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Nonprofit Grant Lifecycle Kit

From idea to funder report: theory of change, MEL plan, case for support, grant proposal, grant report and impact report.

8 templates in 3 steps, in the order you use them. Open any template in the editor, fill it in and export it to PDF, DOCX or HTML.

Step 1

Design

  1. Theory of Change Template

    Standard

    Theory of change: problem, long-term goal, outcomes pathway diagram, interventions, assumptions, indicators, evidence

  2. Monitoring and Evaluation Plan Template (MEL, OECD DAC Criteria)

    Full

    MEL plan: results chain, evaluation questions by OECD DAC criteria, indicator framework and reference sheets, calendar, sampling, data quality, ethics, budget

    OECD DAC evaluation criteria (Better Criteria for Better Evaluation, 2019)

  3. Nonprofit Strategic Plan Template

    Standard

    Mission, vision, baseline, theory of change link, goals and objectives with targets, financial plan with reserves range, people, risks, monitoring

Step 2

Applications

  1. Fundraising Case for Support and Plan Template

    Standard

    Need, response, claim register with evidence, use of funds, ask, goal, gift range chart, prospect pipeline, channels and budget, compliance checks, stewardship

    Fundraising practice; Charity Commission CC20 (2026); IRS donor acknowledgment rules

  2. Grant Proposal Template

    Full

    Full grant application: cover letter, need, SMART objectives, gantt, logic model, evaluation, sustainability, budget

    Common grant-writing practice; US: SF-424 family, 2 CFR 200.414(f) (eCFR 2026-10-01)

  3. Nonprofit Conflict of Interest Policy Template

    Standard

    Covered persons, financial and loyalty conflicts, annual disclosure and register, recusal procedure, records, compensation, breaches, declaration form

    IRS Form 990 Part VI lines 12a-c (2025); Form 1023 sample policy; Charity Commission conflicts guidance
Step 3

Deliver and report

  1. Grant Report Template (Interim and Final, Funder Report)

    Full

    Interim or final funder report: summary, progress vs indicators, outputs, changes, safeguarding, budget-to-actual with variance notes, transfers, declarations

    Funder reporting practice; 2 CFR 200.308, 200.328, 200.329, 200.344 (eCFR 2026-10-01)

  2. Nonprofit Annual Impact Report Template

    Full

    Annual report for nonprofits: leadership letter, year in numbers, outcomes vs baseline and target, consented stories, finances, governance, board and staff, how to help