Grant Readiness Checklist

Is your nonprofit ready to apply—and win?

✅ Organizational Essentials

• We have a clear mission and measurable goals.

• Our organization is a registered 501(c)(3) or eligible entity.

• Our board of directors is active and supports fundraising efforts.

• We have an up-to-date strategic or program plan.

✅ Financial Preparedness

• We have a current operating budget (organization-wide).

• We can produce a project-specific budget and narrative.

• We have a system for tracking expenses and reporting.

• Our most recent IRS Form 990 or financial statement is available.

• We can clearly show how grant funds will be spent.

✅ Program Readiness

• We have clear program objectives, outcomes, and deliverables.

• We can demonstrate community need for the program.

• We have data, testimonials, or case studies to back our impact.

• We can articulate our theory of change or logic model.

✅ Administrative Capacity

• We have a designated staff or consultant to manage grants.

• We have policies for procurement, compliance, and recordkeeping.

• We understand the funder’s requirements for reporting, evaluation, and audits.

• We have tools or systems to track grant deadlines and deliverables.

✅ Competitive Edge

• We’ve researched funders who align with our mission.

• We can tailor our language and outcomes to fit funder priorities.

• We’ve partnered with a grant writer or expert who understands public funding (if applying for government grants).

• We have letters of support or community endorsements.

Bonus Tip: If applying for government funding…

• We have a SAM.gov registration and UEI number (formerly DUNS).

• We understand allowable vs. unallowable costs.

• We’ve reviewed federal or state funding guidelines in full.

Final Score:

• 18–20 boxes checked? You’re grant-ready—let’s go!

• 12–17? You’re almost there—some prep will strengthen your chances.

• Below 12? Let’s pause and build your foundation first (we can help!).