Project Selection Form

This form lists the constraints and criteria used by Dark & Light Blind Care for reviewing project applications. The constraints are literally constraints: if any constraint is not met, the project will definitely not be financed by Dark & Light. The criteria are used for deciding the amount of financing and whether the project needs extra attention, for example in training or organisational strengthening. The project selection constraints and criteria were developed in 2005.

Constraints:
A. The project meets Dark & Light's mission, country policy* and sectoral policy (see also below, annex 1)
B. The partner organisation has a legal status and an organisation bank account
C. Objectives, results, activities and means are presented in a project proposal
D. The application reflects the size and capacities of the partner organisation & staff
E. Financial administrative procedures are in place (see also below, annex 2)

If all constraints are met and no other reason to reject occurs
=> proceed to the project criteria:


PROJECT CRITERIA:

1. Relevance of project. Understanding of problems for the blind in the local situation and problem analysis
2. Fit of the project into local context
3. Coherence of targets and activities
4. Method or strategy for health care or education
5. Planning, Monitoring and Evaluation system for the project
6. Capacity to learn
7. Staff capacity and training
8. Cost-benefit ratio. Financial elaboration of the plans
9. For investments: guarantees with regard to properties, guaranteed exploitation after investment
10. Sustainability/continuity/ structural approach
11. Participation of the target group
12. Cooperation with the government
13. Cooperation with similar organisations
14. Special topics (Gender, HIV/Aids)


ANNEX 1
*Constraint A mentions the country policy. Dark & Light works in:

- Philippines
- Indonesia
- Cambodia
- Laos
- Bangladesh
- Nepal
- Pakistan
- Afghanistan
- Ethiopia
- Sudan
- Nigeria

ANNEX 2
* Indicators for constraint E
Indicators for scoring constraint E with a yes include:

- the presence of a ledger or financial logbook
- the presence of bank statements
- the availability of financial records
- presence of an administrator
- the responsibility for the financial administration is clearly assigned to an employee
- financial procedures are in place and are applied
- a financial manual is available and is applied
- monthly or quarterly financial reports are available
- an accountant report is available (for larger organisations)