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 Budgets4 case studies: • Rate the needs assessments – 1 best, 4 worst – and why: record• Rate budgets – 1 best, 4 worst – and why: recordWho 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 strategiesDon’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 needMany 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 NeedImproved maternal health/MDG 5 – reduced maternal deathsBeneficiary 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 form29.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 form31.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 formThe quality of the budget shows your organisation’s:Attention to detailExperienceAccuracy – make sure numbers add up Ability to translate plans into practicePaced growth and realism

ALWAYS DOUBLE CHECK and keep a copy

Budgeting – the formHow much should you apply for?

What will your activities cost: detailed costings of workplan not round figuresWhat is realistic for your organisation: paced growth; management capacity

What should you apply for?Check what is eligible - guidance

capital costs, vehiclesFlightsScottish staff costs

Financial years: April-MarchScottish Government funded vs Other fundingMatch funding – useful but not required