4.7: Grant Readiness Assessment
- Page ID
- 40982
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\(\newcommand{\avec}{\mathbf a}\) \(\newcommand{\bvec}{\mathbf b}\) \(\newcommand{\cvec}{\mathbf c}\) \(\newcommand{\dvec}{\mathbf d}\) \(\newcommand{\dtil}{\widetilde{\mathbf d}}\) \(\newcommand{\evec}{\mathbf e}\) \(\newcommand{\fvec}{\mathbf f}\) \(\newcommand{\nvec}{\mathbf n}\) \(\newcommand{\pvec}{\mathbf p}\) \(\newcommand{\qvec}{\mathbf q}\) \(\newcommand{\svec}{\mathbf s}\) \(\newcommand{\tvec}{\mathbf t}\) \(\newcommand{\uvec}{\mathbf u}\) \(\newcommand{\vvec}{\mathbf v}\) \(\newcommand{\wvec}{\mathbf w}\) \(\newcommand{\xvec}{\mathbf x}\) \(\newcommand{\yvec}{\mathbf y}\) \(\newcommand{\zvec}{\mathbf z}\) \(\newcommand{\rvec}{\mathbf r}\) \(\newcommand{\mvec}{\mathbf m}\) \(\newcommand{\zerovec}{\mathbf 0}\) \(\newcommand{\onevec}{\mathbf 1}\) \(\newcommand{\real}{\mathbb R}\) \(\newcommand{\twovec}[2]{\left[\begin{array}{r}#1 \\ #2 \end{array}\right]}\) \(\newcommand{\ctwovec}[2]{\left[\begin{array}{c}#1 \\ #2 \end{array}\right]}\) \(\newcommand{\threevec}[3]{\left[\begin{array}{r}#1 \\ #2 \\ #3 \end{array}\right]}\) \(\newcommand{\cthreevec}[3]{\left[\begin{array}{c}#1 \\ #2 \\ #3 \end{array}\right]}\) \(\newcommand{\fourvec}[4]{\left[\begin{array}{r}#1 \\ #2 \\ #3 \\ #4 \end{array}\right]}\) \(\newcommand{\cfourvec}[4]{\left[\begin{array}{c}#1 \\ #2 \\ #3 \\ #4 \end{array}\right]}\) \(\newcommand{\fivevec}[5]{\left[\begin{array}{r}#1 \\ #2 \\ #3 \\ #4 \\ #5 \\ \end{array}\right]}\) \(\newcommand{\cfivevec}[5]{\left[\begin{array}{c}#1 \\ #2 \\ #3 \\ #4 \\ #5 \\ \end{array}\right]}\) \(\newcommand{\mattwo}[4]{\left[\begin{array}{rr}#1 \amp #2 \\ #3 \amp #4 \\ \end{array}\right]}\) \(\newcommand{\laspan}[1]{\text{Span}\{#1\}}\) \(\newcommand{\bcal}{\cal B}\) \(\newcommand{\ccal}{\cal C}\) \(\newcommand{\scal}{\cal S}\) \(\newcommand{\wcal}{\cal W}\) \(\newcommand{\ecal}{\cal E}\) \(\newcommand{\coords}[2]{\left\{#1\right\}_{#2}}\) \(\newcommand{\gray}[1]{\color{gray}{#1}}\) \(\newcommand{\lgray}[1]{\color{lightgray}{#1}}\) \(\newcommand{\rank}{\operatorname{rank}}\) \(\newcommand{\row}{\text{Row}}\) \(\newcommand{\col}{\text{Col}}\) \(\renewcommand{\row}{\text{Row}}\) \(\newcommand{\nul}{\text{Nul}}\) \(\newcommand{\var}{\text{Var}}\) \(\newcommand{\corr}{\text{corr}}\) \(\newcommand{\len}[1]{\left|#1\right|}\) \(\newcommand{\bbar}{\overline{\bvec}}\) \(\newcommand{\bhat}{\widehat{\bvec}}\) \(\newcommand{\bperp}{\bvec^\perp}\) \(\newcommand{\xhat}{\widehat{\xvec}}\) \(\newcommand{\vhat}{\widehat{\vvec}}\) \(\newcommand{\uhat}{\widehat{\uvec}}\) \(\newcommand{\what}{\widehat{\wvec}}\) \(\newcommand{\Sighat}{\widehat{\Sigma}}\) \(\newcommand{\lt}{<}\) \(\newcommand{\gt}{>}\) \(\newcommand{\amp}{&}\) \(\definecolor{fillinmathshade}{gray}{0.9}\)Grant Readiness Evaluation Forms
Preparing a grant proposal can feel like a monumental task, but breaking it down into clear, actionable steps can make the process much more manageable and rewarding. These evaluation forms are designed to help you and your team assess the readiness of your proposal by focusing on each critical component. Each section corresponds to a key criterion that funders typically prioritize, such as aligning with guidelines, presenting a compelling narrative, and ensuring the budget is detailed and realistic. By systematically addressing each of these areas, you can boost your confidence and the strength of your proposal.
