Summer Grant Strategy for Small Teams: What to Tackle (and What to Let Go)

"For Small Nonprofit Teams: Navigating Summer Grant Opportunities"

For small nonprofit teams, summer can feel like a paradox. It is full of nonprofit funding opportunities but often low on time, bandwidth, and staff availability.

Between vacations, competing priorities, and the pressure to keep programs running, staying on top of grant deadlines can be exhausting. Yet, many private foundations and government agencies set significant grant deadlines during the summer months. This period is crucial for securing funding.

If you’re working with a lean team or maybe it’s just you, here’s how to approach the grant surge season strategically—without burning out.

1. Start with a Realistic Grant Funding Strategy

You don’t need to apply for every opportunity—and honestly, you shouldn’t. A strong grant writing strategy begins with clarity and prioritization.

Ask: 

• Does this align with our mission and programs?

• Do we have the capacity to fulfill the reporting and compliance requirements?

• Is the timeline realistic with our current staffing?

  
  

Creating a quick go/no-go checklist can help your team focus on high-impact opportunities and avoid wasting time on low-fit funders.

2. Build a Mini Grant Calendar (Just for Summer)

Even a simplified grant calendar can make a difference. List all upcoming deadlines, Letters of Intent (LOIs), and reporting requirements between June and August. Then, assign internal deadlines that allow buffer time for edits, attachments, and approvals.

You don’t need a fancy platform—a shared Google Sheet or Asana board will do the trick. Prioritize what’s mission-critical over what seems “nice to have.”

3. Use Reusable Language

Small teams don’t have time to write each proposal from scratch—and that’s okay. Build a grant content library with reusable language for:

• Organizational background

• Program descriptions

• Evaluation plans

• Equity statements

  
  

Remember: the sections that need to feel most alive—like your impact storytelling or needs statement—deserve a personal, funder-aligned refresh every time.

4. Delegate Wisely or Ask for Help

If your team is small, you probably already wear a dozen hats. Summer is the perfect time to protect your energy by sharing the load—even if just a little.

• Ask a program lead to draft outcomes language.

• Bring in a grant writing consultant for one-off proposals that require more time and attention.

• Outsource your grant research for nonprofits to get a curated funder list.

  
  

It’s not a weakness to ask for help. The best funding outcomes come from a supportive team.

5. Let Some Things Go (Yes, Really)

It’s okay to hit pause on lower priority grants, non-essential reporting, or time-intensive applications that are a poor fit.

Protect your team’s well-being and focus your energy where it counts the most. The goal isn’t perfection; it’s sustainability and targeted efficiency.

The Importance of Collaboration

Collaboration is a vital part of navigating the summer grant landscape. Engaging with partners and leveraging networks can lead to identifying shared opportunities. Connecting with other nonprofit teams can yield insights into best practices and innovative approaches to grant writing. By fostering these relationships, you can streamline efforts that may otherwise be overwhelming for a small team.

Embracing Technology for Efficiency

In today’s fast-paced nonprofit world, technology can be an ally. Use tools for project management, grant writing, and tracking deadlines. Software solutions help simplify these tasks. Investing in the right technology can save time and reduce stress, allowing your team to focus on what truly matters: fulfilling your mission.

Final Thoughts

The summer grant surge doesn’t have to be all-consuming. With a clear focus, reusable tools, and the right support, even small teams can move through the season with purpose and come out funded.

If your small nonprofit team is facing a high-deadline season and needs support, Scribe is here to help. We provide:

• Done-for-you grant writing services for nonprofits

• Short-term grant transition services during staff leave or hiring gaps

• Nonprofit grant coaching to help you build internal capacity

  
  

Book a free consultation today, and let’s create a plan that works for your team.

Working strategically during the summer surge can lead to success, without stretching your team too thin. Remember: you’re not alone in this journey, and support is available.