Grant Readiness Checklist

Use this checklist to review the core pieces funders often expect before they consider supporting your work:

What Funders Typically Expect

• • Core Documents
  Funders often request organizational documents, policies, and governance information.

  • Program Description
  A clear explanation of what your organization does, who it serves, and how services are delivered.

  • Budget or Basic Financials
  Current financial information that demonstrates responsible stewardship.

  • Leadership Information
  Board and staff information that shows organizational capacity.

  • Outcomes or Impact Data
  Evidence that your work is producing measurable results.

  • A Clear Funding Need
  A specific explanation of why funding is needed and what it will support.

  • A Plan for How Funds Will Be Used
  A realistic and transparent approach for implementing grant dollars.

Quick Self-Check

Ask yourself:

✓ Can I locate these documents quickly?

✓ Are they current and accurate?

✓ Would an outside funder clearly understand our work?

✓ Can we demonstrate impact with data?

✓ Do we have the capacity to manage funding responsibly?

If you answered "no" to several questions, your organization may benefit from strengthening its grant readiness before investing heavily in applications.

This is not about being perfect. It is about knowing what is ready, what is missing, and what needs to be strengthened before you invest time into applications.

Related Resources

→ Grant Readiness Self-Assessment™
→ Program Planning Starter Guide