As you work through these forms, remember that this is a collaborative process. Engaging a partner or colleague to provide feedback can offer fresh perspectives and help catch any oversights. Each section includes a checklist, a space for evidence, and a rating scale to guide you toward a clear understanding of where your proposal shines and where it might need improvement. Don’t be discouraged if some areas need more work—every revision makes your proposal stronger!
Ultimately, these forms are more than just a checklist; they are a roadmap to help you craft a proposal that effectively communicates the value of your daycare center and the impact of your programs. Trust in your mission, celebrate the progress you’ve made, and know that with each step, you’re getting closer to securing the funding that will help your community thrive. You’ve got this!
1. Alignment with Grant Guidelines
Checklist:
❏ The early childhood program meets eligibility requirements (nonprofit status, location, focus area).
❏ The proposal adheres to formatting, word/page limits, and submission guidelines.
❏ The goals align with the funder’s priorities.
Evidence:
Document eligibility proof and alignment with guidelines.
Comments:
Rating (1-5):
1 - Not Aligned | 2 - Slightly Aligned | 3 - Somewhat Aligned | 4 - Mostly Aligned | 5 - Perfectly Aligned
2. Clear and Compelling Narrative
Checklist:
❏ The needs statement is clearly defined and supported with data.
❏ The solution is clear and addresses the identified need.
❏ The impact is measurable and well-articulated.
Evidence:
Attach needs statement and solution sections.
Comments:
Rating (1-5):
1 - Poor | 2 - Fair | 3 - Good | 4 - Very Good | 5 - Excellent
3. Strong Organization of Content
Checklist:
❏ The proposal flows logically from needs to objectives and outcomes.
❏ The content is clear and free from jargon.
❏ The executive summary is concise and persuasive.
Evidence:
Attach the executive summary and key narrative sections.
Comments:
Rating (1-5):
1 - Poor | 2 - Fair | 3 - Good | 4 - Very Good | 5 - Excellent
4. Specific and Measurable Objectives
Checklist:
❏ Objectives are specific and clearly defined.
❏ Objectives are measurable and time-bound (SMART).
❏ Metrics for success are included.
Evidence:
Attach the section outlining objectives and metrics.
Comments:
Rating (1-5):
1 - Vague | 2 - Somewhat Clear | 3 - Clear | 4 - Very Clear | 5 - Exceptionally Clear
5. Detailed and Realistic Budget
Checklist:
❏ Budget items are accurate and justified.
❏ Budget aligns with the project narrative.
❏ Costs are realistic and comprehensive.
Evidence:
Attach budget and budget justification.
Comments:
Rating (1-5):
1 - Inaccurate | 2 - Needs Improvement | 3 - Adequate | 4 - Strong | 5 - Excellent
6. Sustainability and Capacity
Checklist:
❏ The proposal outlines a clear plan for project sustainability.
❏ The daycare has demonstrated capacity (staff, resources, expertise).
Evidence:
Attach sustainability plan and capacity statement.
Comments:
Rating (1-5):
1 - Poor | 2 - Fair | 3 - Good | 4 - Very Good | 5 - Excellent
7. Supporting Documentation
Checklist:
❏ All required attachments (letters, resumes, licenses) are included.
❏ Compliance documents are up-to-date.
Evidence:
List and attach supporting documents.
Comments:
Rating (1-5):
1 - Incomplete | 2 - Needs More | 3 - Adequate | 4 - Comprehensive | 5 - Thorough
8. Proofreading and Editing
Checklist:
❏ The proposal is free of grammatical errors.
❏ The tone is professional and persuasive.
❏ Formatting is consistent.
Evidence:
Attach the final proofread document.
Comments:
Rating (1-5):
1 - Poor | 2 - Fair | 3 - Good | 4 - Very Good | 5 - Excellent
9. Feedback and Revision
Checklist:
❏ The proposal has been peer-reviewed.
❏ Feedback has been incorporated.
Evidence:
Attach review comments and revised sections.
Comments:
Rating (1-5):
1 - No Review | 2 - Minimal Review | 3 - Some Review | 4 - Thorough Review | 5 - Excellent Review
10. Submission Logistics
Checklist:
❏ Deadline has been checked.
❏ Submission format is correct.
❏ Confirmation plan is in place.
Evidence:
Attach submission plan and checklist.
Comments:
Rating (1-5):
1 - Not Ready | 2 - Needs Work | 3 - Adequate | 4 - Ready | 5 - Fully Ready
Final Review and Submission
Overall Comments:
Overall Readiness Score (Out of 50):