If you have any questions about the FOL Small Grants program or the application please send an email to smallgrants@fol.org

The application must include all of the following, which help address each criteria above:

Funding requested from FOL should not exceed $3,000 USD and all application materials must be attached to the application to be considered. The required attachments that create a complete application are: 

Background information

• Word Document or PDF including basic information summarizing the organization’s mission, vision, theory of change, previous projects, historical impact in the region, etc.

• This must include a non-profit or NGO registration certificate

Organization References

• Word Document or PDF of names and contact information for key references to attest to the organization’s credibility

Project Proposal 

• Word Document or PDF Detailed proposal for the project requiring funding support from FOL

• A strong application will include:
  • Overall Goal(s).
  • Specific Objectives: Describe the specific project objectives using the SMART method to create Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Relevant and Time-bound objectives that address the problem or need.
  • Detailed Project Plan: this can be greatly improved by including a Needs Assessment, documented buy-in from the community or intended beneficiaries, and Risk Assessment
  • Timeline: Provide a comprehensive timeline of activities. Please note: purchases funded by a Small Grant must begin or be made after the grant is awarded (no reimbursement for earlier expenses).
  • Project Personnel: List key stakeholders and their associated project responsibilities
  • Monitoring & Evaluation: Provide information on how the progress and impact of a project will be assessed, what measures of success will be tracked (i.e. what data will be collected), and when it will be collected.
  • Sustainability: Describe how the project will be sustained beyond the FOL small grant funding period

Itemized Budget

• Excel sheet or table on a document with a detailed budget outlining each item, quantity, cost per unit, total, other funders and in-kind donations, if applicable. You may also consider including quotes from one or more vender for pricing of large goods needed for the project.

Additionally, the following criteria may highlight a strong application:

FOL small grants are awarded for support of programs to benefit underserved communities or vulnerable groups (women and children, elderly, handicapped), or for reduction of the impact of barriers/challenges in Liberia. FOL will support organizations that:

• Are well-known and respected in Liberia for integrity and accountability

• Have a demonstrated, effective track record in handling donations and achieving desired results, including reliable delivery systems in Liberia

• Have on-going, sustainable operations in Liberia

• Will provide timely evaluations, pictures, and reports
• Agree to monitoring and consultation with FOL representatives.

As part of our commitment to ensuring the effectiveness and impact of the projects we support, we have established Monitoring and Evaluation (M&E) tools for all grantees. These tools are designed to help FOL assess the progress and impact of your project, as well as to support your organization in achieving your goals.

Overview of FOL’s Small Grants Monitoring and Evaluation Requirements 

We have developed three (3) separate Monitoring and Evaluation (M&E) templates to be completed at three stages of your project. These requirements are designed to enhance your data collection, reporting, and analysis processes, thereby improving the overall efficiency and effectiveness of your project. 

Timeline and Templates 

1. Monitoring and Evaluation Framework Template – After funds from FOL are received  

The Project Framework Template is used at the beginning of the project to outline the project’s goals, objectives, expected outcomes, indicators, and data collection methods. This template serves as the foundation for monitoring and evaluating the project’s progress and impact. 

1. Monitoring Template – Mid-point of the project 

The Monitoring Template is used at the mid-point of the project to assess the progress made towards achieving the project objectives. It helps identify any challenges, deviations from the plan, and necessary adjustments to ensure the project stays on track. 

1. Evaluation Template – After project is completed 

The Evaluation Template is completed at the end of the project to assess the overall effectiveness and impact of the project. It provides a comprehensive review of what was achieved, lessons learned, and recommendations for future projects. 

Expectations of Grantees 

• Maintain open and regular communication with FOL. Promptly inform us of any significant changes, challenges, or successes related to your project. 

• Maintain documentation of project activities, including photographs, videos, testimonials, and other evidence, where appropriate, of progress and impact.  

• Include all relevant stakeholders in the monitoring and evaluation process.  

Expectations of FOL  

• Maintain open and regular communication with the grantee. Promptly inform them of any significant changes related to their M&E expectations. 

• Support the grantee in meeting these M&E expectations through providing an example of each template. 

• Provide grantees access to an M&E expert for advice and troubleshooting any issues encountered responding to the required templates. 

Adherence to these M&E expectations is crucial for the success of your project and for highlighting the impact of the projects funded through Friends of Liberia’s Small Grants Committee. By effectively monitoring and evaluating your project, we can demonstrate the positive impact of our grants and continuously improve our support for future initiatives.