68: How You Can Prepare for the Seasonality of Grants

Take the Quiz: Do you have what it takes to be a grant writer? Special Holiday Note: Support a Ministry-Based Business AND a Nonprofit Back in Episode 41, I introduced you to the talented Kari Bartkus of Love Does That. She shared her thought process behind starting a ministry-based business instead of a nonprofit.    This Thanksgiving, instead of running a Black Friday sale, Kari is hosting more of a Black Friday giveback. She's donating a portion of all November sales to a local nonprofit in her community. Check out her beautiful encouraging resources at lovedoesthat.org. What Is the Seasonality of Grants? Most new grant writers and nonprofits don't realize that grants are typically seasonal. I sure didn't know that until I got into it! Fortunately my mentor explained this to me early on. Grant application deadlines tend to be especially busy early in the year throughout the spring season. This is particularly true for federal grants, although foundations can be the same way.   Because of that, "grant season" (as it's known in professional circles) can get pretty hectic. If you aren't prepared and learn to pace yourself, you can end up exhausted and burned out.  How Do I Prepare for Grant Season? The fall and winter seasons are the perfect time of year to be learning, planning, and offering other types of services to bring in a consistent income. As you're thinking through your ideal situation, consider: What is your ideal workload? What can you be learning and planning this time of year? (HINT: It's a perfect time to learn grant writing and map out your plan for next year!) How can you work ahead and prepare for grant season? How Do We Start? This is exactly what I help my clients with every day. I want you to be a good steward of your money, and I want to help you create a solid future to carry out your nonprofit vision. Let's develop a smart, strategic approach to your nonprofit or freelance grant writing. If you know you're ready to take your nonprofit or grant writing career to the next level in a way that helps you carry out your mission without burning out, I want to invite you to work with me. Nonprofits can go to teresahuff.com/apply where you can fill out my application form and see if we're a good fit to work together. Grant writers can sign up at teresahuff.com/vip and start on the Fast Track to Grant Writer right away. Let me know - have you faced the challenges of getting a new nonprofit (or your new grant writing business) off the ground? Connect with me over in the Grant Writing Simplified Linkedin community and let's continue the conversation. Other Resources Mentioned:  Episode 41: Serving Others Through a Ministry-Based Business Take the Quiz: Do you have what it takes to be a grant writer? And a quick shoutout to our friends at Instrumentl for sponsoring today's show. Remember, if you need a hand with your grant searches and ongoing tracking, go check out Instrumentl's free trial at teresahuff.com/Instrumentl and get $50 off your first month with the code GWSPOD.  Connect with Teresa Huff: Website: www.teresahuff.com Take the Quiz: Do you have what it takes to be a grant writer? Social: LinkedIn Community LinkedIn Instagram Pinterest Get on the Fast Track to Grant Writer:  www.teresahuff.com/vip Nonprofits, Gear Up For Grants with this free audio workshop: www.teresahuff.com/gearup