Nonprofit Grant Readiness Checklist: Registrations and Documents Funders Check
A strong proposal can be rejected before anyone reads it if a registration has lapsed. Funders—especially government agencies—screen for eligibility first. Get these in order before your next deadline.
Registrations and good standing
- IRS tax-exempt status. Keep your determination letter handy and file your annual Form 990 on time; organizations that miss three years in a row automatically lose exemption. Verify your status with the IRS Tax Exempt Organization Search.
- California Attorney General Registry of Charities. Most charities operating in California must register and file annual reports. Funders often check that you're "current." AG Registry of Charities
- California Secretary of State and Franchise Tax Board. Stay active with the Secretary of State and in good standing with the FTB.
- SAM.gov and a UEI. Required for federal grants, and increasingly for federal pass-through funds. Registration must be renewed every year and can take weeks. SAM.gov
Documents to keep ready
- Board-approved annual budget and a program budget for the grant request
- Most recent financial statements, and an audit or review if you have one
- Board roster, bylaws, and key policies (conflict of interest, whistleblower)
- Logic model or outcomes you track, with recent results
- Short staff and leadership bios
Plan your cash, not just your proposal
Many government grants pay on reimbursement, sometimes 60 to 90 days or more after you spend. Map when money actually arrives and where the gap will come from. Some lenders offer bridge loans or credit lines backed by signed grant agreements—see nonprofit loans and bridge financing.
Want a second set of eyes on your readiness or which grants fit? It's free. Talk to us →
Related nonprofit guides: Where to Find Nonprofit Grants · Grant Readiness Checklist · Nonprofit Loans & Bridge Financing
Grant programs, funding rounds, and eligibility rules change often. Program details here reflect official program pages as of October 2026; confirm current terms on the official page before you apply. Grants are competitive and never guaranteed. Our grant research and guidance is free; we do not write or submit grant applications. Any loan is subject to lender underwriting and approval.
California Business Capital is compensated by the capital provider only when financing funds. We do not charge a separate client fee for arranging financing. Lender origination charges, interest, closing costs, and other third-party expenses may still apply and are separate from our compensation. Review the applicable financing agreements and disclosures for the costs and terms of your transaction.
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