Free Resource: "The Grant Readiness Checklist: 5 Questions to Ask Before You Write a Single Word"

Format: A polished, 2-page PDF checklist/workbook.
Concept: This resource positions your workshop as the solution to the core problem—people start writing without a strategy. It forces them to do the critical thinking first, which is the essence of your teaching.

Draft Content for the PDF

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Stop! Before You Write That Grant...

The 5-Question Grant Readiness Checklist

Feeling overwhelmed by grant applications? You're not alone. Most people jump straight to writing, only to end up with a generic proposal that misses the mark.

True success starts before you write. This checklist, from the Grant Writing & Proposal E-Workshop, will guide you through the strategic thinking that funders truly reward. Answer these questions honestly to see if your project is ready to win.

1. The Alignment Check: "Does My Project Solve Their Problem?"

Grantors fund projects that advance their mission, not just yours.

• Action: Find the funder's mission statement in their guidelines. Underline key words.

• Your Turn: In one sentence, how does your project directly support their stated mission?

"My project supports [Funder's Mission] by [Your Project's Direct Contribution]."

2. The Problem Statement Test: "Is My 'Need' Urgent and Backed by Evidence?"

A vague problem ("arts are important") gets a weak response. A specific, evidence-based problem demands a solution.

• Action: List 3 concrete pieces of evidence that prove your problem exists (e.g., local statistics, community surveys, expert quotes).

• Your Turn: Draft a one-sentence problem statement using your strongest piece of evidence.

"Despite [Evidence], our community lacks [Specific Solution], leading to [Negative Consequence]."

3. The Goal Clarifier: "Can I Distinguish My Goal from My Objectives?"

Funders look for clear, logical connections. Your Goal is the broad vision. Your Objectives are the measurable steps to get there.

• Goal Example: "To improve literacy rates among 3rd-grade students in Sunside District."

• Objective Example: "By June 2025, 75% of participating students will increase their reading comprehension scores by one grade level."

• Your Turn: Write one overarching goal for your project. Then, list 2-3 specific, measurable objectives.

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4. The Budget Reality Check: "Is Every Dollar Justified by the Narrative?"

Your budget isn't just numbers; it's the financial expression of your project plan. Every line item should trace back to your methodology.

• Action: Pick a major budget item (e.g., "Project Coordinator Salary").

• Your Turn: Write a one-sentence justification for it, connecting it directly to an activity.

"The Project Coordinator is essential to achieve Objective 1 ([state objective]) by managing [specific activity]."

5. The Uniqueness Factor: "Why Me/Us? Why Now?"

Funders have choices. What makes your organization and your approach the best candidate to solve this problem?

• Action: List your unique assets: (e.g., unique location, proven track record, partnerships, specialized skills).

• Your Turn: Craft your "Why Us" statement.

"Our organization is uniquely positioned because of our [Unique Asset 1] and demonstrated success in [Past Achievement]."

How Did You Do?

• Mostly Answered? Great! You have a strong strategic foundation. Our full workshop will give you the tools to turn these answers into a compelling narrative.

• Struggling with a few? This is exactly where we can help! Many proposals fail due to weak alignment or unclear objectives.

Ready to transform your answers into a funded proposal?
Join our Grant Writing & Proposal E-Workshop to master the art of persuasive structure, budget justification, and submission strategy. Move from confused to confident.

Why This Resource Works:

1. Solves the #1 Pain Point: It addresses the feeling of "I don't know where to start."

2. Showcases Your Methodology: It proves your workshop is about strategy, not just grammar. It gives a tangible taste of the "Decode the Funder's Mindset" and "Structuring Your Narrative" modules.

3. Provides Immediate Value: Anyone can use this checklist right now and improve their approach.

4. Targets Your Audience Perfectly: It's non-intimidating for beginners but structured enough for non-profit leaders to appreciate.

5. Acts as a Perfect Lead Magnet: Those who struggle with the questions will see the immediate need for your paid workshop.

Next Steps for Us:

1. Feedback on the Draft: What are your thoughts on the questions? Should we adjust any to better reflect your workshop's specific framework?

2. Adding an Example? Would it be helpful to include a brief, fictionalized example (e.g., for a community art project) answering one of the questions?

3. Visual Design: We can think about a clean, professional layout for the PDF.