Should we apply?

6 questions about Joann Sweetland Lum Memorial Grant (youth literacy project, ages 10-19). The first ones are deal-breakers: grant professionals check them before writing anything. We filled in what we know. Change anything that's wrong.

Who's applying Your county

Is your kind of organization eligible? Deal-breaker

The funder lists: Individuals, City or town government, County government, Special district (utility, fire, etc.), Nonprofit with 501(c)(3), Nonprofit without 501(c)(3). We don't have its full rules, so check “Who can apply” in the official notice.

Yes No Not sure

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.

Yes No Not sure

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

Does the project fit what this funder wants to pay for, without bending your mission? Yes No Not sure

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? Yes No Not sure

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)? Yes No Not sure

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?

GrantMe found: 52 days until the deadline.

Yes No Not sure

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)