Project Application

Intro: Why Work With Projects?

Many Sámi organisations rely on projects for core funding. Projects can feel like a “hamster wheel,” but they enable important activities. Always ask:

• Why do we need this project?

• What added value does it bring to our organisation?

• Does it move us closer to our goals or is it just “nice to do”?

• Don’t be afraid to start even if it won’t be perfect – you learn from doing.

• The one disaster to avoid: starting a project you cannot complete.

Purpose of This Toolkit

Gives you tools to create:

• Clear applications.

• Convincing arguments.

• Successful project designs.

Key areas:

• Understanding funders.

• Components of a strong application.

• Pitching your idea.

• Basics of project implementation.

Designing a Project Application

The Project Idea

Ideas can come from:

• A need for resources to carry out activities.

• A funding call that fits your work.

• Your organisation’s existing goals (e.g., activity plans).

Benefit: projects become anchored in long-term organisational goals.

Project Goal (Objective)

Your objective should answer:

• What will the project achieve?

• What problem does it solve?

• Who is the target group?

• Why are you the right actor for this?

SMART Goals Are:

Specific
Measurable
Achievable
Realistic
Time-bound

Target Group

Define clearly:

• Who benefits from the project?

• Who are activities aimed at?

• Local? Regional? National? Cross-border Sápmi? International?

Partners

Consider:

• Can you carry out the project alone?

• What competencies or anchoring do you need?

• Are partners required by the funding call?

Tips:

• Contact partners early.

• Clarify roles and responsibilities.

• Understand why each partner is involved.

Finding the Right Funder

• Identify potential calls early.

• Adapt the project to funder requirements without losing its core purpose.

Know Your Funder

Ask:

• What are their goals and priorities?

• What criteria must be met?

• Who is eligible to apply?

• Partner requirements?

• Project length?

• Deadline?

• Does the call match our needs and priorities?

What Funders Look For

• Relevance to their mission.

• Impact & sustainability (not just short-term results).

• Organisational capacity.

• Cost-effectiveness.

• Measurable outcomes.

Typical assessment steps:

• Basic eligibility check.

• Evaluation of relevance and potential impact.

• Budget assessment.

• Assessment of organisational capacity.

Aligning With the Funding Call

• Highlight the parts of your project that match the call.

• Tailor language and focus.

• If it doesn’t fit, choose:
  ○ Adjust the idea, or
  ○ Find a better funder.

Indicators

• Measure what the project will achieve.

• Must be realistic and justified.

• Required in most larger programmes.

Example: Interreg Aurora measures partnerships, applications, strategies, pilots, cross-border solutions, etc.

Outputs vs outcomes

Outputs (deliverables):

• Tangible products created by the project.
  ○ e.g., strategy document, network, information booklet.

Outcomes (results):

• The effects of those outputs.
  ○ e.g., increased knowledge, changed attitudes, new behaviours.

Think in terms of:

• Short-term results = immediate effects.

• Long-term results = deeper behavioural or societal change.

Activities

Planning Activities

Remember:

• Activities must logically support the project objective.

• Must match the budget.

• Must be realistic and manageable.

• Break large activities into smaller ones.

• Include only what the project truly needs.

• Check if certain activities are not allowed under the funding call.

Timeline & Milestones

• Create a timeline.

• Avoid overlap or empty gaps.

• Milestones help track progress.

• Describe methods/tools if relevant.

Standard Activities (should always be included)

• Project management / coordination.

• Communication / dissemination.

• Reporting (plan for this already during the application phase).

Budget May Require Adjustment

• You may need to revise activities once the budget is drafted.

• Ensure the plan remains realistic after adjustments.