Make sure you are grant ready!
Have a standard list of materials put together:
- 501 (c) (3) determination letter from the IRS (and renewals and updates)
- Brochures, agency publications, newsletters, Annual Report
- Employer Identification Number (EIN)/ tax ID #
- Data Universal Numbering System (DUNS) # and National Information Management System (NIMS) registration
- Evaluation, outcomes, performance measures
- Future funding statement for sustainability (including list of pending proposals and/or awarded grants)
- History of organization including year established, number and qualifications of staff, programs, mission, values/ philosophy, awards, stories/testimonials, accreditations/certifications
- Calendar of Events
- List of Board of Directors/ Trustees members and officers, titles, affiliations, contact info
- Volunteer data
- List of management staff and contact Information
- Map of target area and demographics of those served
- Minutes of Board meetings and resolutions for past year
- Most recent audit
- Most recent financial statement
- Current Fund Development Plan
- Current Strategic Plan and Business Plan
- Table of Organization/ flow-chart
- Current project and organization budgets with budget narratives
- Recent newspaper clippings, evaluations or reviews
- Resumes and/or job descriptions of current and/or proposed staff
- Sample letters of support/commitment
- Target population, demographics & needs (“best-practice models” or “evidence-based”)
- Mission and vision statements
- Certificate of Incorporation and Bylaws
- Logic Models for programs
- NEW 990 FORM information re: governance and fundraising (www.IRS.gov/eo)
- www.GRANTS.gov registration for all federal grants (Central Contractor Registration needs renewed annually)
- Have realistic goals with defined roles and responsibilities.
- Set defined dates and deadlines that are well in advance of the actual submission deadline.
- Have written materials prepared for your consultant that clearly articulate the purpose of your project.
- Negotiate a contract with appropriate termination clauses.