The Governance Knowledge Sharing Program invites proposals for funding your governance knowledge sharing ideas. Listed below are some frequently asked questions and corresponding answers. If you don’t find answers to your questions or would like more information, please e-mail us at gksp@worldbank.org.

• What kind of Governance Knowledge (GK) will the program fund?
• What methods of knowledge sharing will the program fund?
• Can I include purchases in the project proposal?
• Who can apply to the Governance Knowledge Sharing Program (GKSP) for project funding?
• What size of project does the GKSP fund?
• How long can a GKSP-funded project run?
• After I have sent in my application, how will my project proposal be evaluated?
• Who will manage a GKSP-funded project?
• What are the reporting requirements for a GKSP-funded project?
• Is there a checklist for projects sent for GKSP funding?
• Can I apply online?

What kind of Governance Knowledge (GK) will be funded?

The program will fund projects whose aim is to improve existing Bank products and lines, as also innovative projects that stimulate local demand for better governance

If your ideas is centered around improving an existing Bank product or line, your project might either

(a) Build on early donor efforts through

…… improving an existing website or toolkits that the Bank and other donors have earlier developed

…….. creating local-content/local-language websites attached to the existing major websites,

…….. providing better links between major GK websites,

……. developing better GK tools.

And / or

(b) Develop mechanisms for sharing knowledge between practitioners through

…….. preparing internet-based case-study material

……… Internet-based discussion groups

……… moderated debates on key governance topics.

If your idea is a about an Innovative Project that stimulate local demand for better governance, your idea will probably be experimental.

If you are applying from outside of the Bank, please identify a project sponsor inside the World Bank.

If you are applying from inside the World Bank, please note that proposals that look like filling shortfalls in Bank or other donor budgets will not be encouraged.

Wherever you are applying from, remember that your innovative idea for sharing governance knowledge must involve new tools, media and learning.

What methods of knowledge sharing will be funded?

Knowledge sharing in your project must use intelligent tools (toolkits, data bases, gray literature, case studies, etc.); build on new media (such as the Internet or distance learning); and be consistent with current approaches to how individuals and organizations best learn.

Will the program fund any purchases?

Funding can be provided for a small amount of hardware provided that the proposal clarifies (a) how that hardware will be used beyond the life of the project and (b) how future running and maintenance costs will be met.

Who can apply for funding?

A funding proposal for improving an existing Bank product or line needs to come from inside the World Bank

What size of project will be funded?

Although there is no upper or lower limits for project size, a typical project for innovative knowledge sharing is around $10,000, and a typical project for improving existing Bank products and lines is between $10,000 and $ 100, 000.

How long can a project run?

Normally a project funded in a fiscal year of the Bank (July through June) is expected to be completed in that year, but exceptions will be made in deserving cases. If your project is much shorter or much longer than this, please attach a separate note to your application explaining the reason.

How will a project proposal be evaluated?

Once you send in your project proposal, the project administration team will check if it meets the necessary requirements. If the total project amount is $10,000 or under the project administration team may approve the project. Projects larger than this amount or those in which the criteria are not clear will be referred to the program's management board.

Who can manage the project?

A project designed to improve existing bank products or lines will be managed by World Bank staff. An innovative project for sharing governance knowledge can be managed by a person inside or outside the World Bank.

What are the reporting requirements?

Project task managers will be required to report quarterly or every six months depending on the nature and duration of the project. The reports will be filled out in a provided form and will include basic project information such as objectives, project activities, expected output; progress report including reporting period, progress made during the reporting period; problems encountered / causes for delays; changes in project design made or considered, assessment of expected results/ impact; total amount committed to date, expected date of compellation and other relevant information.

Quick checklist

> Does your funding application demonstrate new tools and new media and new learning?

> Have you provided a breakdown of the funds you are requesting?

> If you are applying from outside the Bank, have you obtained a sponsor from the World Bank?

> If you are applying from inside the World Bank, have you planned for funding your supervision time?

Application for funding

You are encouraged to submit the application online. You may also fax it (attention Ranjana Mukherjee) at 202-522-7132 or mail it to Ranjana Mukherjee or Bill Moore at The World Bank, 1818 H. Street NW, Washington D.C. 20433, USA.