Part 1 of 6
Administrative Foundation
8 points possible — Check each item you have ready, current, and high-quality
✓
IRS Letter of Determination (501c3 status)1 pt
✓
Board of Directors list with affiliations and contact info1 pt
✓
Articles of Incorporation1 pt
✓
Clear, compelling Mission Statement1 pt
✓
Clear, aspirational Vision Statement1 pt
✓
Organizational History Narrative1 pt
✓
Solicitation License (if required in your state)1 pt
Part 2 of 6
Financial Stewardship
10 points possible
✓
Most recent audited financial statements1 pt
✓
IRS Form 990 (most recent)1 pt
✓
Current fiscal year operating budget1 pt
✓
Year-end financial statement1 pt
✓
Current Fund Development Plan1 pt
✓
Records of prior grants/donations (organized)1 pt
✓
Program-specific budgets with line-item justifications2 pts
✓
Percentage of board giving financially documented1 pt
Part 3 of 6
Strategic Program Design
15 points possible — This is where most orgs have the largest gaps
✓
Clear description of target population (specific, with data)2 pts
✓
Data-driven problem statement (not vague)2 pts
✓
Theory of Change documented3 pts
✓
Logic Model for each program (Inputs → Activities → Outputs → Outcomes)3 pts
✓
Measurable outcomes defined (not just "people served")2 pts
✓
Performance measures and tracking systems in place2 pts
✓
Implementation timeline for programs1 pt
Part 4 of 6
Impact Documentation
12 points possible
✓
Annual Report or Impact Report (recent)2 pts
✓
Data collection systems for outcomes2 pts
✓
Impact stories that humanize your work2 pts
✓
Evidence of program success (metrics, testimonials, case studies)2 pts
✓
Strategic Plan (3–5 year vision)2 pts
✓
Evaluation process for programs2 pts
Part 5 of 6
Organizational Capacity
12 points possible
✓
Organizational chart with clear roles3 pts
✓
Staff resumes or brief bios for key personnel1 pt
✓
Board engagement and defined responsibilities2 pts
✓
Clear decision-making processes documented2 pts
✓
Partnerships or collaborations documented (MOUs, letters of support)2 pts
✓
Leadership continuity plan2 pts
Part 6 of 6
Grant-Ready Assets
5 points possible — Final stretch!
✓
2-page organizational overview / case statement2 pts
✓
Letters of support or recommendation1 pt
✓
Recent news coverage, media, or recognition1 pt
✓
Photos, videos, or other compelling visuals1 pt
You're building the foundation.
Every high-performing nonprofit started here. Your next step is establishing core administrative and financial infrastructure.
This score shows your readiness stage. For a full report, section-by-section breakdown, and your free Starter Kit — visit FundReady.app/starter-kit.