Get ahead of the curve, and kickstart your 2026 funding strategy with these tips

Fall is here, and for nonprofits, that means year-end giving is right around the corner. The last three months of the year are the busiest time of the year, not only because of personal obligations, but also because it’s the busiest fundraising season of the year! If you wait until January to think about next year’s strategy, you’ll already be behind.

Now is the time to step back, review your progress, and build a clear funding strategy for 2026. Planning ahead ensures your nonprofit enters the new year with focus, momentum, and a strong case for support.

Why start planning now?

Giving season is hectic.

By November and December, most nonprofit teams are focused on executing campaigns, not long-term planning.

Budgets are set early. 

Funders and donors often finalize contributions for the new year before January 1.

Grant cycles start soon.

Many foundations publish spring deadlines in the fall, so you don’t want to miss opportunities by waiting.

Taking time in October to map out your 2026 funding strategy means you’ll walk into the new year with clarity and confidence.

Step 1: Review 2025 performance

Before looking ahead, reflect on where you’ve been. Ask:

• Which revenue streams grew this year?

• Which grants were successful, and which weren’t?

• Did you meet (or miss) your fundraising goals? Why?

• What programs or campaigns had the biggest impact?

This step ensures you’re building on what works and adjusting what doesn’t.

Step 2: Diversify your funding mix

A healthy funding strategy doesn’t rely on just one source. For 2026, consider balancing multiple grant streams. 

• Grants: federal, state, and private foundations

• Individual giving: major donors and grassroot supporters

• Corporate sponsorships: partnerships with businesses that align with your mission

• Earned revenue: events, programs, or services that generate income

The goal is to create multiple streams of support to ensure your nonprofit is always funded.

Step 3: Map out your grant calendar

Grant writing is most successful when it’s proactive, not reactive. Build a grant calendar that includes:

• Deadlines for each funder

• Internal prep and submission timelines

• Reporting due dates for active grants

Start your grant calendar with the grants that you applied for in 2025, whether they were funded or not. You’ll want to assess whether the grants that were rejected still align with your program’s needs as well as the funder’s priorities. 

Step 4: Strengthen donor relationships

Donor retention is just as important as donor acquisition. These funders believe and trust in your nonprofit’s mission, and you want to make sure that you are showing gratitude in doing so. As you plan for 2026:

• Segment donors by giving level and engagement

• Create touchpoints beyond fundraising appeals (personal, handwritten thank-you notes are a great touch)

Step 5: Align funding with mission and impact

Funders and donors give when they see a clear connection between dollars and outcomes. Tie your 2026 funding plan to:

• Measurable program goals

• Stories of impact from 2025

• Strategic priorities for the next 12-18 months

Step 6: Build in flexibility

The funding landscape can shift quickly. Your 2026 strategy should include contingency plans so you can adapt if a grant application isn’t successful, donor behavior shifts, or unexpected opportunities arise.

Final thoughts

2026 may feel far away, but the strongest nonprofits are already laying the groundwork for a successful year of funding. By reviewing your results, diversifying your income, and mapping out deadlines now, you’ll step into the new year with a plan that inspires confidence from funders, donors, and your team.

Need help developing a clear, actionable funding strategy? At Scribe, we help nonprofits translate their big-picture vision into a practical roadmap for grants and fundraising. Let’s build your 2026 plan together. Book a free consultation today.