The NSP project cycle for each participating community has five phases. These are generally completed within a two-year period.

Phase I:
The NSP Facilitating Partner (FP) assigned to the province (typically an NGO) contacts the community to inform them of NSP and start the mobilization process.

Phase II :
The FP facilitates fair and open elections to establish a representative body known as the Community Development Council.

Phase III:
The newly-elected CDC consults with the members of the community to reach consensus on a list of priority sub-projects. These include sub-projects that can be carried out independently and those that require NSP or other outside support. Together, these comprise a Community Development Plan. Selected sub-project proposals are submitted to NSP for funding.

Phase IV:
Upon approval, NSP block grant funds are disbursed to cover the purchase of materials and services. The CDC undertakes sub-project implementation (often through committees) and reports to the community on progress and use of funds. Programme partners monitor ongoing sub-projects.

Phase V:
Programme partners assess the technical quality of completed sub-projects and document lessons learned.