> For the complete documentation index, see [llms.txt](https://fundraising-guide.gfmd.info/llms.txt). Markdown versions of documentation pages are available by appending `.md` to page URLs; this page is available as [Markdown](https://fundraising-guide.gfmd.info/annex/lexicon/applications-offers.md).

# Applications & offers

For the full [**fundraising lexicon**](/annex/lexicon.md) (A-Z) go to

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[+ Fundraising lexicon](/annex/lexicon.md)
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## Expression of Interest

Competitive tenders for [**service contracts**](/annex/lexicon/contracts-agreements.md#service-contract) often begin with a procurement notice inviting [**eligible**](/annex/lexicon/application-forms.md#eligibility-criteria) applicants to submit an [**expression of interest**](/annex/lexicon/applications-offers.md#expression-of-interest). 

Would-be applicants are asked to present basic information about their organisation as well as providing details of past performance and [**technical** ](#technical-offer)and/or [**financial**](#financial-offer) capacity. 

In addition, bidders may be asked to meet a set of [**criteria**](/annex/lexicon/application-forms.md#eligibility-criteria) that demonstrate they have experience of delivering a programme of a similar scale and an equivalent value, possibly also in a comparable environment. 

For EU [**service contracts**](/annex/lexicon/contracts-agreements.md#service-contract), implementing organisations are encouraged to apply as part of a [**consortium**](/annex/lexicon/stakeholders.md#consortium) and, in these cases, the collective track record of the consortium may be taken into account.

## Concept note

**This is a 4-5 page document setting out the fundamental ideas and approach for a project as well as describing any formal partnerships that are integral to the project design.** 

Concept notes are usually requested as the first stage of a **grant** application process, thereby giving donors the chance to short-list those proposals which, in their view, best reflect the goals and priorities of the programme. 

Short-listed applicants are then invited to submit a [**full application**](#full-application) which should retain the core elements of the concept note including the partnerships involved and the proposed [**budget**](/annex/lexicon/budgets.md) amount.

## Full application

#### A full application enables would-be grantees to put meat on the bones of their idea, presenting key aspects of the proposal under generic section headings. 

Typically, these headings will comprise a rationale for the intervention; a detailed description of proposed activities; a discussion of the target groups and their needs; the approach and [**methodology**](/annex/lexicon/application-forms.md#methodology); [**risks and assumptions**](/annex/lexicon/application-forms.md#risk-matrix-risk-analysis); and key issues such as [**sustainability**](/annex/lexicon/application-forms.md#sustainability) and [**multiplier effects**](/annex/lexicon/application-forms.md#multiplier-effects).  

Most donors offer a template for full applications which includes a budget spreadsheet and a [**logical framework**](/annex/lexicon/application-forms.md#logical-framework). Applications are generally evaluated according to a scoring matrix which is presented in the [**Terms of Reference**](/annex/lexicon/call-for-proposals-terms-of-reference.md#terms-of-reference).

## Technical Offer

#### A Technical Offer is the term used to describe the narrative proposal in a competitive tender. It often includes a set of CVs for [Key Experts](/annex/lexicon/stakeholders.md#key-experts) whose professional qualifications are evaluated as part of the bid. 

Technical Offers come in response to [**Terms of Reference**](/annex/lexicon/call-for-proposals-terms-of-reference.md#terms-of-reference) drawn up by the [**Contracting Authority**](/annex/lexicon/stakeholders.md#contracting-authority) and, as a rule, should seek to demonstrate that the bidder fully understands the prescribed tasks and has an effective [**methodology**](/annex/lexicon/application-forms.md#methodology) for delivering them. 

Technical Offers should also reflect an in-depth knowledge of the [**risks**](/annex/lexicon/application-forms.md#risk-matrix-risk-analysis), challenges and opportunities inherent to the operating environment.

## Financial Offer

#### [Technical Offers ](#technical-offer)are accompanied by a Financial Offer which is opened and evaluated only after the Technical Offers have been reviewed and scored. 

Generally speaking, bidders endeavour to put forward a competitive [**budget**](/annex/lexicon/budgets.md) that offers a discount on the maximum budget available. 

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However, in the scoring matrix, the weighting usually is placed on the Technical Offer, meaning that bidders with a very strong proposition may not feel the need to make an economically advantageous bid.
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