The “Tailor-Made” Specialized Training Program is a program we have developed to directly address the unique needs of civil society organizations. Through this program, we offer organizations the specific training they need on a given topic, delivered by an expert in the field, either face-to-face or online, over two days (a total of 16 hours).
How does The “Tailor-Made” Specialized Training Program work?
This training program, tailored to the unique needs of CSOs, consists of 6 steps:
- Step One: In the first step, CSO members come together to identify their needs and determine the training topic to meet those needs.
- Step Two: CSOs apply to the “Biçilmiş Kaftan” Customized Training Program.
- Step Three: Applicants are contacted after the evaluation process. To clarify the specified needs, the STGM Capacity Team holds an online meeting with CSO representatives. Within the framework of this meeting, the CSO is matched with an expert or trainer specializing in the needed training topic. The training program prepared by the expert or trainer is shared with the CSO. The training program can be delivered online or face-to-face.
- Step Four: As part of the preparations, CSOs share participant information with STGM. To ensure effectiveness, the number of participants should be at least 6 and no more than 25. The training date is determined jointly by STGM and CSOs. If support is needed for the platform where the online meeting will be held and the online tools to be used, STGM can provide appropriate online tools, depending on availability. If a training venue is required, the organization is arranged in cooperation between the CSO and STGM.
- Step Five: After all logistical preparations are complete, CSOs inform the participants about the training details, and the 2-day training program is completed with the guidance of the expert. (For in-person trainings, expenses are covered by STGM within the possibilities of the budget.)
- Step Six: At the end of the training, STGM and the CSO hold an evaluation meeting. In this meeting, the program is evaluated and potential new steps for the organization are discussed.
Who can apply to The “Tailor-Made” Specialized Training Program ?
CSOs (associations or their branches, foundations, non-profit cooperatives, local initiatives, local platforms, student communities, networks and platforms working at local level, city councils, and sub-committees within them) that operate with a rights-based approach* at the local level, addressing specific needs or problems, can benefit from this program.
What training topics can be requested?
The “Tailor-Made” Specialized Training Program is a type of support designed to back training programs tailored to the unique needs of organizations. Training topics that fall outside both the ones offered by STGM and those commonly accessible in the civil sphere will be prioritized.
For the training program carried out under this program, the full participation of a group of at least 6 and no more than 25 members, volunteers, or staff—of whom at least 2 are members of the management or executive board of the organization—must be ensured.
*A rights-based approach defines individuals as rights-holders and states or non-state institutions as duty-bearers. Grounded in the principles and standards of human rights, this approach aims to empower individuals to claim and defend their rights, and to strengthen institutions so they fulfill their rights-related obligations.
How will the process proceed?
1. Submit your application
The final application deadline for the program is Friday, September 17, 2027, at 18:00. Applications can be submitted at any time while the program is open. Applications are reviewed for eligibility during the first week of the month following the application date, and the results are communicated to the applying organization via the email address provided in the application within a maximum of fifteen (15) business days after the evaluation.
2. Commit to participation in the program
If the application is accepted, CSOs must send STGM a “letter of intent” confirming the full participation of the contact person and designated participants. The letter of intent should be prepared by the management or executive board of the organization. A sample is provided by STGM.
3. Attend the introductory meeting
CSOs that receive approval for eligibility hold an introductory meeting with experts from the STGM Capacity Team. In this meeting, the needs analysis is deepened and the final framework of the training is clarified. The evaluations in this introductory meeting will be made in accordance with the following criteria:
- Clarity of need: The institutional need identified should be clear and justified.
- Consistency: The statements and objectives in the application form should be feasible and consistent.
- Inclusiveness: Diversity among the participant group (women/LGBTI+, age, disability, etc.).
4. Match with an expert
An expert or trainer from STGM's expert pool is assigned based on the needs of the CSO.
5. Develop your work plan
The CSO and the expert/trainer jointly prepare a work plan and schedule. Once the plan is approved by STGM, the Biçilmiş Kaftan program starts. The content, format, and schedule of the support to be provided will be laid out in the work plan, and activities will be conducted either face-to-face or online. STGM reserves the right to terminate the support process for beneficiaries who do not meet the requirements of the work plan.
6. Stick to the schedule
The training must be completed within 3 months.
7. Maintain communication
After applying, organizations are expected to designate a contact person and respond promptly to emails sent by STGM to ensure healthy communication during the process.
8. Plan the logistics
If training is to be conducted face-to-face and a venue is required, the training venue will be arranged through cooperation between the CSO and STGM, and related expenses will be covered by STGM.
You can fill out the form here to apply.
How will the evaluation be conducted?
The criteria for applications to be evaluated in the first week of each month are as follows:
- The organization’s local work with a rights-based approach to address needs and problems,
- The training requested must be on a topic that is not delivered by STGM on digital platforms or in-person, nor one commonly accessible within the civil sector,
- The organizational needs pertaining to the application must be clearly and sufficiently defined in the application form,
- The application form must be completed not individually, but at the organizational level, and needs must be collectively determined,
- The application form must be filled out completely and appropriately,
- All documents requested by STGM at the time of application must be submitted in full,
Important note: Incomplete applications will not be evaluated.
If you have difficulties identifying your needs, you can use the assessment tools we have designed to help you evaluate your organizational capacity and identify areas for development.
- Organizational capacity self-assessment tool: ROTA
- Institutional Development Model and Self-Assessment Process Guidance for CSOs: The Birlikte Institutional Development Model Self-Assessment Tool.
For questions regarding the program, you can contact us at [email protected].
Remember: CSOs can only receive training support from the program once within 12 months. For this reason, we recommend carefully identifying your needs.