If a CBO Excecutive Director has concept notes at hand for financial support of impoverished communities and wants to submit them to particular donors, what should he/she first do?

The first step the CBO Executive Director should take is to thoroughly research and identify potential donors who align with the organization's mission and funding priorities. This can be done through online research, networking, and attending fundraising events or conferences. Once potential donors have been identified, the Executive Director should reach out to them to introduce the organization and its work, and inquire about their funding guidelines and application process. This will help ensure that the concept notes are tailored to the specific requirements of each donor, increasing the likelihood of securing financial support for the impoverished communities.

Before submitting concept notes to particular donors, a CBO Executive Director should first:

1. Conduct Thorough Research:

- Identify Target Donors: Research potential donors who align with the organization's mission and have a history of funding similar projects.
- Understand Donor Guidelines: Thoroughly review donor guidelines to ensure that the concept notes meet all eligibility criteria.
- Assess Donor Interests: Determine the specific programmatic areas or geographic locations that the donor is interested in supporting.

2. Tailor Concept Notes to Donors:

- Highlight Alignment: Emphasize how the project aligns with the donor's mission, strategic priorities, and funding criteria.
- Demonstrate Impact: Clearly outline the expected outcomes and impact of the project, supported by evidence and data.
- Provide Clear Budget Details: Outline the project budget and provide a detailed justification for the requested funds.

3. Engage with Donors:

- Establish Contact: Reach out to the donor contact person indicated in the guidelines.
- Schedule a Meeting or Call: Request a meeting or call to discuss the concept notes and build a rapport.
- Get Feedback: Seek feedback and suggestions from the donor on the concept notes before submission.

4. Review and Refine:

- Seek Internal Review: Have the concept notes reviewed by relevant stakeholders within the organization for feedback and improvements.
- Make Revisions: Incorporate feedback and refine the concept notes as needed to strengthen their presentation.

5. Submit Concept Notes:

- Follow Submission Instructions: Adhere strictly to the donor's submission process and timelines.
- Provide Supporting Materials: Include any requested supporting materials, such as financial statements or organizational background information.
- Follow Up Regularly: Regularly follow up with the donor to inquire about the status of the submission and provide any updates or additional information as requested.