Grant Writing & The Summer Time Slow-Down

Grant writers are some of the busiest development professionals in the nonprofit industry. I've held other development roles and can honestly say that grant writing is a distinct discipline. Our work is often viewed as 'slow' or 'easy' by colleagues who know that we spend countless hours researching, writing and polishing proposals. Wouldn't we rather be mingling with donors at a stylish happy hour event?

The answer for me is: no. I enjoy the daily work of being a grant professional and like the challenge of finding creative ways to make a difference. I am a sucker for deadlines and get excited knowing that six blank pages will eventually become a compelling case for support and hopefully funding for a program in need.

My busiest time of year is during the first and second quarter. This is usually because foundations and funders want to receive proposals/reports in time for their board meetings in the spring. January through May, I spend long hours researching, writing and reporting on the previous year's grant progress. Fewer proposals have summer deadlines because boards aren't meeting as often or foundation staff isn't available to work with grantees on a regular basis.

Summer is my time for a little professional development boost. When sunshine and snow cones arrive I finally have time to fit in an in-depth of my grant calendars, revamp old proposals and complete prospect research. Sure, these are things I do all year long, but during the 'slower' summer months, I can really clean up shop and create a road map for the next six months.

Luckily, the summer slow-down means that I'm also able to spend fewer hours at the computer and more time in the sunshine because I can review prospect research and edit old proposals without being tied down my desk. What’s not to love about that?

If you are a grant writer experiencing the summer slow-down, I hope you will take advantage of the opportunity to create a road map for the remainder of the year and find ways to make your proposals shine even brighter. I also take great delight in submitting several proposal that aren’t due until the fall…it’s a priceless feeling!

~Cheers!