Have you ever wondered if your nonprofit is “grant-ready?” New nonprofits are often eager to apply for grants, but reviewing your organization’s grant readiness is the first step. We encourage you to use our checklist to measure your organization’s grant readiness to submit grant applications successfully.
Our Grant-Ready Checklist
1. Are you Eligible?
If not done already, the first step is to incorporate the organization. Then, the next step is to register the organization as a 501(c)3 tax-exempt entity. Instead of filing for a (separate) 501(c)3 ‘status,’ an organization can ‘partner’ with an organization that already has the 501(c)(3) designation. In this case, the designated organization may serve as your ‘fiscal sponsor.’ In most cases, grant funders also ask for an organization’s EIN (Employer Identification Number). Before you can apply for federal grants, register at Grants.gov and Sam.gov. In addition, you can verify further requirements found in the RFP or Request for Proposal.
2. Do you have a Concise Mission Statement?
Your mission statement should clearly outline your organization’s unique mission. Outline the ways your organization is addressing an issue in your community. Enforce how you stand out among other organizations working towards similar goals. Unquestionably, funders are want to fund organizations that do not duplicate or overlap successful programs and services in the community.
3. Do you provide Impactful Programs for the community?
Your organization must have programs in operation demonstrating a measurable difference for the community. All nonprofits should provide documentation of their program’s impact through hard data. Furthermore, another way to highlight your organization to funders is through testimonial letters of support from their community leaders.
4. Does your organization have Adequate Resources?
Does your organization have adequate facilities, transportation, and financial resources to sustain current operations? Is the staff provided with the resources needed to serve your patrons? Are there programs in place, and do you have volunteers to help your organization?
5. Are your Finances in order?
Above all, your organization must outline your current finances before applying for grants. Accurately record each of your organization’s revenue streams. In this instance, it is best to ensure appropriate financial management systems are in place beforehand to guarantee your grant-seeking journey goes smoothly.
What is the next step?
To some, grants may look like free money. To others, the competitive world of grants is intimidating. As shown above, honestly evaluating your organization’s grant readiness can increase your chances of applying for grants successfully. Although grant writing is not easy, there plenty of resources online help you start securing funds for your organization. By all means, visit GrantWriterTeam’s blog to learn more about hiring a grant writer and tips for writing grant proposals.
Ready to Hire a Grant Writer?
The first step is to fill out our grant writer request form. Next, grant writers will bid on your project, further explaining why they are the best grant writer for your organization. The bid will include their experience and expertise, a list of awarded grants and writing samples.
With close to 8,000 grants currently available, GrantWatch.com is the leading grant listing directory. A MemberPlus+ subscription is required to view full grant details, including eligibility criteria and application information. For more information, you can also visit the GrantWatch FAQ page.
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