Quick Start Guide

Get up and running in under an hour with our step-by-step guide

What Is Grant Writing For Churches?

A comprehensive grant management platform for nonprofits that combines:

  • Readiness Assessment - 20-question diagnostic to evaluate your organization
  • AI Grant Writing Mentor - Expert guidance trained on proven methodologies
  • Grant Project Tracking - Create, organize, and track applications
  • Training Materials - Downloadable guides and templates
  • Subscription Model - $49 for 7 days full access

Quick Start (3 Steps)

1

Register & Verify

5 minutes

  1. Go to homepage → "Get Started"
  2. Enter email + password
  3. Check email → Click verification link
  4. Sign in
2

Take Readiness Assessment

20 minutes

  1. Dashboard → "Take Readiness Assessment"
  2. Answer 20 questions (0-5 scale):
    • Legal (5 Qs): 501(c)(3), EIN, board, bylaws
    • Financial (7 Qs): Audits, budget, funding diversity
    • Operational (8 Qs): Outcomes, capacity, documentation
  3. Subscribe ($49 for 7 days) to see results
  4. Review score (70+ = ready, <70 = needs work)
3

Create Grant & Get AI Help

30 minutes

  1. Dashboard → "Create New Grant"
  2. Fill in: Title, Funder, Deadline, Description
  3. Go to "AI Grant Writing Assistant"
  4. Follow G.R.A.N.T.S. Method:
    • G: Get the FOA (funding announcement)
    • R: Research the Need (data-driven)
    • A: Articulate the Goal (community-focused)
    • N: Narrow S.M.A.R.T. Objectives (MOST IMPORTANT!)
    • T: Timetable (work plan)
    • S: Strategic Budget (with narrative)

Core Features at a Glance

FeatureWhat It DoesAccess Level
Readiness AssessmentEvaluates org readiness (legal, financial, operational)Free to view, paid to submit
Grant ManagementCreate, edit, track grant applicationsRequires subscription
AI AssistantReal-time grant writing coaching (G.R.A.N.T.S. method)Requires subscription
Training MaterialsDownload guides, templates, checklistsRequires subscription
DashboardView stats, recent grants, quick actionsFree (authenticated users)
Admin PanelUpload materials, manage users/subscriptionsAdmin role only

The G.R.A.N.T.S. Method Explained

G - Get the FOA

Purpose: Find the right funding opportunity

AI Helps You:

  • Identify where to search (foundations, grants.gov)
  • Read application guidelines thoroughly
  • Match funder priorities to your mission

R - Research the Need

Purpose: Prove the problem exists with data

AI Helps You:

  • Find credible statistics (Census, local reports)
  • Use data <5 years old
  • Connect problem to your community

Example: "In zip code 30315, 40% of elementary students read below grade level (Atlanta Public Schools, 2024). This gap is compounded by socioeconomic factors..."

A - Articulate the Goal

Purpose: Write a positive, community-focused goal

AI Helps You:

  • "Flip" the problem into a goal
  • ❌ Problem: "Families face food insecurity"
  • ✅ Goal: "Reduce food insecurity for vulnerable families"

N - Narrow S.M.A.R.T. Objectives

⭐ THE MOST IMPORTANT STEP!

Purpose: Write measurable, specific objectives

S.M.A.R.T. Breakdown:

  • Specific: Exactly what will change?
  • Measurable: How will you count it? (Use numbers!)
  • Achievable: Realistic with resources?
  • Relevant: Aligns with mission + funder priorities?
  • Time-bound: By when?

Template:

"By [date], [X%] of [N participants] will demonstrate a [measurable change] in [specific outcome], as measured by [evaluation method]."

Example:

✅ "By June 30, 2026, 90% of 50 youth participants will improve reading comprehension by at least one grade level, as measured by pre/post standardized assessments."

❌ "We want to help youth read better." (NOT S.M.A.R.T.!)

T - Timetable (Work Plan)

Purpose: Create a realistic project timeline

AI Helps You:

  • Map activities to objectives
  • Break down by months/quarters
  • Include milestones

S - Strategic Budget

Purpose: Justify every dollar with storytelling

AI Emphasizes: "This is where funders spot fraud or laziness!"

3-Part Formula for each line item:

  1. WHAT you're buying
  2. WHY you need it (connects to objective)
  3. HOW you calculated cost

Example: "Project Coordinator ($45,000/year): Essential for managing volunteer schedules, coordinating weekly tutoring sessions, and tracking outcomes for Objective 2 (youth attendance and engagement). Salary aligns with local nonprofit market rates ($42K-$48K)."

Subscription Model

$49.00

7 Days Full Access

One-time payment • No auto-renewal

What You Get:

  • Complete readiness assessment + results
  • Unlimited grant creation & editing
  • AI Grant Writing Assistant (unlimited conversations)
  • Training materials downloads
  • 7 days of full access

Common Issues & Solutions

Issue: "Email not verified"

Solution: Check your inbox (and spam folder) for verification link. Click the link to activate your account.

Issue: "Subscription required" error

Solution: You need an active subscription to access grants, AI assistant, and training materials. Click "Subscribe Now" to purchase 7-day access.

Issue: AI assistant not responding

Solution: Check your internet connection, refresh the page and try again. If issue persists, the AI service may be experiencing downtime.

Ready to Get Started?

Create your account and start writing winning grants today