5 Ways Nonprofits Can Prepare for the Summer Grant Surge

As summer approaches, many nonprofits are preparing for a wave of grant opportunities. From foundation deadlines to government RFPs, the season is filled with chances to secure crucial funding. However, the organizations that thrive aren’t the ones scrambling at the last minute; they are the ones that plan ahead.

Here are 5 smart strategies your nonprofit can implement right now to prepare for the summer grant surge and stay ahead of the curve.

1. Audit Your Grant Readiness

Before you start writing, assess how “grant-ready” your organization is.

Ask yourself:

• Do we have up-to-date impact data and program metrics?

• Are our financial documents (990s, audits, budgets) current and accessible?

• Is our case for support clearly articulated?

  
  

If these essential materials aren’t ready, prioritize updating them first. Being proactive now can save you from last-minute scrambles later.

2. Build a Content Library for Common Proposal Sections

Most grant applications request similar information—your mission statement, community need, organizational capacity, evaluation methods, and more.

Create a “grant content library” where you can store:

• Organizational boilerplate

• Program descriptions

• Evaluation plans

• Equity & DEI statements

• Success stories

  
  

Having these pieces ready allows you to focus on tailoring applications instead of reinventing the wheel.

3. Reconnect with Key Collaborators for Letters of Support

Letters of support can make or break a competitive application, but obtaining them takes time.

Start reaching out now to:

• Community partners

• Program collaborators

• Local leaders or funders familiar with your work

  
  

Provide them with a brief, clear request and a deadline. This way, you won’t have to chase signatures while submitting.

4. Create a Grant Calendar

Map out your upcoming deadlines, but go beyond just dates. Include:

• Internal deadlines for drafts and reviews

• Staff responsibilities (who’s writing what)

• Follow-up tasks (budgets, attachments, partner info)

  
  

A visual grant calendar helps distribute the workload evenly and keeps everyone aligned.

5. Don’t Overcommit — Prioritize Quality Over Quantity

It’s tempting to apply for every opportunity, but spreading yourself too thin can lead to weaker proposals.

Focus on:

• Opportunities that align closely with your mission

• Funders who have a history of supporting organizations like yours

• Grants that support strategic priorities, not just short-term fixes

  
  

Quality applications tailored to the right funders will always outperform a flood of generic submissions.

The Importance of Collaboration

A strong foundation for securing grants involves collaboration within your organization and with external partners. Weaving together diverse perspectives enhances your proposal's depth and relevance.

Engage your team in brainstorming sessions. Solicit insights from various departments, including finance, program delivery, and evaluation. This inclusive approach often illuminates compelling narratives and data you might have overlooked.

Building these relationships now can also unveil new funding opportunities. Questions often arise about aligning your mission with potential partners, helping you identify new ways to secure funds.

Engaging Your Community

Another effective way to enhance grant readiness is by actively engaging your community. Participation in local events, workshops, or seminars helps your organization establish itself as a serious contender for funding.

Networking with other nonprofits can also be beneficial. They may share their experiences and insights on successful grant applications. Consider organizing joint working sessions. This can lead to collaborative submissions that strengthen your case and create shared impact.

Final Thought: Preparation is Your Secret Advantage

The summer grant surge doesn’t have to feel overwhelming. By investing a little time now in readiness, planning, and collaboration, your nonprofit will be poised to submit stronger, more compelling proposals—and ultimately secure the funding you need to thrive.

Need help preparing for your grants? Scribe specializes in creating smart, strategic grant plans to help nonprofits secure the funding they deserve.

Book a free consultation here.