ITSN has a small fund to give grants for Capacity Building projects within its member organisations. The grants are for a maximum of $3,000 each, and the projects must be for capacity building (training and/or fundraising). The objective of this fund is to assist Tibet Groups in becoming more financially secure with more resources available for campaigning (including hiring/retaining skilled personnel); ultimately leading to a stronger Tibet movement as a whole. A maximum of 3 grants can be awarded for 2008.

1. Purpose of Scheme.
i. To increase the financial security and resources available to ITSN Member organisations, by providing grant funding for the development and/or implementation of a sustainable fundraising plan.
ii. To increase the skill-base of Tibet campaigners working with ITSN Member organisations, and therefore the effectiveness of their organisation and the movement as a whole, by providing grant funding towards training in key skills that fall within ITSN’s priority campaigns.
iii. To provide funds to help a new Tibet Group start up. These funds may be used for such things as the production of membership/information materials or merchandise, in order to start fundraising or recruiting active supporters in order to build an organisation.

2. Examples of projects that might secure a small grant from ITSN.

Fundraising Projects:
• paying a consultant to develop a fundraising plan;
• paying a skilled staff person to fundraise/generate sustainable income.
• undertaking specific fundraising training for staff/volunteers, which will lead to a fundraising plan being implemented;
• initiating a membership program;
• initiating a specific fundraising program, eg a high donor program;
• conducting research into a new fundraising strategies;
• developing specific materials that will be used for fundraising purposes.
Note: ITSN is unlikely to fund one-off fundraising events, unless the organisation applying can convincingly demonstrate, through its proposal, that such an event would lead to a substantial change in the profile of the organisation and its future ability to raise funds.

Training Projects:
• fundraising training relevant to your Tibet Group’s situation;
• leadership training relevant to your country or region;
• lobbying and advocacy skills training;
• training in other skills.
Note: Tibet Groups in countries/regions would be encouraged to apply together for grants for training. Additionally ITSN will continue to provide training opportunities to Tibet Groups through its Regional and International Meetings, and through its Regional Coordinators.

Start up Projects - only for organisations that are less than 12 months old as at 1 January 2008:
• Producing organisational materials for the purpose of recruiting active members or raising funds.
• Hiring someone on a short-term contract to establish the necessary infrastructure to enable an organisation to start campaigning for Tibet.
• Producing merchandise to be sold to raise funds.
• Other fundraising project as above

3. Criteria used to evaluate an application.
ITSN will consider (but not limit itself to) the following criteria:
• The organisation seeking funds has/have paid an ITSN membership fee;
• The organisation has a track record of at least two years of effective campaigning for Tibet, and can provide external references to that effect; The only exception to this is if the application is for a start-up grant, in which case the Tibet Group must be less than 12 months old as of 1 January 2008, and must still provide external references.
• The organisation can show good governance and financial management;
• The application clearly addresses the purpose of the Grant Fund and the project has potential to deliver sustainable benefits to the organisation(s).
• The organisation does not have sufficient resources to initiate a fundraising program itself.
• The organisation can show a commitment to reviewing and reporting on the outcome of the project.
• Those participating in grant-funded training are committed to the movement, and to passing on the skills they acquire to others;
• Priority may be given where the application comes from more than one Tibet Group, who have taken the initiative to work together to identify and address their shared needs in a country or region;
• Priority may be given where the applying organisation is the only Tibet Group in a country/region;
• Priority may be given where a strengthened organisation in this country/part of the world will considerably enhance the movement;
• Priority may be given if an effective organisation is in danger of failing through lack of funds (though ITSN would not support it if its failure was due to poor management);

4. Application process.
ITSN will consider applications as they are made and will make decisions based on merit. For 2008, applications must be received by the Secretariat by 16 June. See end for contact information.

Applications should be in the form of a letter including all the information required (see below). Please make sure you provide all the requested information, or your application cannot be considered. This information may appear daunting, but it is part of ITSN’s legal responsibilities to ensure good governance in the administration of this scheme, and make the necessary checks to guarantee that the money will be spent in furthering the objectives of ITSN and the Tibet movement.

Information that must be provided in an application:
i. One paragraph summary of what your project is intended to achieve for your organization, and the amount you are applying for (up to US$3,000).
ii. Your name, address and contact details (include all Tibet Groups if you are applying together).
iii. A full description of the intended use of the grant. (ie how, why and when the money will be spent) Bullet points may be used.
iv. Expected outcomes of the project, quantified as far as possible, eg number of donors recruited to support the organization, or number of people from your organization trained and ways in which this training will help your organization. Bullet points may be used.
v. A budget.

The following supporting information must also be provided:
vi. A brief history of your Tibet Group(s) – eg date founded, mission statement.
vii. A copy of your Group’s constitution, governing document or legal registration document, where these exist.
viii. A list of board (council/governing body/executive) members, and other officers/staff/volunteers, briefly outlining their background and role in the organisation. A brief description of decision-making in Tibet Group (Minutes of the last board meeting should be attached where these exist).
ix. Details of your Group’s financial status; bank account details and most recent bank statement.
x. Outline income and expenditure report for the last financial year and budget for this financial year, showing sources of income.
xi. Two references from outside your Group (eg Parliamentarians, people of standing in the community)

Other Terms and Conditions for successful grantees:
* The grant may only be spent on the project for which it was given.
* Documentation and receipts must be kept to prove how the grant was spent
* A written report must be submitted to ITSN six months after the grant has been given, providing information about the outcome of the project. If the project has not been completed at this time, a further report must be submitted on its conclusion.
* Any funds given are grants rather than loans but if Tibet Groups expressed a wish to repay the money it would not be refused.

Once members have made their applications, the Secretariat will review the applications, ask follow-up questions if necessary, to ensure we have any additional information we need, and then make a recommendation to the Steering Committee for decision. Response time should be approximately 4 weeks.

Contact Details:
Applications may be sent by any of the following means:
Email to itsn@tibetnetwork.org
Post to:
International Coordinator, ITSN
c/o Free Tibet Campaign
28 Charles Square
London N1 6HT
United Kingdom