Grant Readiness Checklist.

Audit the short list of things a funder checks before taking you seriously, and mark what is solid, weak, or missing, so you close the gaps that lose grants before the proposal is read.

The first step of getting grant-ready. Mark each solid, weak, or missing.

Current financial statements, and a recent audit or review if your size requires one

A board that meets, governs, and can be named

Basic policies (financial controls, conflict of interest, and for some funders, others)

Proof your programs work, even simple outcome data

A clear organizational and program budget

Current tax-exempt determination letter

A short, clear description of who you serve and the change you create

Closing the gaps

For each weak or missing item, either fix it or route it: weak finances to financial health and management, an absent or non-governing board to board governance and development, unproven programs to impact measurement and to program design and delivery.

My gaps and where each goes

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