Project (007) Establishing an Alliance Project Funding Function

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Background Information

The Wycliffe Global Alliance (Wycliffe Bible Translators International Inc.) is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization. The organization exists to see individuals, communities and nations transformed through God’s love and Word expressed in their languages and cultures. It is a network of approximately 105 organizations working in more than 2,000 languages. A statement of commitment, signed by each Alliance organization, sets out the basis of the relationships.

The Alliance offers leadership, influence, and service within Bible translation movements. This is achieved through various initiatives by the Alliance Leadership Team and the Area teams. 

The Alliance Board and leadership team, meeting in April 2019 decided to include project sponsorships in its funding model. This was in line with the Alliance principles for funding that states “…sharing resources is an interdependent relational activity where all people and their contributions are valued and every person can graciously give and receive.” In the past, the Alliance operations and projects were previously funded by the contribution of 0.35 percent of each Alliance organization’s total income and the assessment income from members. Our new strategy is for all of the Alliance to collectively fund specific projects as they arise. At the core of this, we are seeking to put our values (which were crafted in community with Alliance organizations) into practice. This means that we no longer automatically collect annual funding from Alliance organizations. Instead, we work with Alliance organizations on projects and seek funding from the community to meet key needs.

In 2022, the Alliance took initial steps to establish a project funding function and this project will support the key needs for establishing and operationalizing the function.

Determination of the Need 

Alliance organizations contribute to Bible translation movements in many ways. The Wycliffe Global Alliance leadership team and staff contribute through; deepening missiological reflection, nurturing leaders for the Bible translation movement, facilitating effective and timely communication, strengthening Alliance organizations, equipping for Bible translation, strengthening community and serving in unity, supporting collaboration, encouraging stewardship and ensuring a trustworthy organization. The Alliance leadership and staff seek to accomplish the above goals by implementing various projects.

In order for the above projects to be successful, adequate financial resources are needed so that prioritized projects can be implemented successfully. Currently, the Alliance does not have an active function that spearheads fundraising and coordinates the management of sponsored projects. There is also the need for the Alliance to put in place appropriate project management systems and structures. 

This project is therefore necessary to ensure that the Alliance has adequate funding to effectively implement key initiatives. The project will serve as a catalyst for sustainable ongoing fundraising efforts.

Strategy/Solution

In order to address the problem, the Alliance will focus on establishing a project funding function using the following strategies.

1. Project management: The Alliance will strengthen its project management capacity 
2. Strengthening staff capacity: The Alliance will seek to build the capacity of staff to effectively manage projects
3. Donor relations and Marketing: The Alliance will develop a network of partners to support its key initiatives

Case Statement 

The Alliance has been obtaining funding from assessment income and contributions by Alliance organizations. With the change to include project funding as one of the income sources, it is essential to establish a new strategy that aligns to the new model.

Project Goals 

The overall goal for this project is to entrench project funding in the Alliance structure.

The specific goals are;

1. Strengthen the project management capacity of the Alliance
2. To build the capacity of the Alliance Project funding team
3. To establish a strong network of funding partners

Desired Results 

Impact 

The Alliance team able to effectively shape and nurture the direction of the Alliance, participate in key networks and partnerships, and provide accountability.

Outcomes 

1. Key Alliance projects are implemented successfully
2. An effective and vibrant team of project funding staff
3. Healthy relationships with funding partners

Output 

1.Key Alliance projects are implemented successfully

• 3 to 5-year plans for prioritized projects developed
• Enhanced quality and ownership of projects
• Effective implementation and management of all Alliance projects
• Accurate, quality, and timely narrative and financial project reports
• Functional project funding policies

2. An effective and vibrant team of project funding staff

• Additional staff
• Enhanced performance of Project Funding function staff
• Alliance staff well versed with project management

3. Strengthen healthy relationships with funding partners

• Better relationships with funding partners
• Better understanding of partners areas of focus
• A diversified source of funding for the Alliance
• Up to date funding trends that guide decision making
• Alliance project funding priorities known among partners
• Greater awareness of Alliance project needs
• More Alliance projects funded

Project Activities 

The following activities will be done in order to achieve the desired results

Project management

1.Strengthen the identification of the key needs of the Alliance that can be met through project funding

• Encourage and support long-term planning (3-5 years) by the ALT and the Areas
• Facilitate the approval of projects based on standard and agreed-upon criteria.

