Introduction to Proposal Writing for NGOs: Building Essential Skills in Project Design, Budgeting, and Donor Alignment
Speaker
Youssef Haj Ali
Country Director, GCEOA Lebanon
Youssef Haj Ali is an accomplished executive with deep expertise in strategic planning, business development, and international NGO management, focusing on project implementation, donor relations, organizational restructuring, and socio-economic development. Now, as Country Director for GCEOA Lebanon, Youssef oversees strategic planning aligned with global objectives.
Speaker
Sandy El Zakhem
Senior Programme Manager, GCEOA Lebanon
Sandy El Zakhem is a seasoned technical advisor and program manager with over 12 years of experience in the humanitarian and development sectors, particularly in Lebanon. She has a proven track record in successfully implementing projects, engaging with stakeholders, and leading teams across organizations like GIZ, Relief International, and UPEL. Her expertise spans program design, monitoring and evaluation (M&E), capacity building, budget management, and donor relations.
Date: May 29 & May 30, 2025
Time: 9:00-11:00 AM CEST
Registration: May 12 to 28, 2025
CIFAL Lebanon is pleased to present an introductory webinar on proposal writing for NGOs, designed to strengthen participants’ ability to craft effective project proposals and align them with donor expectations. This capacity-building session supports broader efforts to enhance fundraising capabilities and contribute to sustainable development goals through strategic grant-seeking.
The discussion will cover the core elements of proposal writing, from developing compelling goals and problem statements to designing activities, drafting budgets, and understanding donor alignment. Through this webinar, participants will gain practical tools to improve their readiness for grant opportunities and increase the impact of their project proposals.
What to Expect
The webinar will begin with an overview of the function and importance of proposals in the NGO sector, followed by guidance on how to identify different types of donors and align proposals with their priorities. Participants will be introduced to key stages of proposal development, including internal coordination, timeline planning, and donor mapping techniques. There will be an audience poll to help gauge participant engagement and knowledge, as well as a Q&A session at the conclusion of the first day.
In our second session, the focus will shift to writing core proposal sections, such as the executive summary, background, goals, objectives, KPIs, and timelines, along with a brief introduction to budgeting, monitoring and evaluation, and risk mitigation planning. The webinar will also provide tips for writing concept notes and conducting donor analysis. The session concludes with an open Q&A, offering participants the chance to clarify key concepts and apply insights into their own work.
Who should join?
This webinar is open to NGO professionals, local organization staff, early-career development practitioners, and anyone seeking to improve their skills in proposal writing and fundraising. Whether you're new to grant writing or looking to strengthen your organization’s funding strategy, this session will provide practical tools and guidance for designing competitive proposals and navigating donor engagement.
Certification Policy: Participants of this webinar will be eligible for a certificate based on the conditions below:
- Certificate of Participation: Participants must attend at least 75% of one day of the program. This certificate will include a signature from CIFAL Lebanon.
- Certificate of Completion: Participants must attend at least 75% of both days of the program and complete the short assessment. This certificate will include signatures from CIFAL Lebanon and the United Nations Institute for Training and Research (UNITAR).
Please note: Only registered participants will be eligible to receive a certificate. To ensure your participation is recorded, please register using the link below or by clicking the "Register Now" button at the top right corner of this page.
Join us for this foundational training to build your proposal writing skills, explore donor strategies, and strengthen your organization’s capacity to access funding and drive sustainable impact.
For inquiries, please contact:
info@cifal-lebanon.com
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