How to make a successful call for projects for your organization?
Organizing a call for projects is a powerful approach to support innovation and strengthen engagement within your organization. But how do you go about it to launch an initiative that will attract the best projects? This article reveals a methodology in 3 key steps to you, from the definition of objectives to the dissemination of the call, to put all the odds on your side. You will also discover practical advice to write a clear and convincing call for projects, and set up an effective selection process.
Summary :
1- Prepare your call for projects
2- Write a convincing call for projects
Prepare your call for projects
Define the objectives and the project framework
Defining the objectives and the framework of your call for projects well is a key step to ensure its success. Here are the key points to keep in mind:
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Clarifying the purpose: what is the ultimate goal of this call for projects? Support a cause, stimulate innovation, solve a specific problem? A clear vision will guide the whole approach.
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Determine the perimeter: on what scale will the project are deployed (local, national, international)? What structures can apply (associations, companies, institutions ...)?
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Set a realistic calendar: define the main stages and deadlines, from the publication of the call for the final selection of the winners. Remember to leave enough time for each phase.
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Define the budget envelope: what amount will be allocated to the projects selected? Will it only be financial support or also support in kind or skills?
Taking the time to put this frame upstream will avoid many pitfalls afterwards and will ensure the relevance of your call for projects. An initial reflection work that is undoubtedly worth the investment!
Identify available resources
To carry out your call for projects, it is essential to make an inventory of the resources on which you can count:
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Human resources: constitute a motivated and competent team internally, with the support of volunteers or external providers if necessary. Define the roles of each.
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Material resources: premises, computer equipment, supplies ... Check that you have everything you need or provide for their acquisition.
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Budget: Determine the financial envelope allocated to the call for projects, including the design, communication costs and endowments to the winners. Make sure you have sufficient funds.
This inventory will allow you to identify possible gaps and remedy it in time. A good anticipation of resources is the key to an optimal organization of your call for projects.
Constitute a dedicated team
Piloting a call for projects without a committed team can quickly become an insurmountable challenge. Gathering motivated and invested people will be the key to the success of your initiative.
Bet on the complementarity of profiles and skills. Each member of the team must be able to bring their stone to the building, whether on strategic, operational or relational aspects. Also make sure to a good distribution of roles and responsibilities for fluid and effective collaboration.
Write a convincing call for projects
Structure the content of the call
To effectively structure the content of your call for projects, remember to detail these key sections:
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Context: Explain the framework and motivations behind this call for projects. What pushes you to launch this initiative? How is it important and relevant?
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Objectives: Specify the concrete goals that you are targeting through this call. Be specific on the expected results and the expected impact.
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Eligibility criteria: List the conditions that candidates must fulfill in order to be able to apply (legal status, area of intervention, geographic anchoring, etc.)
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Endowment: Indicate the type of support offered to the winners (subsidy, support, networking ...) as well as its amount or its value.
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Selection process: detail the main stages of the application assessment (pre -selection, hearing, final jury ...) and the associated calendar.
Take care of shape and style
A well -written call for projects must above all be clear and easy to read. Structure your text with short paragraphs, simple sentences and logical links between ideas. Adopt a direct and dynamic style by favoring active voice.
However, a nice layout will not be enough if the content lacks substance. Your call for projects must also issue a relevant and convincing message. Put forward the objectives and benefits of the project in a synthetic and impactful way.
To combine engaging style and impactful content, refine each word and support concrete examples. Arouse emotion and membership with formulas that affect your target. Reread yourself aloud to verify that the text "rings" well and makes you want to know more. With these few rules in mind, you will be ready to write an effective and memorable call for projects!
Highlight the profits for participants
Participate in a call for projects offers many advantages for project leaders. Indeed, it is the opportunity to test and validate an innovative idea, while benefiting from support and financing.
However, it should not be overlooked sometimes requested, such as reporting or the visibility to be given to the sponsor. These can mobilize time and resources.
In the end, choosing the right call for projects best suited to your idea and ensuring that you have the ability to respect the commitments will make the most of this enriching experience, both in terms of the project and the development of skills.
Organizing a call for projects may seem complex, but by following a clear and rigorous methodology, you will put all the odds on your side to attract the best projects. By precisely defining your objectives, by writing a convincing call and by implementing an effective selection process, you will give life to a striking initiative. Finally, do not forget that a platform as emunders can help you simplify the management of applications and admissions, to allow you to focus on the essentials: finding the nuggets that will make your organization shine.
