1. Organization basics Legal name and EIN IRS determination letter (501(c)(3)), or church documentation SAM.gov registration and UEI number (federal grants only) Mission statement and a short history Area you serve Board list with affiliations Short bios for key staff Total annual operating budget2. Financials Most recent Form 990 or audited financial statements Current-year budget with income sources List of past and current grants: funder, amount, purpose3. The project The problem, with local data and sources Who you serve and how many Activities and timeline Who runs the program Partners Outcomes and how you will measure them Total cost, amount requested, and other or matching funds4. Proof Results from past programs (numbers served, outcomes) One or two stories, shared with permission Photos of your work (real, with permission)5. Attachments Letters of support and partner agreements Organization chart and key resumes Policies funders often request (conflict of interest, nondiscrimination)6. Logistics Who signs and who submits One reviewer on your team Materials ready 3 to 4 weeks before a foundation deadline, 6 to 8 weeks before a federal oneGeneral guidance; each funder sets its own requirements. Always follow the funder’s guidelines. Prepared by the Groundwork Grants Department.
