"Are We Even Ready for Grants?" 3 Signs You’re Closer Than You Think (and What to Do Next)

Ink & Insights
Jun 19
3 min read

Every week, we hear some version of the same question:

“We’ve thought about applying for grants... but are we even ready?”

It’s a fair question. Between compliance requirements, reporting expectations, and strategic buzzwords, the grant world can feel intimidating—especially for small churches and community nonprofits. The fear of “not being ready” often delays organizations from pursuing funding they could already qualify for.

But here’s what we’ve found at Exousia: Many churches and nonprofits are more grant ready than they think—they just need help seeing it.

Understanding “Grant Readiness”

Grant readiness isn’t about being perfect. It’s about being prepared and aligned. In fact, a 2023 study from Foundant Technologies found that over 60% of funders prioritize “mission alignment and community impact” over organizational size or polish.

And according to a report by Candid (formerly Foundation Center), 81% of funders say they’re open to funding first-time grantees—as long as they show potential and purpose.

So if you’ve ever told yourself “we’re too small” or “we’ve never done this before,” it’s time to challenge that narrative.

Here are three signs you’re closer to being grant ready than you realize:

1. You Know Who You Serve—and How

You don’t need a marketing team to prove your mission. If you can clearly articulate:

Who your organization serves
What you do to support them
And what kind of impact you’re seeing (even in stories, not just numbers)

…you already have the foundation most funders are looking for: a clear and consistent purpose.

💡 Tip: Funders want to see that you’re doing the work—whether your budget is $5,000 or $500,000.

2. You Have a Vision for What Comes Next

Even if it’s scribbled on a whiteboard or casually mentioned in team meetings—if your leadership has a sense of what you would expand, improve, or launch if you had more resources, you’re thinking like a fund recipient.

This is called programmatic intent—and it matters.

Funders want to see that you’re not just active, but strategic. If you can say,

“If we had $10,000, we would…”then you’re already preparing to build a strong grant narrative.

3. You’re Asking the Right Questions

If you’ve ever asked:

“Where can we find grants that actually fit our mission?”
“What do we need to get started?”
“How do we avoid wasting time on the wrong applications?”

…you’re already thinking like a steward. And that’s exactly who funders want to invest in—leaders who aren’t just chasing money, but stewarding vision.

Unfortunately, this is where many organizations stop—stuck in the research stage without a roadmap.

That’s Where We Come In

At Exousia, we work with churches, ministries, and nonprofits across the country who are trying to grow wisely—not just get funded fast.

Our Grant Research Services help you:

Identify real, relevant funding opportunities
Understand what each grant requires (and when to apply)
Build a practical plan for how to pursue them
Save time, avoid frustration, and stay focused on your mission

Whether you’re just starting or scaling, we help you take the guesswork out of grants.

You Don’t Have to Be Perfect—Just Prepared

Grant readiness isn’t a finish line—it’s a process. And with the right support, your organization can take the next faithful step without wasting time, energy, or opportunity.

Let us help you figure out what you're eligible for, what you need to strengthen, and how to move forward with clarity.

Ready to find out how close you really are?

Book a free 15-minute consultation

Or explore our Grant Services

Sources:

Foundant Technologies. (2023). State of Grantmaking Survey Report. Retrieved from: https://resources.foundant.com
Candid. (2022). Funders and First-Time Grantees: Barriers and Opportunities. Retrieved from: https://candid.org
National Council of Nonprofits. (2023). Nonprofit Trends and Impact Survey. Retrieved from: https://www.councilofnonprofits.org
Grant Professionals Association. (2022). What Makes a Nonprofit Grant Ready? Retrieved from: https://grantprofessionals.org