Grants Readiness Checklist

Assess the mission and vision of the organization.

Evaluate the current organizational structure and staffing.

Review existing policies and procedures related to grant management.

Confirm compliance with local, state, and federal regulations.

Identify funding sources currently utilized by the organization.

Ensure a robust financial management system is in place.

Review current budgeting processes and practices.

Confirm that financial statements are accurate and up-to-date.

Establish clear policies for tracking and reporting expenditures.

Assess the organization’s ability to manage grant funds effectively.

Define clear program goals and objectives.

Develop a logic model or theory of change for proposed programs.

Identify target populations and community needs.

Gather data to support program effectiveness and need.

Create a plan for program evaluation and measurement of outcomes.

Identify staff with experience in grant writing.

Provide training for staff on grant writing best practices.

Develop templates and boilerplate language for grant proposals.

Create a calendar for upcoming grant opportunities and deadlines.

Establish a review process for grant proposals before submission.

Identify potential partners and collaborators in the field.

Develop memorandums of understanding (MOUs) with key partners.

Assess the strengths and resources of potential collaborators.

Create a communication plan for engaging partners throughout the grant process.

Foster relationships with funders and other stakeholders.

Understand the compliance requirements for potential funders.

Develop a reporting schedule for grant deliverables and outcomes.

Train staff on grant compliance and reporting obligations.

Establish a system for tracking grant deliverables and timelines.

Prepare for audits and site visits from funders.

Create a plan for engaging the community in program planning.

Develop strategies for gathering community input and feedback.

Identify key community stakeholders and engage them in the grant process.

Communicate the impact of the organization’s work to the community.

Foster ongoing relationships with community members and organizations.