Resource Mobilization — July 2024

KNEC Diploma in Project Management — Module I. Paper code: 2922/105

Attempt the questions before reading the answers. These are independent revision answers, not official KNEC marking schemes. Every printed question is answered, including optional questions. Printed data errors are identified explicitly in the relevant worked answer.

Time: 3 hours. Seven questions; answer any five in the examination. All questions carry equal marks and all are answered here for revision.

Question 1(a)

Explain five measures that a resource mobilization team should take to enhance the effectiveness of the initial face-to-face meeting with a prospective project sponsor.

(10 marks)

Answer

  1. Research the sponsor’s priorities, eligibility rules and previous support so the discussion demonstrates a clear fit.
  2. Arrange a convenient appointment with the appropriate decision-makers and agree the meeting purpose and time available.
  3. Prepare a concise, evidence-based presentation of the problem, proposed solution, budget and expected results.
  4. Assign speaking roles and rehearse the presentation so team members communicate professionally and answer questions consistently.
  5. Listen to the sponsor’s interests and concerns, make a specific realistic request and agree the next steps and follow-up date.

Question 1(b)

Outline the information that a project team should include on the cover page of a project funding proposal.

(10 marks)

Answer

  1. Title of the proposed project.
  2. Name of the applicant organization.
  3. Applicant’s postal and physical address.
  4. Telephone number and email address.
  5. Name and position of the contact person.
  6. Name of the prospective donor or sponsoring institution.
  7. Proposed project location.
  8. Proposed implementation period.
  9. Total project cost and amount of funding requested.
  10. Proposal submission date and any required reference number.

Question 2(a)

Explain four ways in which participatory fund raising may be carried out in shopping malls.

(8 marks)

Answer

  1. An authorized donation stand can allow visitors to contribute directly after volunteers explain the cause.
  2. A sponsored walk, performance or other permitted mall event can involve shoppers while participants collect pledges or entry contributions.
  3. A charity sale or auction can involve donated goods, crafts or services, with proceeds supporting the project.
  4. A mall and retailer partnership can invite voluntary checkout contributions or an agreed donation from selected sales, explaining the beneficiary clearly.

Question 2(b)

A committee organizing an end of year party for a project team intends to hold the initial planning meeting. Highlight six items that may be deliberated on during the meeting.

(12 marks)

Answer

  1. Purpose, theme and expected outcomes of the party.
  2. Date, time, venue and accessibility.
  3. Expected attendance, guest list and invitations.
  4. Budget, contributions, sponsorship and payment arrangements.
  5. Programme, catering, entertainment and required facilities.
  6. Committee roles, deadlines, procurement, safety and contingency arrangements.

Question 3(a)

Explain five factors that a project manager may consider when assessing the level of donor commitment to the organization’s projects.

(10 marks)

Answer

  1. Past delivery of promised support shows whether commitments have been reliable and timely.
  2. The amount and duration of confirmed funding indicate the depth of financial involvement.
  3. A written agreement, approved budget or other firm authorization gives stronger evidence than an informal expression of interest.
  4. Regular participation, feedback and communication show the donor’s continuing engagement with project results.
  5. Alignment with the donor’s priorities and its available capacity indicate whether support is likely to continue.

Question 3(b)

Explain five ways in which the social media may be used to promote the success of a fund raising initiative.

(10 marks)

Answer

  1. Publish clear stories and credible evidence about the need and the people the project will assist.
  2. Share an accessible donation link and clear instructions so interested supporters can contribute easily.
  3. Use supporters, partners and relevant community accounts to share campaign messages and extend their reach.
  4. Promote events, livestream activities and respond to questions to involve people who cannot attend in person.
  5. Report progress and explain how contributions are used, thanking donors with their consent to strengthen trust and repeat support.

Question 4(a)

Explain five reasons that make it necessary for organizations to form partnerships when mobilizing resources.

(10 marks)

Answer

  1. Partners pool money, staff and equipment, enabling activities that one organization could not fund alone.
  2. They contribute complementary technical knowledge and experience, improving project design and delivery.
  3. They open access to new networks, donors and communities, increasing the range of possible support.
  4. A credible partnership can strengthen donor confidence through shared accountability and established reputations.
  5. Partners share costs and risks and can coordinate efforts, reducing duplication and improving sustainability.

Question 4(b)

Outline five documents that may be included in the appendix section of a project fund raising proposal.

(10 marks)

Answer

  1. Organization registration or incorporation documents.
  2. Recent audited financial statements.
  3. Detailed project budget and implementation work plan.
  4. Profiles or curricula vitae of key project personnel.
  5. Letters of support, partnership commitments or relevant supporting research.

Question 5(a)

Highlight five parties that an organization may engage when fund raising for a project.

(10 marks)

Answer

  1. Individual donors, members and community supporters.
  2. Businesses and corporate sponsors.
  3. Charitable foundations and philanthropic trusts.
  4. Government agencies and public funding bodies.
  5. Development partners, non-governmental organizations and international donor agencies.

Question 5(b)

Explain five donor conditions that an organization should meet to qualify for continued funding.

(10 marks)

Answer

  1. Use funds only for the agreed activities and approved budget, obtaining authorization for material changes.
  2. Submit complete, accurate narrative and financial reports by the agreed deadlines.
  3. Demonstrate satisfactory progress towards agreed outputs, outcomes and performance indicators.
  4. Maintain sound governance, records and financial controls, and cooperate with agreed audits and monitoring.
  5. Comply with the funding agreement’s eligibility, safeguarding and other applicable requirements and disclose significant risks or changes promptly.

Question 6(a)

Outline five factors that an organization may consider when selecting an on-line fund raising platform.

(10 marks)

Answer

  1. Platform fees and the total cost of collecting and withdrawing donations.
  2. Supported payment methods, currencies and access for the intended donors.
  3. Security, privacy controls and the platform’s reputation for reliable processing.
  4. Eligibility conditions, withdrawal timing and access to the organization’s funds.
  5. Ease of use, accessibility and campaign management, reporting and donor-support features.

Question 6(b)

Donor support towards an initiative may take different forms. Outline five such forms.

(10 marks)

Answer

  1. Cash grants or monetary donations.
  2. Goods, equipment or materials donated in kind.
  3. Technical advice and specialist professional services.
  4. Volunteer time or secondment of skilled personnel.
  5. Access to facilities, transport, publicity or useful networks.

Question 7(a)

Explain five ways in which an organization may engage stakeholders during the fund raising planning process.

(10 marks)

Answer

  1. Identify stakeholder groups and consult them through interviews or surveys about needs and priorities.
  2. Hold participatory planning meetings or workshops to agree objectives, activities and suitable approaches.
  3. Include appropriate stakeholder representatives on the planning committee so their perspectives inform decisions.
  4. Share draft proposals and budgets and invite feedback before finalizing commitments.
  5. Agree contribution roles, communication channels and reporting arrangements so stakeholders understand how they can participate and remain informed.

Question 7(b)

A project event at ABC Ltd had low guest attendance. Outline five measures that the organization should have taken to avoid this situation.

(10 marks)

Answer

  1. Consult the intended guests when choosing a suitable date and time and avoid competing events.
  2. Select an accessible venue and provide clear directions and transport information.
  3. Send invitations early to an appropriate, up-to-date guest list.
  4. Use suitable publicity, confirmation requests and timely reminders.
  5. Offer a relevant programme and address practical attendance barriers such as excessive charges or inconvenient timing.