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Should we apply?

8 questions about Advancing State Implementation of the National Strategy to Support Family Caregivers. The first ones are deal-breakers: grant professionals check them before writing anything. We filled in what we know. Change anything that's wrong.

Is your kind of organization eligible? Deal-breaker

The funder lists: State government.

Who can apply, from the official notice
Eligible entities will be limited to state units on aging, those entities that administer Title III-E of the Older Americans Act of 1965, as amended. The ACL program office has verified with OGM and the Department that a limitation in competion of this nature is permissible. Per the Chapter 11.2 of the GPAM "An awarding agency is not required to get an exception if it is initiating supplements to a limited pool of existing recipients that were initially awarded as part of a competition, when the supplemental funding is offered to all recipients in that cohort, and where there is no change to…

Read it all on the grant page · Official notice

Why it matters: Funders don't review applications from groups that aren't eligible. Source: Grants.gov: make sure you are eligible before writing

Do you serve the area this grant covers? Deal-breaker

GrantMe found: This is a nationwide program, so every Tennessee county is covered.

Why it matters: A grant limited to certain places can't pay for work outside them. Source: Grants.gov: make sure you are eligible before writing

Will your SAM.gov registration be active through the deadline? Deal-breaker

Why it matters: Federal agencies require an active SAM.gov registration to apply and to be paid. Source: Grants.gov: applicant registration

Can you provide the required match? Deal-breaker

GrantMe found: The notice requires a match.

Why it matters: If you can't raise the match, you can't accept the grant. Source: National Council of Nonprofits: Managing Federal Grants, a start-up guide (2026)

Does the project fit what this funder wants to pay for, without bending your mission?

Why it matters: Funders pay for their own goals. Bending your project to fit can pull you off your mission. Source: Grants.gov: ensure mission alignment before applying

Has this funder paid organizations like yours before?

Why it matters: Funders that paid groups like yours before are the likeliest to do it again. Source: Candid: find and evaluate potential funder matches

Have you managed a grant of similar size before (tracking spending and reporting)?

Why it matters: Funders expect you to track how the money is spent and report on the results. Source: National Council of Nonprofits: Managing Federal Grants, a start-up guide (2026)

Do you have someone with time to write it before the deadline?

Why it matters: A strong application takes time to write, and late ones usually aren't accepted. Source: National Council of Nonprofits: Managing Federal Grants, a start-up guide (2026)