Looking forward to 2025
As we approach 2025, it's time for nonprofits to set their sights on a successful year of grant funding. Let's break down key focus areas and strategies for the first two quarters of 2025 to maximize your grant opportunities.
Quarter 1: Laying the Foundation
Start the year strong by reviewing your organization's mission and goals. Update your strategic plan and ensure it aligns with current needs and potential funding opportunities. Hosting a combined board and staff retreat can most effectively do this. This can be done simply with the proper planning and a streamlined agenda. A weekend retreat at a remote location is fantastic, but not all organizations and their board members have the time or funds to do this. Most folks have room in their schedules to set aside a whole day for strategic planning. You can do this at your office, at one of your board members or funders’ locations, at a locale close to all board members, or even via Zoom with appropriate breaks. In the first quarter, focus on:
1. Conducting a thorough needs assessment
Review current program outcomes and impact metrics
Survey stakeholders (board members, volunteers, clients)
Analyze gaps between current services and community needs
Collect quantitative and qualitative data to support grant narratives
Identify emerging community challenges that align with your mission
2. Refreshing your case for support
Update organizational impact stories
Develop a compelling narrative about your mission's current relevance
Create clear, measurable goals for the upcoming year
Align strategic objectives with potential grant priorities
Develop concise, powerful mission statement language
Gather recent testimonials and success metrics
3. Updating your budget and financial projections
Conduct a comprehensive financial review
Create a detailed budget for upcoming grant applications
Develop multi-year financial projections
Identify potential funding gaps
Prepare financial statements and IRS documentation
Ensure transparency in financial reporting
Don't forget to review and update your grant calendar, noting upcoming deadlines for recurring grants you've received in the past.
Q2: Building Relationships
Spring is the perfect time to nurture relationships with funders and explore new opportunities. Key activities for this quarter include:
1. Attending nonprofit networking events
Research local and national nonprofit conferences
Prepare professional networking materials
Set specific networking goals
Develop an elevator pitch about your organization
Follow up with contacts within two weeks of the meeting
Join professional associations relevant to your nonprofit sector
2. Scheduling meetings with program officers at foundations
Research foundations aligned with your mission
Develop a professional communication strategy
Prepare a comprehensive organizational overview
Create a list of thoughtful, strategic questions
Practice professional communication techniques
Follow up with personalized thank you notes
3. Researching new grant opportunities that align with your mission
Use comprehensive grant databases
Create a systematic tracking method for opportunities
Develop detailed matching criteria for grants
Set up automated grant opportunity alerts
Review past successful grant applications
Analyze funding trends in your nonprofit sector
Check out Grants.gov for the latest upcoming grant opportunities
For personalized guidance tailored to your nonprofit's unique needs, visit www.cornerstoneexec.com. I’m ready to help you maximize your funding potential!
