From November 28 to 29, 2024, a training session was held in Zlatibor within the R+ support program, focusing on Available Funding Sources. The training was organized by the Youth with Disabilities Forum, with the aim of providing representatives of organizations of persons with disabilities with the necessary knowledge and skills for effective financial management and access to various sources of project funding.
During the two-day training, participants had the opportunity to familiarize themselves with key topics related to project financing, including:
• Project Funding Sources: Different funding sources were presented, including government, European, and international funds, as well as opportunities for fundraising through donations and other forms of financial support.
• Donors: Participants learned about key donors for organizations working with persons with disabilities, how to focus on the right funds, and how to build stable relationships with donor organizations.
• Guidelines for Project Proposal Submitters: Detailed explanations were provided on the guidelines typically offered by donors, as well as how to write proposals and applications for projects correctly.
• What Defines a Good Project: Participants were introduced to key elements that make a successful project, including clear goals, measurable outcomes, sustainability, and the role of the community.
• Budgeting: One of the key topics was how to properly prepare a project budget, how to allocate funds and ensure transparent spending, as well as how to avoid common budgeting mistakes.
• Rules and Criteria: Participants learned about the rules and criteria that donors set when approving funding, and how organizations can prepare for a successful application.
The training was attended by representatives from nine organizations that provide assistance to persons with disabilities: Association for Assistance MNRO- Ivanjica, Organization of People with Cochlear Implants- Belgrade, Association for Children and Cerebral Palsy of the South Bačka District “Sunce” – Novi Sad, UMIDA Momentum – Novi Sad, Nigresiv Association- Niš, “Gledamo srcem” Association – Belgrade, Association for Assistance to Persons with Autism – Kragujevac, Multiple Sclerosis Association – Užice, Dystrophic Association – Niš.
The training allowed participants to exchange experiences and discuss best practices in project-financial management, all aimed at improving the capacity of their organizations and ensuring the long-term sustainability of their project activities.
The training was extremely beneficial for all participants, as it expanded their knowledge, helping them to successfully apply for projects and secure the funds needed for further work.
The Youth with Disabilities Forum plans to continue supporting the aforementioned organizations to enhance the financial sustainability of organizations working with persons with disabilities, contributing to their stability and growth.
The training was implemented within ” The Civil Society Resilience Strengthening Activity ” implemented by PartnersGlobal with financial support from the U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID/Serbia) and Swiss Agency for Development and Cooperation (SDC).
