When is the best time to apply for a grant?
This is a common question—and the answer might surprise you.
For many things there is a true season. For example:
- Tax season
- Back to school season
- The 4th of July
Each of these seasons is set according to a specific timeline—i.e. the tax year, the school year, or the calendar year.
Is there a “season” for grants? Not really.
The tricky thing with grant funding is that funders do not work on one universal timeline. Each sets its own goals, its own priorities, and its own deadlines.
So, what does that mean for nonprofits seeking eligibility for grant funding?
Here’s what you need to know about when to seek grant funding.
- Every foundation follows its own timeline—Start your research early
- Waiting for a yes takes time—Apply well in advance
- There’s no “grant season”—Keep sending applications out the door
- Plan ahead and plan for parallel funding streams
1. Every foundation follows its own timeline—Start your research early
Foundations are run by individuals, and as a result, each foundation sets its own timeline.
- Some foundations give according to their fiscal year—maybe their fiscal year runs July 1 through June 30.
- Other foundations may accept applications quarterly.
- Other foundations may have just one grant period annually that is open for two months, making grant writing essential.
- One foundation I saw accepted applications for just one 12-hour period in a year, highlighting the importance of timely submission.
- Other foundations may be restructuring and their grant periods may change over the course of the year.
What does this mean for you as a potential grant writer?
There is no singular BEST time to apply for grant funds, but understanding the application process can help.
I recommend beginning your search for funders earlier than you think you need to. By completing an in-depth funder search, you can identify best fit funders as well as their timelines to ensure that you are able to apply for funding when you need it and according to the foundation’s timeline.
For more information on funder searches, check out our article here.
2. Waiting for a yes takes time—Apply well in advance
Occasionally, I talk with nonprofits who need money to fund their programs now.
Unfortunately, Grant funding is not a quick solution; it often requires extensive grant writing and preparation..
Foundation funding is given out according to the foundation’s timeline. Some foundations publish this timeline so you know precisely when to anticipate their response. Other foundations say vague things like “grantees will be notified after the board meeting.” Other foundations provide no information on their timeline at all.
On average, it can take 3 to 6 months from the application deadline to receive notification about grant funds. Some foundations additionally like to have meetings and site visits prior to issuing funds, which can mean it could take 9 to 12 months or more to receive grant funds.
Because of this delay for funding, it is important for nonprofits to plan ahead for the funding they will need, and apply well before they need the funding. Whatever you do, don’t wait until you are in a funding crisis to seek new foundation partners.
3. There’s no “grant season”—Keep sending applications out the door
While some funders will set hard deadlines for application windows, many funders allow grants to be submitted year-round.
I find that in practice, when a funder doesn’t set an application deadline that this task can often slip to the bottom of the to-do list and just never get done.
Because it takes a long time to hear back about a grant application, I encourage clients to continually seek grants. Set an internal deadline for grant applications so that you can keep funds coming in year-round.
We hear from many nonprofits that they simply don’t have the capacity to get grants out the door—and we get it! Managing the timelines of so many foundations as well as the timeline of your nonprofit’s work can be mind-boggling.
Alex has focused on creating streamlined systems that take the work off of grants off of nonprofits’ plates, ensuring that grants get submitted and funding keeps coming in.
If you are looking for expert help to manage your grant calendar and keep grants rolling out the door, let us know! Schedule a call today to learn more about how the Millionaire Grant Lady and Associate team can save you time and money while increasing your grant funding.
4. Plan ahead and plan for parallel funding streams
Nonprofits have always had to do a lot with a little. This is especially true today, as funding opportunities are more competitive than ever.
Because there is never enough funding and there is always so much need, program budgets are typically very tight, with little to no margin for error. As a result of this, for some nonprofits, one funders saying no or one funder shifting priorities can create a make-or-break situation.
Don’t let that happen to you.
We recommend nonprofits maintain a healthy portfolio of funders and funding streams.
By building relationships with a variety of funders, seeking both government and private funding sources, and utilizing individual and corporate donors, nonprofits can help build a cushion that will allow the program to move forward even if one application is rejected or delayed.
Curious about what differentiates government and foundation grants? Read our article here to learn more.
Final thoughts
Grant funding is not a quick fix, but it is part of a long-term strategy to fund critical programs and services.
As you look ahead to the next year, consider what your funding needs will be:
- Are you hoping to start a new program?
- Do you anticipate the need for your nonprofit’s services will grow?
- Do you anticipate adding another staff position?
- Do you have aging equipment that will need replacing?
- Do you have dreams of a capital campaign to double or triple your impact?
If these kinds of changes are on your horizon, the time to start planning for your grant proposal is now. Alex, the Millionaire Grant Lady, has worked with nonprofits since 2008, and she has helped nonprofits of every shape and size win funding that sustained operations, completed capital campaigns, provided for program expenses, and more. Click here to read more about our impact.
If you are ready to develop your grant strategy and multiply your funding, let us know! Click here to schedule your no-obligation consultation call today.
