Our work
Partnerships and collaborations
At Start Local, we recognise that local NGOs bring unique strengths, experience, and deep connections to their communities. They are already driving change in their contexts, and our role is to work alongside them as partners.
Collaborative approach to growth
We start with open conversations and assessments, understanding their vision and priorities. Rather than imposing external solutions, we collaborate to identify opportunities for growth, ensuring that any support builds on their existing expertise and ambitions.
Hands-on experience through pilot projects
To support this transition, we secure funding for pilot projects, providing local NGOs with hands-on experience in emergency programming, donor engagement, and compliance. These early projects serve as stepping stones, helping organisations demonstrate their capacity to respond effectively in crises.
Long-term support for lasting impact
Once funding is secured, we continue to provide tailored support in compliance, reporting, and capacity building. From financial management to programme delivery, we help organisations meet donor expectations while maintaining their independence and identity. Our goal is not just to unlock funding but to ensure that local NGOs have the tools, systems, and confidence to lead crisis response and long-term recovery in their communities.
Strengthening crisis response capabilities
For many organisations, shifting from long-term development work to emergency response requires new skills, systems, and resources. Together, we design a strategy that strengthens their ability to respond to crises while maintaining their core mission.
Building a sustainable fundraising strategy
Beyond the initial pilots, we work together to build a sustainable fundraising strategy, identifying potential donors and developing compelling proposals. We support organisations in navigating the complexities of humanitarian funding, ensuring they are well-positioned to secure larger grants and long-term partnerships. This approach strengthens their financial independence and enhances their ability to lead response efforts on their own terms.
Clinics and capacity building
We run focused clinics on specific topics, providing practical guidance that local NGOs can apply immediately.
These sessions are designed to be short, interactive, and problem-solving oriented, making them a more accessible alternative to time-intensive training courses. Each clinic tackles a key challenge faced by local organisations—whether it’s navigating donor compliance, writing stronger funding proposals, or adapting financial systems for humanitarian response.
Our clinics create space for direct engagement, allowing participants to ask questions, share experiences, and receive tailored advice. Rather than one-way lectures, these sessions are structured as interactive discussions, ensuring that local NGOs get the answers and guidance they need in real time. By focusing on specific, actionable topics, we help organisations strengthen their skills efficiently, without overwhelming their teams with lengthy training commitments.
These clinics are open to any local NGO, making them an inclusive and low-barrier opportunity for organisations to strengthen their capacity. Whether an organisation is new to humanitarian funding or looking to refine its operations, our clinics provide targeted, practical support that can make an immediate impact.
Event calendar
Consultancies
Start Local believes that establishing the right systems and processes early on is critical for an organisation’s long-term success and impact.
Our consultancy services aim to help NGOs build strong operational foundations from the outset. These foundations ensure efficiency, accountability, and scalability, enabling organisations to grow sustainably, secure funding, and deliver effective, locally led solutions that create lasting change while remaining responsive to local contexts.
Consultancy work provides sustainability for our mission. As a non-profit organisation, we utilise the funds generated from working with larger NGOs to subsidise our work with small local NGOs and CBOs. This cross-subsidisation model allows us to support grassroots organisations while maintaining our own sustainability.
Our consultancy work is designed in a way that is particular to your needs and wishes. To give you an idea of what we can offer below is a list of activities we can conduct but please get in touch with us to discuss a bespoke package.
Discuss the package that is right for you
Our consultancy work is designed in a way that is particular to your needs and wishes. Get in touch with us to discuss a package.
Our services
Donor compliance, due diligence, and risk management
- Conducting due diligence assessments for local and international partners.
- Preparing due diligence documents and supporting the establishment of compliance processes.
- Ensuring adherence to safeguarding, complaints mechanisms, and PSEA (Protection from Sexual Exploitation and Abuse) policies.
- Developing risk management frameworks for fragile or complex contexts.
