Grant Cashflow Stress Test Template 2025

Funding delays and cost spikes can derail delivery. Use this stress test template to model best, base, and worst-case scenarios so you always know how much cash you need—and when to escalate.

TL;DR

Build a monthly cashflow baseline for each funded project.
Model payment delays, cost overruns, and lost match to identify liquidity gaps.
Link mitigation actions to the change control playbook and trustee dashboards.

Build the baseline

Start with your management accounts or budget scenario planner. Map grant receipts, match income, and expenditure by month. Include overhead allocations and staff costs so stress tests stay realistic.

Model stress scenarios

Create at least three scenarios: payment delay, cost increase, and combined shock. Use 30-, 60-, and 90-day delays informed by your funder agreements. Reference CIPFA cashflow guidance (2024) for good practice.

Plan mitigation actions

For each scenario, list the levers available: drawing on reserves, requesting advance payments, launching bridging appeals, or reprioritising spend. Connect actions to owners and due dates in your reporting calendar.

Next steps and downloads

Download the stress test workbook, mitigation tracker, and trustee briefing template. Store them in Crafty so every grant has a live cashflow plan.

Action plan

Run stress tests for all grants with payment milestones this quarter.
Share outputs with finance and trustees at your next oversight meeting.
Upload mitigation notes to Crafty so drafts and change requests stay evidence-based.

Key takeaways

Stress testing protects delivery and relationships when cashflow shifts.
Model payment delays, cost rises, and match funding gaps using authoritative data.
Integrate findings with Crafty workflows and trustee reporting.

Summary and next steps

Cashflow risk is manageable when you plan for it. Stress test regularly, act early, and keep funders informed through Crafty-powered updates.

Schedule quarterly stress tests across the grant portfolio.
Refresh scenarios when budgets or grant conditions change.
Use the outputs to strengthen future proposals and variation requests.