In short
A child protection proposal should describe the risks children face with careful, ethical data, put the best interests of the child first, work with families, communities and child protection services, include strong safeguarding and confidential referral systems, and measure changes in protection and well-being without putting children at further risk.
Child protection funders look first at safeguarding: whether the organisation can keep children safe in its own work, then at whether the project strengthens the people and systems that protect children.
Who funds child protection projects
Child protection projects are funded by children’s foundations, development and humanitarian agencies, United Nations agencies and corporate programmes. Many align with the United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child.
Recommended outline
| Section | What to include |
|---|---|
| Problem statement | Risks children face, such as violence, child labour, early marriage or separation, using ethical data sources |
| Safeguarding | Policy, code of conduct, staff checks, training and confidential reporting |
| Methodology | Work with families, communities, schools and statutory services; case management where relevant |
| Child participation | How children’s views are heard safely and appropriately |
| Outcomes | Changes in protection risks, access to services and well-being |
| Sustainability | Stronger community mechanisms and links with child protection authorities |
Example results and indicators
| Result | Indicator |
|---|---|
| Referral | Number of children at risk referred to and receiving appropriate services |
| Community action | Number of active community child protection groups |
| Knowledge | Percentage of caregivers who know how to report a concern |
| Safeguarding | Percentage of staff and volunteers trained and signed up to the code of conduct |
Typical budget lines
- Case workers and supervision
- Safeguarding training and checks
- Community child protection groups
- Psychosocial support activities
- Referral and emergency support costs
- Ethical monitoring and evaluation
What makes a child protection proposal stand out
- Strong safeguarding policy and practice throughout.
- Works with families, communities and statutory services.
- Hears children’s views safely.
- Collects data ethically and protects children’s identities.
Common mistakes
- Weak or missing safeguarding policy.
- Identifiable children’s stories or photos used without proper consent.
- Parallel systems that bypass child protection authorities.
- Data collection that could re-traumatise children.
Frequently asked questions
Why is safeguarding so important in child protection proposals?
Because funders must be sure that the organisation itself will not put children at risk. Expect to show a safeguarding policy, staff checks, training and a confidential reporting system.
Can I use children’s stories in a proposal?
Only with informed consent from the child and their caregiver, without identifying details, and never in a way that could put the child at risk.
Written by Gachi Foundation, a non-profit in Jharkhand, India. All proposal-writing resources.