The First Crucible
Dotline Solutions' signature capacity development program, equipping researchers, practitioners, and institutional leaders with strategic competencies in resource mobilization, institutional growth, and sustainability.
Program Overview
Built around the Do–Review–Learn–Apply model, The First Crucible is a recognized leader in knowledge transfer for impact across Africa.
Our Approach
Client-Centered Impact
Tailored solutions that address specific institutional needs and challenges.
Global Insight, Local Relevance
International best practices adapted to African contexts and realities.
Sustainable Transformation
Long-term capacity building that creates lasting institutional change.
Our Mission
To enable transformative change by equipping researchers, practitioners, and institutions with the strategic tools, knowledge, and capacity to mobilize resources, build resilient systems, and deliver sustainable impact through participatory and client-centered approaches.
First Crucible in Action
See our expert facilitators and participants in collaborative learning environments
Interactive Workshop Sessions
Collaborative learning in action with hands-on group activities
Expert Facilitation
World-class facilitators delivering cutting-edge content
Diverse Training Team
Gender-balanced facilitation with diverse expertise
Leadership Engagement
High-level institutional partnerships and collaboration
Research-Focused Training
Academic excellence meets practical application
Program Participants
Diverse cohorts of African researchers and practitioners
Program Focus Areas
Comprehensive training addressing critical competencies for research and innovation advancement
Resource Mobilization Strategy
Strategic approaches to securing funding for research and innovation projects
Fundable Project Design
Creating compelling proposals for African grant-making organizations
Strategic Partnerships
Building collaborative networks for enhanced resource mobilization
Financial Sustainability
Developing endowments and reserves for long-term institutional health
Research Product Branding
Positioning research outputs as valuable institutional assets
Stakeholder Communication
Effective communication strategies for influence and policy change
Our Training Methodology
A comprehensive five-phase approach ensuring maximum impact and sustainable results
Needs Analysis
Co-develop understanding of institutional gaps and opportunities
Design
Align curriculum with strategic goals and learning needs
Development
Customize content using current, practical, and contextually relevant material
Delivery
Facilitate dynamic learning sessions using adult learning principles
Implementation & Evaluation
Support application and track results post-training
Our Services
Coaching & Mentorship
Comprehensive support to deepen learning and ensure real-world results
- One-on-One Executive Coaching
- Peer Mentorship Circles
- Proposal Coaching Clinics
- Strategic Communication Mentorship
- Post-Training Follow-ups
Available in-person and virtually over 3-6 month engagement periods.
In-House Workshops
Customized training solutions for targeted, context-specific capacity development
- Crafting Competitive Research Proposals
- Institutional Resource Mobilization Strategy
- Policy Engagement and Advocacy Skills
- Branding and Communication for Research Impact
- Endowment Planning and Financial Sustainability
Delivered on-site or virtually with highly interactive, participatory methodologies.
Strategic Partnerships
Collaborating with leading institutions across Africa to amplify our impact
National Research Fund (NRF - Kenya)
Institutional capacity strengthening and strategic advisory on national resource mobilization priorities
Scinnovent Centre (Africa)
Joint delivery of training on innovation policy and research-to-policy translation workshops
University of Nairobi
Training academic and research staff in proposal development and stakeholder engagement
Strathmore University
Executive workshops on research funding strategy and donor engagement for senior faculty
Africa Research and Impact Network (ARIN)
Regional knowledge exchange forums and learning materials development
Ready to Transform Your Institution?
Let's build capacity, strategy, and impact together through The First Crucible program
Phone
+254 742157207
duncan@dotlineafrica.com
Location
Cape Office Park, 3rd Floor
Ring Road Kilimani, Nairobi
Capacity Strengthening Program Director
The First Crucible