ujíre: begin
prepare: thdógraki
Free Grant Readiness Checklists
First, assess where you are.
To compete successfully, you must have the right tools and understand the process before starting. The grant process requires preparation. An assessment below will help you determine what you have left on your to-do list before writing for funding. The more you think critically about the prep work, the more you will get done.
Diversified funding is CRITICAL
Grant Readiness Quiz
Get a blackbelt in funding. #goals
Identification
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Cultivation
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Solicitation
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Stewardship
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Identification • Cultivation • Solicitation • Stewardship •
The road to grant funds is a marathon, not a sprint.
Applicants serious about competing successfully for federal, state, corporate, and foundation funding have already completed these steps.
Anyone seeking an easy or cheap way to skirt the process and procedures required for grant funding will not find sustainable funds.
Getting “grant-ready” takes a lot of time, dedication, and commitment of board members, staff, and volunteers. A “grant-ready” nonprofit is a successful nonprofit.
A Unique Entity Identifier (UEI) (DUNS number), SAM registration, NAICS codes, and Grants.gov account all need to be in place before you begin. All while you work within a frequently short announcement-to-submission window.
Register with System for Award Management
An active System for Award Management (SAM) account is required to do business with the federal government and apply for funding opportunities. Registering with SAM is free; however, registration and renewal can take up to 10 business days to complete. You must renew and revalidate your registration at least every 12 months. Visit the SAM.gov website to learn how to register your entity and contact the Federal Service Desk for user assistance.
Register with Grants.gov
Grants.gov is for organizations and entities supporting the development and management of government-funded programs and projects.
Need assistance with SAM Registration?
Procurement Technical Assistance Centers (PTACs) offer FREE help with SAM and DUNs registration, bid match service, one on one consulting, and assistance with registrations for SBA Programs that could empower your business! Your local (U.S.) PTAC’s goal is to generate employment and improve the general economy by assisting in obtaining and performing under federal, state, and local government contracts. When ready, they will point you back to a grant writer or in the best direction for you.
Ask yourself.... and be honest.
Ask yourself.... and be honest.
Do you qualify for funding?
For example, you must be a 501(c)(3) organization in the United States. Or, if not, have a fiscal agent that can accept the money on your behalf, then provide it to you.
Are you sufficiently staffed?
Determine if your current staff can manage all aspects of the grant process. Are they willing to do the work? Is hiring more staff or contracting outside service an option?
Are you willing and able to invest the time?
Be sure you can meet the demands and deadlines associated with the grant process, especially those associated with monitoring and reporting. Will the return on your investment be worth it?
Are you financially responsible?
Be prepared to show how you successfully manage money. You will need to submit a budget worksheet for the nonprofit and the program requiring funding and have an accounting system for tracking funding from various grant sources.
Do you have a vision?
Be able to define specific short and long-term goals for your organization and the program requiring funding. You should demonstrate the impact the program is having on its beneficiaries.
Are you able to show past success?
Be prepared to convey your program’s impact with meaningful data and stories.
Is the need for funding clear?
Ensure you know what aspects of a program require funding and how much. Will you seek money from only one source or a combination of sources?