Making a good funding application to the Scottish Government 15 December 2011

Focus on: Needs Assessment & Budgeting

Needs assessment activity - 15 mins Needs Assessment and Budgets 4 case studies: Rate the needs assessments – 1 best, 4 worst – and why: record Rate budgets – 1 best, 4 worst – and why: record Who would you fund? Chose one project

Stage 1 – before the form Needs Assessment: Who will benefit /why them? Do you know what they want? Did you ask them? What priorities did this consultation identify? Is there also demand? How can you be confident the service will be used? Local consultation is key – by whom/when

Other evidence of need Statistics? Local partner experience / past experience? Show knowledge of local and national context and strategies Don’t rely on anecdotes/general statements – it has to be specific to that group of people, that area, that context, recent assessment

Need vs demand What is the difference? Which are indicators of need and which of demand? But...identifying need is not enough in itself. Will there be a demand for your project?

Identifying need Many layers Issue – general /global targets – e.g. MDGs Country context Local situation Up to date Quantify with statistics and illustrate with stories Understanding of ‘what works’ locally

Identifying Need - Example Overall Need Improved maternal health/MDG 5 – reduced maternal deaths Beneficiary needs could include Better access to pre-natal screening and checks Trained personnel attending at birth Improved hygiene and access to treatments for infections around birth Improved nutrition Etc.... But how does your project fit local needs...?

Stage 2 – filling the form At least three of the questions relate in some way to needs assessment / why your organisation thinks your project is needed

Stage 2 – filling the form 25.How does your project fit with the priorities of the Malawi Growth and Development Strategy I? Show how your project will complement these priorities. You may also wish to refer to District Development Plans, if relevant and appropriate. Maximum word limit, 250 words.

Stage 2 – filling the form 29.Please describe the problem that your project will address and state clearly the reasons why this project is needed. You should provide detail on how the need for the project was derived and the expected impact of this work. (this Q also has other parts) Needs Assessment results & statistics: what is the issue(s) and why this project?

Stage 2 – filling the form 31.What needs analysis or assessment has your organisation carried out in relation to the development priority issue that your project is designed to address? Maximum word limit, 250 words. NEEDS Assessment process: who/when/how IMPORTANT – not just about statistics and strategies – real people and places

Budgeting

Budgeting – before the form Key budget lines: staffing; running costs; project delivery costs – workplan related Don’t forget... – Real costs of managing projects – staff supervision; monitoring and evaluation; staff training; partner capacity building – Inflation – Exchange rate fluctuations and charges – Diversity and participation costs

Budgeting – the form The quality of the budget shows your organisation’s: Attention to detail Experience Accuracy – make sure numbers add up Ability to translate plans into practice Paced growth and realism ALWAYS DOUBLE CHECK and keep a copy

Budgeting – the form How much should you apply for? What will your activities cost: detailed costings of workplan not round figures What is realistic for your organisation: paced growth; management capacity What should you apply for? Check what is eligible - guidance capital costs, vehicles Flights Scottish staff costs Financial years: April-March Scottish Government funded vs Other funding Match funding – useful but not required