First Quarter Submissions

Grant cycles and deadlines tend to be cyclical-meaning they usually occur at the same time each year. Knowing when the funder you targeted accepts applications is crucial. If possible, try to submit your application during the first funding cycle of the year. Why? Typically, the first quarter of the grant year is when the largest pot of money is available. This is not always true, but properly researching your potential funder might reveal some interesting information.

Read the funding guidelines carefully. Call someone at the organization if possible and ask if their Board prefers to receive grant proposals during a certain season. Look at the organizations latest form 990 at Guidestar where you can register free, or purchase a package for higher-level access to non-profit information. Look at several different years and study the dates (if given) to determine if there is a specific giving pattern that favors giving more or larger grant awards during a specific time of year.

Whenever you decide to submit your grant request, make sure it is a well thought out part of your organization's overall fundraising plan. Submitting scattershot proposals without properly assessing your needs, or researching and targeting potential funders will likely prove to be very unfruitful.