According to Giving USA, "Giving by foundations had a record-breaking year, reaching its highest-ever dollar amount even when adjusted for inflation, and growing to its largest share (18%) of total giving to date in 2018." Foundations contribute more than $70 billion to nonprofit organizations each year.

If properly managed, grants are an important source of income. They can provide significant support for an organization's programs, capital campaign, operational costs, and even unrestricted funding. If you aren't applying for grants, you're leaving money on the table and neglecting opportunities to sustain or grow your programs.

In my career as a grant professional, I've watched dozens of organizations assume that grant funding will be a quick solution to their funding trouble and rush to get a stack of under-prepared applications out the door.

Before you write your next grant application, do your organization a favor and follow this simple checklist.