B: Develop a Credibility File:
Foundations, corporations and government funders require some basic organizational and programmatic information. This optional section will help you gather the necessary information to apply for grants.
Before you start searching for funding, develop your own credibility file. It may consist all or some of the following:
Organizational Information:
- Copy of your organization’s 501(c)(3);
- Copy of most recent New Mexico attorney general's office online submission status page for annual registration and reporting requirements
- Copy of your organization’s most recent annual financial statement (audited if available);
- Copy of your organization’s current operating budget including year-to-date information;
- List of the Board of Directors or Trustees of your organization including your professional affiliations;
- Organizational chart including all managerial staff;
- Detailed list of the organization’s current funding sources (and related restrictions) including all private, individual, corporate, foundation and government sources (names are not necessary for individuals);
- Copy of your organization’s personnel policies including affirmative action policies (must have for many Federal grants);
- Resumes of your key paid leadership.
Program Specific Information:
- Copy of your program’s current fiscal year budget and multi-year budget if the program is time limited
- Resumes of key program leadership including summary information about any contractors who may be paid through the grant;
- Detailed list of program’s current funding sources (with restrictions) including all private, individual, corporate, foundation and government sources (names are not necessary for individuals);
- Updated list of all potential funders who will be contacted regarding the project;
- Detailed organizational chart that shows where the program fits within the organization;
- Contact names/addresses and phone numbers of any project collaborators;
- Letters of thanks from grateful program recipients;
- Letters of support from collaborators, government and community leaders, possible other funders;
- Any printed material about the program, i.e., newsletters, brochures;
- Press clippings and a list of broadcast media stories about the program;
- An updated list of any awards or recognition received by the program;
- Copies of all agency forms related to the program including registration forms, handbooks and course handout materials.
