The GRANT

APPLICATION
GET
GRANT
PROCESS helps
funders understand
how your nonprofit

READY
operates and
whether it aligns
with their funding
goals.

KEY REQUIREMENTS
MISSION STATEMENT
Defines your organization’s
purpose
Outlines which groups you serve
and how you plan to serve them
A well-defined mission
statement tells a STORY
and helps you and potential
funders recognize SHARED
ORGANIZATIONAL GOALS

Describe WHO BENEFITS from STATEMENT OF NEED

your work: who exactly in your
community will be POSITIVELY Presents the details and
IMPACTED narratives supporting your
proposed work
Make a case for the GREAT WORK
you’ve done so far Demonstrates why your
community needs your
Outline your program’s recent initiative
SUCCESSES and describe the Aligns your work with the
anticipated IMPACT of future potential funder’s goals
funding
Includes personal stories
Back up your claims with DATA about community needs,
so funders EMOTIONALLY and how your great work will
CONNECT with your work and the address them
people it serves

OPERATIONAL STRATEGY
Ties directly to your mission
Shares your strategic or
business plan, especially if
you are a new or early stage
nonprofit
A solid operational strategy
tells potential funders
your organization has the
SUSTAINABILITY and
MOTIVATION to achieve its
goals

LEADERSHIP AND
Identify key personnel, tell
their STORIES and include
STAFFING
their EXPERTISE and Includes an engaged board of
ACCOMPLISHMENTS directors that meets regularly

Explain how they can directly Has an Executive Director who

SUPPORT your initiative manages daily operations

BUDGET Include a THOUGHTFUL

and REALISTIC budget for
Justifies staffing expenses
potential funders to analyze
Explains why you need each
Include a budget worksheet
team member to accomplish
your goals

COMMUNICATION AND
COLLABORORATION
Make sure that everyone
there will be able to FOLLOW- Fosters discussion with your
THROUGH should you get the team and stakeholders
funding you request
Looks out to people beyond
Potential funders see your team
COMMUNITY SUPPORT and
ENGAGEMENT as a sign of a Works together with other
really healthy initiative associated organizations
who may donate money,
time, or expertise to your
cause

Your organization must have its 501 (C)3 FEDERAL TAX

EXEMPTION STATUS if you are to receive funding
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