FOJO-Rwanda Media Programme Hosts Capacity-Building Workshop on Fundraising and Grant Management

Kigali, Rwanda — September 17, 2025 — The FOJO-Rwanda Media Programme successfully concluded a comprehensive three-day training session focused on enhancing grant writing, fundraising, and resource management skills among local media practitioners and local Journalists Associations/NGOs. The event took place from September 15th to 17th at the Kigali Paramount Hotel.

The workshop aimed to equip participants with practical tools for securing funding, developing compelling proposals, and managing multiple grants efficiently. Participants engaged in detailed discussions around the importance of aligning proposals with donor priorities, maintaining organizational ethics, and building transparent, sustainable funding strategies.

A significant part of the training emphasized understanding the complexities of donor relationships, including understanding political sensitivities and the importance of aligning activities with funder expectations. Attendees learned about the strategic use of budgets, including how to craft project-specific budgets, justify costs, and manage overspending or underspending. The session highlighted the importance of clear policies on accepting donations, disclosing major donors, and maintaining organizational independence.

The training also covered the effective use of online tools to track funding prospects, manage deadlines, and automate reminders for reports and evaluations. Participants were introduced to various free and paid CRM solutions, including Notion, Salesforce, and Monday.com, demonstrating how these tools can streamline grant management and facilitate transparency.

Participants deliberated on ethical considerations around accepting funds from controversial sources and the importance of aligning funding choices with organizational values. The trainers stressed that organizations must develop and publish fundraising policies to protect their credibility and independence, especially in sensitive sectors like investigative journalism.

The capacity-building workshop was geared toward helping organizations navigate the complex landscape of donor funding while safeguarding their integrity. Attendees expressed their commitment to apply these new skills to enhance their organizational sustainability and impact.

FOJO-Rwanda Media Programme plans to continue organizing such training sessions to support local organizations in strengthening their financial and operational resilience.