# Applications & offers

For the full [**fundraising lexicon**](https://fundraising-guide.gfmd.info/annex/lexicon) (A-Z) go to

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## Expression of Interest

Competitive tenders for [**service contracts**](https://fundraising-guide.gfmd.info/annex/contracts-agreements#service-contract) often begin with a procurement notice inviting [**eligible**](https://fundraising-guide.gfmd.info/annex/application-forms#eligibility-criteria) applicants to submit an [**expression of interest**](#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**](https://fundraising-guide.gfmd.info/annex/application-forms#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**](https://fundraising-guide.gfmd.info/annex/contracts-agreements#service-contract), implementing organisations are encouraged to apply as part of a [**consortium**](https://fundraising-guide.gfmd.info/annex/stakeholders#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**](https://fundraising-guide.gfmd.info/annex/lexicon/budgets) 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**](https://fundraising-guide.gfmd.info/annex/application-forms#methodology); [**risks and assumptions**](https://fundraising-guide.gfmd.info/annex/application-forms#risk-matrix-risk-analysis); and key issues such as [**sustainability**](https://fundraising-guide.gfmd.info/annex/application-forms#sustainability) and [**multiplier effects**](https://fundraising-guide.gfmd.info/annex/application-forms#multiplier-effects).  

Most donors offer a template for full applications which includes a budget spreadsheet and a [**logical framework**](https://fundraising-guide.gfmd.info/annex/application-forms#logical-framework). Applications are generally evaluated according to a scoring matrix which is presented in the [**Terms of Reference**](https://fundraising-guide.gfmd.info/annex/call-for-proposals-terms-of-reference#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](https://fundraising-guide.gfmd.info/annex/stakeholders#key-experts) whose professional qualifications are evaluated as part of the bid. 

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

Technical Offers should also reflect an in-depth knowledge of the [**risks**](https://fundraising-guide.gfmd.info/annex/application-forms#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**](https://fundraising-guide.gfmd.info/annex/lexicon/budgets) 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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