The toolkit aims to help you develop and manage a project, whether you are looking for funding or not.
We have, however, assumed that most readers are interested in developing projects that they want to be funded by a trust or foundation, and so we have considered this throughout. The level of information you need to provide will vary from funder to funder so, if in doubt, talk to either the funder, your local Basis Project worker, or your local second-tier support worker.
This toolkit is divided up into sections covering different aspects and stages of project development and management.
Section one provides an introduction to project management – introducing some theory, then gives an overview of developing and managing a project relevant to the unique context of the voluntary sector.
The work begins in section two, which explains how to begin to turn your ideas into reality and the other preparation work you will need to do. We then refer you to the Basis Project’s Fundraising toolkit, which should help you get the funding you need to roll out your project.
Sections three and four of this toolkit then look at setting up and managing a project, as well as ways you can review progress.
We look at ‘exiting a project’ in section five. However, this is something you should consider from the very start and think about on the way so we recommend you read this section now during your planning phase rather than leaving it until you are near the end of your project.
The final section of the toolkit looks at some common problems experienced in projects, and how you might be able to get back on track if things do go wrong.
We believe this toolkit is comprehensive and hope it will help you develop your own projects. A key point to remember during the lifespan of your project is: if in doubt, talk to someone! Talk either to the funder, your local Basis worker or your local second-tier support worker.
Good luck!
Contents
Introduction
1. An introduction to project management
2. Developing a project
3. Setting up a project
4. Managing a project and reviewing progress
5. Exiting a project
6. What to do when things don’t go to
plan – common problems faced and possible solutions
7. Further resources and useful links
8. Glossary of project management terms
Appendix 1 Project overview template
Appendix 2 Project description template
Acknowledgements
Authors: The Basis Project
Thanks to colleagues from Refugee Council and Refugee Action who contributed to the development and production of this toolkit, including the Refugee Council’s Fundraising Team.
The Basis Project toolkits, while checked for accuracy, are for information and guidance only. The Basis Project cannot accept responsibility for loss to any organisation or individual as a result of action taken (or not) as a consequence of the content of the Basis Project toolkits.
We hope this resource will enable refugee community organisations to develop and to continue to provide excellent services to their communities.
The Basis Project would like to thank the Big Lottery Fund for its generous support.
Further information
Jargon-buster from Charities Evaluation Service(pdf)
