NGO support toolkit (English)  >  Partner and project selection 

Project design and selection

Project design and selection encompasses a number of steps which, depending on the NGO/CBO support programme (NSP), may occur in a different sequence. Some NSPs will work with potential partners to conduct needs assessments before progressing to project design. This may then result in the development of a written proposal that is considered in a project selection process. Other NSPs may not be involved in the project design process and may begin grant programming at the project selection stage, using proposals developed by NGOs and CBOs on their own. In this case, it may be instructive to look at the proposal development process followed by the NGO or CBO, and assess whether the process was participatory and/or consultative as part of the selection criteria.

Issues to consider

• Small CBOs and NGOs may not have the resources or capacity to conduct full and participatory needs assessments and project design processes. They may need technical support and financial support (eg a small grant to pay for a needs assessment) to improve the quality of the project design.
• Some NGOs and CBOs may be unwilling to commit the time and resources needed to conduct participatory assessments without some commitment or assurance of future funding from the NSP. They may also be (rightly) concerned about raising expectations within their community that may not be later fulfilled.

Related themes

Design & planning

Project management

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