Applying for technical assistance

The general application process is as follows:

Proposal Summary

As a first step, an applicant sends an inquiry—typically an email or letter no longer than one page—with a brief project proposal summary to the Project Management Unit (PMU). The request should contain the following basic info:

· What type of assistance is requested?

· What are the objectives, expected benefits of the project?

· Why it is needed now, and what gave rise to this request?

· How is the project linked to other developments in the financial sector in the country?

· What are the primary institutions benefiting from this project?

· Does this proposed project arise out of recommendations arising from World Bank/IMF Financial Sector Assessment Program (FSAP) or Reports on Observance of Standards and Codes (ROSC)? 

· What is the expected timeline for start and completion?

· Who will be FIRST’s counterpart in project implementation? 

FIRST’s experience in the past has shown that such information is sufficient for the PMU to begin a discussion on the proposal and screen which inquiries warrant a full application.

Screening

The PMU reviews the proposal summary and determines whether the proposal is generally eligible for FIRST funding. If deemed eligible, the PMU requests the recipient develop and submit a Project Application.

Submission of Project Application

The recipient submits a full Project Application to the PMU. A cover letter from the supporting organization is required to accompany the project application.