Are You Grant Ready? 7 Questions to Ask Before You Apply

Feaqture image credit: Braden Collum

Let’s be honest—grants are exciting. They’re the nonprofit equivalent of spotting a unicorn: free money to do more good? Yes, please!

But before you gallop into that application, take a breath. The most successful grant seekers aren’t just fast—they’re ready. Grant readiness isn’t about having the perfect story (though that helps). It’s about making sure your organization has the foundation and capacity to win the grant and deliver on what you promised.

So how do you know if you're really ready to apply? Ask yourself these 7 questions before diving into that application:

1. Do We Have a Clear, Fundable Project?

Vague ideas like “we want to do more outreach” won’t cut it. Funders want specifics: what you’ll do, who it’ll help, and what success looks like. If you can’t explain your project in a sentence or two, it’s time to sharpen your focus.

2. Can We Back It Up with Data?

Whether it’s community need, program outcomes, or budget numbers—your proposal should be grounded in evidence. Funders want to see that your work isn’t just heartfelt, but realistic.

3. Is Our Budget Realistic and Aligned?

Here’s where a lot of proposals wobble. Your budget should match your narrative. If you're saying you're launching a brand-new program, but your budget has $0 in staff time or supplies? 🚩 The whole reason they ask for a budget is to see how you plan to support your program. So show them everything from supplies to staff time to contractors.

4. Do We Have the Right Documents Ready?

Most funders will ask for your 501(c)(3) letter, audited financials, board list, and maybe even your strategic plan. Scrambling for these at the last minute = stress. Bonus points if they’re already saved in a “grant ready” folder—we love organization!

5. Have We Done Our Funders Homework?

Every funder has its quirks. Some love innovation, others want to fund tried-and-true programs. Some say “no” to capital expenses. Make sure your application mirrors their language and follows their rules, down to the document format you submit.

6. Can We Measure Our Impact?

Funders love outcomes. If you’re only sharing activities (“we’ll hold 20 weekly one-on-one tutoring sessions”), consider adding results (“75% of student participants will show a 10-point grade increase”). Think: what will change because of this grant?

7. Are We Ready to Report and Deliver?

Getting the grant is just the beginning. Are you prepared to track expenses, collect data, and submit reports on time? If not, now’s a great time to strengthen those systems—before you’re juggling grant deadlines and spreadsheets.

The Bottom Line:

You don’t need to be perfect to apply for grants, but you do need to be prepared.

A little work upfront can save a lot of headaches later and increase your odds of getting funded.

Whether you’re just starting out or looking to level up your grant strategy, I’d love to help. Let’s connect and see how we can make your next application your strongest yet.