How to prepare an EOI for an NGO -An Expression of Interest (EOI) is a formal document through which an organisation communicates its interest in participating in a programme, partnership, project, procurement process, funding opportunity or other institutional initiative.
An EOI is often used by funders and organisations to identify potential partners before requesting a detailed proposal or moving to the next stage of a selection process.
The information required in an EOI varies between organisations. Some funders provide a prescribed application form or list of questions. Where specific instructions are provided, NGOs should follow those requirements.
The sample below provides a general structure that an NGO can adapt when no prescribed format is provided.
Sample NGO Expression of Interest
[NGO LETTERHEAD]
EXPRESSION OF INTEREST
For
[Name of Programme / Opportunity / Partnership]
Submitted by:
[Full Legal Name of NGO]
[Registered Address]
[City, State/Province, Country]
[Website]
[Email]
[Telephone]
Date: [Day Month Year]
- Organisation Information
Organisation Name:
[Full Legal Name of NGO]
Legal Status:
[Trust / Society / Nonprofit Company / Foundation / Other]
Year Established:
[Year]
Registration Details:
[Registration number and applicable legal framework]
Head Office:
[Address]
Geographical Areas of Operation:
[States / districts / regions / countries]
Primary Areas of Work:
[Education / Health / Livelihoods / Environment / Child Protection / Skills Development / etc.]
Contact Person:
[Name and designation]
Email:
[Email address]
Telephone:
[Telephone number]
- About the Organisation
[Full Legal Name of NGO] was established in [year] with the objective of [briefly describe the organisation’s mission].
The organisation works in [geographical areas] and focuses on [main thematic areas].
Our programmes currently reach [brief description of beneficiaries and communities served].
The organisation has experience in project implementation, community engagement, financial management, monitoring, documentation and reporting.
- Relevant Organisational Experience
The organisation has implemented programmes relevant to the present opportunity.
Selected relevant experience includes:
- [Project / Programme Name] – [Funder / Partner, if appropriate] – [Location] – [Year / Period]
- [Project / Programme Name] – [Funder / Partner, if appropriate] – [Location] – [Year / Period]
- [Project / Programme Name] – [Funder / Partner, if appropriate] – [Location] – [Year / Period]
Brief description of relevant experience:
[Explain the organisation’s experience that directly relates to the opportunity. Mention the type of beneficiaries served, activities undertaken, geographic coverage and significant results where relevant.]
- Understanding of the Opportunity
We understand that [Name of Funder / Organisation] is seeking organisations to [briefly describe the purpose of the opportunity].
The opportunity focuses on [main thematic areas / activities / target groups / geographic locations].
Based on the published requirements, we understand that participating organisations may be expected to [briefly describe the main responsibilities].
- Our Expression of Interest
[Full Legal Name of NGO] is interested in participating in this opportunity and proposes to contribute its experience and capacity in [relevant area].
Our organisation has particular experience in:
- [Relevant area 1]
- [Relevant area 2]
- [Relevant area 3]
- [Relevant area 4]
We are interested in working with [Funder / Organisation] to explore opportunities for [brief description of proposed partnership or project].
- Proposed Project / Area of Engagement
If selected or invited to proceed to the next stage, the organisation proposes to develop an intervention focused on [brief project description].
The proposed intervention may include:
- [Activity 1]
- [Activity 2]
- [Activity 3]
- [Activity 4]
The proposed project would target [beneficiary group] in [location].
The detailed project design, implementation plan, indicators, budget and other components can be developed in accordance with the requirements of the next stage of the process.
- Proposed Beneficiaries
The proposed initiative would primarily benefit:
[Describe the intended beneficiary group.]
Indicative number of beneficiaries:
[Number]
Geographical area:
[Location]
The final beneficiary numbers and selection approach would be determined through detailed project planning and in accordance with the programme requirements.
- Organisational Capacity
Our organisation has [number / description] staff and relevant personnel with experience in [relevant areas].
We have:
- [Field offices / field presence]
- [Technical personnel / trainers / specialists]
- [Community networks]
- [Relevant infrastructure]
- [Financial management systems]
- [Monitoring and reporting systems]
These resources would support the implementation of the proposed programme, subject to the final scope and requirements.
- Proposed Duration
Indicative project duration:
[Number of months / years]
Proposed implementation period:
[Start date] to [End date]
The final duration would be agreed in accordance with the programme requirements.
- Indicative Budget
Estimated project budget:
[Amount and Currency]
The above amount is indicative and would be refined after detailed project design and in accordance with the funder’s budget guidelines.
A detailed activity-based budget can be submitted if requested.
- Expected Contribution
If selected, the organisation expects to contribute through:
- Relevant technical and programme experience
- Project management and implementation capacity
- Community engagement
- Local knowledge and field presence
- Monitoring and documentation
- Organisational infrastructure
- Other resources as appropriate
The exact contribution would depend on the final project scope and partnership arrangement.
- Expected Results
The proposed initiative is expected to contribute to:
- [Expected result 1]
- [Expected result 2]
- [Expected result 3]
Detailed outputs, outcomes and indicators would be developed during the subsequent project-development stage.
- Declaration
We confirm that the information provided in this Expression of Interest is accurate to the best of our knowledge.
We confirm our interest in participating in [Name of Opportunity / Programme] and understand that submission of this EOI does not by itself constitute an award, funding commitment, partnership agreement or guarantee of selection.
We agree to provide additional information and supporting documents if required during the subsequent stages of the process.
- Authorised Representative
Name:
[Name]
Designation:
[Designation]
Organisation:
[Full Legal Name of NGO]
Signature:
[Signature]
Date:
[Date]
Official Stamp:
[If applicable]
Contact:
[Email / Telephone]
Attachments
Attach only documents requested by the funder or relevant to the EOI.
Possible supporting documents may include:
- Organisation Profile
- Registration Certificate
- Relevant Project Experience
- Annual Report
- Audited Financial Statements
- Relevant Project Reports
- Staff / Technical Capacity Information
- Other documents specified in the EOI guidelines
Important Notes Before Submitting an EOI
An NGO should not submit this sample without adapting it to the particular opportunity.
Before submitting an EOI:
- Read the original EOI announcement and guidelines carefully.
- Check all eligibility requirements.
- Follow the funder’s prescribed format if one is provided.
- Address the specific objectives of the opportunity.
- Include only relevant organisational experience.
- Ensure that all information is accurate and verifiable.
- Keep the proposed activities and beneficiary numbers realistic.
- Make sure the organisation has the capacity to undertake the proposed work.
- Check the budget and funding requirements carefully.
- Follow the specified submission method.
- Submit before the stated deadline.
- Keep a copy of the final submitted EOI and supporting documents.
An EOI is normally intended to establish an organisation’s suitability and interest at an initial stage. It does not necessarily replace a full project proposal, concept note or detailed application.
Where the funder requests a subsequent proposal or concept note, the NGO should develop those documents according to the funder’s specific requirements.
Related Project Development Resources
- Steps to Take Before Applying for a Grant
- How to Prepare an NGO Letter of Intent: Sample Format
- How to Prepare an NGO Project Proposal
- How to Prepare an NGO Concept Note
- How to Prepare an NGO Project Budget
Other related projecct development resources
Steps to Take Before Applying for a Grant
How to Prepare an NGO Letter of Intent: Sample Format
How to Prepare an NGO Concept Note
How to Prepare an NGO Project Budget
How to Prepare an NGO Project Proposal
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