- Support to prepare for audits, reporting, and legal adherence to donor and international standards.
Resource mobilisation and fundraising strategy
- Conducting donor mapping to identify funding opportunities aligned with organisational goals.
- Grant writing and proposal development
- Designing fundraising strategies
- Training teams in effective fundraising strategies and donor engagement.
Organisational development and capacity building
- Strengthening governance, leadership, and operational structures.
- Building the capacity of local partners in project management, finance, procurement and reporting.
- Facilitating organisational change processes to embed localisation principles.
- Providing coaching and mentoring for staff and local partners.
- Supporting the preparation of due diligence documents and compliance processes.
Programme design, strategy, and impact
- Conducting needs assessments to inform programme design and strategy.
- Developing programmatic strategies aligned with local needs and global standards.
- Designing monitoring, evaluation, and learning (MEL) frameworks to measure impact.
- Supporting the integration of gender-sensitive and inclusive approaches.
- Facilitating strategic planning sessions to align vision, mission, and goals.
Partnership development and localisation
- Conducting partner mapping to identify and assess potential local and international collaborators.
- Building equitable partnerships between international and local actors.
- Designing models for direct funding and decision-making by local organisations.
- Mediating and strengthening collaboration among stakeholders.
- Advising on advocacy and policy engagement to promote localisation.
Communications
- Design a comprehensive communications external communications strategy
- Develop respectful strategies for communications with communities
- Design of communications tools
Pricing structure for consultancy services
Small Local NGOs
(Annual income: < £250,000)
Daily rate: £150 - £250
Basis: Cost-recovery model to ensure affordability
Example: A 5-day project would cost between £750 - £1,250
Notes: Discounts or flexible payment plans can be offered for very small or grassroots organisations
Medium-sized NGOs
(Annual income: £250,000 - £1,000,000)
- Daily rate: £300 - £500
- Basis: Partially subsidised to balance affordability and sustainability
- Example: A 5-day project would cost between £1,500 - £2,500
- Notes: Tailored packages can be developed to suit specific needs and budgets
Large NGOs
(Annual income: > £1,000,000)
- Daily rate: £600 - £1000
- Basis: Market-aligned rates to reflect the scale and complexity of work
- Example: A 5-day project would cost between £3,000 - £5,000
- Notes: Customised solutions and long-term partnerships can be negotiated
Why a scaled pricing structure?
Equity and accessibility
The scaled pricing structure ensures that small local NGOs, which often have limited resources, can access high-quality consultancy services at affordable rates. This empowers them to build their capacity and achieve their goals without being hindered by financial constraints.
Sustainability for our mission
As a non-profit organisation, we utilise the funds generated from working with larger NGOs to subsidise our work with small local NGOs. This cross-subsidisation model allows us to support grassroots organisations while maintaining our own sustainability.
Flexibility and fairness
By tailoring the number of days and costs to each NGO’s specific needs and budget, we ensure fairness and value for money. The actual number of days required will be determined in collaboration with the NGO, ensuring the scope of work is realistic and achievable.
Additional expenses
Travel and logistics:
Any additional expenses, such as travel, accommodation, or logistical costs, will be calculated separately and agreed upon in advance. These costs will be kept as low as possible and tailored to the NGO’s budget.
Example scenarios
| NGO size | Needs | Cost |
|---|---|---|
| Small Local NGO | Needs support with grant writing and donor mapping (estimated 5-10 days depending on complexity). | £750 - £2,500 |
| Medium-Sized NGO | Requires a needs assessment and programme design (estimated 10-15 days) | £3,000 - £7,500 |
| Large NGO | Seeks comprehensive support for organisational development and compliance (estimated 15-20 days) | £9,000 - £20,000 |
Next steps
- We will work closely with each NGO to develop a tailored proposal, including the estimated number of days and total cost.
- Adjustments can be made to the scope of work or payment terms to ensure the services are accessible and meet the NGO’s needs.