The Kora Kathmandu Cycling Challenge just opened the call for applications for funding for their supported causes program. This small grant opportunity for Nepal is open to all NGOs in the country.
But what do you have to take into account when writing a proposal for the Kora Kathmandu Cycling Challenge? We had the opportunity to talk with Raj Gyawali, one of the organizers. He has some great tips for you if you consider applying for this opportunity.
Background information
The Kathmandu Kora Cycling Challenge is a bike race that raises funds for charity every year. It started in 2011 and since then raised more than $ 50,000 in total. Every year, the Kora supports one selected cause and this year for the first time the application process has been formalized and is open to projects in Nepal. A small group of experts will decide about the proposals submitted until the 21st of March. As fundraising is ongoing, it is not clear yet how much money will be available after the Challenge. In the last years the amount was around 5000 $, qualifying as a small grant.
In the past, the Kora has supported causes in different areas. Over the years they supported the upgrading of schooling facilities at Samata School, the upgrade of a birthing center in Rukum and a Health Post in Dolakha. Furthermore, a completely new birthing center in Baitadi and a health post in Kakaibari in Dolakha were built with the support of the Kora Kathmandu Cycling Challenge. In 2017, 2500 riders raised over Rs. 500,000 for the Bungamati Trails Initiative to make cycling in Nepal more attractive. Raj Gyawali is one of the organizers and has answered some questions for us:
Interview
How did this event come to be?
In 2011, a teenager requested he come to Nepal to contribute his time and raised money for a cause. We agreed that it would be more of a learning experience if he earned the money he wanted to invest in development. So the idea of a ride was born. He was eventually joined by another Nepali 16 year-old and together they raised over Rs. 450,000 for investment into education and child development. 35 riders rode that year.
The next year, we thought that this idea could be expanded, and Save the Children came on board to vet the causes and to support the event. We got 350 riders and raised around Rs. 900,000 – invested in upgrading health facilities in Rukum. From then on, it grew to up to 2500+ riders last year, and over the years over Rs 5,000,000 has been invested in development by this Challenge.
Do you only support one cause or do you chose several causes?
We would support one main cause. However, if the other causes are great, and worthy, we are happy to endorse that as well.
How many proposals do you receive on average every year?
We have only formalized this process this year, so this is a first for us.
Can projects from all over Nepal apply?
Yes, we accept proposals from all areas of Nepal.
What should be included in the proposal?
You should include a brief summary of the project, an introduction to your team or your organization, the benefits for your target community and an explanation how exactly the funds raised will be used. And we would like to know a timeframe for the completion of the project. Keep it precise and to the point though, proposals should not be longer than two pages.
What do you want to see in a proposal?
We want to see clarity of the vision and the process of implementation. We are not ready to just invest in an idea, it should be clear how the implementation is as well, and a good team should be in place.
What is the worst mistake people could make in their proposal?
Not having a clue of how to move once the money is there. We want to see a clear strategy for the implementation in the proposal.
How can a proposal shine?
If it is concise yet clear – with clarity in implementation and a bonus of reporting back.
Thank you very much for these insights. All the best for this year’s race!
Click here to see the call for applications in full. Email your submission by 21 March 2018!
