Application deadline: December 15, 2026
This grant provides one year of business coaching (valued at $59,997) to help a mission-driven nonprofit achieve sustainable growth and operational excellence.
Important: this is an extensive application that requires thoughtful responses.
Please have your most recent IRS Form 990 ready before you begin. You will upload it as part of this application. Fields marked with * are required.
Organization Name* Mission Statement* Sector/Focus Area*
Under $250K$250K-$500K$500K-$1M$1M-$2MOver $2M
Years in Operation* Number of Full-Time Staff* Number of Part-Time Staff/Contractors* Executive Director/CEO Name* Contact Email* Contact Phone* Website
What are the three biggest operational challenges holding your organization back right now?*Be specific. We want to understand the real issues, not generic answers.
Challenge 1* Challenge 2* Challenge 3*
We're growing but struggling to keep up with demandWe're stable but plateaued and need to scaleWe're profitable/sustainable but inefficientWe're struggling financially and need to turn things aroundWe have solid operations but poor lead generation/donor acquisition
What have you already tried to solve these challenges?*What worked? What didn't? Why?
If you could change ONE thing about your organization in the next 12 months, what would create the biggest impact on your mission?*
Check all that apply. Lead/donor acquisition numbersConversion rates (inquiries to donors/clients)Average donation/transaction valueDonor/client retention rateCost per service deliveredRevenue per staff member
Executive Director/CEOProgram DirectorOperations ManagerBoard MemberOther
If Other, please specify
Yes, definitelyProbably, with some schedule jugglingThis could be challenging
Yes, we can dedicate 5-10 hours/week to implementationWe can manage 2-5 hours/weekWe're maxed out but willing to reprioritizeHonestly, we're not sure where we'd find the time
What percentage of your revenue comes from each source?*Use whole numbers and enter 0 for any source you do not have. The total should equal 100%.
Individual donations (%)
Foundation grants (%)
Corporate sponsorships (%)
Government contracts (%)
Fee-for-service/earned income (%)
Other (%)
Total: 0% (should equal 100%)
Yes, comprehensive documentationSome, but not completeNo, most is tribal knowledgeWhat's an SOP?
Less than 1 month operating expenses1-3 months3-6 months6+ months
Upload your most recent IRS Form 990*PDF only, 10 MB maximum.
What does success look like 12 months from now?*Be as specific as possible with numbers: revenue targets, people served, operational improvements, etc. If you had an extra $50,000 in annual profit, what would you do with it?* What makes your organization different from others doing similar work?*This is your Position of Market Dominance: why should donors and clients choose you?
Strongly agree - we're ready to innovateAgree - with careful considerationNeutral - depends on the changeWe prefer to stick with what we know
What's your biggest fear about this coaching process?* Why should Shank Coaching invest a year of strategic coaching in your organization?*What will you do with this opportunity? How will it multiply your impact?
Board Chair Name* Board Chair Email*
One additional reference (donor, partner organization, or community leader)*
Reference Name* Reference Email* Relationship to organization*
Is there anything else we should know about your organization or why you are applying?
All information provided is accurate Our leadership team is committed to participating fully in the coaching process We understand this is a competitive process and not all applicants will be selected We agree to provide progress updates and success metrics if selected
Signature*Type your full name. Date*Today's date is filled in for you.
Applications reviewed: December 16-18, 2026
Finalist interviews: December 21-23, 2026
Grant recipient announced: December 31, 2026
Coaching begins: January 6, 2027
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