The Bid Writing Boot Camp
Cluster 3

This is an online version of our highly successful live event. Firstly, we will look at the components of good project design – this is about the substance you are writing about. Is the content of good quality? Is there a sound project planning process?

We will then introduce the logic behind developing a Theory of Change, in order for you to include these in your proposals and understand this process within your organization. We will also introduce the principles of monitoring and evaluation so that you can develop these sections within your work.

We will also share some change management techniques which will help you with the tricky challenges of building a bid development team.

As well as experienced professional grantseekers, the Bid Writing Boot Camp is ideal for CEOs and project managers who have to submit complex proposals for the funding of their organisations or projects.

Pod 3.1: Results Based Project Design

All winning proposals are built upon sound project management principles, it’s worth understanding these.

Learning Outcomes:

• Ability to describe the five elements of Results Based Management.

• Ability to design projects in a high quality and robust manner.

Process:

We’ll explain the differences between Impacts, Outcomes, Outputs, Activities and Inputs and reveal how a logically consistent project needs to be constructed. These principles of good project design can then easily be converted into funding proposals. Without these ingredients, even the most gifted writer can’t convert a flawed project into a successful funding proposal.

Pod 3.2: Introduction to Theory of Change

An increasingly common fundamental within all proposals. All grantseekers have to grasp these principles.

Learning Outcomes:

• Ability to understand the principles and structure of a Theory of Change

• Understand all of the key terms and acquire a basic level of expertise.

Process:

Theory of Change is a fundamental part of the international development landscape and it is becoming a more common requirement for UK grantseeking. As grantseekers, we need to know the principles and terminology, so that we can contribute to building a Theory of Change and clearly present it within a funding proposal.

Live online workshop times and dates can be found on our booking platform

Pod 3.3: Introduction to Monitoring Evaluation and Learning

An essential component in any funding proposal or report; as grantseekers, we need to understand the logic beneath Monitoring and Evaluation systems.

Learning Outcomes:

• Understanding the principles of monitoring and evaluation.

• Ability to describe M&E effectively within your proposals. To answer that application question accurately and specifically

Process:

We’ll share and develop a common understanding of the key terms and the processes of Monitoring and Evaluation. We will then practice answering typical application form questions so that they are truthful an memorable.

Pod 3.4: Managing the Bid Writing Team

It’s not just about the writing – maintaining collaboration and keeping everyone heading in the same direction is a massive challenge.

Learning Outcomes:

• Ability to use a planning to tool to assess the commitment of your colleagues and devise plans to improve the functioning of the team.

• Ability to use forcefield analysis to set aims and implement changes to the team activities and behaviours.

Process:

As grantseekers, we rarely have line management authority over everyone in the bid development team. This pod will introduce two proven change management techniques that will help you to build and maintain a functioning team, that will take that bid ‘over the line’. We’ll use a case study as the central learning process, then guide you on how to apply these tools in your own context.

‘The training was incredible, thank you! I was learning and processing information and then applying my newfound knowledge in my day to day work immediately. Much of the stuff discussed I had heard of, but never received concrete teaching and practical opportunities to really work out what the various terms mean (e.g. outputs, outcomes) and for me, the big one, was theory of change – the training has given me confidence, as well as valuable knowledge.’

Kate Barnard, Ronald McDonald House - Evelina