Writing project proposals is sometimes easier than implementing them, which is why it is crucial to be familiar with the rules in advance, especially when it comes projects funded by EU funds, as assessed, among other, from a two-day training session attended by representatives of five non-governmental organizations (NGOs) whose projects were funded within the programme HEART: Support for Youth Empowerment and Resilience Today, implemented by the Centre for Civic Education (CCE), financed by the EU Delegation to Montenegro, and co-financed by the Ministry of Public Administration.
The training, conducted by the CGO team, included representatives from the Centre for Children’s Rights, Alumni Academy of the Faculty of Law of the University of Montenegro, NGO Prima, NGO CEMOI, and Foundation “Do Good”. The first part focused on the rights and obligations grant beneficiaries managing projects, reporting methods, and identifying obstacles that may arise during project implementation. Additionally, topics such as project visibility and communication strategies were addressed. The second part covered budgeting, cost justification, and financial reporting, highlighting common mistakes in financial management and reporting while providing practical guidance for effective financial oversight of projects.
“The training was highly beneficial, and the impressions are excellent. This is a significant help in project preparation and implementation. The emphasis on visibility and communication is crucial, as it strengthens engagement with the community and donors supporting our initiatives. Additionally, learning proper report writing techniques has been valuable, as we now understand how to accurately describe all project results,” said Marija Manja Jovović from the “Do Good” Foundation.
A similar sentiment was expressed by Jelena Ćorić from the Centre for Children’s Rights. “The training was exceptionally comprehensive. In a short period, we covered some of the most significant topics. The structure was excellent, making everything it clear to everyone what is expected from us in project implementation. For me, the narrative report segment was the most important, as I had no prior experience with it, and this was a great starting point,” she noted.
Alma Novalić, Project Assistant