Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

This page should answer many questions that you will have about Mango Training. Please contact the Training Team for any other questions.

1. How do I book for a course?
2. When is the closing date for bookings?
3. Is there a Mango course suitable for me?
4. In which countries do you run training courses?
5. Does Mango provide training on subjects wider than financial management, such as fundraising or proposal writing?
6. What does it cost to attend a course and what does the course fee cover?
7. I can’t afford the course fee, what help is available?
8. Will I get a certificate?
9. If I lose my certificate, can I get a replacement?
10. How do I make a payment to Mango?
11. Will I lose my money if I cancel my booking?
12. Will Mango arrange overnight accommodation at the training venue for me?
13. Will Mango help me obtain an entry visa if I need one?
14. Can Mango courses also be run as a tailored event for my organisation?
15. You don't run courses in my country yet. What options are there for me?
16. How do I receive regular information about Mango training and news?
17. Are Mango courses available as distance or online learning programmes?

 

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1 How do I book for a course?

You can book on a course with the online booking tool. Alternatively, simply fill out and email the course booking form to the training team . If you would like to enquire about the availability of places on a specific course, you can send us an email or use the online query form. We are happy to hold a provisional booking for two weeks, providing the course is not over-subscribed.  

2 When is the closing date for bookings?

As many of our courses fill up very quickly, it is best to book as soon as you can.  The general closing date for bookings is 4 weeks before the course start date. However, we do accept later bookings if there are still places available or if we get late cancellations, so it is a good idea to enquire about availability at any time.

3 Is there a Mango course suitable for me?

We have a wide range of training courses specifically aimed at NGO staff and board members. Certain courses are designed for finance staff, others just for programme staff, so entry requirements depend on the course you are interested in. Please refer to the individual course outlines which describe the learning objectives and course content.

See also the Course Suitability Index which describes who each course is suitable for and not suitable for. 

4 In which countries do you run training courses?

We deliver our training courses in regional centres all around the world. Check out our latest calendar of training events to find out when we are coming to a centre near you! 

If we do not currently run courses in your country, and you think we should, contact us and we will do our best to include your suggestions in a future calendar.

5 Does Mango provide training on subjects wider than financial management, such as fundraising or proposal writing?

No. Mango’s mission is to strengthen financial management and accountability in NGOs so we do not provide training in other areas of management. For fundraising training and resources contact the Resource Alliance. For UK-based training look up BOND and Fundraising Training Ltd.  Also see the Bioforce Institute,  InsideNGO and  INTRAC websites for other training opportunities.

6 What does it cost to attend a course and what does the course fee cover?

View the latest course fees here.

For all courses (except the FM5 which is a residential course, ie accommodation is provided) the course fee covers:

• Professional tuition
• Lunch and refreshments
• Certificate
• Course Handbook and Workbook
• Mango calculator, pen and other 'jargon ball'
• Email follow-up support

The fee does not cover the cost of accommodation, evening meals or travel costs. For details of accommodation near or at the training venue please contact the training admin team.  

7 I can’t afford the course fee, what help is available?

Mango offers a limited number of bursaries for poorly-resourced NGOs on selected Mango open training events (FM1, FM2 and FM8 outside of the UK only). Please note that Mango training bursaries are available towards the cost of course fees only. Read our information page on the bursary scheme and download the bursary fund application form.

You may also be interested to have a look at Mango's Guide, which includes a comprehensive introduction to Financial Management for NGOs, available on-line for free. 

See our Briefing Note for general advice on obtaining external sponsorship for course fees and other expenses.

8 Will I get a certificate?

Yes. If you attend the full programme and your course fees have been paid in full, you will receive a Mango training certificate at the end of the course.  If you miss sessions on the course, certificates will be awarded at the discretion of the trainer.

9 If I lose my certificate, can I get a replacement?

Yes. We will re-issue your certificate at a cost of GBP 4 plus courier costs. We will send you an invoice and when payment has been received we will send your replacement certificate.

10 How do I make a payment to Mango?

We will send you an invoice by email shortly after we confirm your booking. You can pay using the following methods:

• cheque drawn on a UK bank account
• international money order
• bank transfer.

Payments originating outside the UK should include bank transfer fees for BOTH ends of the transaction. Mango’s bank details are shown on the invoice.  See our briefing note for full details on how to make payments. 

11 Will I lose my money if I cancel my booking?

Places on Mango’s courses are limited and we often have waiting lists. Cancellation charges are applied in all cases including due to failure to get a visa or illness.

We regret that we have to do this but all bookings involve administrative costs for us and it is very difficult to fill spaces made vacant by late cancellations.

We strongly advise you to buy travel insurance which includes cancellation cover in case of last minute changes beyond your control.

Cancellation charges depend on when the written cancellation notice is received. Please read the terms and conditions including the cancellation rules.

12 Will Mango arrange overnight accommodation at the training venue for me?

As most of Mango’s courses are designated as non-residential (ie they do not include overnight accommodation), we are not able to organise accommodation if you need it.

However, we will forward you details of accommodation available at or near the training venue on request, so that you can communicate directly about your accommodation needs. Email us for information.

For our only residential course (FM5) we make all accommodation arrangements for you.

13 Will Mango help me obtain an entry visa if I need one?

We do not provide a visa service or give advice on entry requirements for the various countries we provide training in.   As we do not have offices in the countries where we run training, we are not able to provide official invitation letters.

 

However, we will provide a letter that confirms details of your booking which can be used to support your application for an entry visa, providing certain conditions are met (including advance payment of the course fee).  View Mango’s policy on support for entry visas.

If you are applying to attend a UK course, please note that the UK visa authorities are getting very strict, especially for citizens of certain so-called 'high risk' countries. If this affects you, it may be better  to apply to attend a course in locations where there are fewer entry restrictions, such as Dubai or Bangkok.

We recommend that you apply to attend training in your own region as far as possible as this will increase your chances of obtaining a visa.

For UK entry visas, you need to apply for a visitor visa, not a study visa. We strongly advise you to look at the UK visa authority website to answer any other questions you have about entry to the UK.

Mango is registered with The British Accreditation Council (BAC) as a short course training provider, a requirement of the UK Border Agency. 

14 Can Mango courses also be run as a tailored event for my organisation?

Yes. For 6 to 16 participants, we can provide your organisation with a standard Mango event or training tailored to your specific needs. See the  in-house training pages for more information and contact details.  To make a formal training request please fill in the In-house Training Request form (also available in French).

15 You don't run courses in my country yet. What options are there for me?

If we do not currently run courses in your country, and you think we should, contact us and we will do our best to include your suggestions in a future calendar.

Also, see our free online Guide to financial management.  This contains lost of useful advice, tips and free tools.  You could also consider organising a group training with other NGOs.  Contact us for more information. 

16 How do I receive regular information about Mango training and news?

Send us an email to be added to Mango’s mailing list and to receive our latest training calendar by email.

17 Are Mango courses available as distance learning programmes?

Not yet. We are currently looking into extending our training for those who are interested in self-study options.  Please contact us if you would like to know when the materials are ready.