US NGO fundraising expert Michael Wells works with civil society representatives in Uzbekistan

(10/17/2011)

Michael Wells conducts a workshop in Tashkent.

Attendees listen to a presentation during a workshop.

The U.S. Embassy welcomed Michael Wells, principal consultant at Grants Northwest, on September 18. His ten-day visit to Uzbekistan was made possible through the U.S. State Department’s U.S. Speaker and Specialist program, which enables U.S. specialists to share expertise with overseas audiences by acting as consultants, presenting lectures and conducting workshops and seminars. 

During his time in Uzbekistan, Wells led workshops in Tashkent and travelled to Urgench and Nukus to provide field consultations to NGO activists in the regions. He began his trip by leading a full-day fundraising workshop for representatives of more than 30 NGOs from all regions of Uzbekistan.

The workshop was organized to increase the knowledge and capabilities of the selected NGO representatives on various aspects of resource mobilization Additionally, Wells gave a half-day workshop on project design for U.S. Government Exchange Program alumni.

Workshop sessions included discussions and exercises on needs assessment, project impact, positioning, project development, logical models and budget drafting. The workshop also aimed to establish a group of trainers throughout the country who will be able to help other NGO activists in the regions to increase their grant writing skills.   

While speaking to NGO representatives, Wells engaged participants in analytical work and project development activities. Over the course of the seminar, participants discussed various topics of project design, from the problem statement to implementation, monitoring and evaluation.

In Urgench and Nukus, Wells had the opportunity to provide consultations and feedback to NGO representatives on ways to empower their project ideas, generate income to sustain NGO activities and gather data.

While visiting the Society of Disabled Children in Urgench, Wells generated ideas on how the organization can establish a business unit to provide computer services for the local community and to assist in creating jobs for young people living with disabilities.  

Hosting visitors who can provide technical assistance by sharing their expertise is one of the many ways in which the U.S. Embassy supports the development of civil society in Uzbekistan. 

Wells also teaches grant writing at Portland State University and has extensive expertise in resource mobilization for non-profit organizations in the U.S. On a national level, he is a former board member of the American Association of Grant Professionals where he was treasurer for four years and chaired the 2002 national conference in Portland. He is a past board member and president of the Grant Professionals Certification Institute where he was heavily involved in developing the GPC certification process.