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Bike Northland – Lessons

Lessons - 10 key steps to the successful engagement of a Council

Paul McDonald, Parks and Resources Manager at Whangarei District Council - who has been working with Bike Northland on this project – shares some of his advice around the successful engagement of a Council and what makes a good proposal:

  1. Credibility – Demonstrate that you are an effective group of people who can work together and present a professional face. Show the background of your organisation, including connections to your national organisation.
  2. Planning – Demonstrate that the project team are thinking ahead and have the capabilities to manage the project.
  3. Funding – By sourcing at least 50% of funds for a proposal, this demonstrates a degree of preparation, capability and commitment, and can put a proposal ahead of others.
  4. Clear statement of objectives – State your objectives clearly – when and what will be achieved e.g.1000 new members in x years.
  5. Time – Start early, talk to Council officers in advance and find out the rules, their timetable, and learn about the range of factors, constraints and priorities affecting funding decisions.
  6. Link to Council’s plans – Find out about the LTCCP and what other strategic documents have to say, and hook into them. Explore the possible links and ideas that can come from this process.
  7. Emerging club or organisation – Identify your stages of development and how you will grow your organisation in order to justify a partnership.
  8. Partnership – Look at the Council as a partner, not a bank. Demonstrate a commitment to building a partnership with Council and explain the steps to make it practical and real.
  9. The emotional factor – Be aware of the limitations that Councils work within. It will help manage disappointment and put your group on a good footing to sometimes take it on the chin and to persist.
  10. More emotions – It helps to bring something iconic or engaging as part of your plans. This may be about staging an event, showing how you will transform individual’s lives, or having a sports icon on board as part of the publicity. It helps to be engaging!
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Updated | 20 May 2009.

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