Topic 2: A structured Go-No-Go process
Implementing a structured Go-No Go process is essential for evaluating funding opportunities objectively and making informed decisions. Here’s how to establish and utilise such a process effectively:
| Assess the probability of success | Evaluate the likelihood of securing the grant based on factors such as the competitiveness of the opportunity, your organisation’s track record, and the alignment of your project with the funder’s priorities. |
| Match the project/organisation with opportunity | Consider whether your project or organisation is a good fit for the funding opportunity in terms of geography, thematic focus, target population, and other relevant criteria specified by the funder. |
| Assess your capacity to handle the grant | Assess your organisation’s capacity to manage the grant effectively if successful. Consider factors such as administrative capacity, financial management systems, and staff resources needed to implement the proposed project. |
| Resources and time requirement | Determine the resources and time commitments required to prepare a competitive proposal, including staff time, budget preparation, and any other logistical considerations. |
| Deadlines | Ensure that you are aware of the proposal submission deadline and have sufficient time to prepare a high-quality proposal without rushing. |
| Capacity for project delivery | Evaluate whether your organisation has the capacity to deliver the proposed project effectively, considering factors such as staff expertise, infrastructure, and partnerships. |
Once you have gathered this information, evaluate the opportunity using a structured decision-making framework. If the assessment indicates a favourable outcome, proceed with the proposal development process or in other words ‘Go’. If not, it may be prudent to redirect resources and efforts towards more viable opportunities, or in other words ‘No Go.’.
Activity
After reviewing the previous section on donor mapping and the structured Go-No Go process, take a moment to reflect on your organisation’s current approach to funding opportunities:
How well does your organisation currently integrate donor mapping into your decision-making process for pursuing funding opportunities?
Consider the following points:
- Are you effectively leveraging donor mapping to identify potential funders that align with your mission and objectives?
- Do you have a structured Go-No Go process in place for evaluating funding opportunities, and how does it incorporate donor mapping?
- What are some areas for improvement in your approach to donor mapping and the Go-No Go process, and how can you address them to enhance your effectiveness in securing funding?
Take the time to consider these questions and reflect on how your organisation can refine its approach to funding opportunities based on the insights gained from donor mapping and the structured decision-making process outlined in the previous section.
