Many Chicago nonprofits rely on grants to fund IT projects, making them ideal partners for MSPs. This checklist helps you identify which of your current or prospective nonprofit clients are most likely to qualify for grants. It also helps you assess their technology needs and align your services with funding opportunities. Use this tool to uncover new revenue streams while supporting your nonprofit clients’ missions.
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#1: Assess the Client’s Eligibility for Grants
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Verify Nonprofit Status
- Confirm the organization is a registered 501(c)(3) or holds another nonprofit designation.
- Why It’s Important: Most grants are restricted to legally recognized nonprofits.
- Next Step: Check their nonprofit status via the IRS Exempt Organizations database.
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Evaluate Mission Alignment
- Identify whether your client’s mission aligns with common grant focus areas, like healthcare, education, or social services.
- Why It’s Important: Many grants are sector-specific and tied to an organization’s mission.
- Next Step: Research sector-specific funding sources relevant to your client.
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Review Prior Grant History
- Ask if your client has received grants in the past and for what purposes.
- Why It’s Important: Organizations with a proven track record of securing grants may have an advantage in future applications.
- Next Step: Offer to assist in updating or improving their grant applications for IT-related projects.
#2: Evaluate the Client’s Technology Needs
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Identify Pain Points
- Assess whether the client is struggling with outdated systems, cybersecurity vulnerabilities, or inefficiencies in data management.
- Why It’s Important: Specific pain points can strengthen a grant proposal by highlighting the need for funding.
- Next Step: Conduct a free or discounted IT assessment to pinpoint areas for improvement.
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Match IT Needs with Grant Priorities
- Determine if the client’s IT needs align with grant priorities, such as improving telehealth, enabling remote education, or enhancing cybersecurity.
- Why It’s Important: Funding is more likely when a project addresses key community or operational challenges.
- Next Step: Create a detailed project proposal that links IT solutions to grant objectives.
#3: Evaluate the Client’s Readiness for Grants
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Check Internal Capacity
- Does the nonprofit have the internal resources or staff to manage a grant-funded project?
- Why It’s Important: Grant providers often assess whether an organization can successfully execute funded initiatives.
- Next Step: Offer project management support as part of your service to ensure readiness.
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Assess Documentation Preparedness
- Verify that the client has necessary documentation, such as financial statements, nonprofit status verification, and an up-to-date business plan.
- Why It’s Important: Missing documentation can delay or derail grant applications.
- Next Step: Provide a checklist of required documents to help clients prepare.
#4: Develop a Collaborative Grant Strategy
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Offer Technical Support for Grant Applications
- Assist the client in drafting technology-related sections of their grant proposals, including detailed budgets and implementation plans.
- Why It’s Important: High-quality proposals improve the client’s chances of receiving funding.
- Next Step: Provide co-branded proposal templates showcasing your MSP’s role in the project.
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Suggest Incremental IT Services
- Propose scalable IT solutions tailored to the client’s potential funding levels (e.g., basic upgrades for smaller grants, full infrastructure overhauls for larger grants).
- Why It’s Important: Offering flexibility helps clients see the value of your services regardless of funding size.
- Next Step: Present a tiered service package aligned with grant opportunities.
#5: Build Long-term Partnerships
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Establish Ongoing Support Agreements
- Offer discounted rates or flexible payment plans for nonprofits to build long-term relationships.
- Why It’s Important: Maintaining partnerships with nonprofits can lead to recurring revenue and future grant opportunities.
- Next Step: Position your MSP as a long-term partner by emphasizing ongoing support beyond the initial project.
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Track Grant Outcomes
- Follow up with the client to measure the impact of the grant-funded IT project and document success stories.
- Why It’s Important: Successful projects can be used as case studies to attract other nonprofit clients.
- Next Step: Create a testimonial or case study featuring the client’s success and your role in achieving it.
Summary and Next Steps
This checklist helps you identify nonprofit clients who are well-suited for grant funding, align your IT services with their needs, and build strong, long-lasting partnerships. Start by assessing your current nonprofit clients, conducting IT evaluations, and introducing them to relevant grant opportunities. By becoming a key partner in their funding journey, you’ll not only grow your MSP but also make a meaningful impact in your community.
Your next step is to review your client list, identify one or two nonprofits to approach with this checklist, and offer your assistance in researching and securing grant funding for their IT projects.
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ChannelPro has created this resource to help busy MSPs streamline their decision-making process. This resource offers a starting point for evaluating key business choices, saving time and providing clarity. While this resource is designed to guide you through important considerations, we encourage you to seek more references and professional advice to ensure fully informed decisions.
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