UK Grant Readiness Calculator
Review the requirements of one specific grant against this 15-point preparation checklist. The score highlights preparation gaps; it does not determine eligibility or predict an award.
Answer for one specific scheme. Select “Not required” only after checking its rules; those items are excluded from the score. This is a preparation checklist, not an eligibility decision or prediction of an award.
Applicant structure and registration checked
Confirm which legal forms, registrations or RPA identifiers this particular scheme accepts. Some programmes accept sole traders or constituted groups.
Governance and decision-maker requirements checked
Check the scheme's required number and independence of trustees, directors or committee members; there is no universal three-person rule.
Asset Lock or Clear Dissolution Clause
If relevant, check your governing documents and the funder's conditions on surplus, dissolution and private benefit.
Financial records required by this scheme prepared
Check whether the funder requires accounts, management figures, forecasts or alternative evidence for a new organisation.
Bank account and signatory rules checked
Check the required account name, payment arrangements and signatories for this programme.
Match Funding Reserves or Letter of Intent
Use the actual intervention rate and eligible contribution rules. Check reimbursement timing and available cash; rates vary by scheme.
Safeguarding Policy (Children / Vulnerable Adults)
Check safeguarding requirements where the project involves children, vulnerable adults or other relevant delivery risks.
Equality, Diversity & Inclusion (EDI) Policy
Check the programme's equality and inclusion evidence requirements and your organisation's relevant policies.
Minimal Financial Assistance (MFA) / Subsidy Control Record
Keep award letters and ask the awarding authority which rules apply. MFA considers the current financial year plus the two preceding years and relevant group/cumulation rules.
Cost evidence and procurement rules checked
Check whether quotes, tenders, published item specifications or other value-for-money evidence are required; three quotes are not a universal rule.
Landlord Consent or Planning Permission (If Applicable)
For capital works, packhouse solar, slurry lagoons, or building improvements on tenanted land.
Clear Baseline Metrics & Expected Output KPIs
Exact quantifiable metrics (e.g. greenhouse gas reduction %, additional farm yield, beneficiaries supported).
Documented User or Beneficiary Consultation
Surveys, community meeting notes, or industry partner letters validating the problem.
Detailed Gantt Chart or Work Package Timeline
Use the actual project duration, milestones, risks and resources allowed by the current scheme.
Post-Award Monitoring & Evaluation Framework
Formal process to track outcomes, manage risk, and provide required funder audit reports.
Frequently Asked Questions on UK Grant Readiness
Which requirements should I check before applying?
Check the specific funder's rules for bank accounts and signatories, evidence of costs, governance and financial records. Requirements vary: three supplier quotes, dual signatories and historical accounts are not universal conditions for every UK grant.
Can sole traders or unincorporated businesses apply for public grants?
Some schemes accept sole traders, partnerships and constituted community groups; others require a company, registered charity or research organisation. Check the current scheme rules and any RPA registration requirements. An SBI or legal registration alone does not establish eligibility.
How is match funding verified by assessors?
Funders may request bank statements, confirmed finance or written commitments. Ask which evidence and contributions the scheme accepts, and when cash must be available. Do not assume that another grant or in-kind support can count towards the contribution.