--- title: "Project Bank" description: "Small teams draft structured project proposals, pitch them under tight time limits, and distribute symbolic investment tokens to prioritize viable initiatives." last_updated: "2026-09-07" canonical: "https://unitedwetransform.com/exercises/project-bank/" --- # Project Bank Small teams draft structured project proposals, pitch them under tight time limits, and distribute symbolic investment tokens to prioritize viable initiatives. **Time:** 90 minutes. Within the 90 to 120 minute range recorded in the source. **People:** 6 to 24. Teams of 3 to 4 people; all participants act as project creators and subsequent investors. ## Choose this exercise **Purpose:** Compare and prioritize competing proposals using transparent criteria and collective resource allocation. **Use it when:** Use when a team or community group needs to narrow down multiple initiative ideas into funded or supported pilot projects. **Skip it when:** Skip when funding or priorities are already fixed by external mandate, or when participants lack enough shared context to propose actionable ideas. ## Materials and tools - One Project Bank Canvas printed on paper per team of 3 to 4 - Pens or markers for each team - 12 symbolic investment tokens (poker chips, sticky dots, or colored cards) per team - One visible countdown timer - Wall space or table space to display completed canvases ## Before participants arrive 1. Print one copy of the Project Bank Canvas for each anticipated team. 2. Place markers and token sets at each team table. 3. Designate a visible wall or display table where teams will mount their canvases. ## Say this to open Welcome to the Project Bank. Each team will draft a concrete proposal to address a real need in our work. Then, every team will step into the role of investor. You will have a pool of symbolic investment tokens to allocate across the projects you find most viable, impactful, and clear. You cannot invest tokens in your own project. Let us begin by drafting your proposals. ## How to run it ### 1. Form teams and introduce roles (10 minutes) Form teams of 3 to 4 people. Distribute one Project Bank Canvas to each team. Explain the four core sections: problem, objective, impact, and requested resources. Announce the investment rules: later, each team receives 12 tokens to distribute among other projects according to impact and feasibility. ### 2. Draft project proposals (30 minutes) Teams work together to complete their Project Bank Canvas. Prompt teams to define one concrete problem, one realistic objective, clear indicators of impact, and specific resources needed. When the timer hits 25 minutes, prompt teams to select one spokesperson or divide pitch lines. ### 3. Pitch presentations and clarifications (25 minutes) Each team mounts their canvas on the wall or front table. In sequence, each team delivers a strict 3-minute pitch summarizing their project. Allow up to 1 minute of objective questions from other teams after each pitch. Stop pitches firmly at the 3-minute mark. ### 4. Allocate investment tokens (10 minutes) Hand each team 12 physical tokens. Teams discuss internally for 5 minutes how to distribute their tokens across the other projects. They can split tokens or place multiple tokens on a single strong project, but they cannot place any tokens on their own project. A representative from each team walks to the posted canvases and deposits their tokens. ### 5. Tally results and debrief (15 minutes) Facilitator counts the tokens on each canvas and writes the totals openly. Invite 3 or 4 participants to comment using the debrief questions. Conclude by confirming which prioritized projects move to immediate action planning. ## Debrief questions - What made a proposal clear and compelling enough to win your investment? - Where did proposals ask for realistic resources versus vague support? - What common themes appeared across multiple projects that we could combine? **Finished output:** A ranked set of structured project canvases showing total investment tokens received. ## Remote Use breakout rooms for proposal drafting. Teams fill out a digital canvas in a shared whiteboard tool such as Miro or Google Slides. Reconvene in the main room for timed 3-minute pitches. Conduct investment by giving each team 12 digital stamps or dot icons on the shared board, restricting them from voting on their own frame. ## Hybrid Keep mixed groups or assign fully remote teams and fully in-person teams. Display all canvases on a shared digital board mirrored on a room projector. Ensure remote teams speak through room audio for pitches. Use digital dot stamps for both in-person and remote participants so voting remains visible and simultaneous. ## Access and participation choices - Participants can contribute by writing, timing, or speaking without being forced into verbal pitching. - Teams may decline to allocate all their tokens or abstain from funding a specific category without explanation. ## If the session gets stuck **A team pitches past their allotted 3 minutes.** Raise a physical visual card at 30 seconds remaining, and call time at 3 minutes sharp to protect subsequent teams. **Teams attempt to vote for their own project to skew rankings.** Pre-color or number each team's token set so self-voting is instantly visible and disqualified. ## Terms used here - Proponent: The team or individual who presents and advocates for a project proposal. ## Participant material: Project Bank Canvas PROJECT BANK CANVAS Project Title: Team Members: 1. Problem or Need What specific issue does this project solve? Who experiences this problem? 2. Objective What will this project accomplish, and by when? 3. Expected Impact What measurable changes or tangible results will occur if this succeeds? 4. Required Resources What people, materials, equipment, or funding are required to execute this? 5. Investment Bank Tally (Facilitator use only) Total Tokens Received: [ ] ## Sources and adaptation Observed in the Participatory Methodologies Library (participatorymethods.com) entry for Project bank (2025). Preserved the source mechanic of proponents pitching structured templates to a bank of evaluators and investors distributing symbolic funding. UWT added explicit team sizing, token counts (12 per team), strict step timing within the source's 90-minute lower boundary, a concrete canvas template, and clear rules barring self-investment. [Participatory Methods](https://participatorymethods.com/activities/project-bank/) Current run sheet: https://unitedwetransform.com/exercises/project-bank/