Fundraising: How the *$%! does it work? (the EU variety as an example)

It’s easy, really.

How can we beat rural poverty once and for all?

We know! We can do it! We rock !!!

The end.

Sadly…

Oh, and this.

So here’s how it really works.

The EU aid infrastructure

The policy.

Commission research needs EC says it needs agricultural research to tackle: poverty, the over 800 million malnourished, rising demand for food, pressure on land, and climate change. EC divides needs into 3 categories: new knowledge; new technologies; improvements to existing technologies that are “appropriate and accessible” and contextual evidence, since "what works in Malawi might not work in Bangladesh".

EC DEVCO commissioned IARD to study EU funding for research. Conclusion: the CG system gets too much funding Key official: “I’m tired of the ‘we need more research before we can do anything’ culture of the CGIAR.”

EC AR4D: conceptual pillars Exploring new strategic dimensions focused on innovation and value chains and engagement with the private sector. Delivering impact. understand the causes of uptake or non-uptake of interventions, the best ways of scaling up etc. is key. – Boosting NARS becoming key priority

Useful words in proposals Good governance: democracy, human rights, the rule of law and the empowerment of women Growth needs to be “inclusive and sustainable”, but focus is on new ways to engage with the private sector, blending grants with loans and guarantees. There is also strong emphasis on energy, with a link to climate change. New allocation criteria: poverty… but also capacity, and potential EU impact.

But… what if there is no call?

Don’t hunt… farm!

EC ODA programming procedure

Souce: ECDPM

A solid programming framework The programming instrument is sometimes called a MIP (Multiannual Indicative Programme) sometimes a Joint Programming Document Drafted in country on the basis of a dialogue between the government and the EU Delegation, and is signed off by Brussels. Details of the programming are developed by Delegation staff in collaboration with other donors and the recipient government.

Souce: ECDPM

So: a solid framework… The programming instrument is sometimes called a MIP (Multiannual Indicative Programme) sometimes a Joint Programming Document Drafted in country on the basis of a dialogue between the government and the EU Delegation, and is signed off by Brussels. Details of the programming are developed by Delegation staff in collaboration with other donors and the recipient government.

… or is it? Delegation staff: rotated every 4 years and may not have sectoral expertise. This leads to information asymmetry. – dealt with by hiring consultants to formulate texts. “Finding good ones is very hard. So the asymmetry of information is real. We lean on other partners who may have experts.” (EU Heads of Operations). – The need for external expertise is left to the personal appreciation of the EU delegation head. Brussels can ask for modification of the programming tools and signs off. Brussels sometimes interferes: for example, the EC Energy Commissioner insisted that Tanzania and a number of other countries focus on energy issues – and so the local programming had to be thrown out the window.

So… what should we do?

Influence the process!

1. Remember reality

2. Map your key donors

Central Asia’s biggest donors

3.Divide the job up. Between the right people.

4. Know your diplomatic calendar

5. Use all potential meeting opportunities The obvious ones: Diplomatic, government, NGO receptions Conferences, seminars The forgotten ones: School runs and activities Sports and fitness clubs Hobbies etc.

4. Remember what really matters.

5. Help your memory

6. Know who does what? Afterwards.

7. Hold your own events … but only AFTER you have built your contacts! – Or only the bored, the lonely and the obligated will come. Make them memorable – Meeting rooms? Boring! – If you have to present a PPT, get your most charismatic presenter to do it – Food and booze? Yes. But sit down. Follow them up!

How can I help?

Your reward? Donor intel ! Ability to influence donors ! Programmes that fit your strengths ! A growing reputation ! Money !!! …and… t

Thank you.