The Seven Elements To Be Grant Ready

The 7 Elements to Be Grant-Ready

You’ve come a long way! This page will help you become fully grant ready. Please review the following items.

We’re here to help – if you have any questions, please email us at
neil@grantsforyou.org.
1. Dedicated Domain Email and Website
   Grant funders expect a professional online presence. A generic email (e.g., Gmail, Yahoo, AOL) raises red flags.
2. Professional-Grade Logo
   Your nonprofit’s brand should reflect credibility. A high-quality logo is a basic sign of professionalism.
3. High-Functioning Website at a Custom Domain
   Your website should clearly explain your mission, services, and impact. It should not be under construction or lack key pages.
4. Active Social Media Presence
   Funders often look at social media to see how engaged your nonprofit is with its community. Having at least three active social accounts (Facebook, LinkedIn, Instagram, Twitter, etc.) is ideal.
5. Financial Management Tools
   Every grant foundation expects financial accountability. If you don’t have a bookkeeper, CPA, or financial management system in place, you’ll struggle to meet reporting requirements.
6. A Budget with Existing Funds Usage or a Twelve-Month Forecast
   Grant funders need to see how you currently manage money and how you plan to use funding. A detailed, professional budget is non-negotiable.
7. A Clear Plan for Grant Funding
   Grants should fit within a larger funding strategy. If you can’t articulate how grant funding will support your mission and long-term sustainability, most funders won’t take your application seriously.

Need Help Becoming Grant-Ready?

While we don’t provide services like bookkeeping, web design, or social media management, we work with proven professionals who do. If your nonprofit needs help improving any of the areas above, we’re happy to connect you with trusted partners who specialize in:

• Nonprofit bookkeeping and financial management such as budgeting
• Website development and branding
• Social media and digital presence
• Graphic designer for logo

Make sure your nonprofit meets these requirements before applying for grants; it’s competitive and you want the very best state of readiness possible.

Once your nonprofit meets all seven grant-ready elements, we’d love to help you find and secure grant funding. Reach out when you’re ready and good luck!