2. Enhance the level of project results (impact).

• Participatory planning for projects
• Monitor and evaluate the progress of each project
• Establish an effective project management system

3. Strengthen the provision of timely, accurate, and quality project reports

• Generation and review of monthly financial reports
• Review of project narrative and financial reports before submission

4. Promote consistent and effective management of the project funding process

• Update/Formulate project funding policies

Staff Capacity

1. Strengthen the capacity of the Alliance Project Funding function

• Recruit a Communications Officer
• Continuous coaching and mentorship of Project Funding function team

2. Strengthen project management capacity of Alliance staff

• Project management orientation/training for Alliance staff
• Sharing of project management information with Alliance staff regularly

Donor Relations and Marketing

1.Ensure there is a good relationship between the Alliance and funding partners

• Vision building and advocacy meetings with partner organizations
• Ensure project funding agreements are adhered to.

2. Enhance the level of understanding of funding partner priorities and their areas of focus

• Carry out a research to know focus areas (type and region), funding process and budget range for each Alliance Organization involved in the fundraising participation stream
• Establish possible funding partners outside of the Alliance
• Monitor funding trends globally to aid decision making and suitable adjustments

3. Enhance the level of awareness among partners on how the Alliance functions and its funding priorities

• Participate in funders meetings and share the vision and priorities of the Alliance
• Share project information/needs in the Alliance newsletter and website
• Include project stories in the Alliance monthly newsletter and website

4.Widen the chances of Alliance projects being funded

• Align the submission of project funding requests to the expectations of funding partners (timing and process).
• Advocacy for the funding of Alliance projects

Partners 

The Alliance Organizations involved in the fundraising stream, Area teams and Alliance Leadership teams will be involved in this project. The Alliance Organizations involved in the fundraising stream will share information on how they can participate in supporting the project funding needs of the Alliance. They will receive funding requests and some will partner with the Alliance. The Alliance leadership team will; identify the projects for implementation, implement the sponsored projects, and implement approved projects.

Implementation, Monitoring and Evaluation 

Wycliffe Global Alliance will implement the proposed activities, monitor project progress, and evaluate the fulfillment of the desired impact. 

Plans have been put in place for the successful monitoring and evaluation of this project. Indicators for key activities have been outlined and the Project Funding Manager will be responsible for monitoring the project. The project will be translated into performance responsibilities for the staff involved against detailed work plans through which performance will be evaluated on a regular basis. Progress reports will be written by the Project Funding Manager and shared with project stakeholders.

The project will be reviewed annually to ensure it remains relevant, feasible and delivers desired outputs. The annual review will evaluate the years activities and indicate the extent to which the project funding function has implemented the plan. 

Assumptions

1. That fundraising trends will remain relatively stable
2. The Alliance Organizations in the fundraising function will continue to contribute to Bible Translation work.

Sustainability 

The project impact will be maintained because;

1. A project funding coordination office will have been established.
2. There will be an established and wide network of partners which will assure the sustainability of ongoing program expenses

Risks and Alternatives 

The possible risk is rapid changes in funding trends that affect the availability of funding for projects. The alternative is to make appropriate changes based on the nature of trends.

Resources 

The following Wycliffe Global Alliance staff will be involved in the implementation of this project as resource persons.

1. Project Funding Manager
2. Director for Operations
3. Chief Finance Officer
4. Alliance Leadership team
5. Finance Manager
6. Communications Manager

Budget 

Below is a detailed budget for this project in USD. 

Matthew Bore

Project Funding Manager

Wycliffe Global Alliance

Martijn de Vries

Director for Operations

Wycliffe Global Alliance

Implementation Plan