Partnering and funding: how to build support for your training
Working with partners can make your training programme more useful, better resourced, and more sustainable.
Whether you’re planning a short course or a longer-term programme, the right partners can help you with knowledge, funding, equipment, and opportunities for students.
Why partner?
There are many reasons to team up with other organisations. Some examples include:
- Knowledge exchange: Invite experts to deliver guest lessons or help design your training. You might work with local universities, environmental organisations, or experienced craftspeople.
- Student sponsorship: Some organisations (such as embassies or development programmes) may be willing to cover the costs for students from underrepresented or low-income groups.
- Student exchange: If you’re working with a school, polytechnic or university, you could set up exchange programmes – either locally or internationally – so that students can share ideas and learn in new settings.
- Attachments and job placements: Building relationships with local businesses or institutions can open up real-world learning opportunities for your students after the course finishes.
- Projects and tasks: Partners can help co-design practical projects for students to work on, making the lessons more engaging and relevant to real-world needs.
Who to partner with
Start by identifying potential partners in your area or through your wider network. These could include:
- Local technical colleges, polytechnics or universities
- Government programmes supporting youth employment or green skills
- Local or international NGOs focused on education, sustainability, or community development
- Environmental campaigns or social enterprises in recycling and circular economy
- Embassies and cultural organisations offering development funding or educational support
- Donors or foundations with an interest in climate action, waste management or skills training
Finding funding
Many training programmes are made possible with the help of grants or sponsorship. To apply for funding, you will usually need to write a proposal and prepare a budget.
A strong proposal should clearly explain:
- The aim of your training
- Who will benefit and how
- What activities you will run
- How long it will last
- What you need in terms of equipment, space, trainers and support
Your budget should list all expected costs, including materials, trainer fees, transport, refreshments, and any student allowances or materials. You may also want to include a small amount for monitoring and evaluation (M&E) or documentation. See the Tracking Impact section for support on M&E.
Finally, when approaching partners or funders, make it clear how the work will benefit both your students and the wider community – and what your organisation can offer in return, such as publicity, reports or opportunities to be involved.
Taking the time to build strong partnerships can help you deliver a more impactful, better-resourced training – and support your students far beyond the classroom.
