How to Plan Your Nonprofit Funding Strategy for the Next 6 Months

When it comes to nonprofit funding, six months can fly by. Without a clear plan, it’s easy to fall into reactive fundraising — chasing deadlines, scrambling to meet revenue goals, and relying on short-term wins. But with a thoughtful, proactive grant funding strategy, you can move from stress to sustainability.

Here’s how to take control of your next six months and build a nonprofit funding strategy that actually works.

1. Start with a funding forecast

Before planning ahead, look at your last six months:

• Which grants were awarded?

• Which campaigns fell short?

• What funding gaps or opportunities surfaced?

Use this information to forecast revenue needs and segment funding streams:

• Grants

• Individual donors

• Corporate sponsorships

• Events

• Earned income

Your grant strategy should work in tandem with your overall nonprofit fundraising plan.

2. Review and strengthen your grant pipeline

If your nonprofit doesn’t yet have a grant pipeline, now is the time to create one. A grant pipeline is your roadmap of:

• Current and upcoming grant opportunities

• Required letters of intent (LOIs) and proposal timelines

• Status of current applications, award notifications, and reporting schedules

Check for overlapping deadlines and identify gaps. What months are looking thin in terms of funding? Where can you prioritize?

Need help identifying aligned funders? This is where grant research for nonprofits or working with a grant writing consultant can give you an edge.

3. Conduct a grant readiness assessment

Applying before you’re ready can cost you time and credibility. Don’t burn time applying to opportunities you’re not ready for. Instead, determine whether your nonprofit has:

• Clear, measurable program outcomes

• Updated financials and a fundable budget

• Strong program descriptions and case statements

• Letters of support or community testimonials

• Evidence of past impact

If you need support in strengthening these assets, nonprofit grant coaching can be a valuable investment.

4. Balance quick wins with long-term strategy

You may be tempted to apply for every opportunity — but that’s not always strategic. Diversify your pipeline with a mix of:

• Short-term wins: rolling deadlines, smaller grants with quick turnaround times

• Relationship-building priorities: larger institutional funders that require outreach and relationship cultivation

Don’t forget: relationships take time. Set monthly goals for outreach, follow-ups, and storytelling efforts that nurture those connections.

5. Build in buffer time

Even with a great plan, things can get delayed. Add margin for:

• Approvals from leadership

• Gathering data or support letters

• Time for internal review or feedback

• Grant compliance and reporting requirements

Planning ahead keeps your team from falling into last-minute crunch mode.

Final thoughts

Your nonprofit grant strategy shouldn’t be reactive. By planning your next six months with clarity, alignment, and intentionality, your team can be more agile, more intentional, and better positioned to secure the resources you need to grow. 

Need help building your 6-month grant plan? 

Scribe offers:

• Grant research

• Grant strategy & proposal development

• Grant coaching

• Grant management 

We’ve helped organizations secure over $30 million in grant funding since 2011. Let’s plan your next big win.

Click here to book a free consultation.