Are you Grant Ready?

The mere thought of grant writing can often trigger memories of sleepless nights, blurred vision, and overwhelming anxiety. Applying for grant funding requires research, attention to detail, accuracy, and deadline adherence. Grant writing is time consuming, competitive, deadline oriented and detailed, but it is not difficult. Grant writing is merely an exercise in preparedness and perseverance. Ultimately, funding decisions are the sole decision of the grantor. However, with a little organization, persistence, and discipline, you too can be successful!

Grant Readiness

• Does the organization meet grant funding eligibility requirements? Have you read the guidelines?

• Does the organization have required documentation copies readily available for attachment for online applications?

• Does the organization have both an organization budget and program budget completed?

• Does the organization Board of Directors meet regularly.

• Is the organization Board of Directors 100% monetarily giving to the organization?

• Does the organization have staffing and/or volunteers necessary to implement and fulfill the requirements of the proposed project or program?

• Does the organization have the following information to complete a grant application?

1. Ein
2. 501(c)3
3. IRS Designation
4. Mission Statement
5. Organization Information
6. Organization Contact Info
7. Date of Incorporation
8. Organization Contact Info
9. Organization Home State/County
10. Board of Directors Listing
11. Executive Director/Contact Info
12. Fiscal Year End Date
13. Project Start/End Date
14. # of Years for Project
15. # of Projects offered per Year
16. Grant Request Amount
17. Participants Anticipated
18. Demographics
19. Geographic Area Served
20. Project Description- Narrative
21. Overview
22. Goals
23. Evaluation Methods
24. Inputs/Outputs/Outcomes/Measurements
25. Target Audience
26. Community Impact
27. Budgets (Project and Operating)
28. Total Cost of Project
29. Documentation
30. Financials-P&L, 990, Audit

Grant funding should be part of an overall funding resource strategic plan that also incorporates fundraising, individual donors, major gifts, In-Kind donations, partnerships, sponsorships and revenue generation.  

Time is of the essence when grant funding deadlines are ticking.