Your documents, systems, and infrastructure tell funders whether you're ready before they ever read your proposal. Find out exactly where you stand — and what to fix first.
6
Categories
62
Points Total
~8
Minutes
3
Leader Tiers
Part 1 of 6
0 / 62
Part 1 of 6Administrative Foundation
8 pts possible
Check each item you have readily available, current, and high-quality. Be honest — this is your mirror, not your report card.
IRS Letter of Determination (501c3 status)1 pt
Board of Directors list with affiliations and contact info1 pt
Solicitation License (if required in your state)1 pt
Articles of Incorporation1 pt
Clear, compelling Mission Statement1 pt
Clear, aspirational Vision Statement1 pt
Defined Core Values1 pt
Organizational History Narrative (tells your story)1 pt
Part 2 of 6Financial Stewardship
10 pts possible
Funders are fiduciaries. They need to see that you manage money responsibly before they add their own.
Most recent audited financial statements1 pt
Year-end financial statement1 pt
IRS Form 990 (most recent)1 pt
W-9 Form1 pt
Current fiscal year operating budget1 pt
Program-specific budgets with line-item justifications2 pts
Current Fund Development Plan1 pt
Records of prior grants/donations (organized)1 pt
Percentage of board giving financially documented1 pt
Part 3 of 6Strategic Program Design
15 pts possible
This is the belly of the fish. The highest-weighted section because it's where most nonprofits leave the most points on the table.
Clear description of target population (who you serve, with specifics)2 pts
Data-driven problem statement (not vague)2 pts
Theory of Change documented3 pts
Logic Model for each program (Inputs → Activities → Outputs → Outcomes)3 pts
Measurable outcomes defined (not just "people served")2 pts
Performance measures and tracking systems in place2 pts
Implementation timeline for programs1 pt
Part 4 of 6Impact Documentation
12 pts possible
Passion tells funders why you do the work. Evidence tells them it actually works. You need both.
Annual Report or Impact Report (recent)2 pts
Data collection systems for outcomes2 pts
Impact stories that humanize your work2 pts
Evidence of program success (metrics, testimonials, case studies)2 pts
Strategic Plan (shows long-term vision)2 pts
Evaluation process for programs2 pts
Part 5 of 6Organizational Capacity
12 pts possible
Funders invest in organizations, not just programs. Show them you have the infrastructure to execute on what you're proposing.
Organizational chart with clear roles3 pts
Staff resumes or brief bios for key personnel1 pt
Board engagement and defined responsibilities2 pts
Clear decision-making processes2 pts
Partnerships or collaborations documented (MOUs, letters of support)2 pts
Leadership continuity plan2 pts
Part 6 of 6Grant-Ready Assets
5 pts possible
The finishing touches that signal a mature, credible organization to funders reviewing dozens of applications.
2-page organizational overview / case statement2 pts
Letters of support or recommendation1 pt
Recent news coverage, media, or recognition1 pt
Photos, videos, or other compelling visuals1 pt
0 / 62
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Score Breakdown
Administrative Foundation0 / 8
Financial Stewardship0 / 10
Strategic Program Design0 / 15
Impact Documentation0 / 12
Organizational Capacity0 / 12
Grant-Ready Assets0 / 5
Priority Areas
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What This Means For You
Your Next Step
Ready to close these gaps?
Every organization's next move looks different. Here are the two paths — pick whichever fits where you are.
Build it yourself, with us facilitating
Tell us where you're stuck and we'll point you toward the right cohort — our Workshops are built for exactly this stage.
"Grant readiness is not a single threshold. It is a series of expanding capacities."
At every stage, you are ready for something. Each program expands what you can responsibly compete for. We are not fixing you — we are structuring and strengthening what already exists.
Capacity IS fundability.You don't have to choose between building capacity and winning grants. At FundReady — they are the same thing.
