Well, I’m breaking the rules already! I promised you an issue dedicated to the big picture of global education: a look at the UN and leaders in global education to better understand the 2030 Agenda for education. Instead, I am highlighting the application process for the next Target Project.
I have good reason: the Application Packet was just released on Sunday, May 1, 2016 (you can find it on the Target Project page) and everyone wants to know if they should submit a project proposal. And frankly the Education Team did an amazing job highlighting the UN and several key elements of the 4th SDG on Education in their April Bulletin. So, we’ll circle back to the 2030 Agenda for education in a future blog.
We learn and make changes
If you have a project that you are considering to nominate for the next Target Project, I am sure you’ve already been to the FAWCO website to check out the application, right!? One of the first things you may notice is that the Application Packet looks a bit different than the previous one. We learn and make changes: we received some great feedback from members and adopted some new practices.
The first new document you’ll come across is a one-page sheet introducing FAWCO, The FAWCO Foundation and the Target Program. We’ve put this together as a tool for you to share with the organization you intend to nominate. Our hope is that it will help them better understand what the Target Program is all about.
Target This, Target That - I’m confused! What do all these terms mean!?
While we don’t have much alphabet soup (we have managed to avoid using abbreviations), we do have a lot of terminology which can easily get confusing. Here is a list of some key terms:
Target Program – the full program cycle including several phases: Target Issue Selection, Target Project Selection, Target Issue Education and Awareness, Fundraising, and Review. Cycles will run consecutively to provide a one-year break between fundraising phases.
Target Focus - the overarching goal of all Target Programs is to improve the lives of Women and Girls.
Target Issue – a specific issue which addresses the Target Focus: education, environment, health, or human rights.
Target Project – the project selected to be supported by the Target Program.
Target Issue Education and Awareness – educating and promoting awareness of the Target Issue. (we generally refer to this at the Education and Awareness Raising Campaign)
Let’s put it into context: The Target Program’s goals for 2016 - 2019 are:
- to improve the lives of Women and Girls, our Target Focus
- to raise awareness and increase knowledge of our Target Issue: Education
- to make a meaningful impact through our Target Project: Not Yet Identified
Phew! I know that was tedious - thanks for sticking with me!
How To’s
We’ve added a set of instructions to the Application Packet. It gives directions on how to request the Official Application and how to complete and submit your project proposal.
The packet also contains guidelines and a detailed list of selection criteria. All elements are important and projects meeting all the criteria will rank higher than those which do not. You are concerned that your project may not fit each criteria perfectly? We recognize this may be the case. It will be the rare project that does. Make the strongest case you can for your project. That said, there are a few selection criteria which are non-negotiable:
- The project’s impact must be on the Target Issue: Education and empowering women and girls through knowledge and skills.
- The project’s budget should be in line with the established fundraising goal of $125,000.
- The project should be easy to understand, communicate and promote.
If your project does not satisfy these three things, it is not appropriate for the 2016 - 2019 Target Program.
In Your Words...
We are taking a page from The FAWCO Foundation’s Development Grants: Applicants must draft their own Project Summary, answering three questions, to be submitted with the application. This part of the application is critical should your project be selected for the shortlist: use clear and concise language to answer the questions and let your passion for your project shine. The Project Summary will be presented to members when the short-listed proposals are announced and will be the information on which clubs base their vote.
Commitment and Collaboration
The Application Packet now includes a sample of the Statement of Agreement, which outlines the expectations, roles and responsibilities of all parties. We feel it’s only fair to put it out there; we are asking for a two year relationship - let’s avoid a breakup! So we need a representative from your project’s organization to confirm their understanding and agreement with their signature on the Signature Page.
Wait, I Have Questions!!!!
We have tried to anticipate some of your questions. So we put together a list of Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs). Here you will find answers to questions like:
- What are the UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs)?
- You say that the project must benefit women and girls, our project includes boys. Are we automatically disqualified?
- Can I nominate two or more projects?
- How do I create a zipped folder!?
If we did not answer your question, send it to .
What type of project are you looking for?
Nice try!!! We do not have a preconceived idea of what the next Target Project will be! If you can answer the questions in the application, then you should be on the right track. Don’t worry about fitting your project into a box, we are eager to learn about creative and dynamic projects.
Remember, your fully completed application must be received by September 30, 2016. So, plan your time well. Allow a few days at the end of your process for a final review and to get everything in the proper format for submission.
GOOD LUCK!!!