March 2025 – Great Lakes Union for Inclusive Development (GUIDE), Bujuuko, Mpigi
In a move that promises to strengthen the future of Great Lakes Union for Inclusive Development (GUIDE) and its mission, nine dedicated staff members of GUIDE have completed an intensive, week-long workshop on Resource Mobilization and Proposal Writing. The training, designed to equip participants with the essential skills needed to secure funding and support for GUIDE’s crucial initiatives, concluded with a celebration of newfound expertise, confidence, and a shared commitment to advancing the organization’s work.
The workshop is part of the one-year Institutional Strengthening in M&E, Financial Management, and Resource Mobilization project funded by the UN Women Peace and Humanitarian Fund (WPHF) and supported by UN Women.
A New Chapter in Resource Mobilization
In the dynamic world of nonprofit organizations, effective resource mobilization is a key pillar to ensuring sustainability and continued impact. At GUIDE, this training marks a pivotal moment in equipping staff with the skills to tackle one of the most significant challenges in the sector—fundraising and securing strategic partnerships.
Facilitated by seasoned experts in resource mobilization, the workshop provided participants with a deep dive into best practices for proposal writing, resource mobilization strategy development, and effective donor engagement. Participants engaged in hands-on exercises designed to refine their skills in crafting compelling proposals, understanding donor priorities, and utilizing available resources efficiently.
“This workshop has been a game-changer,” said Kabagabu Rita, one of the staff members who participated in the training. “It’s not just about writing proposals. We’ve learned how to tailor our strategies to the specific needs of donors and how to pitch our projects more effectively. I’m excited to bring these skills to my work and help expand our impact.”
Key Learnings and Outcomes
Throughout the course, staff members honed their skills in three main areas:
- Understanding Resource Mobilization Strategy
- The group explored effective strategies for diversifying funding sources, including government grants, corporate partnerships, and community fundraising efforts.
- Crafting Winning Proposals
- Participants learned the critical elements of successful proposals, from aligning project goals with donor priorities to structuring proposals for clarity and impact.
- Best Practices in Donor Engagement
- Understanding how to build and maintain strong relationships with donors was a central theme of the workshop. Participants learned strategies for long-term partnership-building beyond just securing one-time funding.
Through a combination of interactive sessions, role-playing scenarios, and group discussions, the training equipped participants to tackle challenges with greater creativity and confidence.
Practical Application for Long-Term Impact
The impact of this training extends beyond the classroom. With the newly acquired knowledge, participants are already putting their skills to work. A follow-up meeting after the workshop showed that staff are now developing resource mobilization plans aligned with the organization’s long-term goals. The training also helped them craft a donor engagement strategy that will be launched next quarter, marking a significant milestone in GUIDE‘s fundraising efforts.
For Kirungi Diana, the workshop is an important step toward sustainability and growth. “It is essential for our staff to be equipped with the tools and knowledge to engage with donors and resource mobilization efforts effectively. This workshop has empowered our team, and I am confident that their enhanced skills will translate into increased opportunities for GUIDE and the communities we serve.”
Looking Ahead
As GUIDE continues to grow, the role of these skilled staff members will be pivotal in expanding the organization’s outreach and securing the resources necessary to deliver life-changing projects to those in need. The skills gained during this training will not only support long-term organizational sustainability but also ensure that the organisation is better positioned to address emerging challenges in a rapidly changing world.
The Resource Mobilization and Proposal Writing Workshop represents the commitment of GUIDE to continually invest in its staff, ensuring that they are well-prepared to navigate the evolving landscape of nonprofit work.
In the coming months, the skills learned from this workshop will be tested at work as staff begin applying their new expertise to solicit resources and partnerships needed for the organization’s growth and success. With their newly sharpened skills in proposal writing and resource mobilization, the team at GUIDE is ready to embark on a new chapter of impact, ensuring that the organisation continues to thrive in its mission ‘To provide data-driven information, education, communication and empowerment programs, and technology-aided humanitarian assistance for marginalized communities’.
Stay tuned for updates on the projects that will soon be brought to life, thanks to the skills and dedication of the GUIDE team!
Published by: GUIDE Communications Team.