Mastering winning proposals and EU Grants management

DAY 1

Module 1: The Financial Instruments for External Aid and the Trust Funds

• The MFF 2021-2027: focus on ‘Neighbourhood and the World’ and its financial instruments
• Main component of the NDICI
• Analyses and use the MultiannuaI Indicative Programmes (MIPs)
• Top priorities and management modalities of the Trust Funds

Module 2: How to Be Prepared for Funding Opportunities

• Align your objectives with the EU and partner’s country priority and expected results

Module 3: Working with the EU

• Two ways to get funding: direct negotiation and calls for proposals
• How to be proactive to ensure a fruitful relationship with the EC and EU delegations

DAY 2

Module 4: The Call for Proposals System

• Steps of the application process
• Using the guidelines for applicants
• Application documents and mandatory declarations

Module 5: Drafting Your Proposals

• General tips for successful proposals

Module 6:  Logframe Matrix

• Build your results chain
• Identify SMART indicators and reliable sources of verification
• Identify key assumptions
• Describe the main activities
• Results and indicators for development – a new DEVCO tool: how to use the tool for the preparation of good logframes

DAY 3

Module 7: Drafting the Concept Note

• Description of the action: how to identify and explain the project logic
• Relevance to the EU call and programme objectives
• Problem analysis
• Stakeholder analysis and description of target group and beneficiaries

Module 8: The Key Aspects of the Full Application

• Description of the action in detail
• Methodology: don’t forget a list of equipment and supplies and the organisational structure (staff employed)
• Sustainability: risks, impact, multiplier effects
• Workplan

DAY 4

Module 9: Drafting the Budget

• The budget format
• Direct (actual costs and apportionment of local office costs) and indirect costs
• Eligibility principles
• Financial support for third parties
• Volunteer work
• The possible use of simplified cost options
• How to justify the costs

Module 10: Key Elements of the Implementation Rules to Take into Consideration When Preparing the Budget

• Human resources vs consultants
• Handover of equipment and supplies
• Contingency reserve for possible situations of hyper-inflation

Day 1

The Grant Contract: reporting requirements and timeline

• General requirements and deadlines
• Reporting and EU approval timeline

Preparing narrative reports

• Collecting the needed information for narrative reports

• Interim and final report : report on activities, results, possible changes and coordination mechanisms
• Updating the logframe

Preparing financial reports

• Preparatory phase: ensure the eligibility of the expenditure
• Prepare interim and final financial report: expenditure, forecast, reallocations and modifications

Annexes to the interim and final reports

• Summary of information and documents to be provided with the interim and final reports
• Documents to be kept for the expenditure verification and other possible checks and evaluations

Module 1: The Grant contract and annexes

An overview of the Special Conditions, all other annexes and of the actors involved in the management of a Grant

Module 2: Key activities at project start-up

Some tips on how to refine project activities, organise the partnership, set up a procurement plan and organise the team work

Module 3: Procurement rules and procedures

Short presentation of the main references for procurement

Module 4: Financial support to third parties

Brief guidance on the management of this important project component

Module 5: Dealing with changes

Presentation of the key rules related to the different types of amendment

Module 6: Reporting

A brief overview of the main reporting obligations, requirements and deadlines

Module 7: Main rules on payment

A guidance on how to request pre-financing to the EU

Module 8: Handover of equipment and supplies

Key rules for the transfer of assets by the end of the Actions

At PuntoSud Academy, we understand the complexities of dealing with EU rules and procedures when implementing projects in the field. For this reason, we're pleased to introduce our Live Helpdesk, tailored to help CSOs working with DG INTPA/DG MENA and DG ENEST funds in ensuring their compliance to EU rules and procedures.

What We Offer:

• Personalised Guidance: Get profit from real-time consultations with our experienced experts, via Meet or Zoom, to provide personalised help, guiding you through EU rules and procedures to ensure compliance at every stage and promptly address project-specific challenges.
• EU Knowledge: Take advantage of our extensive understanding of EU regulations, which can streamline your processes and reduce risks.
• Practical Advice: We offer practical solutions and insights to overcome obstacles and enhance project success.
• Flexible Support: Whether you have a quick question or require an extended consultation, our Live Helpdesk support is here to assist you.

Non-exhaustive list of topics that can be addressed during the Live Helpdesk sessions:

• Interpretation of rules from the Grant Contract and its annexes

• Suggestions for improvement of project budgets
• Tips for the design and management of Financial Support to Third Parties project component
• Support in the preparation of a request for amendment
• Tips on the use of the EU templates for narrative and financial report
• Suggestions of tools to properly work with implementing partners

Why Choose Us:

• Specialised Expertise: We focus exclusively on DG INTPA/DG NEAR funds, providing precise and comprehensive support.
• Proven Track Record: PuntoSud Academy has a track record of effectively helping NGOs with EU-funded projects.
• Time-Efficient: We save you time and effort by providing immediate assistance to address your EU compliance concerns.
• Empowerment: Our goal is to empower NGOs to confidently navigate the complex world of EU rules and procedures, allowing you to concentrate on the success of your mission.

Don't let EU compliance challenges to hinder your progress. Rely on PuntoSud Academy's Live Helpdesk to help you unleash the full potential of your EU-funded projects.

Contact us to schedule your consultation and let's collaborate towards your project's success!

By subscribing to the Certificate Program, you will have access to each course in the PuntoSud learning platform. From here, you can join the live sessions, download the course materials (including PowerPoint presentations, official EU documents, infographics and other useful links and materials), complete the eLearning modules, review the recordings of the live sessions and complete the initial and final test and participate in the active forum.

Throughout the whole period, by using the forum you will be able to communicate with the trainers, post questions and share information and best practices with other participants.

Staff of not-for-profit organisations (not suggested for UN agencies and other pillar-assessed organisations’ staff) with limited or no experience with EU development programmes.

• Consultants who are interested in a detailed overview of the EU programming and funding system, the grant application process and grant management.
• University or post-graduate students.

Previous experience or knowledge relating to the access and management of EU funds is not required.

You will need access to a computer or tablet with a microphone and speakers or a headset, as well as an Internet connection. The course will be held over Zoom – no additional software is required.

• Virtual class – for 2 weeks after the end of the last training session
• eLearning – for 30 days after you first access the course

Once you have completed all the training material and passed the exit test, your certificate of attendance for each specific course will be available to download from the learning platform.

Once you have also concluded the learning plan exit test, you will receive the final certificate. The certificates are always available in your profile page with historical data of all punto.sud Academy courses you’ve attended.