Issue link: https://iconnect007.uberflip.com/i/1540425
66 PCB007 MAGAZINE I OCTOBER 2025 funders. We develop tools to help you demonstrate the impact of your work, such as how it creates jobs, drives inno- vation, supports regional economies, and strengthens competitiveness. When needed, we help connect you with strong partners to increase your chances of suc- cess. In other words, we are here to walk alongside you, not just point you in the right direction. But this is not a one-way effort. Your organization or program area must take the first steps. Identify a point person who can keep an eye on opportunities and engage with us. Clarify two or three areas where outside funding would make a meaningful difference. Refresh a short company or program narrative. Most importantly, ask yourself: What would we pursue if funding were not a barrier? That single question can spark new ideas and reveal possibilities that may once have seemed out of reach. To help you reflect on where you stand, here's a quick and confidential pulse check that will help you measure your readiness while showing us where you may bene- fit from added support. Whether you are completely new to grants or already expe- rienced, your input shapes the resources we continue to build for you. Funding is not a magic solution. Yet for the electronics industry, it remains a pow- erful resource that can expand what is possible. The time to begin is not when the next RFP is released. The time is now. Be ready, believe in what you can achieve, and let us help you make the most of the opportunities ahead. PCB007 Nyron Rouse is director of government grants and strategic funding at the Global Electronics Association. N yron Rouse This quick self-assessment is designed to help your organization or program area assess readiness for pursuing funding opportunities. Answer honestly, as this is for your internal reflection and preparation. The answers must be: Yes, No or In Progress. 1. Strategic Alignment: Do you have a clear and updated strategic plan that connects your projects to potential funding opportunities? 2. Budget Preparedness: Do you maintain an orga- nizational or program area budget that is realistic, detailed, and tied to your goals? 3. Policies and Procedures: Do you have docu- mented organizational or program area policies (procurement, HR, compliance, etc.) that are accessible? 4. Financial Documentation: Do you have audited financial statements or other reliable financial records ready for funders? 5. Leadership and Staffing: Is there a designated point of contact or team responsible for grants and funding pursuits? 6. Compliance Tracking: Do you use a system for tracking deadlines, reporting requirements, and compliance obligations after receiving funding? 7. Staff Qualifications: Do you keep resumés, bios, and staff qualifications updated and accessible for proposals? 8. Partnerships and Support: Do you maintain a record of letters of support, MOUs, or partnership agreements to strengthen proposals? 9. Performance and Outcomes: Do you track and maintain performance metrics and outcomes data from past projects that demonstrate impact? 10. Risk and Eligibility Review: Do you have a process to review eligibility, matching requirements, and risk factors before pursuing an opportunity? Scoring (optional): Count your "Yes" answers. 8–10 = Strongly Grant Ready, 5–7 = On the Path, Needs Strengthening, 0–4 = Early Stage, Significant Preparation Needed A re Yo u G ra nt Re a d y ?