situational Analysis

• Conducting participatory needs assessments

• Using data and evidence to justify project design

Module 3: Stakeholder Analysis and Engagement

• Mapping stakeholders and their influence

• Participatory approaches to project design

Module 4: Theory of Change and Results Frameworks

• Developing a theory of change

• Building a logical framework matrix

Module 5: Project Planning and Design Tools

• Goal-setting, objective formulation, and SMART indicators

• Work breakdown structure and Gantt charts

Module 6: Proposal Writing Fundamentals

• Elements of a winning proposal

• Structuring proposals: executive summary, background, methodology, and implementation plan

Module 7: Budgeting and Financial Planning

• Budget development and justification

• Costing, value for money, and donor compliance

Module 8: Donor Landscape and Proposal Customization

• Understanding different donor requirements (USAID, EU, UN, etc.)

• Adapting your proposal to specific calls for proposals

Module 9: Monitoring, Evaluation, and Learning (MEL)

• Designing MEL frameworks for proposals

• Indicators, means of verification, and data collection plans

Module 10: Gender, Environment, and Inclusion

• Mainstreaming cross-cutting issues in project proposals

• Tools for integrating gender equality and environmental sustainability

Module 11: Proposal Review and Editing Techniques

• Ensuring clarity, consistency, and logic

• Proofreading and avoiding common proposal writing errors

Module 12: Packaging and Submitting Proposals

• Preparing annexes and required documentation

• Submitting via donor portals or platforms (e.g., grants.gov, e-procurement)

Module 13: Common Reasons for Proposal Rejection

• Lessons learned and how to improve resubmission chances

• Real-world examples of successful and unsuccessful proposals

Module 14: Communicating with Donors and Partners

• Managing pre- and post-submission engagement

• Responding to donor questions and preparing for interviews

Module 15: Fundraising Strategy and Sustainability Planning

• Building a pipeline of opportunities

• Planning for long-term project sustainability

---

General Notes

• All our courses can be customized to meet participant needs.

• Proficiency in English is required.

• The course features hands-on exercises, practical group work, and expert facilitation.

• Participants receive a certificate from Stepsure Training and Research Institute upon completion.

• Training is available in-house or online, based on client preference.

• Course duration is flexible and can be adjusted as needed.

• Course fees include facilitation, training materials, refreshments, buffet lunch, and certificate.

• Participants are responsible for travel, visa, and personal costs.

• Group discounts available for two or more participants.

• For inquiries: info@stepsureresearchinstitute.org | +254 723 482 495

• Website: www.stepsureresearchinstitute.org