Now is the time to reflect on your grant strategy this year. What worked? What didn’t work?
One of the biggest mistakes I see in grant strategies recently is a homogeneous grant calendar.
If your grant calendar is almost entirely community or private foundation deadlines, it may be time to widen the lens.
A sustainable grant strategy often includes a thoughtful mix of funders, not because every organization should pursue every type of grant, but because relying too heavily on one source can leave your revenue plan vulnerable when priorities or budgets change.
Depending on your mission, location, capacity, and eligibility, your mix might include:
- Private foundations, which may offer focused support for particular causes, communities, or programs.
- Corporate giving programs, which may support local initiatives, employee-connected causes, or company priorities.
- Community foundations, which often understand regional needs and may offer a variety of local grant programs.
- Government grants, which can be substantial but may bring more complex application, cash-flow, documentation, and reporting requirements.
There is no magic percentage that every nonprofit should aim for. A small organization may not be ready to manage a federal award. A corporate program may be a poor fit if the organization has no connection to the company’s service area. A local foundation may be a better prospect than a large national funder, even if the potential award is smaller.
For a limited time, I’m offering subscribers a discount on grant calendars ordered between now and November 1.
The point is to build a calendar around fit and capacity, not just opportunity volume.
As you plan, ask:
Are we overly dependent on one funding type or a small number of funders?
Do these opportunities support work we already do?
Can our team meet the requirements and manage the awards?
Have we left time for research, relationships, and preparation, not only submission deadlines?
A well-designed calendar isn’t a crowded calendar. It’s a practical picture of where your organization can invest its time and why.
Learn more about customized grant calendars and request yours here
Don’t wait for January to start asking what’s possible. Use Q4 to build the plan that will help your team pursue the right opportunities in the year ahead.
Until next time,
Write Epic Grants