Working with funding and donors

we help build funding know-how

Working with donors is a tricky balancing act.  Development Action has years of experience helping build capacity within organisations to do the tough grind, i.e. ensuring applications and reports are well written, and that implications for funding have been fully considered.   

We do not operate a writing service.  This does not help your organisation build capacity. Instead we are keen to help mentor you through your relationship with donors.  Contact us to find out more.

Sustainable Development Fund Helpline

Development Action's SDF Helpline is open for organisations applying to this contestable fund.  We will undertake an indepth analysis of your Concept Note or SDF Application prior to the deadline.  You may also consider adding your application to our pool where it will be used to independently analyse the decision making process within MFAT.

Prices are per draft:

• Concept Note - $70 (+GST)

• SDF Application - $120 (+GST)

Organisations should familiarise themselves with the expecations and limitations of the helpline prior to engaging Development Action.  All paperwork is dealt with in strict confidence.

Sustainable Development Fund watchdog

Development Action is committed to keeping an eye on New Zealand's Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade, and how the changes to overseas development assistance (ODA) has changed since the last election.

Organisations can read about the changes to ODA and the new contestable funds for development NGOs by downloading Development Action reports, or by visiting our friends at New Zealand Aid and Development Dialogues.

• Survey of New Zealand's international development community - reaction to SDF (November 2011)

• SDF Round 2 Initial Findings (June 2011)

• Report and analysis of information from five OIA responses (May 2011)

• Analysis of SDF Round 1 funding decisions (March 2011)

You are encouraged to participate in our analysis in three ways:

1. Send us copies of your finished SDF applications and concept notes to Lee Sentes.  These will be analysed and compared to MFAT funding decisions.  Your information will be considered confidential and anonymised for the final report.

2. Take out an OIA and share the response with us.  If your organisation believes that questioning MFAT may impact its ability to get future funding, feel free to ask Development Action to lodge the OIA on your behalf.  Development Action receives no funding from MFAT.

3. Write Development Action and share your thoughts.

Contact Lee Sentes to find out more.