Plan → Sprint
Clarity and confidence to decide
Sprint engagement · 3 Months
Validate fundability quickly: sharpen the problem, draft a lean Theory of Change and logframe, stress-test the budget, and decide whether to proceed.
- A clear decision: proceed to full design, pivot, or not pursue
- If "proceed," you'll have a prioritized scope for Engagement
- Reduced risk before committing to full project design
Included
- Problem statement refinement
- Lean Theory of Change (diagram + narrative)
- High-level logframe (key indicators, baselines/targets if available)
- Budget feasibility assessment (sanity check + risks)
- Fundability scorecard + recommendations
Not Included
- Full grant narrative
- Full monitoring plan
- Procurement plans
- Lengthy primary research
- Detailed MEL toolkits (covered in Engagement)
Kickoff & Evidence Intake
Month 1Align on objectives, gather background docs, and identify key stakeholders
Rapid Synthesis
Month 1-2Analyze existing evidence and map the problem landscape
Draft ToC + Lean Logframe
Month 2Develop initial Theory of Change and high-level logframe
Review & Prioritize
Month 2-3Collaborative review sessions to refine and validate approach
Handoff & Recommendations
Month 3Deliver Sprint Report with go/no-go recommendations
- 1× kickoff session (60–90 min)
- Bi-weekly check-ins (30 min)
- Final readout presentation (60 min)
- Background documents (concept notes, prior reports)
- Access to 1–2 subject matter experts
- Any donor RFP or funding guidelines
- Timing constraints and deadlines
- Known risks and assumptions
- Sprint Report containing:
- Theory of Change snapshot
- Lean logframe with key indicators
- Budget notes and feasibility assessment
- Fundability scorecard
- Go/no-go recommendations with next steps
- Duration
- 3 Months
- Investment
- Fixed fee engagement
- Investment
- 50% payment to start, 50% on delivery
- Investment
- One revision cycle included
- Limited evidence or unavailable SMEs can reduce fidelity
- Scope remains intentionally narrow to protect timeline
- Additional research may be recommended for Engagement phase