Legal identity
- Articles of incorporation
- EIN
- IRS 501(c)(3) letter or fiscal sponsor proof
- Secretary of State status
Readiness binder
Organize the proof funders expect.
A church or nonprofit should prepare documents, policies, program records, data, and public proof before chasing applications.
Federal access
- SAM.gov registration
- Unique Entity ID
- Grants.gov organization profile
- Authorized Organization Representative setup
Governance
- Board list
- Bylaws
- Conflict-of-interest policy
- Board minutes
- Board authorization process
Financial readiness
- Annual budget
- Program budget template
- Bank statements
- Financial controls
- Budget narrative template
Compliance
- Nondiscrimination policy
- Safeguarding policy
- Privacy policy
- Procurement policy
- Record-retention policy
Proof of work
- Photos
- Testimonials
- Attendance logs
- Past event records
- Partner letters
- Outcome snapshots
Insurance
- General liability
- Workers compensation if applicable
- Youth abuse/molestation coverage where needed
Staff and volunteer files
- Background checks
- Job descriptions
- Volunteer agreements
- Training logs
- Mandated reporting process if applicable
Four phases
From foundation to grant package.
Foundation
- EIN
- 501(c)(3) letter or fiscal sponsor
- SAM.gov / UEI
- Grants.gov registration
- Board list
- Bylaws
- Financial controls
- Insurance
Program Readiness
- Program name
- Target population
- Intake form
- Consent form
- Attendance tracker
- Outcome tracker
- Logic model
- Program budget
Public Proof
- Website program pages
- Community impact page
- Photos
- Testimonials
- Outcome numbers
- Partner logos
- Referral instructions
Grant Package
- Organizational background
- Statement of need
- Program description
- Budget narrative
- Evaluation plan
- Sustainability plan
- Letters of support