Nonprofit Grant Readiness Checklist

35 items across five categories: administrative basics, organization essentials, documents, financials, and project specifics. Use it to see where your organization stands before you apply for a grant.

Two ways to use it: download the free PDF and work through it on your own, or fill it in online and I'll personally review your answers.

Download the checklist

A fillable, branded PDF of all 35 items, grouped by category, with checkboxes and space to write your answers in. Free, no email required.

Download the checklist (PDF)

Have Margot review yours

The online version goes deeper. It identifies the actual state of key components, not just whether they exist. Submit your answers and I will follow up with you personally.

Fields marked are required.

Certain funders may request more or slightly different information. This isn't meant as a complete list, but as guidance toward being as ready as possible.

Answer these as honestly as you can. Gaps are normal, and finding them now is the whole point.

Administrative

9. Certificate of Insurance
11. State Charitable Registration

Organization Essentials

Documents

17. IRS Determination Letter
18. 990s (most recent filings)
19. Organizational Chart
20. Board of Directors List
21. Strategic Plan (or Business Plan)
22. By-Laws
23. Conflict of Interest Policy
24. Letters of Support / MOUs

Not all grants require these; check individual grant requirements before assuming you need them.

Financials

25. Profit & Loss Statement (most recent fiscal year)
26. Fiscal Year Budget (current year)
27. Balance Sheet
28. Audited Financials
29. Indirect Cost Rate

The rate your organization uses to charge overhead and administrative costs against grant funding. If you have a federally negotiated cost rate, make sure you have that documentation. If not, that's fine. You can use the standard indirect rate.

Project Specific

Need help building one? Contact us

See how we handle your information in our privacy policy.

Ready to Talk About a Grant?

Once you've worked through the checklist, we can talk about a specific grant or project. We respond within one business day.

Talk about a grant Contact us