08 May Three Ways to Keep Up With Grants During Summer Slowdown

As a nonprofit leader, you are likely well-versed in the challenges that come with summer, the biggest of which is the slowdown in productivity. The reduced engagement and support with donations, volunteering, and more typically occur during the summer months and is a phenomenon that can have a significant impact on a nonprofit’s ability to sustain its operations and fulfill its mission throughout the year. It is vital to overcome the summer slump, especially concerning grants which keep your nonprofit thriving year-round. Here are three proactive steps you can take:

• Review Your Grant Strategy: Grant funding is a critical component of nonprofit sustainability, and it’s essential to ensure that your organization is targeting the right grants for your mission and capacity. By taking time during the summer lull to review your grant strategy, you can evaluate the effectiveness of your grant-seeking efforts and make any necessary adjustments. This may involve analyzing your organization’s past grant applications and assessing your success rate, identifying any patterns or themes in rejected applications, and identifying new funding sources that align with your mission. Additionally, it’s important to evaluate your organization’s capacity to manage grants effectively, including reporting requirements and staff workload. By taking these steps, you can refine your grant strategy and position your organization for success in future grant-seeking efforts.

• Stay Up to Date on Grant Opportunities: Grant opportunities are constantly changing and evolving, even during the summer months. By staying informed about new grants, you can identify new funding sources and stay ahead of emerging trends in your field. Regularly checking grant databases, setting up alerts for new opportunities, and following relevant social media accounts or newsletters are all effective ways to stay up to date on new grant opportunities. Additionally, attending webinars or workshops related to grant-seeking can provide valuable insights into best practices and emerging trends in the field. By staying informed about grant opportunities, you can position your organization to take advantage of new funding sources and increase your chances of securing grants.

• Build Relationships with Funders: Building relationships with funders is a critical component of successful grant-seeking efforts. By taking advantage of the slower pace of many foundations during the summer months, you can reach out to potential funders and introduce them to your organization and mission. This may involve sending personalized emails or scheduling phone calls to connect with program officers or other decision-makers. Building relationships with funders takes time and effort, but it can pay off in the long run by increasing your chances of securing grants and positioning your organization for future funding opportunities. Additionally, developing relationships with funders can provide valuable insights into the priorities and interests of potential funders, allowing you to tailor your grant applications to align with their needs and preferences.

In summary, reviewing your grant strategy, staying up to date on grant opportunities, and building relationships with funders are all important activities to undertake during the summer lull. By taking these steps, you can position your organization for success in future grant-seeking efforts and increase your chances of securing funding to support your mission. By following the above steps, your organization can be well-positioned for success when grant activity picks up again in the fall. For more information about the services offered by Jackie Sue Griffin & Associates and how we can help you throughout the year, contact us here.