For grant proposals, it’s important to have a Grant Planning (one per grant proposal) and 12-month schedule of grant proposals. Here is why:
Strategic Alignment: When you plan over the course of a year, you can align your proposals strategically with the grant cycles of your funders. By keeping track of when funders are likely to solicit applications for major grant initiatives, you can time your own submissions based on when your would-be funder is actively seeking them.Â
Resource Management: Planning ahead allows you to more strategically allocate the resources you have. For instance, with the schedule set, you can plan out exactly when your team will be working on which proposals. They can better know their roles and how they will need to contribute well in advance. In addition, if you allow yourself ample time to do your research, write the proposal and have it reviewed, you eliminate proposal induced stress and anxiety.Â
Better Proposal Quality: If you plan your year’s worth of proposals over 12 months, you can revise and revise them, then fine-tune them to your funder’s particular interests and requirements (verified through GrantStation research). This customization increases your chances of getting your proposals accepted.Â
Improved Relationships with Funder(s): Grant planning allows you to have more and better opportunities to establish and nourish relationships with funders. You can plan to keep funders informed, and how to keep them informed (using your CRM to set reminders), about your nonprofit’s progress by staying in regular contact throughout the year.
Reliable Revenue Stream: Thoughtful planning should help your program become a reliable revenue stream. If you stagger your proposals, you will help guarantee an even stream of funding all year long. This stability is one of the hallmarks of a sustainably run nonprofit. Â
Risk Mitigation: Planning in advance gives you a head start on mitigation strategies for situations that could disrupt your plans. Whether it’s something simple like changes in funding priorities or something more substantial such as a change in project dynamics, you’re able to work through it and make a plan because you’ve already prepared to be flexible.
Grant Planning strengthens your nonprofit overall grant program and your ability to produce each proposal. It allows you to create strategic alignments with funders, utilize resources in efficient ways, and create a predictable revenue stream. It also improves grant proposal quality and your relationships with grant funders, and helps you manage grant programming risks.
When you plan, you will write better grants, and your nonprofit will have a better chance of securing the funding you need to support your mission.
Review the Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs).
See more on grant planning in the videos, below.
Mastering Grant Proposal Strategy and Winning Funds
Connecting Project Goals, SMART Objectives, and Grant Research Keywords ft. Dr. Bev Browning, by Instrumentl
You Found a Grant! Now, What’s Next? ft. Shavonn Richardson | Instrumentl Grants Workshop, by Instrumentl
How to Go From Zero to Hero with Your Grant Strategy (1-Hour Edition) | Instrumentl Grants Workshop, by Instrumentl
How to Create an Effective Grants Management Strategy, by Keela
Sipping Tea With Sabrina: Grant Writing, by Supporting World Hope
Project Planning to Win Grants, by Bloomerang
Agile in Grant Writing – Interview with Jacquelyn Gitzes, by Agile in Nonprofits
Setting Grant Targets Through Your Prospect Research ft. Rachel Werner | Instrumentl Grants Workshop, by Instrumentl
Managing Your Request Amounts for Multiple Grant Applications
Using an Agile Framework to Win More Grants
The Ultimate Grant Proposal Blueprint 2022, by GrantsMagic U
How to Create Relationships w Grantmakers
Grant Strategies for Nonprofits: Cobb Community Foundation (Ep. 1), by Instrumentl
How to Go From Zero to Hero with Your Grant Strategy (2-Hour Edition) | Instrumentl Grants Workshop, by Instrumentl
Should I Hire a Grant Professional or Do It Myself?
The Microsoft Ad Grant – Everything You Need To Know | Nonprofit Marketing
How to Prepare a Grants Strategy in Uncertain Times, by Bloomerang
Grant goals are important, should be clear, and should speak to the needs of the organization in ord
Funded Grant Proposals Start With Strategy
How Not to Lose a Grant Because of Easy to Avoid Budget Errors, by Karen Eber Davis
Frequently Asked Questions: Grant Planning
The Importance of Planning
What is "Grant Planning"?
Grant Planning is the proactive process of creating a path for success before you write. It involves two key components: creating a specific plan per grant proposal and developing a comprehensive 12-month schedule of all your grant activities.
Why is a 12-month schedule necessary?
Planning over a full year allows you to:
- Strategically Align: Match your proposals with funder grant cycles.
- Manage Resources: Know exactly when your team needs to work on proposals so they can prepare in advance.
- Ensure Revenue: Staggering proposals creates a steady, reliable stream of funding throughout the year rather than "feast or famine" cycles.
How does planning improve proposal quality?
When you plan ahead, you eliminate "proposal-induced stress." You have ample time to research, write, revise, and fine-tune your narrative to match the funder's interests, which significantly increases your chances of acceptance.
Strategies & Benefits
What is "Risk Mitigation" in grant planning?
Planning gives you a head start on handling disruptions. If a funding priority changes or a project dynamic shifts, a solid plan allows you to be flexible and pivot quickly because you aren't scrambling at the last minute.
How does planning help relationships with funders?
It creates opportunities for better communication. A plan allows you to schedule regular updates to keep funders informed of your progress, rather than only contacting them when you need money. This builds a partnership based on trust.
Tools & Resources
What kind of tools can I find on this page?
The page offers practical tools to help you build your strategy, including:
- Grant Calendar Action Guides: Downloadable guides on how to build your schedule (e.g., from DH Leonard Consulting).
- Decision Matrices: Tools to help you decide objectively when to pursue a grant (e.g., Instrumentl).
- Tracking Spreadsheets: Templates to track deadlines and status updates (e.g., Qgiv).
Who provides the training?
You will find expert advice from leading voices in the field, including Bloomerang, Community Boost, GrantsMagic U, Holly Rustick, and Agile in Nonprofits.
