Before You Apply: Building Grant-Ready Organizations
Before chasing grants, organizations benefit from stepping back to assess whether they are truly ready to pursue and manage funding.
This workshop hosted by the Local First Arizona Economic Resource Center introduces the core elements of grant readiness, including organizational structure, budgets, staffing, board governance, essential documentation, program narratives, goals, outcomes, and supporting data.
These pieces help organizations respond more confidently and efficiently when the right funding opportunities arise. Participants will leave with a practical checklist to identify what is already in place, where gaps may exist, and what steps can strengthen their foundation for future grant success.
Additional Resources:
About the Presenter:
Sara Wagner, MPH, GPC | Principal/Member | Grants that Go the Distance
Sara Wagner is a Grant Professional Certified grant writer and founder of Grants that Go the Distance LLC, where she helps organizations secure competitive grant funding. Based in northern Arizona, she brings 26 years of grant writing experience and serves on the Board of Directors for the international Grant Professionals Association. Her work has contributed to successful awards from federal, state, foundation, and private funders across areas such as health, economic development, historic preservation, broadband, rural business development, and community services.
Grants that Go the Distance LLC
sara@grantsthatgothedistance.com
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/sara-wagner-flagstaff/