In a proactive move to address a shifting and increasingly competitive funding landscape, the Economic Policy Research Centre (EPRC) has equipped its staff with skills in securing international grants. Staff and board members recently completed a two-day international grantsmanship training program led by Dr. Akanimo Odon, the Director of Africa Partnerships at Lancaster University.
The training, which took place in Kampala Uganda, comes at a critical time for policy think tanks and other organisations as traditional funding sources, such as the United States Agency for International Development (USAID), have become less available. This has created significant funding gaps, hindering organisations from carrying out vital research.
Professor William Bazeyo, an EPRC board member, emphasised the importance of the training in helping the Centre secure the necessary resources. “Money for research is out there,” he stated, “We need to put communities at the centre of our work. Funders want to see whether the projects they funded helped communities. This training helps us to understand how we search and [find] grants.”
Professor Bazeyo also highlighted the expertise of the facilitator, noting, “We brought somebody who [wins] more money than us. The gentleman you have here helps Lancaster University to win more than $300 million per year. We are going to tap into his training, and we’ll ask him to be our partner.”
Dr. Odon (pictured left) defined grantsmanship as “the capacity or the skill of writing to win grants,” describing it as a crucial “act, like a system.” He explained that the program, titled the International Grantsmanship Programme, aimed to change the participants’ mindset about funding and provide them with practical steps to write successful proposals. The training curriculum was structured around the five Ps: Problem, People, Partnership, Preparation, and Practice.
EPRC staff members applauded the program. Dr. Christine Alum, a research fellow, said the training was “highly valuable” and gave her “practical insights on how to develop winning proposals and form partnerships for funding opportunities.” Similarly, Dr. Madina Guloba, a senior research fellow, called it a “great training session on practical innovative ways to resource mobilisation.” Ms. Blessing Atwine, a research analyst, expressed excitement to “finalise a resource mobilisation training course.”
Professor Freddie Ssengooba, another EPRC board member, was impressed with the staff’s engagement and the quality of the proposals they presented during the training.
The grantsmanship program is certified by the UK Continuing Professional Development (CPD) authority, and participants received certificates upon completion. This training positions the EPRC to more effectively compete for international funding.
EPRC board members that participated in the training were Professors Bazeyo, Ssengooba, and Stephen K. Nkundabanyanga. Director of Research Ibrahim Kasirye and Executive Director Sarah N. Ssewanyana were also present.
Ms. Mary T. Kivunike, the Director of Finance and Shared Services, receives certificate after completing the course.
