Doing without achieving means going through the motions without actually solving anything. NGOs can accidentally fall into this trap when they get caught up in their day-today activities and lose the overall purpose of the project. A project is not a success if you completed the project but did not achieve any lasting result.
This syndrome is particularly apparent in proposal for projects that were put together quickly without much research or input from stakeholders, and also in projects that have been on-going for long periods of time without any evaluations or improvements. Without proper planning, it is difficult to correctly determine which project activities will bring about the desired effect. Without monitoring and evaluation to continually improve projects, it is difficult to analyze if the project is still relevant or could be made more effective. This is why it is important to build a cycle of good research, project planning, and strong M&E plans.
Do not assume that just because you take action that you will solve a problem; completing the activities does not automatically mean the project goal was achieved. Make sure your project activities and objectives are distinct, and that your M&E plan accurately measures your project’s impact, not just project activities.
Alta Alonzi is a writer and researcher focusing on international development funding and grassroots NGOs. She works with the fundraising consulting company Philantropia conducting research for clients ranging from small NGOs to UN organizations. She also works closely with FundsforNGOs running training webinars, contributing resource guides, and updating the Premium donor database.
