Concept Paper for

CISU Programme Modality

– Purpose and Proposed Outline

Purpose

A concept paper serves as the first formal request from an applicant organisation for a CISU grant in support of a programme proposal. As such the paper is neither a full-scale application (this is made up in the form of the programme document to be submitted at a later stage), nor the first ever document produced (there will have been previous communication between the applicant and CISU on the consideration of a programme proposal).

A draft concept paper provides a basis for CISU to initiate a RevApp (Review cum Appraisal) study (see CISU programme guidelines for further information on the process of preparing a programme application). Once the RevApp report is made, the applicant organisation will have a chance to review and adjust the draft CP which will then be submitted to the CISU Appropriation Committee

Being a first actual presentation of the programme ideas and plans the concept paper

  • provides a basis for discussions and plans for the process ahead between the applicant and CISU
  • serves as an application to be assessed and decided upon by CISUs appropriation system (supported by a range of other materials)
  • synthesises initial discussions between among the applicant organisation and its partnerson the scopeof the proposed programme
  • summarises the applicant’s track record (supported by separate documentation) in regard to prior experience with managing CISU grants
  • guides further elaboration of an actual programme document provided that the concept paper is approved by CISUs Appropriation Committee

A Concept Paper should be app. 10-14 pages (max 14)

Concept Paper Content

Headings/Content / Especially relevant to assessment criteria:
SUMMARY AND CONTEXT
  1. Proposed programme title, main partnersand geographical location
  2. Context: Sector / thematic focus and its relevance to the given context
  3. Summary of the program main strategic priorities
/ 5 & 6
CAPACITY,PARTNERSHIP LEARNING
  1. Presentation of applicant capacity, including how recommendations from past CapApp/RevApp studies have been followed up
  2. Key lessons learned from past grants which will be used in program
  3. Presentation of partnership approach, program partners to be continued in program, and proposed roles and division of labour
/ 1-4
PROGRAM OVERVIEW
  1. Programme justification and Intervention logic / approach, also highlighting how the various components/work streams encourage synergy across the programme.
    This section will also include references to the general CISU priorities for CSP and the specific programme assessment criteria 7-12
  2. Intended target groups and their main development challenges
  3. Reflection on proposed M&E system for program
  4. Intended programme management structure, including the envisaged added value of the Danish organisation
  5. Preliminary timetable for drafting of programme document
  6. Budget summery (format below) and estimated program budget [excel format below - format on
/ 5 & 6
7-12

Budget summary: