Hey Gerry! It sounds like your organisation is working on a really important demographic in potentially a very cost-effective way! I think your application would be more compelling to potential funders if it included answers to the following:

What other funding is being used for this project? Presumably you also have staff to pay etc

This would help donors understand the full cost of supporting a widow right now. If this isn't apparent, most donors will think it's much much higher because if something is missing they tend to assume the worst. 

What are your ambitions for the future?

Most of the impact of a grant like this is often in supporting an organisation that will grow into something more impactful over time. EA donors especially care about this, and want to know your longer term plans if possible.

How would your outputs differ without an office? 

It's not clear what the $5k itself would buy in terms of additional widows being supported. This, "the counterfactual difference in utility" is the primary thing EA donors think about when deciding to donate. 

If you take away one thing let it be this: anything left unclear or unspecified will be interpreted more negatively than if it had been clearly stated. For this reason, you might also want to include an organisational budget and more details on exactly what you're teaching / how you're supporting people with their mental health.

That being said, there are some great things about this application:

1. The length is right for the size of the grant
2. its written in plain English, which is much more persuasive than any alternative.
3. It's great that it's being led by the demographic it intends to serve!
4. It does seem like the costs are low and the potential impact is high, which is exactly what EA funders are looking for.

I'd be happy to spend 30 mins helping you work on your application if you'd like (for free). I've been successful in raising money for mental health work in LMICs over the past few years. If that'd be helpful, drop me a message or just leave a comment and I'll reach out by email :)

🌟 A Beautiful Beginning! 🌟

We are deeply grateful to receive our first donation of $25 toward the Nambulabuchiro Women Group (NbWG) office campaign from Deena Englander @WorkStream NonProfit

This first step is more than a gift — it’s a vote of confidence in widows rising from hardship to hope.

With your support, we are now $25 closer to establishing a safe, functional office space that will empower over 200 widows annually through training, peer support, and income-generating opportunities.

As the very first donor, your contribution has lit the path — and we believe many more will follow your lead 🙏🏿

💜 From all of us at NbWG — thank you for walking with widows.

What are your plans for ongoing funding? Your ask includes rent/utilities for year 1, but that sounds like a recurring expense in addition to your organization's other ongoing expenses. Much of the potential value here accrues in year 2 and beyond, and unlocking that is contingent on having adequate operational funding in future years.

A Journey Begins — Thank You to Our First Donor!

Dear Team,

We are excited to share a special milestone with you — we have received our first donation toward building a functional office space for widows in Samia Sub County, Busia County!

This initial gift is such a powerful sign of belief in the dignity, resilience and leadership trust of the group leadership. It is the first brick in a foundation of hope, healing and growth.

With your continued encouragement and solidarity, we are on the path to creating a safe, permanent space where widows can:

• Rebuild self-worth through peer support
• Access agricultural and financial trainings
• Attain effectual skills in economic development
• Coordinate micro-grants and table banking programs
• Access training to enhance knowledge on legal awareness
• Launch income-generating projects to fighting against poverty
• Access technical skills through training for mitigating climate change 

We invite you to walk with us in this journey. The future is being written one act of kindness at a time — and it started today.

Fundraising Link:

https://gogetfunding.com/nambulabuchiro-women-group-functional-office-space/ 

💜 Let’s keep building dignity together.