From April 9th to 11th, 2025, the Field of Hope team embarked on a comprehensive three-day training aimed at strengthening their skills in resource mobilization and grant management. Comprising five dedicated staff members, the training was meticulously designed to equip the organization with the tools necessary to identify funding opportunities, develop impactful proposals, and manage funded projects effectively. This highly impactful training was designed and conducted by a team of consultants i.e Joanita and Arafa, who have worked in this space for over 10 years.
The training’s core purpose was to build the capacity of Field of Hope staff to navigate the full cycle of resource mobilization—from spotting potential funding sources to ensuring successful project implementation and sustainability. The key objectives included improving the team’s ability to:
Identify and assess funding opportunities, enhance proposal writing skills, develop a clear Theory of Change (TOC) and logical frameworks and align proposals with donor interests, National Development Plan and Sustainable Development Goals.
To maximize engagement and learning, the training employed active learning techniques such as Presentations: PowerPoint-based sessions provided foundational knowledge, group Exercises: participants collaborated and presented findings to foster teamwork and case study analyses: hypothetical scenarios were examined to apply concepts practically and improve problem-solving skills.
Day One: Foundations of Resource Mobilization
Being the first day, it started on a relatively slow note, with God’s presence beig called amidst us, short remarks from the leadership, followed by introductions from both Field of Hope and AVSI teams. Participants shared their expectations, primarily focusing on understanding the process of resource mobilization and where to find grant opportunities. The team explored why mobilizing resources is vital—impact expansion and organizational sustainability being top reasons.
A self-assessment using the Organization Capacity Assessment Tool (OCAT) emphasized the importance of having a strategic plan, organizational policies, and policies on child protection, gender balance, and security—all critical for donor confidence. The day also covered donor landscape analysis, resource mapping, and building strong relationships with partners.
Day Two: Project Planning and Proposal Development Day two focused on problem analysis, with an emphasis on community participation in identifying issues. The team learned how to use solution tree analysis to address challenges, such as farmers’ lack of access to markets, by examining root causes.
The session introduced the Theory of Change (TOC) and Logical Framework (Log Frame) as tools for strategic planning and monitoring. Participants were encouraged to align proposals with National and Sustainable Development Goals, and to leverage survey data and statistics for evidence-based proposals.
Day Three: Proposal Writing and Donor Readiness The final day concentrated on crafting compelling proposals. Trainers outlined the essential elements—problem statements, goals, objectives, budgets, and work plans—and stressed the importance of tailoring language to meet donor expectations.
Participants also explored various grant application platforms like ENABEL and NORAD, learning the step-by-step process of applying for funding and the importance of proper documentation, including CVs, policies, and strategic plans.
Key Takeaways and Future Steps
The training culminated in several actionable recommendations such as to establish a dedicated Monitoring & Evaluation (M&E) unit, develop and update strategic and Theory of Change documents regularly, formalize procurement, financial, and data protection policies, increase engagement with donors through participation in coordination meetings and create a resource mobilization strategy aligned with organizational interventions.
The team will stay in contact with facilitators for ongoing support, including developing a TOC for upcoming funding opportunities like NORAD. A follow-up workshop is planned to reinforce skills and address any remaining gaps.
This intensive training has significantly boosted Field of Hope’s capacity to mobilize resources effectively, develop quality proposals, and manage grants successfully. Strengthening these skills is a strategic step towards ensuring the organization’s sustainability and expanding its impact within the communities it serves.
We therefore take this opportunity to thank Field of Hope donors and management for investing in its staff as a way to create a sustainable pathway to advacing its mission.
God bless you all.
Walter Okullu, Country Coordinator
