Nonprofits across the country are facing one of the most volatile funding periods in years. Recent surveys show that one-third of community-serving nonprofits experienced government funding disruptions in early 2025, including delayed contracts, cancelled grants, and stop-work orders. At the same time, 87% of foundation leaders report that demand for funding has increased since January—many noting that organizations are seeking more flexible, unrestricted, or multi-year support.
Competition for funding is rising, funders are being more selective, and organizations must be more prepared than ever before.
Grant readiness isn’t just about submitting a strong proposal — it’s about demonstrating that your organization has the systems, strategy, programming and stability to deliver results in a shifting landscape.
Here are seven questions your organization needs to be able to answer in order to be fully grant ready — and why readiness is especially critical right now.
1. Can You Clearly Define the Problem? Funders facing increased demand need clarity and confidence. If you cannot summarize the problem you’re addressing in one strong, evidence-based sentence, funders may not see the urgency or relevance.
Pro tip: Combine community voice + current data to create a trustworthy, compelling need statement.
2. Are Your Outcomes Too Broad or Vague? Funders are prioritizing organizations that can track and demonstrate measurable change, not just activity levels. If your outcomes sound like “increase awareness” or “improve lives,” they lack the specificity required in a more competitive environment.
Pro tip: Use SMART outcomes — and connect each outcome to a clear measurement plan.
3. Have You Fully Assessed Funder Alignment? Many funders are shifting toward flexible or multi-year approaches, but only for organizations whose missions and strategies clearly align with their priorities. Submitting without checking alignment not only wastes time — it signals a lack of strategy.
Pro tip: Review funder portfolios, recent grant announcements, and updated 2025 priorities before applying.
4. Is Your Team Working in Sync? Misalignment between program, finance, and leadership teams can weaken credibility and create inconsistencies in your application.
Pro tip: Make cross-department planning a required part of your grant development process.
5. Does Your Budget Match Your Narrative? Even with more flexible funding options emerging, funders expect budgets to be grounded, realistic, and directly connected to your projected outcomes.
Pro tip: Build your budget and narrative simultaneously so the story flows logically.
6. Is Your Organizational Infrastructure Ready Funders increasingly want assurance that organizations can manage funds, measure impact, and sustain services despite sector uncertainty.
Pro tip: Strengthen readiness with financial policies, clear documentation, and updated reporting practices.
7. Are You Focused More on Planning or Writing? Writing is one of the final steps. Planning, logic modeling, goal-setting, and community engagement come first. Funders want to see intentional design—not just persuasive language.
Pro tip: Shift to “grant thinking”: understand the long-term strategy behind your ask before drafting anything.
Final Thoughts: Grant readiness is no longer optional — it’s a core component of organizational resilience.
Download the Grant Ready Checklist to evaluate where your organization stands today and identify next steps to strengthen your funding strategy.
And if your organization is ready to go deeper, sign up for our upcoming Grantsmanship Training Program® - Online! to strengthen your skills, sharpen your strategy, and build true grant readiness from the inside out.
