Tips for keeping grant proposals brief and easy to read:

1. Be Clear: Use simple, direct language.

2. Follow Guidelines: Stick to the application instructions.

3. Use Headings: Organize content with clear headings.

4. Highlight Key Points: Use bullet points or bold text.

5. Avoid Repetition: Ensure each section adds new info.

6. Edit: Review for clarity and brevity.

7. Focus on Impact: Clearly state the expected outcomes.

8. Tell a Story: Make it engaging by highlighting needs and benefits.

This will help create effective and reader-friendly proposals.

Financial Documents:

• Copy of current IRS tax-exempt Determination Letter - REQUIRED for applicants that have a 501 status
• DC Basic Business License from Department of Licensing and Consumer Protection (DLCP) - Note: License period must be current at the time of application.
• IRS Form 990 for 2024 - REQUIRED.
  
  • The full-length 990 form is required for nonprofits who gross $200,000 or more in
    total receipts, or total assets of $500,000 or more.
  • You file the 990-EZ if your organization received less than the amounts requiring
    the full 990 form (mentioned above), but more than $50,000 in total gross
    receipts.
  • You file the 990-N, the e-Postcard if you received less than or equal to $50,000 in
    total gross annual receipts.
  • The 990-PF form is strictly for private foundations.
  • If the organization is newer and has never submitted tax documents to the IRS,
    then the applicant must include founding documents in application.
• IRS Form 990 for 2025, if available. This document will need to be submitted if the applicant is selected to receive grant funds.
  
  • The full-length 990 form is required for nonprofits who gross $200,000 or more in total receipts, or total assets of $500,000 or more.
  • You file the 990-EZ if your organization received less than the amounts requiring the full 990 form (mentioned above), but more than $50,000 in total gross receipts.
  • You file the 990-N, the e-Postcard if you received less than or equal to $50,000 in total gross annual receipts.
  • The 990-PF form is strictly for private foundations.

• Financial Statements - This includes the most recent and complete set of audited financial statements available. Fiscal Year 2024 and Fiscal Year 2025 are required. And submit Fiscal Year 2026, if available. If audited financial statements have never been prepared due to the size or newness of the organization, the applicant should be required to provide the following documents:
  
  • An organizational budget;
  • an income statement (or profit and loss statement);
  • a balance sheet certified by an authorized representative of the organization; and
  • any letters, filings, or other communication submitted to the IRS by applicant organization within three years prior to the grant application submission.
• Current Budget - This is the budget for the entire program. Please note that this budget is different from the budget you are requesting.
• Clean Hands Certificate from Office of Tax and Revenue (OTR)
• Certificate of Good Standing from DLCP
• NICRA- Organizations with an unexpired negotiated NICRA can claim indirect costs at the NICRA rate; otherwise, organizations can claim indirect costs at up to 10% without a NICRA.

Legal Documents

• Signed Disclosures – Please sign and upload the attached document.
• Signed Certifications – Please sign and upload the attached document.
• Signed Mayor Order 2023-313 Sexual Harassment Policy - Please sign and upload the
  attached document.

Organizational/Programmatic Documents

• Organizational chart
• Current list of board members - For each member include names, addresses, affiliations, and contact information.
• Project staff job descriptions - Please describe only the positions of the staff working on the project.
• Project staff resumes - All staff paid with the funds from this grant must submit their resume.
• Summary of accomplishments under prior CDG grants, if prior grantee.
• Memorandum of Agreement/Understanding - if applicable - Please do not send general letters of support.
• Program-related materials, if applicable
• Collaborative partner materials, if applicable

The reporting dates for FY 26 are as follows:

Report Name: Report 1 (One) 
Reporting Period: Date of execution of grant agreement - March 31, 2026
Report Due: 4/15/2026

Report Name: Report 2 (Two)
Reporting Period: April 1, 2026 - June 30, 2026
Report Due: 7/15/2026

Report Name: Final Report for FY2026
Reporting Period: execution of Grant Agreement – September 30, 2026
Report Due: 10/15/2026