Having a good project matters, obviously – something based around solving a genuine problem within the target group or community. And elsewhere, we’ve discussed this – Problem Analysis, Stakeholder Analysis, and other steps to designing a project that genuinely gets results – positive changes for the stakeholders.

But organising those ideas into a well-organised concept note that persuades donors to support your project can be a challenge for many.

Your concept note / proposal needs to do three things.

Firstly, it has to convince the reader there is a problem that needs to be solved. Next, it has to show that there is a solution. And, finally, you need to convince the reader of your ability to make that happen.

So here’s a template you can use when organising your project ideas into a concept note / proposal that will persuade your donor of those things.

Click through for the videos.

Where did it come from?

What do we even mean when we say 'a result'?

Let me share a few short videos with you from our online Results-Based Management, Monitoring & Evaluation training so we know what we are talking about here.

Click through for the videos.

In a valley between two hill villages there's a place where the river widens and becomes still. A banyan tree provides shade and a focus for the women who come and go - girls collecting water, women doing laundry. Sujata, a community health worker, will often drop by when visiting a nearby project to sit and listen to the news and stories.

Beneath the tree it’s always busy. The women share stories, give each other advice. A small informal market has popped up, and women buy or trade produce with each other. Marriages have even been arranged here.

"What these people need are toilets", said the hygiene expert in his report.

His visit to the village had been brief but productive. Everything inspected, every box ticked. He'd looked at food preparation and water supply. He'd examined Health Post reports, and even had the data in colourful pie charts to show head office.

"Once we build those latrines", he thought to himself, "their health status will improve."