Grant Selection Process

Grant Project Selection Process

CFWRZ seeks to support proposals that 1) strengthen the fundamental capacity of communities to carry out their own projects and 2) have a strong chance of succeeding. Towards these ends, we place a high priority on continual consultation with community leaders, other NGOs and concerned individuals from the private sector and government.

1. Solicit for proposals from NGOs and community-based groups
CFWRZ holds ongoing consultative meetings with NGOs and community-based groups in the region. These discussions are the basis for setting the priorities of the CFWRZ. The discussions also are a chance for us to communicate the fundamental mission of the Foundation to support community initiatives through co-financing. Zimbabwean communities have a long-standing oral culture and tradition. To build on this tradition, it is essential that relationships be first built through direct contact. We also reach out to a broader public through publicity in newspapers, word of mouth and a Foundation brochure.

2. Receive proposals
The CFWRZ will receive both solicited and unsolicited proposals. Once a proposal is received by the Foundation, it is logged into our system.

3. Initial review and acknowledgement of proposal
Proposals are assigned to a responsible staff member on the date they are received. In conducting the review, a staff member will evaluate it, based on our co-financing criteria. If the proposal appears to meet our basic criteria, the staff member will acknowledge receipt in writing to the applicant by sending a letter to that effect. More detail may be requested. As a goal, we will further develop and make a final decision on these proposals within a period of three months. For proposals not meeting the co-financing criteria, the applicant will be sent a rejection letter indicating the basis for rejection and a copy of the co-financing criteria. Other possible sources of funding may be suggested.

4. Site visits
The staff responsible will meet with organizations and communities involved in a proposal under review. During these site visits the staff member will analyze the capacity of the community and organizations involved to undertake the project. This interaction is critical both in assessing the viability of the project and in working with the applicants to strengthen their proposal. The staff member will give technical support to the project leaders for the preparation of a formal grant application if the project is viable.

5. Staff Recommendation
Once all the necessary information has been assembled in the appropriate format, the staff member will review the application and make a recommendation to the Executive Director. The staff member is responsible for determining that two critical elements have been met in making a recommendation: 1) that the proposal fits fully within the scope of the Foundation’s co-financing program and 2) that the proposal has a high chance of meeting its objectives.

6. Executive Director Decides To Recommend Proposal
Having determined that these conditions are met, the staff member makes a recommendation to the Executive Director. The Executive Director, then, evaluates the staff member’s recommendation and decides if the Foundation has sufficient funds for an award.

7. Grants Committee Of Board Approves Co-Financing Agreement
Successful proposals are then recommended for approval to the Grants Committee of the Board who after review and approval recommend Foundation co-financing to the Board of Trustees.

8. The Board of Trustees will make the final decision.